IT General

The brand-new Fire TV Stick 4K Select is already on sale — save over $10 ahead of Black Friday

Mashable - Thu, 11/13/2025 - 13:03

SAVE OVER $10: As of Nov. 13, the Fire TV Stick 4K Select is on sale for $21.99 at Amazon. This deal saves you over $10 on list price ahead of Black Friday.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select $21.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $18.00   Get Deal

Did Amazon really need to release another Fire TV Stick? Were we crying out for more options? The honest answer is that it's probably overkill, but hey, we shouldn't complain about another budget-friendly streaming stick that can help to upgrade your TV for less. Plus, it's already on sale for its lowest-ever price at Amazon.

As of Nov. 13, the Fire TV Stick 4K Select is on sale for $21.99 at Amazon. This deal saves you over $10 on list price ahead of Black Friday.

SEE ALSO: Amazon's top-of-the-line 55-inch Mini LED Fire TV is at its best price ever pre-Black Friday

The Fire TV Stick 4K Select lets you start streaming in 4K Ultra HD with HDR10+. Amazon promises that it’s the fastest 4K stick for under $40, so if speed is your thing, consider this your perfect streaming partner.

Setup is straightforward — simply plug in and connect to the WiFi to gain immediate access to Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Apple TV+, HBO Max, Hulu, Peacock, Paramount+, and whatever else you're subscribed to. It really is a hassle-free way to boost your streaming options.

Save over $10 on the Fire TV Stick 4K Select ahead of Black Friday.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 13, 2025

Mashable - Thu, 11/13/2025 - 12:45

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult to solve if you're into fashion.

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.

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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 November 13, 2025 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: Clothes

  • Green: They lather

  • Blue: Strainers

  • Purple: A workroom

Here are today's Connections categories

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

  • Yellow: Attire

  • Green: Foamy Things

  • Blue: Things that use filters

  • Purple: ___ Office

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 #887 is...

What is the answer to Connections today
  • Attire: DUDS, FIT, GETUP, THREADS

  • Foamy Things: BEER, FIRE EXTINGUISHER, SEA, SHAVING CREAM

  • Things that use filters: AIR PURIFIER, CIGARETTE, COFFEE MAKER, INSTAGRAM

  • ___ Office: BOX, MICROSOFT, OVAL, POST

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 November 13, 2025

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 today's Connections.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Strands hints, answers for November 13, 2025

Mashable - Thu, 11/13/2025 - 12:45

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you're always doing laundry.

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 November 13, 2025 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 13, 2025 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Out, damned spot!

The words are related to cleaning.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe ways to get clothes clean.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Stain Removal.

NYT Strands word list for November 13
  • Spray

  • Stain Removal

  • Scrub

  • Blot

  • Soak

  • Bleach

  • Launder

  • Steam

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 today's Strands.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Wordle today: Answer, hints for November 13, 2025

Mashable - Thu, 11/13/2025 - 12:45

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you love a splash of color.

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 November 13, 2025 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 November 13, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A tint.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter T.

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...

TINGE

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.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 13, 2025

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 today's Wordle.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Joe Hill on AI: Its just part of the general rot

Mashable - Thu, 11/13/2025 - 12:18

Joe Hill is uneasy about the future.

The horror author's feelings about technology, and particularly AI, are evident in both his novel King Sorrow and his frequent posts on Threads.

Hill's new book is a decade-spanning story about six friends entering into a terrible pact with a dragon. It doesn't sound like the kind of novel that would be fascinated with technology, but mentions of social media and tech oligarchs — including several name checks for Elon Musk — are dotted throughout.

Mashable sat down with Hill to ask him about his uneasy relationship with tech, and why AI is a particular concern to him.

SEE ALSO: Joe Hill breaks down the Stephen King references in his new novel

"It's just part of the general rot, in a lot of ways. There are these tech companies run by these multi-billionaires who are richer than nations. Guys like Elon Musk," Hill says. "None of these people really have to answer to laws, because when you're that rich you just buy new laws if you don't like the way things are shaking out. Or at least that's what the cynical part of me believes. There's a slightly more optimistic part of me that thinks they might run into trouble yet.

"But these guys, they don't care what they break. They just release one shitty, reckless, addictive tech product after another on the whole world and you know, as long as it makes them money, they don't really care about the repercussions."

Speaking about artificial intelligence in particular, Hill is critical of OpenAI's Sora app, launched in 2024, which can generate AI videos based on text prompts — and its second, 2025 version, Sora 2, has led to a proliferation of AI videos being shared across social media.

"OpenAI released a video tool, a video creation tool, which is just obviously going to lead to an ocean of misinformation in every election," says Hill. "You know, videos of people saying things they didn't say and doing things they didn't do, and you know, Sam Altman and these guys just kind of shrug and say, people will get used to it. I mean, what kind of attitude is that?"

View on Threads

The creative industries have had a tense relationship with AI in recent years. Streamers and studios have come under fire for using AI instead of paying human workers, while authors — including big names like George R.R. Martin — are currently suing OpenAI for copyright infringement. (Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable's parent company, in April filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.) Animation companies including Studio Ghibli and video game publishers including Square Enix have demanded OpenAI stop training Sora 2 on their content.

Hill's father, legendary horror author Stephen King, wrote an essay for The Atlantic in which he spoke of his own "dreadful fascination" at the possibility of AI writing fiction. That was published two years ago, though, and Hill thinks his dad's views have changed since.

"I don't think he realised at the time that they had stolen 80 of his titles that they had literally downloaded from pirate sites like any thief. And I think maybe that was a little bit of a shock to him," Hill says. "You know, all of this software is built on towers of theft, enormous towers of theft, to say nothing of the tremendous environmental waste."

Featured Video For You Cooper Hoffman and 'The Long Walk' cast compete for ultimate Stephen King film knowledge

Hill views AI in its current form as a kind of auto complete — something that spits out what it thinks is the sentence most likely to follow. It does make him worry for upcoming artists, but he doesn't believe it will replace real art.

"I do think that there will always be a market for humans expressing themselves to other humans through their hard earned craft," he says. "Not through typing in a prompt."

