IT General

Whenever I'm at the computer, I seem to have Spotify going in the background. With data on Spotify songs available, I wanted to see if any traits the hit songs had in common. I used Spotify to see if I could build a model of a hit song.

Before every weekend rolls around, I like to refresh my Netflix watch list with limited series and miniseries that I can typically wrap up within a day or two. And if you're like me, you know how exciting these shows can be for a perfect binge-watching session.

Unreliable Wi-Fi is the most frustrating and common issue we deal with. It's a real struggle when you have to deal with buffering screens, dropped video calls, issues with your smart home, and slow download speeds that usually make even new devices seem old. For years, the default advice for solving this problem has been to replace your old router. Performance does not depend on purchase price. If you master a few cheap software tweaks and small physical adjustments, you can get back significant speed and stability without spending money.

PowerShell is a Windows utility you can use to fix a surprisingly large number of common Windows 11 issues. It's often faster than digging through Windows 11 menus and in many cases, you can simply copy, paste, and execute commands without any further intervention on your side.

It's 2026, and Android still doesn't have some basic features like cutting off internet access for certain apps. Now there are third-party apps that make this sort of firewall possible on Android. However, they come with one big trade-off: they need to run constantly in the background as a VPN tunnel.

Serial Instagram reuploaders are about to be hit hard in the algorithm, as the platform announces new content ranking guidelines intended to boost original content creators.

Accounts that primarily aggregate content or repost others' content without meaningful alterations or additions won't be recommended to other users, Instagram explained in a recent Creators blog post. The platform announced the same algorithmic guidelines for Reels uploads in 2024. Now they'll apply to photos and carousel posts, too.

SEE ALSO: New rules for the Oscars: AI actors are out of the race

"Original content" is defined as "work that you wholly created or reflects your unique perspective," Instagram explains. That includes original photos and designs, as well as third-party content that is materially edited by the user. "Some examples include adding unique text on the content itself that provides more context than just describing what’s happening, adding creative graphics that offer new information, or using our remix feature to transform the original," the blog post reads.

The platform recommends that accounts that frequently reshare content share other users' posts to their stories, use the repost button, or enable collab posts to avoid being marked ineligible.

Aggregator accounts that are marked ineligible for recommendations under the new guidelines can regain their place in the feed by pivoting to original posts. Instagram says "most" of an account's posts, carousels, and reels need to feature original content over a 30-day period to have the decision reversed. Users can also remove unoriginal content and appeal the decision.

The Academy won't be handing over the golden statuette to robots anytime soon.

In new rules announced May 1, the Academy ​of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has ruled that AI performances are not eligible for an Oscar. Filmmakers can still utilize AI tools in their submitted works, but only human actors and human-authored screenplays will be considered for the body's highest honors.

SEE ALSO: Spotify now verifies artists that are human, not AI

The move aligns with AI agreements won during the 2023 Writers' Guild of America (WGA) and SAG-AFTRA strikes and addresses growing tension over the presence of generative AI tools across artistic industries.

For example, a recent trailer for the upcoming historical adventure film As Deep as the Grave, featuring an entirely AI-generated recreation of the late Val Kilmer, caused widespread furor among fans who recoiled at the on-screen digital likeness. Prior to his death, Kilmer created an AI version of his speaking voice with UK tech company Sonantic. Other celebrities, like Matthew McConaughey and Michael Caine, have worked with AI company ElevenLabs to clone their voices, as well.

But while some celebs are getting ahead of their AI counterparts, others are fighting back against nonconsensual deepfakes writ large. Pop star Taylor Swift recently filed for trademark of her voice and image — including the phrase "Hey, it's Taylor." — amid a surge of synthetic AI likenesses of her proliferating across the internet, including ones used in data phishing scams.

The Academy announced additional rule changes for international film and acting categories, generating buzz online after several contentious Oscar campaign races in recent years. For non-English films, a country can now have multiple nominated entries instead of the previous limit of one. Similarly, actors can receive multiple nominations in the same category if their performances rank in the top five.

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

Released in August 2025, 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 on to 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 with 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 May 2, 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 May 2, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for May 2 Pips

Equal (6): Everything in this space must be equal to 6. The answer is 0-6, placed horizontally; 6-3, placed horizontally.

Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 6-3, placed horizontally; 3-4, placed horizontally.

Equal (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 3-4, placed horizontally; 4-4, placed horizontally.

Less Than (6): Everything in this space must be less than 6. The answer is 1-1, placed vertically.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for May 2 Pips

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

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

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

Equal (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 5-4, placed horizontally; 4-4, placed vertically.

Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 2-2, placed horizontally; 2-6, placed vertically.

Equal (6): Everything in this space must be equal to 6. The answer is 2-6, placed vertically; 5-6, placed vertically.

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

Hard difficulty hints, answers for May 2 Pips

Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 4-5, placed vertically; 2-5, placed vertically.

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

Number (15): Everything in this space must add up to 15. The answer is 3-5, placed horizontally.

Number (7): Everything in this space must add up to 7. The answer is 3-4, placed horizontally; 6-3, placed vertically.

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

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

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

Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 3-5, placed horizontally; 3-3, placed horizontally; 3-4, placed horizontally; 1-3, placed horizontally; 0-3, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 0-6, placed horizontally.

Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 0-6, placed horizontally; 0-3, placed horizontally; 0-1, placed horizontally.

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 0-1, 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 will require some knowledge of popular U.S. sports and pop culture.

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. The sports Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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Each puzzle features 16 words, and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise 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 before 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: 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: Found in the Iron City

• Green: Keeping score

• Blue: PWHL's best

• Purple: Racing horse winners

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: A Pittsburgh Athlete

• Green: Seen on an MLB Scorebug

• Blue: Teams in the PWHL Playoffs

• Purple: Horse Racing Triple Crowns

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 #585 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• A Pittsburgh Athlete: PANTHER, PENGUIN, PIRATE, STEELER

• Seen on an MLB Scorebug: COUNT, INNING, OUTS, SCORE

• Teams in the PWHL Playoffs: CHARGE, FLEET, FROST, VICTORIE

• Horse Racing Triple Crowns: AFFIRMED, CITATION, JUSTIFY, WHIRLAWAY

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 today's Connections.

