IT General

The Fallout games have been long celebrated for their soundtracks, a plethora of '30s, '40s, '50s, and '60s tunes that somehow make the horrors of the Wasteland more tolerable. It's something Season 1 of the Prime Video adaptation appreciated, and the first episode of Season 2 makes it clear we're in for more where that came from.

In particular, thanks to music supervisor Trygge Toven, the first episode includes one hell of a needle drop: "Big Iron," Marty Robbins' iconic 1959 Western ballad, a song known to Fallout fans as associated with the game Fallout: New Vegas.

SEE ALSO: 'Fallout' Season 2 review: Our introduction to New Vegas is a blast, and more relevant than ever

At the start of episode 1, we find Lucy (Ella Purnell) and Cooper (Walton Goggins) in a literal bind, with Coop captured by the Great Khan raiders, a gang from Fallout: New Vegas located in the Mojave Wasteland. For the Fallout show, the gang's base is actually the Dino Dee-lite Motel, another location from the game which features that giant T-rex in which Lucy is hiding.

Featured Video For You What tech would the 'Fallout' cast steal from the show?

Of course, Coop and Lucy fight their way out of peril in signature Fallout style, and it's all set to "Big Iron." The song is available to play in the New Vegas game through the radio station accessible on your Pip Boy (the wearable computer all Vault-Dwellers have). When you're not listening to the game's score, you can tune into America's last bastion of broadcasting with either Mojave Music Radio or Radio New Vegas. The jaunty tunes make it wildly less terrifying to venture into locations infested with enemies, just as "Big Iron" makes surreal the bloody scene in episode 1.

It's also not the only needle drop in the episode, with Peggy Lee's "Cheek to Cheek," The Del-Vikings' "Come Go with Me," and The Ink-Spots' "It's All Over but the Crying," and Roy Orbison's "Working for the Man" all featuring in scenes.

And importantly, "Big Iron" is not the only Easter egg for Fallout fans.

Fallout Season 2 premieres Dec. 16 at 9 p.m. ET on Prime Video, with a new episode every week.

SAVE $60: As of Dec. 17, the JBL Tune Buds are still on sale at their lowest-ever price of $39.95 at Amazon. This saves you $60 off their list price of $99.95.

Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Tune Buds $39.95 at Amazon
$99.95 Save $60   Get Deal

If a new pair of earbuds has been on your shopping list for the holidays this year, whether to give to yourself or someone else, Amazon's had some excellent last-minute deals available. The JBL Tune Buds are among the options on sale right now, still marked down to their lowest-ever price of $39.95, though probably not for much longer.

Amazon has the JBL Tune Buds listed as a limited-time deal, so the clock is ticking to grab them for $60 off their list price of $99.95. It even says on the sale page that they'll arrive before Christmas, so last-minute shoppers can feel a bit more relaxed grabbing them now.

SEE ALSO: The 60+ best Christmas gifts for 2025: Find unique gift ideas you'd never think of on your own

Not only do the JBL Tune Buds boast high-quality audio that's boosted by JBL's Pure Bass Sound, they also have noise-cancelling features. For when you want to block out sounds around you entirely, they offer Active Noise Cancelling, and for when you want to be a bit more aware of your surroundings, you can swap to Ambient Aware. They even provide up to 48 hours of battery life with the case.

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

All of that for just under $40 is a steal. So why wait to pick them up? Now is the time to grab the JBL Tune Buds while they're still at their lowest-ever price.

Looking for even more deals like this one ahead of the holidays? Our roundup of the 65 best tech gifts of the year features even more items worth giving this year.

SAVE OVER $200: As of Dec. 17, you can get a free pair of earbuds when you buy the Sony XM5 headphones at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM5 + Sony WF-C700N $248 at Amazon
$519.98 Save $271.98   Get Deal

If you're looking for a pair of headphones and earbuds, you might be prepared to spend a small fortune. Thankfully, with Amazon's latest Sony bundle, there's no need. When you purchase the Sony XM5 headphones, you'll also get a pair of the WF-C700N noise cancelling earbuds for free.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are an excellent choice. They use two processors and eight microphones to give impressive noise cancellation and clear call quality. They also benefit from a newly developed driver, along with DSEE Extreme and high-resolution audio support, to help maintain detail across all different types of audio, whether you’re listening to music, podcasts, or taking calls.

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

And the earbuds are impressive too, boasting great noise cancellation, balanced sound, and a lightweight, ergonomic design.

This deal won't be around for long. In fact, the listing states it will run out on Dec. 31, so if you want to grab this bargain, don't wait around.

TL;DR: Ben & Jerry's is launching Ice Cream Bars. More than 150 Scoop Shops are handing out free Cookie Dough bars on Dec. 17.

We're coming at you with a double dose of good news.

First, you should know that Ben & Jerry's is officially launching Ice Cream Bars. This exciting new product line features five delicious flavors arriving as soon as January 2026. We're getting Cookie Dough, Strawberry Cheesecake, Chocolate Fudge Brownie, Peanut Butter Pretzel, and Caramel Blondie in handy-on-the-go-bars. What a time to be alive.

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

But that's not all. To celebrate this momentous occasion, Ben & Jerry's is hosting a huge giveaway. On Dec. 17, over 150 participating Scoop Shops nationwide will be handing out free Cookie Dough bars (while supplies last). Over 20,000 of these new bars are being given away in total. Get to your nearest location nice and early to avoid missing out.

Free ice cream simply cannot be ignored. Find participating locations and further info here.