King Sorrow is available now in bookstores and online retailers.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The LG UltraGear OLED curved gaming monitor just got another price drop ahead of Black Friday — save over $700

Mashable - Thu, 11/13/2025 - 12:08

SAVE OVER $700: As of Nov. 13, the LG 34-inch UltraGear OLED curved gaming monitor is on sale for $679.73 at Amazon. That's over $700 off the list price ahead of Black Friday.

Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 34-inch UltraGear OLED Curved Gaming Monitor $679.73 at Amazon
$1,399.99 Save $720.26   Get Deal

Amazon's Black Friday sale doesn't officially start until Nov. 20, but someone should tell Amazon because we're seeing some stunning deals dropping on a wide range of products. And there's a lot for gamers to consider right now, with price drops on controllers, games, and monitors.

In fact, we've already flagged the low price on the LG 34-inch UltraGear OLED curved gaming monitor. We were a fan of that low price, so you can imagine how thrilled we were to see a further price reduction on this stunning monitor. As of Nov. 13, the LG 34-inch UltraGear OLED curved gaming monitor is on sale for $679.73 at Amazon. That's over $700 off the list price ahead of Black Friday.

SEE ALSO: The Samsung Odyssey QD-OLED G8 gaming monitor is down to its lowest price — save $300 ahead of Black Friday

The ultra-wide curved display of the LG UltraGear features a steep 800R curvature and a 21:9 aspect ratio, which feels like the action is taking place all around you. It's a level of immersion that regular gamers are not familiar with. This monitor also offers a very impressive 240Hz refresh rate, 0.03ms response time, and Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium compatibility. Gamers will look at that lineup and think "yep, that will do."

To get all of that for under $700 is the sort of deal that stands out over Black Friday, and we're still a couple of weeks away from the main event. Could we see something even better drop? It's not impossible, but we would honestly be surprised to see something significantly better. The only time this monitor was cheaper was over October Prime Day, and that price was only live for a short period of time.

If you're interested in upgrading, this could be your moment. Score over $700 off the LG 34-inch UltraGear OLED curved gaming monitor.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Seth Meyers takes A Closer Look at Epsteins emails naming Trump

Mashable - Thu, 11/13/2025 - 12:06

Despite attempts to get people to move on, Donald Trump's relationship with convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein remains firmly in the news, with new developments this week. In a series of emails from Epstein's estate released by the Democrats on the House Oversight Committee, as CNN reports, the president is named multiple times in emails reportedly written by the late billionaire. In one reported instance, Epstein alleges the president "knew about the girls," and in another reportedly sent to his accomplice Ghislaine Maxell, Epstein alleges of Trump that "[victim] spent hours at my house with him."

On Wednesday night, Seth Meyers used his "A Closer Look" segment to examine Trump's White House redesign but also the Epstein emails, which multiple media outlets have reported that Democrats say "raise new questions" about Trump's ties to Epstein.

"They raise new questions? To me it sounds like they answer old questions. I'm no detective but if one of the questions was 'Did Trump know about the girls?' and you find an email from Jeffrey Epstein that says Trump 'knew about the girls' that sounds pretty damning," said Meyers.

"That's like if you're investigating a murder suspect and you search their house and in the closet they have a shoebox labelled 'murder weapon inside' on the top and on the side it says 'yes, that murder.'

Categories: IT General, Technology

Glen Powells SNL promo features some glorious dance moves

Mashable - Thu, 11/13/2025 - 12:04

There are many strings to Running Man star Glen Powell's bow, and apparently dance is one of them.

In the SNL promo clip above, Powell — who is hosting the show this weekend — spends a minute dancing through the studio in the style of Christopher Walken in Fatboy Slim's "Weapon of Choice" video, complete with plenty of smouldering looks to camera.

11/10 for effort.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stephen Colbert reacts to newly released Epstein emails about Trump

Mashable - Thu, 11/13/2025 - 12:01

On Wednesday Democrats released new, damning emails from Epstein's estate which reportedly feature mentions of Donald Trump — and Stephen Colbert isn't surprised at all.

In the Late Show clip above the host breaks down some of those emails, including one reportedly sent from Epstein to journalist Michael Wolff the year he died.

"In 2019, when Donald Trump was president, Epstein emailed Wolff, writing, 'Of course [Trump] knew about the girls.'" said Colbert on Wednesday night's show. "Of course he did! They were best pals, and underage girls was Epstein's whole thing. 'Yes, the Hamburgler was my best friend, but I always assumed he was getting the burgers legitimately.'"

Colbert goes on to talk about Republicans accusing Democrats of "cherry-picking" the emails they release, and releasing 20,000 pages of documents in response.

"That doesn't prove anything!" says Colbert. "'Your honor, to definitely prove his innocence, I would like to call to the stand all the people my client did not murder.'"

Categories: IT General, Technology

Now You See Me: Now You Dont stars reveal the magic behind the scenes

Mashable - Thu, 11/13/2025 - 12:00

Magic fans, get ready. Now You See Me: Now You Don't returns us to the world of the Horsemen, brilliant magicians whose illusions not only wow audiences but also con corrupt billionaires out of their ill-gotten gains. But this third installment in the franchise also welcomes new cast members to the fold.

Ariana Greenblatt, Dominic Sessa, and Justice Smith play a trio of Bushwick-based magicians who join forces with the Horsemen against a villainous diamond industrialist played by Rosamund Pike. In interviews with all of these new castmates, as well as returning stars Jesse Eisenberg and Isla Fisher, Mashable staffer Lily Kartiganer delved into what makes this sequel magic.

Asked what it's like to return to the role of J. Daniel "Danny" Atlas, Eisenberg revealed, "It's my favorite thing to do in the world. I love it."

For her part, Fisher revealed one idea for the script would have had her escape artist, Henley Reeves, come back — but as the movie's villain. "I've been up for either or any or all versions," she said. "But it was nice to play such a substantial part in the end... It was good to be back."

Speaking of the villain, Pike admitted a hesitancy to take on the responsibility of such a part, noting, "I needed to know I could do something that would give audiences a fun time with this villain." She added, "It can take me a while to jump in, but when I do, you get me 100%."