If you sideload books onto your Kindle, you'll know that things don't always go smoothly. Files sometimes don't even convert properly, the formatting can be completely unpredictable, and your library becomes messy very quickly. That's why I convert my eBooks in Calibre before putting them on my Kindle. It fixes almost all the problems.

So you've heard about Qubes OS, and you're scared to try it. Well, you should be. Qubes OS is not something you can fumble through; there's an upfront research cost, and just because you have a powerful computer, it doesn't mean it'll work. I explain the entire hardware landscape in simple terms.

If you have a few ESP32’s lying around and nothing to do with them, let me show you some fun projects you can finish in under an hour. From full-on air quality monitors to simple sensor projects, here are five things you can do with your ESP32s today.

Is your Netflix watch list looking a little dry? Netflix is set to release new titles in May as the heat picks up, which will ensure your summer watch list is packed with new, fresh films, shows, documentaries, and live events.

Running a Plex server starts out as a tidy experiment and then quietly turns into infrastructure. At first, it is a few movies in a folder, maybe a TV show or two that you swear you will organize later. Then one evening you open the library and realize half the metadata is wrong, some files refuse to match, and someone has just messaged you asking if you can “add that one show with the guy” (this description is somehow expected to be sufficient). That is the moment Plex stops being a media server and starts behaving like a system that needs tooling around it.

If you've already made the switch from VLOOKUP to XLOOKUP in Excel, you've taken the first step toward better formulas. But most people still only use it as a drop-in replacement—they're missing one of its most powerful capabilities.

TL;DR: Build a Lego Star Wars N-1 Starfighter and take it home with you for free on May 3.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego: Free N-1 Starfighter for Star Wars Day   Learn More

Lego regularly runs make and take events, providing an opportunity for participants to walk away with an exclusive build for free. We've made noise about a number of these free giveaways over the years, but nothing gets the people going like free Star Wars Lego.

Lego is once again celebrating Star Wars Day by offering an exclusive mini build for free. Visitors to select Lego Stores around the world can build and bring home a model Star Wars N-1 Starfighter for free. This event is intended for participants aged 10+ years, and the model is available on a first-come-first-serve basis, at participating locations, while supplies last. Warning: These free models are going to go quickly.

In the U.S. and Canada, this free giveaway will take place from 12-2 p.m. on May 3. You can then admire your free model on Star Wars Day.

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The free model depicts the Mandalorian’s second ship with Grogu. You're obviously not getting the same level of detail as the new 1,809-piece Lego Star Wars The Mandalorian’s N-1 Starfighter, but it's a seriously fun collectible that money cannot buy. What's not to love?

The only catch is that you are limited to one build per participant. You can't just turn up and stock up, but that feels fair.

Celebrate Star Wars Day in style with a free N-1 Starfighter from Lego.

Your 3D printer can turn photos and other images into physical objects using a variety of techniques. This includes—but is not limited to—lithophanes, a 19th-century technique that traditionally relied on porcelain but has since been updated for the modern age.

One of the best parts of being a Lego fan is that it's almost guaranteed that at some point, one of your non-Lego interests will be plastic brick-ified.

May's newest Lego sets are proof of exactly that: there are Toy Story sets (ahead of the fifth installment's release next month), a Lewis Hamilton helmet for F1 fans, a Cristiano Ronaldo set ahead of the 2026 World Cup, and some adorable additions to the Botanicals line.

SEE ALSO: Our 15 favorite Lego sets, sourced from actual Lego fans

You can find them below, along with more of the best releases from the past few months, including Smart Play Star Wars-themed sets, the first-ever Lego Pokémon collaboration, the Lego Game Boy, and a gorgeous Lego-fied Claude Monet painting that I'm legitimately tempted to buy every time I update this list.

Best new Lego sets as of May 2026Lego Botanicals Rocking Plants Look at how much fun they're having!!! Credit: Lego

Last year, Lego launched the Happy Plants set that was so cute, it made Mashable's Timothy Werth want to befriend the two little planters. Considering the continued adorable appearance of the next iteration, we imagine Werth will be looking for more pals in these Rocking Plants.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Botanicals Rocking Plants $22.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Disney Alien with Pizza Planet Rocket Ride The briiiccccckkkk. Credit: Lego

There are plenty of iconic aliens out there, but I would argue the little green guys from Toy Story sit in at least at least in the top five, if not top three, of all time iconic extraterrestrials. Factor in the Pizza Planet branding, the coin slot for the ride, and you have an excellent Lego set.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Disney Alien with Pizza Planet Rocket Ride $59.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Editions Cristiano Ronaldo Soccer Legend The best World Cup viewing companion. Credit: Lego

He's a soccer great, and this set is pretty great, too. This 854-piece Cristiano Ronaldo can be put in his recognizable "siu" pose, or mid-bicycle kick. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just around the corner, this Lego is a unique way to commemorate the occasion.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Editions Cristiano Ronaldo Soccer Legend $79.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Editions Scuderia Ferrari HP Lewis Hamilton Helmet Complete with a mini Lewis Hamilton. Credit: Lego

Maybe you'll never know what it's like to be behind the wheel of a car as one of the greatest drivers of all time. But you can know what it's like to own a Lego version of his helmet, which is kind of the second-best thing?

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Editions Scuderia Ferrari HP Lewis Hamilton Helmet $89.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Best Lego sets coming soon Best Lego sets available for preorder or coming soon Preorder for May 1 Lego Editions FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Emblem $24.99 Pre-Order Here Preorder for August 1 Lego One Piece Tony Tony Chopper $69.99 Pre-Order Here Available June 1 Lego Ideas Peanuts: Snoopy's Doghouse $89.99 Learn More Available June 1 Lego Marvel Spider-Man Hero Figure $99.99 Learn More Preorder for June 1 Lego Jurassic Park Dinosaur Fossils: Triceratops $109.99 Pre-Order Here Preorder for June 1 Lego Shrek, Donkey & Puss in Boots $129.99 Pre-Order Here Best new Lego sets as of April 2026Lego Gift Box Celebration A birthday gift to celebrate any Lego lover. Credit: Lego

