Parents' Guide to

Explained

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Uneven, edgy docu series explores mature themes.

TV Netflix Reality TV 2018
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A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

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age 13+

Based on 1 parent review

ConssumerRay
ConssumerRay Adult
November 4, 2020
age 13+

"Explained" 'explains" Life Issues in a "Comprehensive" Way--That Mean's Layman's Terms

I enjoy watching and learning from the Netflix series "Explained" and I'm over 50. Designed for those having reached adolescent age, this informative series, takes a hard and creative look at major life issues which are important in today's society. The only criticism I have is "information overload" with "data" and details, which may be difficult for the adolescent set to take in, but the information itself is presented in "layman's terms" which means "everyone" in the family beyond adolescence can comprehend. Do I need to "explain" anymore ?

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What's the Story?

EXPLAINED is a documentary series that explores some of today's biggest questions. Each approximately 30-minute episode uses interviews and archive footage to break down the history and development of political, economic, social, and scientific topics. From explaining the racial wealth gap in the United States with the help of U.S. Senator Cory Booker, to understanding the growth of casual dressing and leisure fashion by talking to actress and entrepreneur Kate Hudson, it addresses a range of contemporary issues in modern-day society.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (1 ):

This uneven series delivers information with an edge that's sometimes more entertaining than newsworthy. It offers explanations of a wide range of topics based on journalistic investigation, but the stories about more complex subjects can be superficial. Meanwhile, some of the more politically charged issues are presented with a subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) bias. The inclusion of graphic footage can feel sensational as well. Those looking for an in-depth documentary series won't find it here, but Explained will satisfy if you're looking for some brief but illuminating insight into current events and popular culture.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about whether the producers of Explained are trying to inform audiences, or entertaining them. How does the series break down a complex topic in under 40 minutes? Are the explanations thorough? Accurate? How can you tell?

  • What is the purpose of including graphic content in a documentary? What kind of impact can that content have on viewers?

TV Details

  • Premiere date: May 23, 2018
  • Network: Netflix
  • Genre: Reality TV
  • TV rating: TV-MA
  • Last updated: February 27, 2022

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