The ensemble also discussed what tricks they picked up from playing magicians and their favorite illusions from the Horsemen and their new protégés.

Now You See Me: Now You Don't opens in theaters on Nov. 14.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Peloton Cross Training Tread just got a $500 discount at Amazon — get the best-ever price ahead of Black Friday

Mashable - Thu, 11/13/2025 - 11:40

SAVE $500: As of Nov. 13, the Peloton Cross Training Tread is on sale for $2,795 at Amazon. That's a 15% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Peloton Peloton Cross Training Tread $2,795 at Amazon
$3,295 Save $500   Get Deal

Black Friday is the perfect excuse to make the jump and purchase a big ticket item. Whether it's a portable power station or a new TV, these discounts make all the difference. Amazon's Black Friday sale officially kicks off on Nov. 20, but the standard Daily Deals have been more than impressive lately, with deals on everything from earbuds to gaming monitors. And if you've been eyeing up something from Peloton, there's a stunning new deal that just dropped.

As of Nov. 13, the Peloton Cross Training Tread is on sale for $2,795 at Amazon. That's a saving of over $500 on list price, and the lowest-ever price according to camelcamelcamel.

SEE ALSO: The 7 best Peloton alternatives for crushing those New Year's resolutions

With this treadmill, you're getting more than just a standard running device. It has a swivel touchscreen that moves 360°, letting you switch easily between more than 15 types of workouts like strength, yoga, barre, and Pilates. You can watch instructor-guided classes on the screen and follow along at home. It even has personalized weekly plans to keep you motivated, as well as performance estimates to track your progress.

In terms of space, it's compact, but not so much so that you're struggling for room with your workouts. At just five and a half feet by two and three-quarters feet, it won't take up much room, but the textured running belt comes with fifty-nine inches of space.

This Peloton deal is available for a limited time only, so get it from Amazon while you still can.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Samsungs trifold phone has exactly the name you expected

Mashable - Thu, 11/13/2025 - 11:27

What do you call a trifold phone that's made by Samsung and has flagship, Galaxy-level performance? Exactly!

According to leaker Evan Blass, Samsung's upcoming trifold phone will be called the Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold. At least there will be no confusion about which one it is, given that the company already has several "Fold" phones.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. SEE ALSO: Samsung plans to sell a ton of foldable phones next year

Blass also shared what he claims are the official specs for the device: a 6.5-inch cover display, a 10-inch inner display (with peak brightness of 2,600 and 1,600 nits, respectively), a 200-megapixel main camera, and a 5,437mAh battery.

The Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold will reportedly have a 6.5-inch cover display, and a 10-inch inner display. Credit: Samsung

Finally, Blass said that the three "leaves" of the TriFold will vary in thickness: 3.9 vs. 4.0 vs. 4.2 millimeters. He also said the phone will be "powered by SD," by which he likely means a Qualcomm Snapdragon chip (likely the Snapdragon 8 Elite).

The Samsung TriFold hasn't been officially announced yet, but an unveiling will reportedly happen on Dec. 5. However, we have seen the phone (or a prototype), as Samsung recently gave us a behind-the-glass sneak peak.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Score £15 off this streaming-friendly VPN for Black Friday

Mashable - Thu, 11/13/2025 - 11:23

SAVE £15: Norton Standard VPN is on sale for £24.99 per year for Black Friday. This limited-time offer saves you £15 on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Norton Norton Standard VPN (1-Year Subscription) £24.99 at Amazon
£39.99 Save £15.00   Get Deal

Black Friday is right around the corner, and it feels like there’s a deal on just about everything right now. From earbuds to portable power stations, if it's on your wishlist, chances are it's getting a discount of some kind.

And VPNs are very much in the mix, because Norton Standard VPN is on sale for £24.99 per year for Black Friday. This limited-time offer saves you £15 on list price. Your plan will automatically renew at £39.99 per year, but you can cancel this automatic function at anytime. This special offer also comes with a generous 60-day money-back guarantee, so if you don't like the service, you can opt out with your cash.

SEE ALSO: Prioritize your cybersecurity this holiday season with a VPN for less than $2 a month

A VPN acts like a privacy shield for your internet connection. It hides your location, encrypts your data, and keeps your browsing secure. It’s particularly useful for getting around geo-restrictions so you can stream bonus content from around the world. Norton VPN does this job without hassle thanks to over 100 server locations around the world.

With the Norton Standard plan, you get a solid mix of privacy and security features designed to keep your browsing protected. The discounted plan includes IP masking to hide your online activity and a no-log policy to ensure your data stays private. You can browse without annoying ad breaks thanks to the built-in ad blocker, and rely on the Kill Switch to prevent exposure if your connection drops. For extra peace of mind, IP rotation and Double VPN add an extra layer of privacy to every session.

Get the best Black Friday VPN deal from Norton VPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Pokémon Pokopia looks adorable. Heres everything to know.

Mashable - Thu, 11/13/2025 - 11:19

I'm sorry, did someone order an outrageously cute Pokémon game that lets you farm crops, take long naps, and build little houses, one that might drag me out of the perpetual hellscape that is the 24-hour news cycle?

Well, it's coming.

Enjoying the success of the newly released Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Nintendo has announced the coming of Pokémon Pokopia, an adorable-looking cosy game that allows you to build a nice little existence for yourself among your Pokémon neighbours. Developed by Koei Tecmo, Pokémon’s first life simulator game is set for release on Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026.

SEE ALSO: How 'cozy gaming' is taking mindfulness mainstream

But what exactly is Pokémon Pokopia? Here's everything we know.

What type of game is Pokémon Pokopia? Credit: Nintendo

A life and farming simulator game akin to Animal Crossing, Immortal Life, Grow A Garden, Stardew Valley, and many others, Pokémon Pokopia sees you playing as loveable amorphous blob Ditto, who has assumed the appearance of a human being (yes, Ditto can shake up their cellular structure and appear as whatever the hell they want, stay focused).

Your task, as in all farming sims, is to collect materials like wood and rocks, farm crops according to a ranger of weather conditions, and build a home for yourself and your Pokémon neighbours — but you'll apparently have a much easier time of it if you befriend other Pokémon and absorb their sweet, sweet skills.