The universal human experience? Asking yourself what you want for your birthday. This gift celebration box is one festive answer, both for getting yourself a piece of decor or gifting a fellow brick lover.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Gift Box Celebration $19.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Star Wars Darth Vader Bust Luke, I am your tastefully nerdy decor. Credit: Lego

I mean, it's a Darth Vader bust; is there much more to say? It feels fitting that one of the most recognizable film characters of all time has a museum-worthy bust in Lego form. This 349-piece set stands at just over seven inches tall, making it the perfect balance of a statement piece that doesn't threaten to take up your entire bookshelf.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars Darth Vader Bust $49.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Star Wars Grogu Grogu remains adorable in every form he comes in. Credit: Lego

When we knew him as Baby Yoda, Grogu was adorable. When we know him as a 1,200-piece, eight-inch-tall Lego set, he's adorable. In other words, you can't go wrong picking up Lego Grogu.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars Grogu $129.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Super Mario Mario Kart Luigi & Mach 8 Blue shell not included. Credit: Lego

Maybe you haven't quite bitten the bullet on a Switch 2, and therefore Mario Kart World. Maybe you've been playing a lot of Mario Kart World and want to continue the fun IRL. Either way, this over 2,000-piece Luigi Mario Kart set is one worth considering.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Super Mario Mario Kart Luigi & Mach 8 $179.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Icons Douglas DC-3 PAN AM Airliner Vintage aircraft fans, this one's for you. Credit: Lego

You've heard of model trains; now there are Lego planes. This replica of the 1930s twin-engine aircraft comes with a kitted-out cockpit and passenger cabin, because this is Lego after all. The 1,903-piece set is recommended for builders 18 and over.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Icons Douglas DC-3 PAN AM Airliner $219.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Technic McLaren MCL39 F1 Car One of the more affordable ways to get an F1 car. Credit: Lego

You know what goes really well with the Lewis Hamilton F1 helmet? A Technic F1 McLaren. At least, it's just a bit more accessible than buying the real thing.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Technic McLaren MCL39 F1 Car $229.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Best new Lego sets as of March 2026Lego London Bus It's a red bus, innit? Credit: Lego

Lego city-related sets are often targeted toward older fans, but this double-decker London bus is recommended for anyone 8 and up, and it's only 245 pieces. And for older folks, the red could be rather striking for some shelf decor.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego London Bus $20.02 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego BrickHeadz Sulley, Mike, and Boo Don't put these things back where they came from, or so help me. Credit: Lego

Personally, I can't get over how cute Mike Wazowski's single eye is in this set. The whole lineup is adorable, though, and at only 303 pieces, a great quick build.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego BrickHeadz Sulley, Mike, and Boo $24.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Disney Sally's Flowerpot Botanicals fans who also love Halloween, this is your set. Credit: Lego

At first glance, this set includes a Sally Minifigure and the exterior of her flowerpot. Plenty on its own to satisfy Nightmare Before Christmas fans, but Lego takes it a step further by making the interior of the flowerpot its own room filled with accessories for Sally.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Disney Sally's Flowerpot $49.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Technic BMW M4 GT3 EVO Race Car This set comes with a code to unlock content in the racing game Asphalt Legends. Credit: Lego

Live out your pit crew dreams by putting together a Lego-fied BMW race car. This 747-piece set is good for ages 11 and up, and comes with steering, a six-cylinder engine, and opening doors.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Technic BMW M4 GT3 EVO Race Car $64.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Technic Jeep Wrangler Rubicon SUV A Jeep appropriate for children to take the wheel of. Credit: Lego

Maybe your kiddo isn't quite old enough to get behind the wheel of a Jeep, but this Lego Wrangler Rubicon is good for anyone ages 10 and up. As expected from any actual Jeep on the road, this SUV comes packed with the sense of adventure and whimsy, from a surfboard to a rubber duck for the dash.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Technic Jeep Wrangler Rubicon SUV $64.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Icons Project Hail Mary Complete with a minifigure Rocky and Ryland Grace. Credit: Lego

Anyone else ugly cry over Rocky in the theater? Anyone else tempted to ugly cry over Lego Rocky? No. OK, well, this 830-piece replica of the ship from Project Hail Mary is also pretty sick, too.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Icons Project Hail Mary $99.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Ideas Orange Cat Probably a great way to freak out your real cat, tbh. Credit: Lego

Lego made a tuxedo cat, so naturally, they had to follow up with the creature that inspired the phrase "orange cat behavior" (iykyk). Unlike an actual orange cat, you'll have some level of control over this one, with the ability to adjust its eyes, ears, tail, paws, and even its facial expression.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Ideas Orange Cat $99.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Ideas Floating Sea Otter Impossible not to say aw when looking at this set. Credit: Lego

It's a Lego floating sea otter. It's cute as hell. It comes with a baby otter you can rest on its stomach. Somehow, the set gets even cuter. And it's almost a foot wide, so it's sure to be one of the better conversation starters in your space.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Ideas Floating Sea Otters $119.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Art Claude Monet Bridge over a Pond of Water Lilies This set is legitimate art. Credit: Lego

Of all the Lego sets I've added to this list, this Claude Monet one has tempted me the most. At 3,179 pieces and $249.99, it's an investment in more ways than one. Still, I can't help but remain impressed by how well the Lego style works with the impressionism of Monet, making this one of the more striking sets from the Art line, in my humble opinion.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Art Claude Monet Bridge over a Pond of Water Lilies $249.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Best new Lego sets as of February 2026Lego Disney Piglet's Birthday Fun Only the most iconic friends get made into Lego sets. Credit: Lego

Oh, bother! These sets are almost annoyingly cute. For a more affordable option, you can celebrate Piglet's birthday with him for $39.99. Of course, it'd also be tempting to pick up Pooh and his pot of Hunny — but it'll run you slightly more at $149.99. Both Piglet and Pooh are available for preorder immediately and will be officially released come March 1.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Disney Piglet's Birthday Fun $39.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Botanicals Magnolia Branches Tasteful flowers that never die? Say less. Credit: Lego

Lego has long been the savior for those of us without a green thumb, but even for the best gardeners out there, an indoor magnolia tree situation isn't exactly the most practical. Now, Lego has us covered with this new set that's an easy 435 pieces. Preorders are available now, and are set to be available starting March 1.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Botanicals Magnolia Branches $49.99 at Lego
  Pre-order Here Lego Icons The Lord of the Rings: Sauron's Helmet That's what I call a statement piece. Credit: Lego