TL;DR: Live stream Newcastle United vs. Fulham in the EFL Cup for free on ITVX. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Newcastle United are enduring a fairly tough time right now. They're in the bottom half of the Premier League standings and just lost to fierce rivals Sunderland. The EFL Cup could be a welcome distraction, but if they're dumped out by Fulham at the quarter-final stage, the pressure will mount on manager Eddie Howe.

If you want to watch Newcastle United vs. Fulham in the Carabao Cup from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Newcastle United vs. Fulham?

Newcastle United vs. Fulham in the Carabao Cup kicks off at 8:15 p.m. GMT on Dec. 17. This fixture takes place at St. James' Park.

How to watch Newcastle United vs. Fulham for free

Newcastle United vs. Fulham in the Carabao Cup is available to live stream for free on ITVX.

ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock ITVX to stream the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Newcastle United vs. Fulham in the Carabao Cup for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

4. Visit ITVX

5. Watch Newcastle United vs. Fulham for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the Carabao Cup without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Newcastle United vs. Fulham in the Carabao Cup before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on ITVX, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream Newcastle United vs. Fulham in the Carabao Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Watch the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free on Channel 4. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

There is quite simply no tournament like the Africa Cup of Nations. It's an electric combination of heated rivalries, colorful fans, and flair that is sometimes lacking from elite competitions. We know that the eyes of the footballing world are already fixed on the 2026 World Cup, but this incredible tournament should whet the appetite of fans before the main event next summer.

The likes of Mohamed Salah, Achraf Hakimi, Sadio Mane, Bryan Mbuemo, and Victor Osimhen will be taking center stage in Morocco. We're expecting some scintillating football from the best of the best.

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

If you're interested in watching the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

What is the Africa Cup of Nations?

The Africa Cup of Nations (or AFCON) is the main biennial international men's association football competition in Africa. 24 teams are drawn into six groups of four teams. The top two teams from each group and the four best third-placed teams advance to the knockout rounds.

The defending champion is Ivory Coast. Egypt is the most successful nation in the tournament's history, winning seven times and securing three consecutive titles in 2006, 2008, and 2010.

When is the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations?

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is the 35th edition of the competition. This year's event takes place from Dec. 21 to Jan. 18 in Morocco.

How to watch the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is available to live stream for free on Channel 4.

Channel 4 is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can stream the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

4. Connect to Channel 4

5. Watch the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer pretty generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch AFCON without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming platforms from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for Channel 4?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for streaming live sport on free platforms like Channel 4, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95.

Live stream the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free with ExpressVPN.

We're just days away from the New Moon, with the Moon now shrinking to a just a thin sliver of light. This waning phase marks the final stretch of the lunar cycle.

What is today’s moon phase?

As of Wednesday, Dec. 17, the moon phase is Waning Crescent. This means only 6% of the moon is lit up tonight, according to NASA's Daily Moon Observation.

If you don't have any visual aids, you won't be able to see anything. However, with binoculars and a telescope, you should be able to see the Grimaldi Basin.

When is the next full moon?

The next full moon will be on Jan. 3. The last full moon was on Dec. 4.

What are moon phases?

According to NASA, the Moon takes around 29.5 days to complete one full cycle. During this time, it passes through a series of phases as it orbits Earth. Although the same side of the Moon always faces us, the amount of sunlight reflecting off its surface changes, which is why it can appear fully illuminated, partly lit, or completely invisible at different points in the cycle. This process is divided into eight main lunar phases:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult to solve if you're a devout Christian.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for December 17, 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: Small boats

• Green: Flat

• Blue: Popular cars

• Purple: Religious figures

Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Human-powered watercraft

• Green: Flush

• Blue: Honda models

• Purple: Biblical figures plus starting letter

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 #920 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Human-powered watercraft: DUGOUT, KAYAK, RAFT, SHELL

• Flush: EVEN, FLAT, LEVEL, PLANE

• Honda models: ACCORD, CIVIC, ODYSSEY, PILOT

• Biblical figures plus starting letter: FLUKE, LABEL, MADAM, TRUTH

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 December 17, 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.

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you don't seek perfection.

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 December 17, 2025 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 17, 2025 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Out of line

The words are related to positioning.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe things that aren't straight.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is A Little Off.

NYT Strands word list for December 17

• Askew

• Crooked

• Lopsided

• A Little Off

• Uneven

• Titled

• Aslant

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.

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you love the outdoors.

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 December 17, 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 December 17, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Green plant.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter S appears twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter G.

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

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

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

GRASS

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 December 17, 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.

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

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

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

How to play Pips

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for December 17, 2025

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 December 17, 2025 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Dec. 17 Pips

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

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

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 1-4, placed horizontally; 1-6, placed vertically.

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

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

Medium difficulty hints, answers for Dec. 17 Pips

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

Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 2-3, placed vertically; 2-0, placed vertically; 2-0, placed vertically.

Equal (6): Everything in this light blue space must be equal to 0. The answer is 2-6, placed horizontally; 0-6, placed horizontally.

Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 2-0, placed vertically; 0-6, placed horizontally; 0-5, placed horizontally.

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 0-5, placed horizontally; 4-5, placed vertically.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for Dec. 17 Pips

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

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 3-5, placed horizontally; 1-5, placed horizontally.

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

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

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

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

Less Than (4): Everything in this space must be less than 4. The answer is 3-2, placed vertically.

Not Equal: Everything in this space must be different. The answer is 6-5, placed horizontally; 6-2, placed vertically.

Equal (2): Everything in this light blue space must be equal to 2. The answer is 5-2, placed vertically; 3-2, placed vertically; 2-2, placed horizontally; 6-2, placed vertically.

