Blogroll

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

Speed.

SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answer

TEMPO

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Top.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for February 22, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

UPPER

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Kind.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for February 22 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for February 22, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

SWEET

Hurdle Word 4 hint

To be.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

EXIST

Final Hurdle hint

On the edge.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

VERGE

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

The Moon is a quarter of the way back to us now, meaning there is more than enough of its surface lit up that we can enjoy some Moon gazing. So, what can you see when you look up tonight?

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Sunday, Feb. 22, the Moon phase is Waxing Crescent. According to NASA's Daily Moon Guide, 26% of the Moon will be lit up tonight.

There's plenty to see on the Moon's surface tonight, but some Mares and craters stand out. With just your naked eye, you should be able to make out the Mares Crisium and Fecunditatis. If you add binoculars you'll also be able to see the Endymion Crater. And with a telescope, enjoy a glimpse of the Apollo 17 landing spot.

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon will be on March 3. The last Full Moon was on Feb. 1.

What are Moon phases?

NASA tells us that the Moon completes a full orbit around Earth in roughly 29.5 days. During this cycle, it passes through eight distinct phases. Although we consistently see the same side of the Moon, the portion illuminated by the Sun shifts as it travels along its orbit. The changing angle of sunlight reflecting off the Moon’s surface is what makes it appear full, partially lit, or nearly dark at different times. The eight phases include:

New Moon - The Moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter - Half of the Moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-Moon.

Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.

Full Moon - The whole face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible.

Waning Gibbous - The Moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)

Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-Moon, but now the left side is lit.

Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

TL;DR: Live stream Sri Lanka vs. England in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 for free on ICC.TV. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2026 T20 World Cup has moved onto the Super 8 stage. England and Sri Lanka both qualified for this stage after coming second in their respective groups. England lost out to the West Indies. Sri Lanka came second behind Zimbabwe. In fact, every team in Group B of the Super 8 stage placed second in their group. How does that work? That's a question for the ICC.

All that matters now are the next batch of fixtures. Only the top two teams from each group will move into the semi finals, so every game at this point is absolutely vital. We're expecting a close contest when Sri Lanka meet England at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.

If you want to watch Sri Lanka vs. England in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Sri Lanka vs. England?

Sri Lanka vs. England in the 2026 T20 World Cup starts at 4:30 a.m. ET on Feb. 22. This game takes place at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.

How to watch Sri Lanka vs. England for free

Sri Lanka vs. England in the 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup is available to live stream for free on ICC.TV.

This free live stream on ICC.TV is only available in select regions (see full list of territories here), but anyone can live stream the T20 Cricket World Cup for free with a VPN. These helpful tools can hide your IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in a location with free access. This simple process bypasses geo-restrictions so you can live stream on ICC.TV from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Sri Lanka vs. England in the 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup for free by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with access

4. Visit ICC.TV

5. Watch the 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch every game from the 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup (plus the Winter Olympics) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for ICC.TV?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on ICC.TV, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Watch the 2026 T20 World Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalogue.

Released in August 2025, the Pips puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.

Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move onto the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.

How to play Pips

If you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity for how Pips is played. As we've shared in our previous hints stories for Pips, the tiles, like dominoes, are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for February 22, 2026

The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible – and common – for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.

Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:

• Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.

• Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.

• Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.

• Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.

• Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.

If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for February 22, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Feb. 22 Pips

Number (0): Everything in this space must add up to 0. The answer is 4-0, placed vertically; 6-6, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (9): Everything in this space must be greater than 9. The answer is 6-6, placed horizontally.

Number (9): Everything in this space must add up to 9. The answer is 6-6, placed horizontally; 3-5, placed vertically.

Number (0): Everything in this space must add up to 0. The answer is 2-0, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (1): Everything in this space must be greater than 1. The answer is 2-1, placed vertically.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for Feb. 22 Pips

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 5-4, placed horizontally.

Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 3-2, placed vertically; 3-5, placed vertically.

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 3-5, placed vertically; 5-0, placed horizontally.

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 5-0, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 5-1, placed horizontally.

Number (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 5-1, placed horizontally; 1-3, placed horizontally.

Number (22): Everything in this space must add up to 22. The answer is 6-6, placed horizontally; 4-6, placed horizontally.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for Feb. 22 Pips

Less Than (2): Everything in this space must be less than 2. The answer is 0-3, placed vertically.

Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 0-3, placed vertically; 3-2, placed horizontally.

Number (9): Everything in this space must add up to 9. The answer is 4-3, placed vertically; 5-0, placed vertically.

Number (9): Everything in this space must add up to 9. The answer is 4-3, placed vertically; 6-1, placed vertically.

Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 6-1, placed vertically.

Number (12): Everything in this space must add up to 12. The answer is 6-4, placed vertically; 5-6, placed vertically.

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 6-4, placed vertically; 0-1, placed vertically.

Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 0-1, placed vertically.

Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 0-2, placed vertically; 1-3, placed horizontally.

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 0-2, placed vertically; 2-5, placed horizontally.

Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 1-3, placed horizontally; 3-6, placed vertically.

Number (11): Everything in this space must add up to 11. The answer is 3-6, placed vertically; 2-5, placed horizontally.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Today's Connections: Sports Edition is for people who know the big fella.

As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier — so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections: Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake — players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. Here's a hint for today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Hosts

• Green: Olympian hockey players

• Blue: Olympic winner

• Purple: Sport lines

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Future Olympic Hosts

• Green: U.S Women's Hockey Players

• Blue: Part of an Olympic Medal Ceremony

• Purple: ___Line

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections: Sports Edition #517 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Future Olympic Hosts - BRISBANE, FRENCH ALPS, LOS ANGELES, UTAH

• U.S Women's Hockey Players - CARPENTER, KELLER, KNIGHT, WINN

• Part of an Olympic Medal Ceremony - ANTHEM, MEDAL, PODIUM, STUFFED ANIMAL

• ___Line - BLUE, FALL, FINISH, HOG

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new sports Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult to solve if you're well-versed in American history.

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for February 22, 2026 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Outlier

• Green: Sign of aging

• Blue: Iconic reads

• Purple: 26th president

Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: One who doesn't fit in

• Green: Descriptors for graying hair

• Blue: Classic comic strips

• Purple: Associated with Theodore Roosevelt

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #987 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• One who doesn't fit in: BLACK SHEEP, MISFIT, OUTCAST, REJECT

• Descriptors for graying hair: DISTINGUISHED, FLECKED, SALT-AND-PEPPER, SILVER

• Classic comic strips: BLONDIE, BLOOM COUNTY, PEANUTS, THE FAR SIDE

• Associated with Theodore Roosevelt: BIG STICK, BULL MOOSE, ROUGH RIDERS, TEDDY BEAR

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for February 22, 2026

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you've been watching The Games.

Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for February 22, 2026 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for February 22, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Olympics wrap-up

The words are related to sports.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe a sports event.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Closing Ceremony.

NYT Strands word list for February 22

• Flame

• Parade

• Flag

• Closing Ceremony

• Athlete

• Medal

• Anthem

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Strands.

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you love a healthy snack.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for February 22, 2026 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for February 22, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A tropical fruit.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter A appears twice.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter G.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

GUAVA

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints. Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.

It took me a while to figure out which 3D printer model was right for me, but it didn’t take long to realize which size I should be getting. That’s because there are only three things you need to consider to answer this question.

TL;DR: Protect your family’s devices, block ads, and secure your online activity with AdGuard Family Plan — only $15.97 through Feb. 22.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdGuard AdGuard Family Plan: Lifetime Subscription $15.97
$169.99 Save $154.02   Get Deal

Browsing the web should be smooth, but distractions and risks pile up fast — annoying pop-ups, autoplay videos, tracking scripts, and hidden malware can make your online time stressful. The AdGuard Family Plan provides a one-time fix: remove the clutter, safeguard your privacy, and give every device in your home a safer, cleaner internet experience for life.

