Episodes
Episode 1
Sugar
July 16, 202124m8.0
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?
Episode 2
Royalty
July 23, 202124m7.3
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.
Episode 3
Flags
July 30, 202122m7.5
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.
Episode 4
Dogs
August 6, 202123m8.0
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.
Episode 5
The End of Oil
August 13, 202121m6.8
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?
Episode 6
Chess
August 20, 202123m7.0
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?
Episode 7
Your Skin
August 27, 202121m7.0
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.
Episode 8
Apologies
September 3, 202122m6.5
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?
Episode 9
Hurricanes
September 10, 202123m7.0
As the planet warms, hurricanes could become even more dangerous and destructive.
Episode 10
Plastic Surgery
September 17, 202124m7.5
The Instagram face. A shapely posterior. Cosmetic surgery can make the latest beauty trends a reality. Explore its origins and effects, inside and out.
Episode 11
Dance Crazes
September 24, 202120m7.0
From the waltz to voguing, dance crazes have connected people throughout history. But when a dance catches on, who gets the credit — and compensation?
Episode 12
Time
October 1, 202125m7.5
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?
Episode 13
Country Music
October 8, 202125m7.0
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?
Episode 14
Fairy Tales
October 15, 202124m8.0
Fairy tales have survived thousands of years for a reason. Explore their far-flung history and how the stories speak to fundamental human concerns.