One thing about Lego is that it's going to keep Lord of the Rings fans fed, but not exactly on the cheap. Out of the five LotR sets available, Sauron's Helmet is the only one less than $100, clocking in at $69.99. That lower price point isn't a sacrifice on size — the 538-piece set stands at over a foot tall, making it plenty viable as a statement piece.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego The Lord of the Rings: Sauron's Helmet $69.99 at Lego
  Pre-order Here Lego Botanicals Flower Wall The aptly-named Lego Flower Wall. Credit: Lego

Many of the Lego Botanicals sets can be arranged in a vase or as a table centerpiece, but it's less common to come across ones that can easily be hung on the wall. For a year-round pop of color, Lego introduced the Flower Wall — it's also the only set on our list that's available for purchase immediately (without a preorder period). At $89.99, it is one of the pricier Botanicals sets (though it's also one of the bigger ones). Still, if you're looking for a cheaper option, the new Sunflower Botanicals set is available for preorder now, with a release date of March 1.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Botanicals Flower Wall $89.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Editions Soccer Ball This Lego soccer ball does not come hollow. Credit: Lego

Maybe watching the Winter Olympics has got you hyped for the Summer Olympics in 2028, or maybe you're simply a big soccer fan. In either case, this Lego Soccer Ball set is sick. At first glance, it looks exactly what it sounds like — a plastic brickified version of the ball. Open it up, and you'll find a mini stadium in full-swing celebration.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Editions Soccer Ball $129.99 at Lego
  Pre-order Here Lego Icons Ford Model T No assembly line required for building. Credit: Lego

Lego has modeled a lot of iconic cars over the years, but it's possible there's no car more iconic than the very first mass-produced one — the Ford Model T. The 1,060-piece set gives you plenty of accessibility in exploring the car, from the liftable seat that reveals the gas tank, to the accessible engine under the hood, and the foldable fabric roof top. Fans can preorder the set now, with full availability coming March 1.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Icons Ford Model T $129.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Smart Play Star Wars sets Punch it, Chewie! Credit: Lego

Fan of the original trilogies? Whether your favorite setting is the Millennium Falcon, Endor (with its adorable Ewoks), Mos Eisley Cantina, Yoda's Hut, or Luke's landspeeder on Tatooine, Lego's newest batch of Smart Play sets has got you covered. The sets range in price, but all of them are available for preorder with a release date of March 1.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars Smart Play sets (5 sets) Starting at $39.99 Shop Now Best new Lego sets as of January 2026Lego Pokémon Lego Pikachu, we choose you. Credit: Lego

The first-ever Lego Pokémon release actually is made up of three sets, all of which are available for preorder and set to ship out on Feb. 27. Each exists in a different price tier: there's the adorable and affordable Eevee, which clocks in at $59.99 for a 587-piece set, the more involved Pikachu and Poké Ball with 2,050 pieces for $199.99, and finally the massive Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise set, which is a whopping $649.99 for 6,838 pieces.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Pokémon (3 sets) Ranging from $59.99 to $649.99, depending on the set Shop Now Lego Smart Play Star Wars sets Charge up your Smart Bricks before adding them to the set to add an extra element of interactivity. Credit: Lego

Lego's Smart Play system just debuted at CES 2026, and already, the first three sets from the line are available for preorder, with a ship date set for March 1.

The Smart Play system includes three elements — the Smart Brick, Smart Minifigure, and Smart Tag — which can all be found on the debut sets of Darth Vader's TIE Fighter, Luke's Red Five X-Wing, and the Throne Room Duel & A-Wing. Star Wars fans aren't just getting the debut of a new type of Lego, but they're also getting relative affordability (in Lego terms, at least): the former two sets are below $100, with the latter set costing $159.99, and coming with the greatest number of Smart Bricks, Smart Minifigs, and Smart Tags.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Smart Play Star Wars sets Ranging from $69.99 to $159.99, depending on the set Shop Now Lego Creator 3-in-1 Retro Gaming Console The gaming console can also be built into a computer or arcade machine. Credit: Lego

Can't quite swing the $60 Lego Game Boy? No problem. The 3-in-1 Retro Gaming Console delivers for just $19.99, offering the form of a handheld, computer, and arcade machine with its 268 pieces. For anyone who enjoys switching it up or prefers a low-key build, this might be the better option.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Creator 3-in-1 Retro Gaming Console $19.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Bugs Bunny A Lego set with the potential to absolutely ruin Elmer Fudd's day. Credit: Lego

It's buying a (Lego) rabbit season, folks. Though this set is just 605 pieces, it stands at a decent seven inches high, nine inches wide, and five inches deep. Bugs's personality can shine through with the adjustable head, ears, arms, wrists, and fingers.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Bugs Bunny $39.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Minecraft The Fox Find foxes in the taiga biome, or your living room. Credit: Lego

The days of Minecraft creatures existing solely behind a computer screen are gone, thanks to the Lego Minecraft line. The Fox set comes in at just $39.99, and is a relatively simple build with 497 pieces. Like Bugs, this set can be positioned and posed, and depending on the build, can have opened or closed eyes.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Minecraft The Fox $39.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Spring Wreath Ring in spring with a Lego wreath. Credit: Lego

Lego's holiday wreaths aren't just limited to the colder months. The straightforwardly-named Spring Wreath comes with 747 pieces and some decor options. One build of the set lets you go all-in on Easter theming, with a bunny head and eggs to adorn the wreath, while another aims for a classic spring look, with a yellow bow and flowers.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Spring Wreath $39.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Botanicals Peace Lily Behold: a peace lily that will never droop. Credit: Lego

Cat owners, rejoice! The latest Botanicals release means you can finally own a peace lily without worry that you're putting poison within paws' reach. Non-cat owners can also appreciate that this peace lily will permanently flower and look healthy (never in my life have I encountered a plant as dramatic as a peace lily). At $49.99 and just 474 pieces, this set is a great addition for more casual and dedicated Lego fans alike.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Botanicals Peace Lily $49.96 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Technic NASA Artemis Space Launch System Rocket Houston, we have a cool Lego set. Credit: Lego