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

SAVE $20: As of Dec. 17, the Amazon Fire Stick 4K Plus is on sale for $29.99 at Amazon. That's a 40% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire Stick 4K Plus $29.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $20.00   Get Deal

Amazon’s Fire Stick 4K has been renamed — it’s now the Fire Stick 4K Plus. There's nothing different about it other than its name, which has changed to make way for a new model in the 4K range called the Fire Stick 4K Select. And as of Dec. 17, you can get the Plus on sale, currently down to $29.99. That's a $20 saving on list price.

This streaming stick is designed for improved performance on 4K TVs, giving you a smoother playback and faster streaming than previous generations of the streaming device. Enjoy an impressive 4K Ultra HD resolution, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos audio experience with whatever you watch.

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

If you're a gamer, this model also supports cloud gaming through Xbox Game Pass, without a console. It also has Alexa built in, so you can use voice commands to ask it pretty much anything. It can even be used to control other smart devices in the home, like robot vacuums. And with the Fire OS, you'll have access to more than 1.8 million movies and TV episodes across streaming services like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and Max, alongside free content from Tubi and Pluto TV.

You can find this streaming stick deal at Amazon now.

Apple's iPhone lineup is about to get a lot more interesting.

Yes, we already know about the iPhone Fold, as well as the prospect of an upcoming "20th anniversary iPhone" with an all-screen design. Now, however, The Information has a detailed report about all of the new iPhones Apple is working on, with some details we haven't seen elsewhere.

Perhaps the most interesting is the sheer breadth of the upcoming iPhone lineup. The company added the iPhone Air to its lineup this year, increasing the number of the models it sells to five: iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air, alongside the entry-level iPhone 16e which launched in February.

SEE ALSO: Review: The new iPhone Air is the sexiest iPhone I've ever tested

Now, Apple reportedly has a total of seven iPhone variants in the works: iPhone 17e (and its successor, the iPhone 18e), iPhone 18, iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, iPhone Air 2, iPhone Fold, and iPhone 20.

Incremental upgrades for the base models The Camera Control button might actually lose some functionality on the iPhone 18. Credit: Apple

The Information's report sheds some light on each model. The iPhone 17e will be an "incremental upgrade" to the iPhone 16e, but it will have magnetic wireless charging which was painfully absent from the older model. It's unclear why the iPhone 18e is mentioned separately, as the report doesn't have any new details about it.

Then there's the "base" upcoming iPhone model, the iPhone 18. It will reportedly be announced in the spring for the first time, marking a massive change from Apple's traditional September iPhone launch. As for new features, the only thing that's mentioned is actually a downgrade of sorts, with haptic feedback and touch sensing being removed from the camera capture button to save costs.

According to the report, the iPhone Air 2, which is launching in the spring of 2027 (meaning next year will be completely iPhone Air-less), will be significantly redesigned, with (perhaps) a second camera, and a lower price.

Featured Video For You How 6 generations of iPhone captured 20 years of motherhood in 'Motherboard' No Dynamic Island on the Pro models? Will Apple 'eliminate' the Dynamic Island on the iPhone 18 Pro, or will it merely be smaller in size? Credit: Apple

The flagship iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models are coming, as always, in the fall of next year. Key improvements include an under-display FaceID sensor, fully eliminating the Dynamic Island. The display won't be fully uninterrupted, as the selfie camera will reportedly be relocated to the top left of the display.

While the report calls the Dynamic Island "unsightly," Apple put in significant effort in turning what is essentially a camera cutout into a useful feature; it would be odd for the company to simply abandon it in favor of a pedestrian punch-hole camera cutout. This part of the report is also in conflict with an earlier Bloomberg report, claiming Apple will merely reduce the size of the Dynamic Island in the near future, with the plan to fully eliminate it later.

At least one of the rear cameras on the iPhone 18 Pro/Pro Max is reportedly getting a mechanical aperture, and there will be a new image sensor that can capture more light at night. Finally, an improved chip design could make the phone faster in AI tasks.

The new, new flagships Apple's foldable iPhone might have a different design compared to most modern foldable phones. Credit: Alexandr Bognat/ Getty Images

The most interesting bit in the report is the part that deals with the entirely new iPhone flagships, which could actually sit above the Pro models in Apple's iPhone hierarchy.

First, there's the foldable iPhone Fold, which is reportedly coming the fall of 2026, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. It's said to have a 5.3-inch display when folded and a 7.7-inch, landscape-oriented display when unfolded. In contrast, Samsung and Google's foldable phones are portrait-oriented main display. The iPhone Fold will reportedly have a single selfie camera, as well as sensors, embedded in the top-left corner of the display.

It's worth noting that a 5.3-inch display is tiny by today's standards, given that Apple's most recent "small" iPhone, the iPhone mini 13, had a 5.4-inch display.

The report also says the design of the iPhone Fold is incredibly complex and that Apple is being "particularly secretive" about it, meaning the reports we've seen (including this one) may have gotten some details wrong. For example, The Information claims that the screen sizes for the iPhone Fold could change — something that seems unlikely to us if the device is about to launch in less than a year's time.

Finally, the crown jewel of Apple's iPhone lineup could be the iPhone 20 (we're not sure about the name, but it would be timed to launch at the 20th anniversary of the iPhone), launching in the fall of 2027. It will reportedly have a curved glass enclosure both on the front and back and along all four edges, meaning it might not have a typical frame that's typical on today's phones. Instead, it would have a "narrow metal band running around the midpoint of the device's edge, where the buttons sit."

