So Expensive - Episode Guide

Episode List

Season 1

Why Caviar Is So Expensive

Episode: 1x01 | Airdate: Feb 8, 2018

Why Saffron Is The World's Most Expensive Spice

Episode: 1x02 | Airdate: Apr 7, 2018

Why Rolex Watches Are So Expensive

Episode: 1x03 | Airdate: Jun 21, 2018 (3 min)

Rolex watches are some of the most sought-after timepieces in the world. Last year, a vintage Rolex Daytona worn by Paul Newman was sold at auction for $17.8 million. Cara Barrett, editor at Hodinkee, fills us in on why Rolex's are so pricey.

Why Horseshoe Crab Blood Is So Expensive

Episode: 1x04 | Airdate: Sep 1, 2018 (3 min)

Horseshoe crab blood is a vital resource to the medical field. It's unique in more ways than one: the blue color and its ability to identify bacterial contamination in small quantities. Horseshoe crab blood contains a special amebocyte that is separated and then used in FDA testing. There's a lot of questions as to how blood harvesting affects the American horseshoe crab population, but some researchers are dedicated to the cause of protecting such a significant resource.

Why Vanilla Is So Expensive

Episode: 1x05 | Airdate: Sep 20, 2018 (3 min)

Vanilla prices have climbed so high it's worth more by weight than silver. This increase in price has to do with a number of factors, including vanilla bean theft, complex pollination, extreme weather, and the rise of the "all natural" food movement.

Why Louboutin Shoes Are So Expensive

Episode: 1x06 | Airdate: Sep 26, 2018 (3 min)

Christian Louboutin's trademark red-bottomed shoes have become iconic. Beyoncé wore a custom pair of boots for her Coachella performance, and Cardi B slipped on a pair of "bloody shoes" for her "Bodak Yellow" music video. But why do these heels cost hundreds, and sometimes thousands, of dollars?

Why Silk Is So Expensive

Episode: 1x07 | Airdate: Sep 23, 2018

Why Scorpion Venom Is So Expensive

Episode: 1x08 | Airdate: Oct 9, 2018 (3 min)

The deathstalker is one of the most dangerous scorpions on the planet, and what makes it so dangerous also happens to be the most expensive liquid in the world. Why?

Why Parmesan Cheese is So Expensive

Episode: 1x09 | Airdate: Nov 17, 2018

Why Bluefin Tuna Is So Expensive

Episode: 1x10 | Airdate: Nov 24, 2018 (6 min)

A tuna once sold for $1.8 million, but you can get cans of tuna fish for less than $2 at the grocery store. So, what's the difference? Bluefin tuna can be very expensive depending on where you buy it and which part of the fish you are eating. We spoke with the chef at Shoji in New York, Derek Wilcox, to find out why the fish is so expensive.

Why Koi Fish Are So Expensive

Episode: 1x11 | Airdate: Dec 15, 2018 (5 min)

Koi fish are colorful patterned common carp that are now celebrated in annual koi shows and kept in ponds all over the world. Some are worth millions.

Why Disney World Is So Expensive

Episode: 1x12 | Airdate: Dec 22, 2018 (5 min)

Competition and the current U.S. economic situation are forcing Disney Parks to expand and raise prices. In 2018 Disney World raised its prices twice and switched to a dynamic pricing model. The new model prices out its early adopters in the middle class from peak park months.