Lego Icons released an Artemis launch set that goes for $249.99 and is currently on backorder. This Technics set, by contrast, is available for purchase and will ship immediately, and is a more stomachable $59.99. Sure, it's 632 pieces to the Icons' 3,601 pieces, but there's something to be said about affordability when nerding out over space.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Technic NASA Artemis Space Launch System Rocket $59.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Art Japanese Cherry Blossom Landscape Lego Art decor is the best kind of decor. Credit: Lego

The Lego Art line has produced some of the most coveted sets from the brand, from Van Gogh's Sunflowers to Hokusai's The Great Wave. These sets are a) stunning and b) hangable just like non-Lego art. On both fronts, the latest addition — the Japanese Cherry Blossom Landscape — is no exception. At $139.99 for 1,892 pieces, it's one of the less expensive and mid-size framed pieces from the line, but it certainly doesn't skimp on color and detail. Popular as it is, this set is currently on backorder, but will be shipped out on Feb. 1.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Art Japanese Cherry Blossom Landscape $139.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Icons Shopping Street Just have to pop around to the Lego shops. Credit: Lego

The Lego Modular Buildings collection just got a new addition in the form of the Lego Icons Shopping Street. This 3,456-piece set features a three-story building housing two floors of stores and a top-floor apartment, as well as a two-story music shop. You'll be able to adorn your shopping plaza with the seven included minifigures.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Icons Shopping Street $249.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Best new Lego sets as of December 2025Lego Creator 3-in-1 Space Exploration Telescope A tripod telescope is one of three available builds in this one set. Credit: Lego

What's just as cool as space? The fact that this 278-piece set can be built into three different configurations, including an adjustable telescope on a tripod, an adjustable microscope, or a UFO. It's the perfect set for the space enthusiast in your life, young or old, and best of all, it's just $34.99. Preorders ship out on January 1, 2026.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Creator 3-in-1 Space Exploration Telescope $34.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Fortune Firecracker Legos that serve as wall decor are elite. Credit: Lego

Lunar New Year isn't until February, but you can get prepared by pre-ordering this Lego Fortune Firecracker. The eight firecrackers "crackle" when they're moved, and the entire set can be mounted on the wall. The center can also be opened to reveal one of two scenes of your choice — a firework display or God of Fortune celebration scene. Preorders will ship out on January 1.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Fortune Firecracker $89.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Editions FIFA World Cup Official Trophy Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / Lego

In classic Lego style, this replica brings you more than meets the eye. The 2,842-piece set functions as a 14.5-inch brick version of the iconic World Cup trophy, but unlike the real deal, the top can also be opened to reveal a World Cup scene. The actual World Cup isn't until July of next year, but preorders for this set ship out on March 1, 2026.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Editions FIFA World Cup Official Trophy $199.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Ideas The Goonies The Goonies Legos 'R' Good Enough. Credit: Lego

The Goonies turned a whopping 40 years old this year — what better way to celebrate than building this nearly 3,000 piece set, featuring the iconic Inferno pirate ship housing vignettes from the film? And unlike the full-scale ship built for the movie, it won't be devastating if you want to scrap this one and build it all over again. At the time of writing, this set is on backorder, but should be ready to ship out (no pun intended) 60 days from purchase.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Ideas The Goonies $329.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Icons Star Trek: U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D Your living room: The Final Frontier. Credit: Lego

The crew of the Lego U.S.S. Enterprise may be used to more exciting voyages than the one to your office shelves or living room sideboard, but the Star Trek fans will probably appreciate being greeted by the display every single day.

SEE ALSO: How 'Star Trek: The Next Generation' ruled the internet

This Next Generation-themed 3,600-piece set comes with nine minifigures, a detachable command saucer, secondary hull, warp nacelles with distinctive red and blue detailing, an opening shuttlebay, 2 mini shuttlepods, and an angled display stand with a schematic and ship statistics. Also currently on backorder, it will ship out 60 days after purchase.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Icons Star Trek: U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D $399.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Icons Tropical Aquarium All the aquarium essentials are in this set, including a treasure chest. Credit: Lego

This set may be a whopping 4,154 pieces, but after the initial build, it'll be way less work to maintain a real aquarium. Plus, it even comes with knobs and levers so you can "move" the sea life inside, from a striped brickfish to sea anemones and, of course, a sunken treasure chest. This backordered set will ship out 60 days after purchase.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Icons Tropical Aquarium $479.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Best new Lego sets as of October 2025Lego Time Machine from Back to the Future Credit: Lego

It's relatively common to see Lego sets from popular IPs, but less so to see them at an under-$50 price point. This quaint 357-piece set is the perfect coffee table addition for Back to the Future fans. It's on preorder until its ship date of Jan. 1, 2026 (not 1955). This isn't the first time Marty McFly's DeLorean has been brickified, but this more-affordable set is part of the Lego Speed Champions line.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Time Machine from 'Back to the Future' $27.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Up-Scaled Santa Minifigure Why not get into the holiday spirit before the end of October? Credit: Lego

Not to pit sets against each other, but I wasn't wowed by the $330 Christmas Tree (and neither were reviewers on Lego's site so far). This oversized Santa minifig is a much more palatable $54.99, has the positive reviews to back it up, and stands at a nice 10.5-inches tall, making it a great addition for any holiday setup.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Up-Scaled Santa Minifigure $54.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Gingerbread AT-AT Walker Not pictured: the seasonally-appropriate snowy landscape of Hoth. Credit: Lego

Star Wars fans have another huge (literally) release lower down on this list, but for anyone looking to get into the holiday spirit while honoring their love of Star Wars lucked out with this Lego Gingerbread AT-AT Walker. It's just a bit smaller than the now-retired 1,267-piece AT-AT Lego originally released, but at 697 pieces and 7.5-inches tall, it's still plenty to ring in the holidays with.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Gingerbread AT-AT Walker $59.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Super Mario Game Boy The ultimate dose of nostalgia. Credit: Lego