The iPhone 20 will also reportedly have all the sensors and the front camera under the display, which would make this the first iPhone with a fully edge-to-edge display.

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easier if you know your baseball slang.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Yellow: Can be worn

• Green: Same modified word

• Blue: Competitors

• Purple: Same first word

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Big 12 teams

• Green: Descriptors for baseball catches

• Blue: Teams Skylar Diggins has played for

• Purple: Sand ___

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 #450 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Headgear - CAP, HAT, MASK, VISOR

• Prefixes to -season - MID, OFF, POST, PRE

• Ligue 1 teams - LENS, MARSEILLE, NICE, PSG

• Batting ____ - AVERAGE, GLOVES, PRACTICE, STANCE

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.

Apple's AirPods Max sound great, look stylish, feature lossless audio, and sit basically at the bottom of the list of popular headphones I recommend.

That's not to say anyone who owns a pair of the AirPods Max should upgrade immediately. Considering they hit the market over five years ago, they hold up surprisingly well with the competition. The problem is, as someone who tests headphones for a living, I've watched as release after release offers more than the Maxes — yet somehow, the AirPods Max remain one of the most expensive consumer headphones on the market.

SEE ALSO: The 11 best noise-cancelling headphones we use, love, and recommend

To be transparent, I haven't tested the AirPods Max for myself, but my colleagues have. So together, with my headphones knowledge and their testing notes about the over-ear headphones, I've broken down why the AirPods Max are probably not worth it for most people to buy in 2025 and beyond.

Form over function

As I said up top, their design is nothing to scoff at. Yes, they're ultimately a pair of over-ear headphones; they have the uniquely sleek Apple look, from the stainless steel headband frame to the knit mesh canopy and memory foam ear cups. These design choices also work to provide a comfortable fit, and certainly established Apple as a leader in balancing form and function back in 2020, upon these headphones' release. However, newer headphones, such as the Sonos Ace, offer an equally sleek and stylish design at a more affordable price.

In the years since their launch, the only meaningful upgrade these headphones have received is a swap in their charging port from Lightning to USB-C. Beyond that, they also now support lossless audio. (Even in Apple's own press release from the event when the "new" USB-C Maxes were launched, the headline is an anti-climactic "AirPods Max Get Five New Colors."

SEE ALSO: New AirPods Max aren't coming soon, report says

The main selling point of these headphones, then, remains buying into Apple's ecosystem with a pair of over-ear headphones. It's not a moot one — the connection speed to Apple devices is essentially automatic, with the Maxes offering some of the most seamless switching between audio streams on different devices.

Yet once again, that point gets undermined, thanks to the existence of the Beats Studio Pro headphones. As Apple-made headphones, they fit just as well into the ecosystem. Even better, the 2023-released headphones are far more up-to-date than the Maxes, with ANC on par with the older pair, as well as improved sound quality and battery life.

Plus, though they're $349.99 at full price, they're frequently on sale for under $200, putting them less than half the price of the AirPods Max at full price and at their record-low sale price of $399. As Mashable Contributor Alex Bracetti writes in his guide to the best Beats headphones, the Studio Pro headphones are for "anyone who wants Apple noise-cancelling headphones without drastically overpaying for them (cough AirPods Max cough)."

Beats Studio Pro $179.95 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $170.04   Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Best Buy How does the sound quality hold up?

Despite being an older pair of headphones, the AirPods Max still sound reliably great. Mashable's Stan Schroeder described the sound as "pleasant, balanced," and not too bass-heavy. He wrote of the balance, "Audiophiles will call this a 'V' shaped sound: bass and treble are slightly pronounced, while midrange tones are slightly recessed, which works for rock and electronic music, but it can leave intimate, acoustic performances a bit lacking."

They also feature Dolby Atmos, which provides a spatial listening experience. Essentially, you feel like the music is coming from around you, as it might if you were to listen to it in person.

SEE ALSO: Spotify and Apple Music will offer lossless audio. Here's what you need to know.

More recently, Apple upgraded the headphones to include lossless audio, which Schroeder wrote did provide a notable bump in the sound quality. To him, the songs opened up, sounding more detailed and less compressed. That quality works nicely with the larger design of the Apple earcups, which provide more physical space around your ear, "which helps create an airiness that closed over-the-ear headphones rarely possess," according to Schroeder.

Audiophiles should note that lossless audio is only supported up to 24-bit, 48 kHz quality (as opposed to Apple Music's support of 24-bit, 192 kHz quality), but that difference is more noticeable and more applicable to professionals using professional gear.

The ANC is fine, but starting to lag behind

Back in 2020, the AirPods Max featured some of the best noise cancellation available. It's a testament to what a good job Apple did that five years later, the ANC is still solid.

That said, it doesn't quite match up with newer models like the Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) headphones (both of which clock in $100 cheaper than the Maxes at full price). In comparing them directly against the latter headphones, Mashable Bracetti wrote that the AirPods Max "[silence] a high number of low- and mid-frequency sounds, but it struggles with high-frequency sounds," while the "QC Ultra delivers class-leading ANC capable of eliminating close to 90 percent of unwanted sounds."

The ANC on the AirPods Max doesn't quite match up to the newer Bose QC Ultra 2 headphones. Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

While Bracetti called out that the Maxes still have one of the best Transparency modes available, they lack the conversation boost modes you can find on the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3.

They also lack any manually adjustable ANC, which can be found on both headphones like the QC Ultras, as well as mid-range and budget headphones.