"For example," Nintendo said in its announcement, "Ditto can use Bulbasaur’s Leafage to add greenery to the landscape or Squirtle’s Water Gun to hydrate plants."

The more you tend to said landscape, the more Pokémon will appear, the more homes you can build for them — and establish your own little glorious empire town of Pokémon neighbours. In the trailer, the game's world seems like a Minecraft land-shaping situation, one where you can add little Animal Crossing-style features like waterfalls, outdoor dining spaces, windmills, and more.

Credit: Screenshot: Nintendo / YouTube

Like other life sims, the game mimics real-time day and night times, and your energy is paramount, drained by activities and restored by napping.

Nintendo showed a trailer for the game as part of Nintendo Direct in September:

The game will be available in English, Japanese, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Korean, and both Simplified and Traditional Chinese.

Will Pokémon Pokopia be online? Credit: Nintendo

According to Nintendo, you'll be able to connect with other players online providing you pay for a Nintendo Switch Online membership. In its announcement, Nintendo said you'll be able to "invite Pokémon and even other players to visit and hang out with you."

When can I play Pokémon Pokopia and how much will it cost? Credit: Nintendo

Pokémon Pokopia will be released on the Nintendo Switch 2 on March 5, 2026.

The game will cost $69.99 through Nintendo's website and preorders are now open. That's the same price as Pokémon Legends: Z-A.

There's been a bit of controversy around the release, as IGN reports, fans were caught off-guard with the game's announcement that Pokémon Pokopia will be the first Nintendo-published game offered on a Game-Key Card (which you'll need to download the game's full data) — despite Nintendo saying in May that it had "no plans to use Game-Key Cards for Nintendo-developed titles."

The publisher (and Ziff Davis-owned sister site of Mashable) noted that this game has been developed by Koei Tecmo, not Nintendo, and that it's only Nintendo's Japan site that is currently showing the game as a Game-Key Card release. So, we'll see what happens.

Featured Video For You Grow plants from fantasy games with this IRL initiative
Categories: IT General, Technology

The Daily Show weighs in on new Epstein emails sent about Trump

Mashable - Thu, 11/13/2025 - 11:10

No matter what Donald Trump does, the Epstein story refuses to go away. The latest development is a series of emails released by the Democrats on the House Oversight Committee from convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's estate. One of these emails — reportedly sent by Epstein to his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell — makes a reference to the president in relation to a victim. "I want you to realize that that dog that hasn't barked is trump," it reads, per CNN. "[Victim] spent hours at my house with him."

Daily Show host Josh Johnson reacted to the release on Wednesday night's show, breaking down all the email exchanges that mention Trump, before offering the following, damning conclusion: "All I know is that every detail that comes out makes him look more and more suspicious."

"I'm an American living in America," says Johnson in the clip above. "And no matter what party you're in, or who you voted for, it would be better for all of us, as a general matter, if we do not have a sexual predator as president."

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for November 13, 2025

Mashable - Thu, 11/13/2025 - 11:00

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT game

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025:

AcrossPartner of ready and willing
  • The answer is Able.

Sound from a delighted crowd
  • The answer is Roar.

Title that shares its first two letters with "Mamdani"
  • The answer is Mayor.

Second chance
  • The answer is Redo.

Played Pictionary, perhaps
  • The answer is Drew.

DownSleeve filler
  • The answer is Arm.

Component of a chess set
  • The answer is Board.

Extra bit of clothing for warmth
  • The answer is Layer.

Wear away
  • The answer is Erode.

Orderly arrangement of ducks, in a saying
  • The answer is Row.

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

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

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Mini Crossword.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Deepfake Kirkification memes are running rampant on social media

Mashable - Thu, 11/13/2025 - 11:00

Charlie Kirk's image has begun appearing across a wide range of internet memes

Photoshopped and deepfaked clips of the recently killed conservative media influencer have flooded social media, his face pasted onto some of the internet's most recognizable memes. It's as if the web collectively decided to resurrect him through morbid irony.

According to Know Your Meme, the first major instance appeared Sept. 23 on X — just two weeks after Kirk’s death — when a user swapped his face with streamer iShowSpeed's in a clip of Speed trying not to laugh. The post racked up more than 96,000 likes and spawned dozens of viral quote-tweets.

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But things really snowballed in late October. One TikTok montage stitched together obscure reaction memes — all with Kirk’s face edited on — captioned, "RIP Kirk, your sacrifice meant something."

That post alone garnered over 65,000 likes, and many others have achieved similar numbers.

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

Why this happened is harder to pin down. The simplest answer: This is what the internet does. Meme culture often thrives on transgression, and nothing spreads faster than a joke that crosses a line — especially when it involves someone like Kirk, whose death has been mythologized in right-wing media for weeks.

Folks online have joked about and memeified the assassination of JFK, 9/11, and George Floyd's murder. To the internet, Charlie Kirk is simply the latest entry in that long, dark tradition.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This black holes flare burned 10 trillion times brighter than the sun

Mashable - Thu, 11/13/2025 - 11:00

A supermassive black hole tearing apart a star has set a new record for creating the brightest and most distant flare, shining with the light of 10 trillion suns at its peak. 

The flare came from an active black hole at the center of a galaxy some 10 billion light-years away in space. Called J2245+3743, the outburst's light began reaching Earth in 2018, when the Zwicky Transient Facility in California and the Catalina Real-Time Transient Survey in Arizona first detected it. Over just a few months, the flare’s brightness increased by a factor of 40, making it 30 times stronger than any previous black hole flare observed.

The black hole is roughly 500 million times more massive than the sun. Astronomers believe the flare is the result of a so-called tidal disruption event, when a star ventures too close and is torn apart by a black hole’s gravity. In this case, the doomed star is also enormous — at least 30 times more massive than the sun. As its gas spirals inward like water circling a drain, the black hole consumes it, releasing an unfathomable burst of energy.

That the flare is ongoing suggests the black hole hasn't finished its meal yet, said Matthew Graham, a Caltech astronomy professor and first author of the study, likening the star's situation to "a fish only halfway down the whale's gullet" in a statement.