I don't know if there's a combination of words more nostalgic than Lego Super Mario Game Boy. This set was announced for preorder in July, and as of Oct. 1, is finally available. As a small catch, it is on backorder for up to 60 days, so if you're looking to gift it to the gamer in your life this holiday season, I'd grab it sooner rather than later. The set comes with a customizable display and game paks, but if you want to play actual games on this Lego replica, you'll have to go the same path as this modder.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Super Mario Game Boy $59.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Ideas Mineral Collection For any Botanicals fans looking for something a little different, one of Lego Ideas newest releases has got you covered. Credit: Lego

They're (Lego) minerals, Marie. One of the latest releases from the Ideas line is an 880-piece set that allows you to create a nice display of Lego golden pyrite, purple amethyst, reddish-pink rhodochrosite, blue fluorite, watermelon tourmaline and tangerine quartz.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Ideas Mineral Collection $59.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Batman Logo This easy to display Batman set celebrates 20 years of Lego Batman. Credit: Lego

It may be hard to come by your own personal bat signal if you don't live in Gotham, but Lego made it easy with this Batman Logo set. The 678-piece set celebrates 20 years of Lego Batman, hence the golden Batman and anniversary coin. Also included is the display stand, supports for wall-mounting the piece, and a code to unlock a character in Lego Batman Legacy of the Dark Knight. As of now, it's only available for preorder, and will ship on March 1, 2026.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego 'Batman' Logo $79.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Wicked Emerald City & Kiamo Ko Castle One short day, in the Lego Emerald City. Credit: Lego

We're closing in on the release to the Wicked sequel. If you're looking to kill some time before the film's release, this relatively small (but adorable) 860-piece set will do the trick.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego 'Wicked' Emerald City & Kiamo Ko Castle $79.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Ideas Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory The snozzberries do in fact taste like snozzberries. Credit: Lego

Come with me, and you'll be, in a world of 2,205 plastic bricks that make up the iconic scenes from Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. This set comes with nine minifigures (you'll never guess who five of them are), along with depictions of the chocolate waterfall and Wonkatania boat.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Ideas Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory $219.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Icons Captain Jack Sparrow's Pirate Ship And yes, it does come equipped with a row of cannons. Credit: Lego

The enduring power of Pirates of the Caribbean's popularity can be found in two facts about this Lego set. One, it's part of the Icons series, meaning it joins the ranks of other iconic IPs. Two, it's on backorder for the next 60 days, so if you're wanting to get an impressive display piece sooner rather than later, I recommend adding it to your cart ASAP.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Icons Captain Jack Sparrow's Pirate Ship $379.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now Lego Star Wars Death Star This 9,023-piece set might rival the build time of the actual Death Star. Credit: Lego

Step aside, $850 Lego Millennium Falcon. The Lego Death Star hits a $999.99 price point, making it the most expensive Lego from the brand. While its price point has raised some eyebrows, this is one of the top ten biggest sets Lego's ever made, and the biggest Lego Star Wars set to date, clocking in at a whopping 9,023 pieces, including 36 minifigures and two droid figures.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego 'Star Wars' Death Star $999.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Best new Lego sets as of August 2025Lego Jack-O'-Lantern Pickup Truck The farmer figurine nails the balance of fear and excitement known by every Halloween fan. Credit: Lego

The correct day to start celebrating Halloween season is Sept. 1, but as someone who absolutely loves Halloween, I will allow Aug. 1. This quaint Jack-O'-Lantern set (with a pumpkin you can open!) nails the vibe for adorable Halloween bookshelf decor for under $20.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Jack-O'-Lantern Pickup Truck $14.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Arcade Machine The perfect desk accessory. Credit: Lego

What is the point of being a gamer if not collecting adorable accessories through which to channel your passion? I guess actually playing games, but when your eyes need a break from your screen, building this mini arcade machine could do. The 468-piece set opens up to a mini gaming room for the included minifigure.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Arcade Machine $39.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Halloween Wreath Credit: Lego

Between the bats, spiders, pumpkins, and ghosts, the only Halloween heavy hitter missing on this wreath is a skeleton (though it does feature bones). While this wouldn't be the best outdoor option, Lego's Halloween Wreath comes with a string for easy hanging in your home, making it a great option for getting in the spooky spirit.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Halloween Wreath $39.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego 'Mario Kart' Piranha Plant Power-Up Pursuit Switch 2 owners aren't the only ones who get to enjoy new Mario Kart content. Credit: Lego

Don't quite have the funds to get your hands on the new Mario Kart game just yet? This set requires no Switch 2 to enjoy, featuring Koopa Troopa, Toadette, the Tanooki Kart and Cat Cruiser, and of course, a piranha plant you can attach to either kart.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Mario Kart Piranha Plant Power-Up Pursuit $49.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Botanicals Mini Bonsai Trees Look at the serenity of these tiny Lego trees! Credit: Lego

Lego Botanicals fans: we did it. We finally got a set of bonsai trees that don't have any flowers or leaves actually made up of tiny pink frogs. (No shade to the frog fans, it's just a little unnerving for some of us!).

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Botanicals Mini Bonsai Trees $64.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Botanicals Hibiscus A perfect addition for a Lego Botanical garden. Credit: Lego

If there's a Lego Botanicals flower set that isn't gorgeous, I've yet to come across it, and the Hibiscus set is certainly no exception. The 660-piece life-size flower set comes with posable petals in a pretty lilac shade, making it an excellent accent piece.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Botanicals Hibiscus $69.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego One Piece Battle at Arlong Park Credit: Lego

The Arlong Park arc of One Piece is what some fans consider the real hook — no small feat considering the original anime is over 1,000 episodes long (and still ongoing). Luffy's rubber powers get a fun feature in the arm-lengthening pieces, and a tap to the top of the pagoda causes it to explode in a nod to the show's unforgettable fight scenes.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego 'One Piece' Battle at Arlong Park $79.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now Lego Nike Dunk x Lego Who knew a Lego sneaker would look this good? Credit: Lego

There's a Lego collab for everyone, including Nike and basketball fans. This 1,180 set comes with a couple of tricks up its sleeve (or down its shoe?), in the form of a storage compartment in the sneaker (where you can drop the minifig or extra shoe lace colors to swap later) and the ability to spin the basketball. That's a slam dunk of a fun set.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Nike Dunk x Lego $99.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Star Wars Wicket the Ewok What's more stunning decor, the Botanicals Hibiscus or Wicket the Ewok? Credit: Lego