SEE ALSO: Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs. AirPods Pro 2: What's different this time? A pretty mid option for travel

The quality of a pair of noise-cancelling headphones can make or break your travel experience. While the AirPods Max-owning travelers among us aren't likely to have a bad time, there are a few key features that make these headphones less suited to journeying.

1. The battery life sucks: Plain and simple, 20 hours of battery life with ANC is way behind the standard of premium headphones these days. The aforementioned Bose QC Ultra 2 headphones and Sony XM6 headphones each have 30 hours of battery life, while options like the Sennheiser Momentum 4 headphones and Dyson OnTrac headphones get up to 60 hours and 55 hours, respectively. The Maxes' saving grace here is the five-minute quick charge, which gets you a 1.5-hour charge. But maybe that gets cancelled out by the way you can never really turn these headphones off, thanks to their lack of a power button.

2. The case isn't really a case: Call me crazy, but I feel like a headphones case should cover the entire headphones, including the more delicate mesh headband. Apple seems to disagree, though, resulting in the AirPods Max "case" that isn't likely to provide you a great deal of protection when you're taking them on the go.

3. They're bulky: In addition to having large ear cups, these headphones don't fold up. Apple could probably take a page out of Sony's book when it comes to the next upgrade, because a folding ear cup design allows for a significantly more travel-friendly pair of headphones.

This case design is a choice. Credit: Zlata Ivleva / Mashable The value just isn't there anymore

Simply put, I struggle to think of another brand resting its laurels on a five-year-old pair of headphones. Where the AirPods Max were once innovative, they're now just solidly OK, but just as overpriced as they were upon release.

Instead of shelling out $549 for headphones with five-year-old specs, we recommend picking up these headphones instead:

Headphones to buy instead of the AirPods Max Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) $449 at Amazon Shop Now Sony WH-1000XM6 $459.99 at Amazon Shop Now Beats Studio Pro $349.99 at Amazon Shop Now Sony WH-1000XM5 $399.99 at Amazon Shop Now Sennheiser Momentum 4 $449.95 at Amazon Shop Now Sonos Ace $279.00 at Amazon Shop Now Who should buy AirPods Max in 2026?

To anyone waiting with bated breath for the AirPods Max 2, maybe don't. The rumors back in November 2024 that we wouldn't be likely to get an upgrade to the over-ear headphones seem to be holding strong, according to Mark Gurman's Power On newsletter.

With no likely upgrade on the horizon, should anyone really be buying the AirPods Max these days? If you're an Apple user who really likes the design, don't often use headphones for travel, and don't run your battery life down often, these could be a good option if and only if they're on sale. At their record low, we've seen them drop to $399.99. Just be aware that the sale price point still puts them on par with the sale prices (and, in some cases, full prices) of most of the above 2025-release headphones we recommend, so even going for a significantly older model isn’t making a difference in how much money you can save.

Apple AirPods Max $449.99 at Best Buy
$549.99 Save $100   See It at Best Buy See It at Walmart See It at Amazon

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 Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025:

AcrossNod (off)

• The answer is Doze.

Naval submarine in W.W. II

• The answer is Uboat.

Tricky thing to do on a busy highway

• The answer is Merge.

Heat-resistant glassware for cooking

• The answer is Pyrex.

Put into groups

• The answer is Sort.

DownBreak up with

• The answer is Dump

Falls in line, so to speak

• The answer is Obeys.

Legendary vigilante who cuts a "Z" with his sword

• The answer is Zorro.

Rarin' to go

• The answer is Eager.

Common reminder for an upcoming appointment

• The answer is Text.

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 the latest Mini Crossword.

SAVE OVER $100: As of Dec. 17, the iRobot Roomba 105 has dropped back to its lowest-ever price of $169 at Amazon. This is $150.99 off its list price of $319.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot iRobot Roomba 105 Combo $169 at Amazon
$319.99 Save $150.99   Get Deal

Keeping a clean house around the holidays can be tricky if you're having lots of people over. That's where a robot vacuum can be a helpful investment. It can zoom around picking up any crumbs that have dropped on the floor or dirt that's been tracked in. If you've had one in mind, the good news is quite a few are on sale right now, including the iRobot Roomba 105 robot vacuum and mop at Amazon.

The iRobot Roomba 105 has plummeted back to its lowest-ever price of $169 at Amazon. This allows you to save $150.99 off its usual price of $319.99. If you're hoping to grab it ahead of the holidays, Amazon even has a note on its sale page that states it'll arrive before Christmas to give you a little peace of mind.

SEE ALSO: The 65 best tech gifts of the year, hand-picked by professional gadget nerds

We consider the iRobot Roomba 105 to be the best value Roomba in our roundup of the best robot vacuums. Mashable's Leah Stodart states "the Roomba 105 series vacuums are iRobot's most advanced and fairly-priced entry-level robot vacuums to date." This particular model boasts 70x more suction compared to Roomba 600 series robots, a multi-surface brush and edge-sweeping brush, alongside a microfiber mop pad to wash away any messes on harder surfaces.

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

The iRobot Roomba 105 also comes with ClearView LiDAR navigation, which allows it to map out your home and avoid any obstacles in its way for a more efficient clean. If this robot vacuum sounds like it would be a helpful addition to your home, now is your chance to save 47% at Amazon.

If this robot vacuum was on your holiday season shopping list and you're looking for more gift ideas this year, check out our roundup of the 60+ best Christmas gifts for 2025 for more recommendations worth grabbing before the holidays.