A paper describing the discovered superflare appears in the journal Nature Astronomy.

SEE ALSO: NASA has a broken giant antenna that could upend its 2026 plans

Black holes are some of the oddest curiosities in the cosmos. They are regions where gravity is so strong that nothing, not even light, can escape. About a half-century ago, astronomers weren't even sure they were real. Today, black holes aren't just accepted science, they're getting glamor shots. The Event Horizon Telescope achieved the first image of a black hole, located 53 million light-years away in the Messier 87 galaxy, in 2019.

A black hole generates a flare when gas, dust, or, in this case, a star gets too close and gravity rips it apart. As the material falls inward, it gets hotter, glowing brightly before disappearing. 

Most events of this kind have been observed happening around quiet black holes. But this one is an active galactic nucleus, meaning it has already been feeding on surrounding gas. That perpetual glow has the potential to mask flares, but the immense power of this event made it easier to detect.

The previous record holder, ZTF20abrbeie, is estimated to have come from a star just three to 10 times the mass of the sun. 

Follow-up observations confirmed the flare’s brightness. Data from NASA’s WISE mission helped eliminate other possible explanations, such as supernovas or a cosmic optical illusion known as gravitational lensing. The flare appeared in visible and infrared light but not in X-rays, radio waves, or neutrinos, ghostly particles that pass through almost everything without interacting, ruling out other types of explosions.

Still, the idea that the doomed star was 30 times more massive than the sun made this interpretation of the data a little hard to believe. 

The Zwicky Transient Facility team installs the wide-field camera at the prime focus of the 48-inch Samuel Oschin Telescope at Palomar Observatory in California. Credit: Caltech Optical Observatories

"Stars this massive are rare," said coauthor K. E. Saavik Ford, a CUNY professor, in a statement, "but we think stars within the disk of an (active galactic nucleus) can grow larger. The matter from the disk is dumped onto stars, causing them to grow in mass."

Because the galaxy lies so far away, astronomers are seeing the event as it happened long ago, when the universe was less than a third of its current age. The flare is still fading, slowed by the effects of cosmic expansion, which stretches both space and time.

Researchers say the finding hints that many more supersized flares may be awaiting discovery as next-generation sky surveys, including the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, come online.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Get a lifetime tool for every PDF task you dread for just $30

Mashable - Thu, 11/13/2025 - 11:00

TL;DR: Get a SwifDoo PDF Pro Perpetual Lifetime License for Windows for just $29.97 (reg. $129) with code PRO through Nov. 20 at 11:59 p.m. PT — a one-time payment for endless PDF power.

Opens in a new window Credit: SwifDoo SwifDoo PDF Pro: Perpetual Lifetime License for Windows $29.97
$129 Save $99.03   Get Deal

If you’ve ever stared at an uneditable PDF, silently negotiating with it like a hostage-taker, you’re not alone. That’s exactly why tools like SwifDoo PDF Pro exist — to turn hours of frustration into minutes of simple, click-and-done productivity.

For a one-time $29.97 payment (use code PRO through Nov. 20), you’ll get lifetime access to SwifDoo PDF Pro’s full suite of features for Windows.

SEE ALSO: The 8 best Windows laptops of 2025: See how our top-tested picks compare

That includes editing, merging, splitting, converting, annotating, encrypting, signing, and even translating PDFs. Basically, if there’s a PDF task you can think of, SwifDoo can probably do it faster and cleaner than whatever workaround you’re currently using.

Whether you’re a business professional organizing contracts, a student wrangling research papers, or just someone who’s tired of hopping between “free” PDF tools that limit functionality, this is the kind of software that simplifies your workflow instantly.

Standout tools like OCR text recognition turn scanned documents into editable, searchable files, while batch processing lets you convert or compress multiple PDFs at once — ideal for those crunch-time moments.

It’s fast and intuitive, designed to keep up with how people actually work. And since it’s a lifetime license, you’ll never have to deal with renewal reminders or subscription fees again.

Get lifetime access to SwifDoo PDF Pro for $29.97 (reg. $129) with code PRO through Nov. 20.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Whats new to streaming this week? (Nov. 14, 2025)

Mashable - Thu, 11/13/2025 - 11:00

Looking for something great to watch at home? Streaming subscribers are spoiled for choice between Hulu, Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, Apple TV, Prime Video, Shudder, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. And that's before you even look at the vast libraries of movies and television programs within each streamer!

Don't be overwhelmed or waste an hour scrolling through your services to determine what to watch. We've got your back, whatever your mood. Mashable offers watch guides for all of the above, broken down by genre: comedy, thriller, horror, documentary, and animation, among others. But if you're seeking something brand-new (or just new to streaming), we've got you covered there, too.

Mashable's entertainment team has scoured the streaming services to highlight the most buzzed-about releases of the week and ranked them from worst to best — or least worth your time to most watchable. Whether you're looking for animated adventures, sensational indies, thought-provoking documentaries, splashy reality TV, lovable Muppets, lush dramas, or notorious flops, we've got something just for you.

21. Playdate

Craving an action comedy that looks totally bonkers? Then check out Kevin James' Playdate. Here he plays a stay-at-home stepdad, eager to connect to his boy. But an average day in the park turns wild when they meet a father-and-son team that will change their lives forever. One playdate pulls them all into a swirl of car chases, fight sequences, and uncomfortable conversations.

While trailers look goofy, the reviews are brutal. So mindless fun, maybe! Or maybe just mindless. — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor

Starring: Kevin James, Alan Ritchson, Sarah Chalke, Alan Tudyk, Stephen Root, and Isla Fisher

How to watch: Playdate debuts on Prime Video on Nov. 12.

20. The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, Season 3

In the mood for some #MomTok mess? Then you're in luck, because The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives is back for what's bound to be an extra juicy third season. The biggest story to look out for is that of Taylor Frankie Paul, who will be the next star of the Bachelorette franchise. Expect the series to dive into her final breakup with ex Dakota Mortensen, along with more chaos involving alleged affairs, lie detector tests, and more. — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Season 3 debuts on Hulu on Nov. 13.

