Based on 3 seasons, 44 episodes · through October 15, 2021
Explained is a short documentary show made by Vox and Netflix. Each episode uses science, history, and interviews to teach viewers about a different topic, like money, music, or food. The show strongly focuses on social justice, racial issues, and gender inequality. It teaches viewers about systemic racism, the gap between what men and women are paid, and why traditional marriage is flawed. LGBTQ themes are also heavily featured, especially in episodes about relationships and language.
Why 99%? See the score breakdownBreakdown
These are the editorial factors and ratings behind our score for Explained.
Woke representation / casting
The show chooses hosts and experts who fit a clear progressive representation goal. For example, it casts openly queer actress Samira Wiley to narrate the episode about racial wealth. It also brings in left-wing politicians like Cory Booker and transgender activist Julia Serano to speak as trusted experts. The strong focus on LGBTQ speakers and narrators adds significant activist weight to the casting choices.
65%
Woke political dialogue
The script often uses modern activist words and social-justice terms. Narrators and guest speakers talk directly about things like systemic racism, patriarchy, the motherhood penalty, and white supremacy. Left-wing figures like Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton are given a platform to talk about their political views on capitalism and gender roles.
Production
70%
Identity-driven story themes
Identity-driven themes are a main part of the series. Multiple episodes focus entirely on race, gender, and sexuality, such as "Why Women Are Paid Less" and "The Racial Wealth Gap." These episodes view history and society through the lens of identity groups fighting against oppression. Central LGBTQ themes in the monogamy and political correctness episodes add +25 points to this score under our rules.
85%
Western institutional / cultural critique
The show strongly attacks traditional Western ideas. It critiques capitalism as unfair to poor and minority groups. It also targets the traditional nuclear family, criticizing monogamy and heteronormative marriage as outdated structures. It portrays historical American policies as deeply racist and unfair. The inclusion of queer critiques of traditional relationships adds +25 points to this factor.
88%
Woke character or canon changes
Not relevant
0%
Anti-woke backlash and complaints
There is a lot of backlash from conservative and middle-of-the-road viewers. People complain on social media and video platforms that the show is one-sided. They argue that it tries to destroy traditional marriage, mock free markets, and push a left-wing political agenda on everyday topics.
60%
Creator track record context
The key creators and producers have a clear history of making progressive, activist, and feminist media. The overall score represents the average of the progressive track records of Ezra Klein, Emily Kassie, Claire Gordon, and Joe Posner.
65%