SAVE $120: As of Dec. 17, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is on sale for $129.99 on Amazon. That's a 48% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 $129.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $120   Get Deal

There's just over a week until the big day, and if you're still searching for the perfect Christmas gift for someone, run to Amazon. There's a whole lot of deals on everything from earbuds to robot vacuums, but this discount on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is a real steal. As of Dec. 17, this fitness tracker is down to its lowest-ever price, saving you $120. That's nearly a 50% discount.

The Galaxy Watch 7 is a great option, and a perfect all-rounder smartwatch. You can track your fitness, health, and it even has lifestyle features like on-wrist notifications. It also uses Galaxy AI to help you monitor your performance and recovery over time. It lets you compare your current run, ride, or other activity with previous sessions, and gives you a personalised Energy Score that determines your physical readiness based on recent activity.

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

The sleep tracking is advanced and helps to support better rest. The watch will give you insights into sleep habits and it even has the ability to detect signs of moderate to severe sleep apnea.

This deal is only available for a limited time, so get it at Amazon now before it goes back up in price.

SAVE $130: As of Dec. 17, the Insignia 50-inch Class F50 TV is on sale for $169.99 at Amazon. That's a 43% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Insignia Insignia 50-inch Class F50 TV $169.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $130   Get Deal

The Insignia 50-inch Class F50 TV has seen some great discounts in recent weeks, especially during Black Friday. If you missed out back then, don't worry, you can treat yourself to an early Christmas gift because as of Dec. 17, it's back down to its Black Friday sale price.

As of Dec. 17, you can save $130 with the new price of $169.99. This price is for the 50-inch model, but there are deals to be had across all size options from 43 inches up to 85 inches. The choice is yours.

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

This TV has 4K Ultra HD, 2160p resolution with HDR10 support, and delivers incredibly sharp detail and improved contrast compared to Full HD. It can even upscale lower-resolution content to near-Ultra HD quality.

It's powered by Amazon's Fire TV, so you can enjoy an organised home screen with all your favorite apps and TV shows in one place, and you'll have access to streaming services like Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max. With the Fire OS, you also get free streaming options such as Fire TV Channels, Tubi, and Pluto TV. It can even act as a smart home hub, too, letting you view any live camera feeds, control compatible lighting, or robot vacuums.

Pick up this great TV from Amazon.

When it comes to TV, 2025 truly spoiled viewers for choice.

This year offered a feast across all different genres and streaming platforms. Returning dramas like Severance and Andor surpassed our highest expectations, which more than made up for the disappointing returns of some other high-profile series. (Looking at you, The White Lotus and The Last of Us.) Where old favorites failed to wow us, new favorites shone, like medical drama The Pitt, one-take wonder Adolescence, and crime drama Task.

SEE ALSO: The best Netflix TV shows of 2025

Comedy thrived this year as well. Showbiz satires The Studio and Hacks earned Emmy acclaim. Netflix's North of North established itself as a new heartwarming small-town sitcom, while The Office spin-off The Paper provided a charming peek at local journalism. The trio of Overcompensating, Adults, and I Love LA ushered in an exciting era of zillennial comedies. And over on HBO, Nathan Fielder and Tim Robinson honed their bizarro brands with The Rehearsal Season 2 and The Chair Company, respectively.

As if that weren't enough, genre fans had their hands full this year, with historical dramas like Death by Lightning and The Narrow Road to the Deep North; horror series like IT: Welcome to Derry; and a bumper crop of dazzling sci-fi, including Alien: Earth, Pluribus, Severance, and Andor.

All this is to say that putting together a list of only the 10 best shows of the year was challenging, but not impossible. From sci-fi epics to noir mysteries, sex quests to family dramedies, here are the best shows of 2025 and where you can stream them.

10. Dying for Sex

When Molly Kochan (Michelle Williams) is diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer, she embarks on a quest to orgasm with another person for the first time. That means leaving her husband Steve (Jay Duplass), joining hookup apps, experimenting with sex toys, and trying to find what, exactly, gets her off.

SEE ALSO: 'Dying for Sex' review: Michelle Williams' horny miniseries will break your heart

Based on a true story, Dying for Sex takes a frank, judgment-free approach to Molly's sexual encounters, be they awkward, pleasurable, or downright hilarious. (Often, they're all three.) But it also proves to be a tender love story between Molly and her best friend Nikki (Jenny Slate), who becomes Molly's primary caretaker. As the two face down Molly's declining health, Dying for Sex explores the lengths this pair will go to to make each other happy and fulfilled. It's life-affirming and heart-shattering in equal measure, anchored by phenomenal performances from Williams and Slate. As I wrote in my review, "As a duo, they oscillate between gallows humor and genuine heartbreak at a moment's notice, a dichotomy that feels so natural you can't believe you've only been watching their takes on Molly and Nikki for a few episodes. You also can't believe that their friendship will one day come to an end, but Dying for Sex faces that inevitability head on, as honest about death as it is about sex."

Starring: Michelle Williams, Jenny Slate, Rob Delaney, Jay Duplass, Kelvin Yu, Sissy Spacek, David Rasche, and Esco Jouléy

How to watch: Dying for Sex is now streaming on Hulu.

9. Long Story Short

Long Story Short is exactly what you'd expect from BoJack Horseman creator Raphael Bob-Waksberg: witty as hell in one moment, downright devastating in the next. The series invites viewers into the lives of the Schwooper siblings (voiced by Ben Feldman, Abbi Jacobson, and Max Greenfield), spanning decades from their chaotic childhoods to their equally tumultuous adulthoods. From disastrous bar mitzvahs to awkward interventions, you've got a seat at the family table for it all.