19. Roofman

Starring Channing Tatum and Kirsten Dunst, this crime-centered romantic comedy might seem like a feel-good movie. But you should probably know it comes from Blue Valentine writer/director Derek Cianfrance.

Roofman is based on the true story of a serial cat burglar who used an alias to befriend a single mom and her church friends while on the run from a heist gone wrong. So, naturally, he squats in a toy store. The resulting film is pretty confounding. As I wrote in my review, "Roofman is a frustrating watch, refusing to fit into the genre expectations. But that might be precisely the point." — K.P.

Starring: Channing Tatum, Kirsten Dunst, LaKeith Stanfield, Juno Temple, Peter Dinklage, Ben Mendelsohn, Melonie Diaz, Uzo Aduba, Lily Collias, and Jimmy O. Yang

How to watch: Roofman is now available for rent or purchase on Prime Video.

18. Malice

Jack Whitehall usually plays comedic characters, but in Prime Video's Malice, he's got a chilling dark side. We meet yet another affluent family on screen, the Tanners, headed up by Jamie and Nat (David Duchovny and Carice van Houten). They're joined on vacation in their opulent villa by friends Jules and Damien (Christine Adams and Raza Jaffrey), who decide to bring along their kids' tutor Adam (Whitehall) — and it's the new addition who ruffles a few feathers. But Adam's got secrets up the wazoo, with no intention of keeping them to himself. — Shannon Connellan, UK Editor

Starring: Jack Whitehall, David Duchovny, Carice van Houten, and Gloria Garcia

How to watch: Malice begins streaming on Prime Video on Nov. 14.

17. Selling the OC, Season 4

Moving drama and epic genre productions are all very well and good, but sometimes you just want to watch people arguing in nice houses.

Selling the OC always delivers in this regard. Following a group of agents working for the Oppenheim Group in the Orange County office, the Selling Sunset spin-off is possibly even more dramatic than the original. Season 4 looks like it'll be more of the same, only with a few familiar faces from Season 3 gone and three new agents introduced to the mix. Let the gossiping commence! — Sam Haysom, Deputy UK Editor

How to watch: Selling the OC Season 4 debuts on Netflix on Nov. 12.

16. Nobody 2

In 2021, Better Call Saul star Bob Odenkirk became an action hero in Nobody, a dark comedy about a former assassin turned office worker who falls back into that violent life — whether he likes it or not. Well, one good turn (at the box office) deserves another, so Odenkirk is reprising his role as Hutch Mansell, former contract killer.

Much of the old gang is back, including Connie Nielsen as Hutch's wife, Becca, and RZA as his brother, Harry. New to the team is The Shadow Strays director Timo Tjahjanto, who's taken up the helm. Anticipate action that is jaw-dropping, if not downright jaw-breaking.*K.P.

Starring: Bob Odenkirk, Connie Nielsen, RZA, Christopher Lloyd, Sharon Stone, Colin Hanks, and John Ortiz

How to watch: Nobody 2 debuts on Peacock on Nov. 14.

15. Madame Web

Madame Web took a lot of heat in 2024, as it proved to be a spectacular flop (ahead of the even bigger Spider-verse bomb that was Kraven the Hunter.) Dakota Johnson starred as a paramedic turned superhero/mentor for three super-powered spidey teens on the run from a barefooted villain. And yeah, it was a confounding movie. But hey, there were some parts of Madame Web that were pretty hilarious.

Hear me out:

And hey, at least it was better than Morbius. — K.P.

SEE ALSO: 'Madame Web' review: Is it at least better than 'Morbius?'

Starring: Dakota Johnson, Sydney Sweeney, Isabela Merced, Celeste O'Connor, Tahar Rahim, Mike Epps, Emma Roberts, and Adam Scott

How to watch: Madame Web debuts on Disney+ on Nov. 14.

14. Eddington

Writer/director Ari Aster had horror fans screaming with Hereditary and Midsommar. However, his latest, a Western called Eddington, had critics divided over its critiques of COVID-19 politics.

Aster reteams with Beau Is Afraid leading man Joaquin Phoenix, who plays a sheriff who hates masking almost has much as he does Eddington's beloved mayor, played by Pedro Pascal. The two men will face off over all sorts of issues, sucking other townsfolk into their drama. While this leads to an explosive climax, it's far from satisfying or thrilling. As I wrote in my review, "Eddington is a cynical dark comedy that mistakes empathy for weakness, offering plenty to react to but little to provoke thought." — K.P.

Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, Emma Stone, Luke Grimes, Austin Butler, Deirdre O’Connell, Micheal Ward, Clifton Collins Jr., William Belleau, Cameron Mann, Matt Gomez Hidaka, and Amélie Hoeferle

How to watch: Eddington begins streaming on HBO Max on Nov. 14.

13. Last Samurai Standing

We apparently can't get enough of the battle royale in pop culture, as Netflix's new series sees warriors fighting to the death in 19th-century Japan. Directed by Michihito Fujii, Kento Yamaguchi, and Toru Yamamoto, Last Samurai Standing presents exactly that. It's the story of swordsman Shujiro Saga (Junichi Okada), who competes in a bloodbath competition against 291 other samurai starting at Kyoto's Tenryu-ji temple — and there can be only one winner. It's basically a murderous game of tag night after night, where players must steal the wooden tags of their opponents and reach Tokyo to win 100 billion yen. Expect epic fight scenes, plenty of swordplay, and a hero who just won't quit. — S.C.

Starring: Junichi Okada, Yumia Fujisaki, and Kaya Kiyohara

How to watch: Last Samurai Standing debuts on Netflix Nov. 13.

12. Are We Good?

After 16 years and about 1,700 episodes, Marc Maron ended his podcast WTF with Marc Maron with final guest Barack Obama in October. But it's not the only milestone for the comedian this year, with the release of documentary Are We Good?, which follows Maron through a deeply challenging time.