Ewoks are the most adorable creature in the Star Wars universe, argue with the wall. While I think Lego could've made real magic with a life size Ewok set, this 1,010 piece that stands around nine inches tall is pretty adorable, too. And true to canon, he comes equipped with a spear and a little treat.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego 'Star Wars' Wicket the Ewok $129.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Marvel Spider-Man vs. Oscorp Display some of Spider-Man's most iconic heroes and villains in your living room. Credit: Lego

This Spider-Man set packs in the heavy hitters from the beloved series: Spider-Man, Miles Morales, Norman Osborn, the Green Goblin, and Venom — just to name a few of the minifigures found among the 808 pieces that make up this set. The city model features Miles Morales' apartment, the Oscorp building, and Venom's apartment, giving you plenty of opportunities for staging the perfect Spider-Man scene.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Marvel Spider-Man vs. Oscorp $139.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Icons Shelby Cobra 427 S/C From afar, this set almost doesn't look like Legos. Credit: Lego

Early buyers of the Shelby Cobra 427 S/C set are impressed: the attention to detail paid to the design makes the car look great from afar and up close. The working steering wheel is a nice touch, alongside Caroll Shelly's signature on the glovebox.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Icons Shelby Cobra 427 S/C $159.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Star Wars AT-ST Walker A room isn't complete without a good statement piece. Credit: Lego

If you missed out on the Lego AT-AT set before it was discontinued (and fair — it was $849.99), this AT-ST set is much more reasonably priced at $199.99, and it doesn't require quite as much shelf space, making it overall a much more practical option. And it's still just as iconic to the Star Wars universe.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars AT-ST Walker $199.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now Lego Architecture Neuschwanstein Castle From the Alps to your living room. Credit: Lego

Lego's architecture line depicts some of the most famous structures from around the globe, from Notre Dame in Paris to the Himeji Castle in Japan. For this latest release, Lego brings us to the impressive Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany. It requires you build through 3,455 pieces, but it looks like the view is well worth it.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Architecture Neuschwanstein Castle $279.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now Lego One Piece The Baratie Floating Restaurant Display this set on a repurposed trunk and you've got yourself a vibe. Credit: Lego

That's right — we have two iconic One Piece scenes on our list. With 3,402 pieces for building this set, you'll create the floating restaurant with detailed rooms where you can place 10 included characters and wanted posters.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego 'One Piece' The Baratie Floating Restaurant $329.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now

I was 14 when I saw Les Misérables on Broadway, and it blew my mind. The production, with its spinning stage and massive ensemble, expanded my understanding of what live theater could be. And in a Broadway season arguably overstuffed with stage interpretations of beloved movies, like Beaches, Dog Day Afternoon, The Rocky Horror Show, and Titanique, it was The Lost Boys: A New Musical that took me back to that feeling of being a child in awe of the magic of live theater.

Based on the grubby cult horror film from Joel Schumacher, this musical offers the familiar story of a family of three looking to start a new life in the beachside town of Santa Carla, California. There's just one obstacle to a single mom and her teen sons having a happy ending: a roving pack of motorcycle-riding teen vampires. 

The movie is a messy blend of bloody horror, earnest drama, goofball comedy, and camp — including an inexplicably buff, shirtless, and greased-up saxophone player. So, my expectations for the stage show were that it would be self-mocking, like the irreverent fun of the Celine Dion jukebox musical parody Titanique. However, The Lost Boys: A New Musical has more in common with Little Shop of Horrors, which gets name-dropped in a cheeky moment of self-awareness. 

The book by Chris Hoch and David Hornsby (Mythic Quest) fleshes out the narratives for all three family members, and the sexy mullet-sporting vampire named David. From there, the tonal shifts of the movie remain, but original songs from the band The Rescues help smooth the transition from one emotion to the next, so that each can hit with a rousing intensity. 

Make no mistake: The Lost Boys: A New Musical rocks. 

The Lost Boys: A New Musical is an astounding production.  Maria Wirries and LJ Benet play Star and Michael in "The Lost Boys: A New Musical." Credit: Matthew Murphy

Cheers to director Michael Arden (Queen of Versailles), who masterfully unfolds the world of Santa Clara one flashlight swipe at a time. 

As the audience files in, the view of the stage is blocked by an opaque black scrim. Then, "1987" is projected upon it in white light. The show begins with a stage so dark that we can see little of the set aside from a small, boxy television sitting downstage, playing footage of President Ronald Reagan bloviating on family values. A police officer enters from a doorway high up from the stage, indicating a second story to the setting. He is viewable only as a silhouette. He calls out into the dark, and his flashlight sweeps across the room, revealing details of a rusted factory's interior with each urgent movement. 

As our eyes adjust to the darkness, we see the cop is not alone. A stalking figure floats down from the rafters. This is David (Ali Louis Bourzgui), who appears with grace of an angel and the bloodlust of a demon. 

He descends on the cop and pulls him up into the sky, feeding on his neck high above the stage. Then the stage lights flash, and we are blinded. Just like that, the scene has changed. The scrim's projection light tells us we're in Phoenix, Arizona. Where there were moments before an abandoned factory and a fresh kill, there's now Michael Emerson (LJ Benet) revving his motorcycle. 

From here, we'll meet his nerdy younger brother, Sam (Benjamin Pajak), and his patient mom, Lucy (Shoshana Bean), as they hurriedly pack up to move away from an abusive father and husband. 

This is a smart change from the original film, which had the father as a non-entity. Here, he's the first monster this trio has faced, which they sing about in the show's first song, "No More Monsters." But this violent drunk also becomes a future possibility that Michael fears repeating. So as he gets pulled into David's blood-sucking gang, his fear is not just of becoming a vampire but of becoming a vicious brute like his dad. 

The book and music also beautifully build out Sam and Lucy. For the former, the musical leans into the queer undertones of the movie, making Sam's journey one of realizing a side of himself he'd been hesitant to recognize with "Superpower." For Lucy, she not only has a budding romance but also reflects on how her past as a hippie brought her back to her hometown in the rousing "Wild."