Long Story Short cleverly collapses time in each episode, demonstrating how small incidents in our youth can snowball into major hang-ups in our later years. That nonlinear chronology turns the series into a thought-provoking examination of trauma and ever-shifting family ties. And what a family the Schwooper clan is, bursting with clashing personalities, inside jokes, and grievances that feel equal parts grounded and absurd. Spend just a few minutes with them, and you'll feel like you've known them your whole life, a quality that led me to call them "an instant classic TV family" in my review.

Starring: Ben Feldman, Abbi Jacobson, Max Greenfield, Lisa Edelstein, and Paul Reiser

How to watch: Long Story Short is now streaming on Netflix.

8. Mo, Season 2

Not only is Mo one of the best TV shows of 2025, it's also essential viewing. Co-created by Mo Amer and Ramy Youssef, this semi-autobiographical series centers on Palestinian refugee Mo (Amer) and his family's lives in Houston. Season 2 opens with Mo struggling to get back to the U.S. from Mexico. Detention centers and perilous border crossings await, all sobering reflections of the real-life journeys of immigrants trying to make it across the U.S.-Mexico border.

SEE ALSO: 'Mo' Season 2 review: Here's why it's still one of TV's most important shows

As UK Editor Shannon Connellan wrote in her review, "Mo's second season comes at a volatile time for Palestinians and undocumented immigrants alike, with those in power enforcing heartless, brutal decisions from disengaged, lofty offices that impact real people. Somehow, beyond all belief, amid a sense of transience and fear, of stacked odds and starting from scratch, Mo finds levity, surrealism, and personal solidarity in the dark, while being a genuinely funny and moving show." 

Starring: Mo Amer, Farah Bsieso, Teresa Ruiz, Tobe Nwigwe, and Omar Elba

How to watch: Mo Season 2 is now streaming on Netflix.

7. Adolescence

Likely to be the most harrowing viewing experience you'll have this year, Adolescence traps you in a nightmare over the course of its four episodes, each filmed in one take. Co-created by Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne, and directed by Boiling Point's Philip Barantini, Netflix's much buzzed-about miniseries examines the aftermath of a chilling murder committed by 13-year-old Jamie (newcomer Owen Cooper). Each episode focuses on a different perspective around the case, from a detective (Ashley Walters) investigating Jamie's school to Jamie's family reckoning with his actions.

SEE ALSO: Netflix's 'Adolescence' review: One of the best, most devastating shows of 2025

These vignettes, coupled with Barantini's one-take technique, create an unflinching portrait of a crime that feels all too rooted in reality. As UK Deputy Editor Sam Haysom wrote in his review, "Adolescence's story isn't a crime mystery so much as a psychological study — it's an exploration of the manosphere culture that's having a real world affect on teenagers, and the societal and familial triggers that might lead to a seemingly ordinary 13-year-old doing something unthinkable. On this level, and on almost all others, the show is chillingly effective."

Starring: Stephen Graham, Ashley Walters, Erin Doherty, Owen Cooper, Faye Marsay, Christine Tremarco, and Amelie Pease

How to watch: Adolescence is now streaming on Netflix.

6. The Pitt

ER's Noah Wyle jumps back into a TV hospital in The Pitt, the real-time medical drama that took the world by storm in early 2025. Wyle plays Dr. Michael "Robby" Robinavitch, the chief attending physician in the Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center's emergency department. He's about to embark on 15-hour shift, where he and his colleagues will train the next generation of doctors, weather personal troubles, and do everything in their power to treat the injuries and illnesses that come through their doors.

SEE ALSO: 'The Pitt' review: Noah Wyle medical drama is part 'ER,' part '24,' and all compelling

The Pitt's real-time structure and grounded cinematography turn the series into a veritable pressure cooker, immersing audiences in a world of exhausting, often overwhelming chaos. The series also thoughtfully tackles pressing medical issues, including understaffed hospitals, racial disparity in care, and hot-button topics like abortion. Leading us through it all is Wyle and The Pitt's exceptional ensemble cast, tasked with performing some of the most graphic, hyper-realistic TV surgeries in recent memory. Clock into The Pitt in order to see for yourself why I called it "TV's next great medical drama."

Starring: Noah Wyle, Tracy Ifeachor, Patrick Ball, Supriya Ganesh, Fiona Dourif, Taylor Dearden, Isa Briones, Gerran Howell, Shabana Azeez, and Katherine LaNasa

How to watch: The Pitt is now streaming on Max.

5. The Studio

Seth Rogen absolutely torches Hollywood in Apple TV's The Studio, where he plays new studio head Matt Remick. A cinephile tasked with creating a movie based on the Kool-Aid brand, Matt finds himself faced with the eternal question of art versus commerce. Can he make high-grossing movies with artistic merit? Or is he — along with the rest of Hollywood — doomed to make slop?

SEE ALSO: 'The Studio' review: Seth Rogen torches Hollywood in must-watch satire

The Studio approaches this question with razor-sharp satire and a healthy dose of cringe comedy, bludgeoning the egos of everyone from actors and directors to publicists and executives. But despite its Hollywood grievances, The Studio also serves as a love letter to film. On top of tributes to genres like film noir and zombie movies, the series often employs long takes in homage to Robert Altman's satire The Player. These create a high-energy wave of cinematic mayhem where everyone from Martin Scorsese to Zoë Kravitz could pop up at any given moment. The result is a show that's current, formally engaging, and, as I wrote in my full review, "full-on comedy gold."