SEE ALSO: 'Are We Good?' review: Marc Maron becomes the face of pandemic-era grief

As Siddhant Adlakha writes for Mashable, "An uneven chronicle of grief, Steven Feinartz's Are We Good? follows comedian and podcast host Marc Maron during and after the isolation of COVID lockdown, during which he lost his partner, the filmmaker Lynn Shelton. It's a documentary of immense detail and a vast number of opinions on Maron's personality, and how he deals with loss through stand-up comedy. However, this context pales in comparison to his actual art and artistic process — the brief glimpses of which are more enticing than the film surrounding it." — S.C.

Starring: Marc Maron, Nate Bargatze, John Mulaney, David Cross, W. Kamau Bell, Laurie Kilmartin, Brendan McDonald, Sam Lipsyte, Caroline Rhea, Michaela Watkins, Jessica Kirson, and Gary Gulman

How to watch: Are We Good? is available for pre-order on Apple TV. It will be available to rent on Nov. 14.

11. Kiss of the Spider Woman

A tale of love, rebellion, and cinema, Kiss of the Spider Woman is tricky to explain but easy to fall for. Bill Condon (Dreamgirls) adapts the Tony Award–winning Broadway musical about a political prisoner who is sucked into the storytelling of a cellmate, who is utterly obsessed with a musical called Kiss of the Spider Woman. Held captive in squalid conditions, the two prisoners named Valentin and Molina (Diego Luna and Tonatiuh) share stories about their lives, but also talk about this (fictional) movie and its ravishing leading lady, Ingrid Luna (Jennifer Lopez). Contrasting their horrid circumstances with the glamor of Hollywood movies, the film explores how art can shape its audience, inspiring both Valentina and Molina to bold moves, like falling in love in a hopeless place and fighting for a better tomorrow.

SEE ALSO: 'Kiss of the Spider Woman' review: Jennifer Lopez dazzles, but is that enough?

While critics have been mixed on Condon's take on the material, most have cheered the lead performances. In his review out of Sundance, Siddhant Adlakha wrote, "Lopez’s Luna is a dazzling presence... Tonatiuh is just as impressive as Lopez," but noted, "Their attempts to imbue their character with a sense of physical struggle, within four walls inching ever closer, is often undone by a haphazard edit." — K.P.

Starring: Diego Luna, Tonatiuh, and Jennifer Lopez

How to watch: Kiss of the Spider Woman is now available for rent or purchase on Prime Video.

10. Palm Royale, Season 2

In Palm Royale's first season, Maxine Dellacorte-Simmons (Kristen Wiig) infiltrated the high society of Palm Beach, Florida, barely surviving the scandal. Enemies were cemented, affairs exposed, secrets unveiled, Ricky Martins placed in peril. But it's a new season at the titular Palm Royale country club, and the snobbery, backstabbing, and luxurious costuming lives on. And with a new season comes famous arrivals, with none other than Patti LuPone and John Stamos joining the chaos. — S.C.

Starring: Kristen Wiig, Ricky Martin, Josh Lucas, Leslie Bibb, Amber Chardae Robinson, Laura Dern, Allison Janney, and Carol Burnett

How to watch: Palm Royale Season 2 is now streaming on Apple TV.

9. The Seduction

HBO brings viewers into a world of dangerous decadence in The Seduction, a French series from Jessica Palud. A loose prequel to Dangerous Liaisons by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos, The Seduction tells the story of the rise of Marquise Isabelle de Merteuil, along with that of her eventual rival, Vicomte Sébastien de Valmont.

Taking its title seriously, The Seduction is all about the weaponization of desire, as Isabelle goes from ingénue to skilled manipulator of men. Full of backstabbing, social maneuvering, and sex, The Seduction is a sumptuous treat. — B.E.

Starring: Noée Abita, Diane Kruger, Anamaria Vartolomei, Lucas Bravo, and Vincent Lacoste

How to watch: The Seduction debuts on HBO Max on Nov. 14.

8. Freakier Friday

Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis return for the fun sequel to 2003's hit body-swapping comedy Freaky Friday. Reprising their roles as mother and daughter, they double the zany shenanigans by swapping into the teen bodies of two soon-to-be-stepsisters. See, Anna (Lohan) is poised to marry a hot and loving chef (Manny Jacinto), giving her daughter Harper (Julia Butters) a stepsister (Sophia Hammons). But the two girls loathe each other.

So, while body-swapped Anna and Tess (Curtis) race to undo this magical mayhem, the girls — in the bodies of Anna and Tess — set about to derail the wedding before it can happen. Along the way, there will be silliness, nostalgia, and swoon-worthy moments involving Jacinto and Freaky Friday's hunk Chad Michael Murray. —K.P.

Starring: Jamie Lee Curtis, Lindsay Lohan, Julia Butters, Sophia Hammons, Manny Jacinto, Chad Michael Murray, and Mark Harmon

How to watch: Freakier Friday is now streaming on Disney+.

7. The Beast in Me

Claire Danes and Matthew Rhys square off in this twisty Netflix miniseries. Danes plays Pulitzer Prize–winning author Aggie Wiggs, who finds herself locked in a strange game with her new neighbor, Nile Jarvis (Rhys). He's the scion of a wealthy family, a real estate mogul… and he may have murdered his wife. Now, Aggie's on the hunt for the truth, but the mind of an (alleged) killer proves a dangerous one to crack.

The Beast in Me offers up thrills aplenty, but it's the interplay between Danes and Rhys that really makes it soar. Danes shines as a woman spiraling through grief, while Rhys is the perfect amount of despicable and intriguing. They make a damn fine cat and mouse pairing, and The Beast in Me is all the better for it. — B.E.

Starring: Claire Danes, Matthew Rhys, Brittany Snow, and Natalie Morales

How to watch: The Beast in Me premieres on Netflix on Nov. 13.

6. Great Performances: Twelfth Night

A grand tradition of New York theater is coming to streaming, as PBS brings a recorded performance of this year's Shakespeare in the Park to audiences nationwide.

William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night tells the tale of a pair of shipwrecked siblings who, after being separated by fate, find new friends, lovers, and many comic misunderstandings in Illyria. Fittingly, Lupita Nyong'o and her brother Junior Nyong'o star. The Academy Award–winning ingenue plays Viola, a young maiden who poses as a young man named Cesario to make her way in this brave new world. Little might she expect to fall for a duke and accidentally woo his crush (Sandra Oh), becoming a rival to her besotted servant (Peter Dinklage).