What makes this deal stand out? You’ll pay just $15.97 once, and you’re covered for a lifetime across nine devices. That’s phones, tablets, laptops — whatever your household uses, AdGuard works across platforms and syncs quietly in the background to make everything run smoother.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

But this isn’t just another ad blocker. AdGuard uses enterprise-grade filtering tools to remove everything from flashy banner ads to hidden video pre-rolls. It also offers advanced privacy protection, shielding your browsing activity from data collectors and trackers that follow you around the web. The result is faster load times, more peace of mind, and less junk cluttering your screen.

Parents will appreciate the built-in parental controls, which let you restrict access to inappropriate content without relying on complicated router settings or third-party software. It’s an easy, one-click setup that adds a layer of digital safety you don’t have to think twice about.

And for users who care about security (without diving deep into VPNs or overly technical setups), AdGuard provides malware and phishing protection by filtering out shady links and sites before they load.

Everything runs through a clean, intuitive interface, with frequent updates included in your one-time purchase. You’ll get the same quality protection and features as any premium ad-blocking app, minus the monthly bill.

This is one of the rare tools that quietly improves your online experience every day. Get lifetime access to AdGuard’s Family Plan for the one-time price of $15.97 (reg. $169.99) through Feb. 22.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Backing up your data on what looks like a weird VHS sounds wild in 2026, but it was the reality for years. In a lot of offices and studios, doing backups literally meant swapping a little cartridge and hoping for the best.

It's been three decades since Marian Keyes' first Walsh sisters book was published, and we haven't had a TV series about them. It's bonkers, I know.

Ireland's monarch of contemporary fiction has beloved titles sitting on bookshelves worldwide, with the lives of Rachel, Anna, Claire, Maggie, and Helen Walsh meaning the world to dedicated readers since the '90s. Now, BBC series The Walsh Sisters finally intertwines their stories.

SEE ALSO: The 10 best TV shows of 2025, and where to stream them now

An exquisitely human and heartbreaking adaptation by showrunner Stefanie Preissner (Can't Cope, Won't Cope) and Kefi Chadwick (Rivals), The Walsh Sisters feels truly connected to Keyes' characters while standing on its own two feet. At its heart, Preissner and director Ian FitzGibbon have assembled some of Ireland's best to play Keyes' iconic Walsh sisters: Louisa Harland (Derry Girls) as Anna, Caroline Menton (Oddity) as Rachel, Danielle Galligan (House of Guinness, Shadow and Bone) as Claire, and Máiréad Tyers (Extraordinary, My Lady Jane) as Helen. Preissner herself plays Maggie.

A raw, authentic portrayal of sisterhood, addiction, grief, and mental health, The Walsh Sisters feels well overdue on our screens.

The Walsh Sisters expertly entwines multiple Marian Keyes books. Credit: BBC / Cuba Pictures and Metropolitan Films / James Pierce

At just six episodes, it's impossible for The Walsh Sisters to cover all seven books in Keyes' series, no matter how expertly Preissner weaves several storylines together. At this series' core are Rachel's Holiday and Anybody Out There, books which centre Rachel's road through addiction and Anna's experience with grief, respectively. However, Preissner also pulls events from the books tracing Claire, Maggie, and Helen's lives with finesse, crafting one linear Walsh story.

Set in Dublin, The Walsh Sisters is a deeply human drama that treats life's happenings as monumental, however quiet, sudden, joyous, or mundane they may be. During a London preview screening of The Walsh Sisters, Keyes described how she approached writing the books involving the Walsh sisters:

"I feel, ultimately, we all go through life and terrible things happen to us — the sort of things that are meant to happen to other people. And in a way, that's what all the stories here are about," she said. "There are still people that we love and who love us, and there are still running jokes that will always give us some comfort. That kind of feeling of like, life will hurt us but we will survive it, and there are still things to be grateful and happy for and to love. That's kind of that's all I've ever tried to write."