Shortly after the family arrives at Santa Clara, they each find their own pockets of its boardwalk life. Lucy meets Max (Paul Alexander Nolan) the friendly owner of the local video rental store. Sam tumbles into a comic book shop, where he meets the Frog brothers (Jennifer Duka and Miguel Gil), who warn him of the town's dark side as "Murder Capital of the World." 

Michael plunges into that dark side, led by a bohemian beauty named Star (Maria Wirries), who performs onstage with a leather-strapped rock band led by the seductive David. "Have to Have You," he croons with the thrilling sensuality of '80s hair bands, locking us to a time and mood that Kiefer Sutherland made intoxicating decades before. 

Ali Louis Bourzgui is spellbinding as The Lost Boys' David.  Ali Louis Bourzgui and Dean Maupin as David and Paul in "The Lost Boys: A New Musical." Credit: Matthew Murphy

Sporting black leather, a bleached blonde mullet, sharp fangs, and a sharper smile, Bourzgui oozes sex appeal and menace. There's a whiff of Kiefer in his approach, as he plays David as a vampire who clearly relishes his power. There's an edge of camp to his portrayal, as he endlessly poses, whether strutting on stage or flying high above it. 

This David is knowingly performative, projecting an image of killer cool and absolute freedom. But in private moments with Star — and later, Michael — an edge of his vulnerabilities creeps through the cracks, making him not softer but more volatile. (Echoes of The Vampire Lestat!) 

While Michael is undoubtedly the lead of The Lost Boys, Bourzgui is its star. Benet gives an earnest and angst-filled performance that brings rich depths to the tortured teen. But Bourzgui becomes more than an actor or a singer on that stage. He becomes a rock star, a magician, and a god.

The mesmerizing grace with which he flows from floor to ceiling, swimming through the air on wires as if he can truly fly, is breathtaking. I know there are wires there; sometimes I can even see them. But the effect is so sublime that I believe in David and his powers with utter abandon. 

When Bourzgui is on stage, it's hard to look away from him, his presence is so completely captivating. And his uncanny bravado helps ground the show's sillier scenes, pulled directly from the movie. 

You might assume the motorcycle race won't make it to the stage. And the scene where they drop from the train tracks? How do you do that in a theatrical production? The Lost Boys will show you how. 

The Lost Boys: A New Musical is better than Schumacher's movie.  Shoshana Bean is Lucy Emerson in "The Lost Boys: A New Musical." Credit: Matthew Murphy

A masterful employment of lights helps turn the stage into a bumpy, dark road, perfect for reckless racing. Fog machines and wires allow for a recreation of the train tracks scene that isn't remotely hokey, as it was in the movie. Instead, when Michael, who has fed on David's blood, dares to let go, his fall is transcendent, creating a live stunt that feels impossible even as you watch it. 

Arden's production marries light, sound, sets, and blocking to a miraculous effect, using not just the stage but the whole of that big box to tell this story to its fullest. The Lost Boys operates not only on the X and Z axis of the stage, but on Y as well, through the wire work and a three-story set design that constantly shifts with details and company. 

The supporting cast comes out as cheery surfers and roller skaters, seemingly plucked from Barbie. Then they resurface as studded punks, with sneers and safety pins. Next they're old-school vampires, comically draped in long capes, then superheroes in brightly colored unitards. Seamlessly, they switch roles in costume and physicality, building out the world of Santa Clara with every appearance. 

Arden thoughtfully places his cast in every scene, like a master illusionist. With the towering canvas at the Palace Theatre, he strategically uses blocking to draw our eye to one corner, where David is lit to glisten, his bared abs looking chiseled by marble in the pale blue light. Meanwhile, Michael is upstage, preparing for flight. When he takes off, your eyes snap to him, and the next stunt or jump scare is already in the works in another spot. 

Where Sam's arc builds out some Goonies-style fun with brave kids getting in over their heads, Michael and David's story becomes an increasingly terrifying adventure. Arden manages surprises and scares by how he throws David's voice around the theater. He uses darkness to allow for horrid surprise entrances, and pyrotechnics to make some of the flashiest slays really pop. The audience (myself included) shouted and cheered at such displays, as if we were at a rock show. And indeed, we are! 

Much as Alan Menken and Howard Ashman did with Roger Corman's Little Shop of Horrors, Hornsby, Hoch, The Rescues, and Arden have taken an odd horror movie and expanded it into a wildly entertaining, rich stage musical. The production design alone is worth the cost of admission. But Arden's cast brings breathtaking spirit to the show. 

Wirries belts out love ballads and the rousing "War" with an unfettered passion. Bean is a Broadway diva in full as she lets loose with "Wild." The supporting cast of Frogs and vamps (Brian Flores, Sean Grandillo, and Dean Maupin) radiates attitude for comic relief and stinging suspense, respectively. Nolan neatly handles the creepy nuance of Max, while Benet and Pajak burst forth as bickering brothers.

But above all, you won't want to miss Bourzgui as David. In originating the musical role on Broadway, he had big leather boots to fill, thanks to Kiefer Sutherland. Yet, he makes David his own with every smirk, threat, and song. His performance, paired with the ambitious and excellent production design, has me not only in awe, but also desperate to go again. 

The Lost Boys: A New Musical is now on Broadway. 

SAVE $500: The DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo is on sale for $1,099 at Amazon. That's $500 off the list price of $1,599.

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What's going to happen to the drone market in 2026? Due to legislative pressure on DJI imports in the U.S., there is so much uncertainty at the moment. We expected stock issues by now, but we're actually seeing strong discounts on some of the best drones in the DJI range.

The DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo is on sale for $1,099 at Amazon. That's $500 off and close to the record-low price.

SEE ALSO: DJI launches the Mic Mini 2. But there's a catch.

The DJI Mini 5 Pro offers a huge 1-inch CMOS sensor, so whether you’re shooting 50MP stills or 4K/120fps slow-motion, the dynamic range more than delivers. The DJI Mini 5 Pro also makes use of forward-facing LiDAR that powers the new Nightscape Omnidirectional Sensing, meaning it can dodge branches, power lines, and buildings even when you don't have eyes on your drone.

This popular drone offers 42GB of internal storage, meaning you can actually capture a full session of 4K footage without needing an external card as backup. That can have a massive impact for content creators.

Save $500 on the DJI Mini 5 Pro this weekend.