Explained: Season 3 (2021)

Episodes

1. 

   Episode 1 · July 16, 2021 · 24m

   Sugar

   Once crucial for survival, sugar now poses a health risk. Is there a way to satisfy our primeval craving for sweetness in a healthy, balanced way?

   8.0
2. 

   Episode 2 · July 23, 2021 · 24m

   Royalty

   How do monarchies survive when they no longer wield power? By presenting a royal fairy tale that may not reflect the reality of the past — or present.

   7.3
3. 

   Episode 3 · July 30, 2021 · 22m

   Flags

   A flag can unite, divide and terrorize. Explore how a piece of cloth transformed into a powerful symbol of both love and hate, freedom and oppression.

   7.5
4. 

   Episode 4 · August 6, 2021 · 23m

   Dogs

   Who's a good dog? They all are! From puppy-dog eyes to feats of heroism, see how canines evolved into humankind's best friends and sources of pure love.

   8.0
5. 

   Episode 5 · August 13, 2021 · 21m

   The End of Oil

   Oil led to huge advancements - and vast inequities. As the planet warms, why is it so hard to turn away from fossil fuels, and can it be done in time?

   6.8
6. 

   Episode 6 · August 20, 2021 · 23m

   Chess

   For centuries, chess has captured hearts and minds — and pawns — and it's more popular than ever. What makes this ever-changing board game so special?

   7.0
7. 

   Episode 7 · August 27, 2021 · 21m

   Your Skin

   Don’t panic, but our skin plays host to trillions of bacteria, fungi, mites and other microscopic guests. Go beyond skin-deep with our largest organ.

   7.0
8. 

   Episode 8 · September 3, 2021 · 22m

   Apologies

   Apologizing is tough, and in this era of public mea culpas, forgiveness isn't guaranteed. What makes for a good apology, and why does it hold such power?

   6.5
9. 

   Episode 9 · September 10, 2021 · 23m

   Hurricanes

   As the planet warms, hurricanes could become even more dangerous and destructive.

   7.0
10. 

    Episode 10 · September 17, 2021 · 24m

    Plastic Surgery

    The Instagram face. A shapely posterior. Cosmetic surgery can make the latest beauty trends a reality. Explore its origins and effects, inside and out.

    7.5
11. 

    Episode 11 · September 24, 2021 · 20m

    Dance Crazes

    From the waltz to voguing, dance crazes have connected people throughout history. But when a dance catches on, who gets the credit — and compensation?

    7.0
12. 

    Episode 12 · October 1, 2021 · 25m

    Time

    Time flies… sometimes. Its passage can seem to speed up and slow down. Why do we experience time the way we do, and how do we take back some control?

    7.5
13. 

    Episode 13 · October 8, 2021 · 25m

    Country Music

    Dirt roads. Pickup trucks. Hip-hop? As the borders around country music shift, who decides what defines the popular genre, and who gets to be a star?

    7.0
14. 

    Episode 14 · October 15, 2021 · 24m

    Fairy Tales

    Fairy tales have survived thousands of years for a reason. Explore their far-flung history and how the stories speak to fundamental human concerns.

    8.0