And it's this all-too-recognisable feeling that The Walsh Sisters really captures.

The Walsh Sisters is a raw, authentic portrayal of sisterhood. Credit: BBC / Cuba Pictures and Metropolitan Films / Enda Bowe

TV shows rarely harness the complicated tempest that is sisterhood with accuracy. Bad Sisters, Freeridge, Fleabag, and Grace and Frankie — when it comes to representations of sisterhood, these shows brilliantly present the messy confluence of misunderstanding, love, protectiveness, rage, and eye-rolling that make up this particular relationship. As Meera Navlakha wrote of sisterhood in Bridgerton for Mashable: "Sisters are partners in life and all that comes with it, against the rest and despite the noise."

Now, Keyes — she can write sisters. And thankfully, so can Preissner, who channels Keyes' characteristic empathy and charm into the ebbs and flows of the show's sisterly dialogue. Hard truths drop like an anvil, the lowest point of a conversation can be pulled up in an instant with an in-joke. There's a lot of blame, a lot of "this is what you always do." It's absolutely unhealthy arguing, and it's absolutely realistic. And in the hands of this talented cast and their seamless chemistry, The Walsh Sisters shines with sibling complexity, through grief, divorce, addiction, miscarriages, and more of life's shittiest curveballs.

Featured Video For You Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley reveal the real surprise in 'Hamnet'

Fittingly, Preissner is steadfast and level-headed as Maggie, relegated to her role as the "uncomplicated" one, meaning she's left without an outlet for her own struggle with fertility. While not nearly as feral an exploration of motherhood as Nightbitch or Die My Love, The Walsh Sisters presents a rarely seen side of feeling like a "shit mum" through Claire, with Galligan's wonderful performance leaning instead into dry humour. As the youngest of the bunch and the most unfiltered sister, Helen, Tyers balances deadpan delivery with hidden struggles.

They're all under the constant scrutiny of their mother (Carrie Crowley), whose desperation to take up as much family attention as her daughters do brings out some absolute clangers. "I have problems too," she declares, in a situation in which her problems are absolutely not the most serious.

However, the standout performances of the series come from Harland and Menton as Anna and Rachel.

The Walsh Sisters handles addiction and grief with compassion. Credit: BBC / Cuba Pictures and Metropolitan Films / Enda Bowe

With Rachel's Holiday and Anybody Out There forming the core dramatic narratives of the series, Menton and Harland dig deep.

One of the more universal themes of the series is grief, with Harland giving an outstanding performance as Anna as she navigates this surreal terrain. For anyone who has experienced loss, it's relatable to watch Anna meander through bizarre, mundane actions, ponder unanswered questions, and dwell on the "right" way to grieve.

Menton, meanwhile, sees Rachel through her storyline of addiction with grace and vulnerability. We've seen a handful of screen representations of women experiencing alcoholism and drug addiction — Andrea Riseborough in To Leslie, Sandra Bullock in 28 Days, Saoirse Ronan in The Outrun, Anne Hathaway in Rachel Getting Married — each with their own context and complexities. The Walsh Sisters doesn't glamorise Rachel's addiction and recovery, leaning into the raw nature of withdrawal and having realistic conversations around relationships, sobriety, and edited memory. Denial, the need for validation, and control are major factors in Rachel's addiction, and she must face hard truths during her recovery from the people she loves — as well as her roommate, Chaquie (an impeccable Debi Mazar).

However, the series doesn't drag you completely under. One of the most Keyes elements of Preissner's take on The Walsh Sisters is this human ability to pivot from "rock bottom" to levity and practicality in an instant without feeling disingenuous. It's pure, sisterly buoyancy. And though it took 30 years to get here, this Marian Keyes adaptation is the one we (and they) deserve.