Starring: Seth Rogen, Catherine O’Hara, Kathryn Hahn, Ike Barinholtz, Chase Sui Wonders, and Bryan Cranston

How to watch: The Studio is now streaming on Apple TV.

4. Pluribus

Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul creator Vince Gilligan continues his streak of damn great TV shows with Pluribus, a sci-fi series that defies convention at every turn. Better Call Saul's Rhea Seehorn plays Carol Sturka, the most miserable woman in the world. That title isn't that hard to hold, seeing as the rest of the world has been infected by a virus that's left everyone else blissfully happy. Still, Carol's circumstances have only made her more upset, and she's determined to save the world.

SEE ALSO: 'Pluribus' review: I can't tell you much about Vince Gilligan's sci-fi series, but what I can say is glowing

Seehorn's towering performance is reason enough to check out Pluribus, but there's even more to love where that came from. Ethical quandaries! Fake romantasy novels! Some of the most surreal moments put to TV this year! It's impossible to sum up the sheer scope of Pluribus and its greatness in just one blurb, so I'll just point to my review, which called the series "a singular experience."

Starring: Rhea Seehorn, Karolina Wydra, Carlos Manuel Vesga, Samba Schutte, and Miriam Shor

How to watch: Pluribus is now streaming on Apple TV.

3. The Lowdown

Reservation Dogs showrunner Sterlin Harjo and Ethan Hawke made magic when the latter guest-starred in Reservation Dogs' penultimate episode, "Elora's Dad." It's no surprise, then, that their collaboration on The Lowdown produces similarly electric results.

SEE ALSO: 'The Lowdown' review: Sterlin Harjo and Ethan Hawke team up for a killer noir caper

Hawke plays Lee Raybon, a citizen journalist and "truthstorian" dedicated to holding Tulsa's corrupt power players accountable for their wrongdoing. As Lee embarks on an investigation into the prominent Washberg family, Harjo manages to deftly combine elements of noir mystery with the hangout vibe of Reservation Dogs. What follows is truly one of a kind: a textured, lived-in portrait of Tulsa led by a charming, grizzled turn from Hawke. As I wrote in my review, "Hawke's maniacal laughter after Lee's escapes or major discoveries is a forever reminder of what I love about the show: its ability to make me laugh my head off, even after watching a man get his head shot clean off."

Starring: Ethan Hawke, Keith David, Kaniehtiio Horn, Ryan Kiera Armstrong, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Kyle MacLachlan, Scott Shepherd, Siena East, Michael Hitchcock, Michael “Killer Mike” Render, Cody Lightning, Tim Blake Nelson, and Tracy Letts

How to watch: The Lowdown is now streaming on Hulu.

2. Andor, Season 2

Star Wars' best TV show goes out with a brilliant bang in its second (and tragically final) season. Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) is now a full-fledged part of the Rebellion, joining Luthen Rael (Stellan Skarsgård) and Mon Mothma (Genevieve O'Reilly) in their fight against the Empire. But the Empire has plans of its own, setting its sights on the planet Ghorman in the lead-up to one of the most devastating plot lines in all of Star Wars.

SEE ALSO: 'Andor' Season 2 review: The best Star Wars show goes out with a brilliant bang

In showrunner Tony Gilroy's hands, Andor remains equal parts nail-biting spy thriller and astonishing rallying cry against fascism, pulling no punches when it comes to topics like Imperial propaganda or genocide. From its portrayal of revolutionary sacrifice to its chilling take on the machine of empire, Andor is so damn good it's a shame it's over. (And that we'll likely never get a Star Wars show this subversive again.) But on the bright side, as I wrote in my review, "Andor goes out on its own terms, leaving a brilliant, blistering look at fascism and those who fight it in its wake."

Starring: Diego Luna, Kyle Soller, Adria Arjona, Stellan Skarsgård, Fiona Shaw, Genevieve O'Reilly, Denise Gough, Faye Marsay, Varada Sethu, and Elizabeth Dulau

How to watch: Andor Season 2 is now streaming on Disney+.

1. Severance, Season 2

My expectations for Severance Season 2 were insurmountably high, especially after a three-year hiatus. But somehow, Dan Erickson's sci-fi workplace drama managed to surpass even my highest hopes, delivering a season that's deeper, stranger, and even more mysterious and important than Season 1.

Severance Season 2 furthers its examination of identity, with almost all of Lumon's Severed employees somehow at war with themselves. It also toys with the implications of what the severance procedure could mean for the rest of the world, resulting in the jaw-dropping reveals of the Gemma (Dichen Lachman)-focused "Chikhai Bardo" episode. That's just one of many standout installments Severance had to offer this season, including the Innies' bizarre odyssey through "Woe's Hollow" and a jaw-dropping finale that solved many questions, but left just enough mysteries for fans to puzzle over before Season 3.

SEE ALSO: I went to the 'Severance' pop-up at Bell Works. It was surreal.

But amid all its sci-fi twists and turns, Severance still manages to stay rooted in its characters' struggles for connection in a cold, corporate world. As I wrote in my review, "The show may throw everything from surreal workplace dance parties to precious baby goats at us, but at the end of the day, we're watching a man trying to reunite with his wife. We're watching Irving pining for Burt, and Dylan seeking crumbs of information about the family he may never know. We're watching workers fight to be recognized as humans instead of free labor. It's personal, it's universal, and it's absolutely astounding."

Starring: Adam Scott, Britt Lower, Tramell Tillman, Zach Cherry, Jen Tullock, Michael Chernus, Dichen Lachman, John Turturro, Christopher Walken, Patricia Arquette, and Sarah Bock

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