Explained poster

Explained

TV Show TV-MA 2018 20m/ep 7.5 /10 Ended
Netflix A Netflix Original
Created by Ezra Klein

Explained invites viewers to step back from headlines and look at the ideas that shape our lives. Made in partnership with Vox, it presents a series of short, standalone explorations that connect politics, science and culture to everyday choices. Created by Ezra Klein, the show pairs concise... Read more

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Streaming availability last verified: January 25, 2026

About Explained

Explained invites viewers to step back from headlines and look at the ideas that shape our lives. Made in partnership with Vox, it presents a series of short, standalone explorations that connect politics, science and culture to everyday choices. Created by Ezra Klein, the show pairs concise narration with accessible visuals and interviews from researchers, journalists and practitioners. Each episode tackles a single theme, offering context, data and real world implications without getting lost in jargon or hype. The format favors brisk pacing, clear explanations and concrete examples, so you can see how big forces ripple through work, school, and social life. It doesnt pretend to have all the answers, but it invites curiosity and informed discussion.

Released on Netflix in 2018, Explained was created by Ezra Klein and produced in partnership with Vox. The series enlists a rotating slate of experts to guide each twenty minute episode.

Critical response has praised Explained for turning dense subjects into accessible conversations, with its emphasis on data driven reasoning and real world relevance. It regularly examines how information, technology and policy intersect with daily life, work, and communities.

The show helped popularize a modular explainers approach that other networks and streaming services have emulated. Its clear visuals and compact storytelling shaped how audiences expect accessible, credible context in a crowded media landscape, influencing classrooms and online discussions alike.

Awards: The series has earned nominations from major television awards, underscoring its craft and accessibility. Its concise, well structured episodes have been cited as a model for explaining complex ideas without dumbing them down.

Details

Release Date
May 23, 2018
Episode Length
20m
Rating
TV-MA
User Ratings
122 votes
Type
TV Series
Seasons
3
Episodes
44
Network
Netflix
Status
Ended
Country
United States
Studio
Vox Entertainment +1 more
External Links
View on IMDB

Official Trailer

Seasons (3 seasons, 44 episodes)

Season 1

Season 1

20 episodes - 2018

Season 2

Season 2

10 episodes - 2019

Season 3

Season 3

14 episodes - 2021

Frequently Asked Questions

Explained is available to stream on Netflix.

Yes, Explained is available to stream on Netflix.

Explained has 3 seasons with a total of 44 episodes.

With a rating of 7.5/10 from 122 viewers, Explained is well-regarded and recommended by viewers.

Explained invites viewers to step back from headlines and look at the ideas that shape our lives. Made in partnership with Vox, it presents a series of short, standalone explorations that connect politics, science and culture to everyday choices. Created by Ezra Klein, the show pairs concise narr...

Explained was created by Ezra Klein.

Explained was released on May 23, 2018.

Explained is a documentary series that examines real-world topics and trends. There isn't a single narrative or biographical arc; instead each episode presents researched information and expert insights.

Explained ran for 3 seasons and is now finished. There are no announced plans for a fourth season.

Explained was created by Ezra Klein. The Vox-produced series breaks down current topics across politics, science, and pop culture in concise, accessible episodes.

The show carries a TV-MA rating, so it's intended for mature audiences. Some topics may be better suited for adults.