The Walsh Sisters is now streaming on BBC iPlayer in the UK, with U.S. details TBC.

For decades, the Mazda Miata has been the default answer to one question: what is the world’s most beloved affordable sports car? Its lightweight design, approachable price, and reputation for driving fun made it the undisputed champion of entry-level performance. But recent sales trends suggest that crown may be slipping. Toyota’s own budget-friendly sports coupe is now outselling the Miata, signaling a shift in what buyers want from a modern enthusiast car.

TL;DR: Get lifetime access to Office 2024 Home & Business for $99.97 (reg. $249.99) through Mar. 1 and unlock Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook with AI features and faster performance.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office 2024 Home & Business for Mac or PC Lifetime License $99.97
$249.99 Save $150.02   Get Deal

Free productivity apps can only get you so far — when you need power, polish, and reliability, Microsoft Office delivers. Office 2024 Home & Business, now $99.97 through Mar. 1 for a lifetime license, gives you the tools modern professionals actually use every day.

This version of Office isn’t about bells and whistles — it’s about smarter workflows. You get Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, redesigned with a unified interface that feels cleaner, faster, and more intuitive. Plus, you can use it whether you’re on a PC or a Mac.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

Performance gets a noticeable lift, too. Excel handles large datasets more efficiently, PowerPoint lets you record full presentations with audio and video, and Outlook includes enhanced accessibility tools and improved search. Word introduces Focus Mode and Smart Compose, giving you a writing space that feels distraction-free and intelligently supportive.

Perhaps the biggest win? Offline access and a one-time purchase. Your license is tied to your Microsoft account — not your device — so you get continuous use without subscription fees. You also benefit from Microsoft’s built-in security improvements, including new protections against malicious add-ins.

Whether you’re a small business owner, a freelancer navigating multiple clients, or someone who simply prefers dependable offline tools, Office 2024 Home & Business delivers the streamlined experience free apps can’t match.

A modern suite for modern work — without monthly payments.

Get lifetime access to Microsoft Office 2024 Home & Business for your Mac or PC while it’s on sale for $99.97 (reg. $249.99) until March 1.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

I’ve spent 20 years in the automotive industry, from training dealership staff to representing global automakers on the auto show circuit. Since 2015, I’ve written about the latest makes, models, and marvels as a journalist. I should be the last person to get trapped by a bad vehicle purchase, but I once made a rookie mistake that no factory warranty or above-and-beyond service could fix.

We spend countless hours using computers for fun and for work, and most of the time, we're stuck using the default interface and controls. Here are 5 tools will make using Windows feel easier and faster.

The Developer tools feature in Home Assistant is an essential part of the smart home software. You can use the tools to check and update the states of devices, to perform actions, and check your configuration is workable. Unfortunately, this useful feature has disappeared from the Home Assistant sidebar in a recent update, but it's possible to restore it to its original location.

Luxury sedans are often defined by a tradeoff: thrilling performance on one side and long-term reliability on the other. Buyers typically choose between European models that prioritize driving excitement and Japanese brands known for dependability. But one used luxury sedan manages to bridge that gap, offering sporty character inspired by BMW while delivering the kind of reliability more commonly associated with Honda.

After a 3-year wait, it is finally time to step aboard the Going Merry again asOne Pieceseason 2 is on the horizon. Despite past controversial Netflix live-action anime adaptations, their retelling of Eiichiro Oda's beloved fantasy manga defied expectations when it released in 2023, turning newcomers like me into dedicated fans and pleasing longtime followers alike. As Monkey D. Luffy (Iñaki Godoy) continues his hunt for the fabled treasure of Gol D. Roger, season 2 will descend into new territories, with season 2 being subtitled "Into the Grand Line."

Even with the existence of cloud storage, cheap USB hard drives, and blazing fast portable SSDs, thumb drives are still a fact of life. You've probably got quite a few laying around your house, and they are still readily available online.