It's a whimsically silly time at the theater. And you can enjoy it from your couch. — K.P.

Starring: Lupita Nyong'o, Sandra Oh, Peter Dinklage, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Junior Nyong'o, and Daphne Rubin-Vega

How to watch: Great Performances: Twelfth Night premiers on PBS, the PBS app, and pbs.org/gperf on Nov. 14 at 9 p.m./8 p.m. Central.

5. Krampus

An underrated treasure of holiday horror is Michael Dougherty's festive follow-up to Trick 'r Treat, Krampus. As teased by the title. this creature feature focuses on a family terrorized by St. Nick's less generous counterpart, who delivers punishments instead of presents. So, when one modern family loses sight of the purpose for the Christmas holiday, Krampus and a cavalcade of menacing minions come calling for attacks that are ghoulish and sometimes hilarious. We're talking killer toys, stabby gingerbread men, and ominous snowmen.

This kooky killer concept paired with a sensational cast that boasts Hereditary's Toni Collette and The Monkey's Adam Scott is sure alternately warm you heart and give you chills. 'Tis the season. — K.P.

Starring: Adam Scott, Toni Collette, David Koechner, Allison Tolman, Conchata Ferrell, Emjay Anthony, Stefania LaVie Owen, Krista Stadler, Lolo Owen, Queenie Samuel, Maverick Flack, and Sage Hunefeld

How to watch: Krampus comes to Shudder on Nov. 15.

4. Sesame Street, Season 56

Sunny day, sweeping the clouds away! Sesame Street is back, and now it's on Netflix. Your favorite fluffy and furry Sesame Street residents are ready to teach kids about the alphabet, good nutrition, and much more with a new host of celebrity guests, cartoons, and much, much more.

And for grown-ups, Sesame Street is a reliably great kids show that's educational and entertaining. How do you get to Sesame Street? Tune into Netflix. — K.P.

Starring: Elmo, Bert, Ernie, Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch, Cookie Monster, Abby Cadabby, Grover, Rosita, and more

How to watch: Sesame Street Season 56 is now streaming on Netflix.

3. Nouvelle Vague

Richard Linklater goes full French New Wave in Nouvelle Vague, an homage to director Jean-Luc Godard's Breathless. The film chronicles the making of Breathless, from Godard's (Guillaume Marbeck) first pleas to direct a film to the casting of Jean Seberg (Zoey Deutch) and Jean-Paul Belmondo (Aubry Dullin). It also taps into the chaos of the shoot, much of which was improvised over a 20-day period.

SEE ALSO: 'Nouvelle Vague' review: Richard Linklater's tribute to Jean-Luc Godard and 'Breathless' is good vibes only

Nouvelle Vague is as loving a tribute to Breathless as can be, with Linklater shooting in black and white and a 4:3 aspect ratio to emphasize the French New Wave feel. Occasionally, Linklater's reverence can get in Nouvelle Vague's own way, as it feels like he's checking off film history boxes. Where Nouvelle Vague really excels is the downtime between shooting, which is thankfully most of the movie. As I wrote in my review, "Nouvelle Vague proves a sweet tribute to an influential film movement, one that doesn't take itself too seriously. If you're a French New Wave fan, come for the Breathless tributes, but stay for the hangout vibes." — B.E.

Starring: Guillaume Marbeck, Zoey Deutch, and Aubry Dullin

How to watch: Nouvelle Vague debuts on Netflix on Nov. 14.

2. Bunny

After Hours. Do the Right Thing. In the Heights. When Harry Met Sally. They're movies with very different plots and vibes, and yet all are definitively New York. Now the canon of exceptionally New York movies has grown, thanks to Bunny. 

SEE ALSO: 'Bunny' review: Hilarious and heartfelt, this love letter to New York is a must-see

The directorial debut of Ben Jacobson, Bunny centers on an East Village tenement resident (Mo Stark) whose very bad birthday is a tapestry of chaos, community, and characters that are undeniably the fabric of New York City. Like the iconic cinema listed above, Bunny channels the energy of this great city, while also embracing its funkier elements. This fantastic, funny, and surprising indie is also an unapologetic and unsentimental love letter to New York.*K.P.

Starring: Mo Stark, Ben Jacobson, Liza Colby, Anthony Drazan, Linda Rong Mei Chen, Genevieve Hudson-Price, Eleonore Hendricks, Kia Warren, Richard Price, and Henry Czerny

How to watch: Bunny opens in theaters and will be available to purchase on Apple TV on Nov. 14.

1. In Your Dreams

Netflix goes to dreamland in In Your Dreams, a charming animated adventure directed by Pixar alum Alex Woo. The film introduces siblings Stevie (voiced by Jolie Hoang-Rappaport) and Elliot (voiced by Elias Janssen), who go on a quest through their dreams to find the Sandman (voiced by Omid Djalili). Legend has it that he can grant a wish, and Stevie and Elliot's is that he can fix their parents' (voiced by Simu Liu and Cristin Milioti) strained marriage so they can be a happy family again.

SEE ALSO: 'In Your Dreams' review: Kids fight to save their parents' marriage in thoughtful animated adventure

In Your Dreams is chock-full of playful creations, from the delectable landscape of Breakfast Town to Elliot's riotous stuffed animal companion Baloney Tony (voiced by Craig Robinson). But it's the focus on parental conflict — and Stevie and Elliot's reaction to it — that truly makes In Your Dreams special. As I wrote in my review, "None of In Your Dreams' dreamland chaos would mean anything if it wasn't rooted in Stevie and Elliot's anxieties about their parents' marriage, which the film portrays with unflinching honesty... It's a thoughtful, mature portrayal of how parents can grow distant yet still love each other." — B.E.

Starring: Craig Robinson, Simu Liu, Cristin Milioti, Jolie Hoang-Rappaport, Elias Janssen, Gia Carides, Omid Djalili, and SungWon Cho

How to watch: In Your Dreams debuts on Netflix on Nov. 14.

(*) denotes a blurb comes from a previous list.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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