IT General

Seth Meyers used his "A Closer Look" segment on Late Night to examine the current state of the U.S. economy, and it's not the A+++++ President Donald Trump awarded himself with.

"As I'm sure you guys know, the economy is awesome," said Meyers. "The other day, I went to the grocery store and bought some coffee, some bananas, some ground beef, and, long story short, I have to keep doing this show until 2038."

The late night host took a deep dive into historic levels of job loss and rising consumer prices for basic necessities for Americans, including the increase in energy prices.

"Costs on everything from food to electricity are soaring while employers are shedding jobs," said Meyers. "This is when a president needs to show empathy, demonstrate that he understands the plight of hard working Americans and oh no, as I'm saying this, I'm remembering who I'm talking about and realising there's no f***ing way he's going to do that."

Meyers threw to Trump's recent interview with POLITICO's Dasha Burns, in which the president awarded his economy an "A-plus-plus-plus-plus-plus" grade.

"Now, of course, it won't surprise you to learn that Trump's assessment of the economy is very much at odds with how pretty much everyone else feels about it," said Meyers, and he's right. Americans are deeply concerned with the current state of the U.S. economy. According to a Fox News poll, 76 percent of voters view the economy negatively, with voters blaming Trump; the New York Times reports 38 percent of voters approve of how the president is handling the economy while 61 percent disapprove.

"So it's less of an A-plus-plus-plus-plus and more of an F-minus-minus-minus-minus-minus," said Meyers.

Wrapping up, Meyers concluded, "Trump is running up against the same problem Biden had. You can't convince people the economy is good when they can see the truth with their own eyes, every time they buy groceries or pay their heating bills."

I always make sure to add clear instructions to any shared Excel workbook so the next person knows exactly how to interact with my spreadsheets. For years, I relied on the built-in notes and comments tools. However, I found a secret method that is 100% cleaner and far more reliable.

'Tis the season to deck the halls, don our gay apparel, and argue with family about what actually qualifies as a Christmas movie. Who better to settle these debates than the cast of Oh. What. Fun., the now-streaming comedy about a family whose festive fumblings lead to a barrage of holiday hijinks.

Michelle Pfeiffer, Denis Leary, Chloë Grace Moretz, Felicity Jones, and Dominic Sessa play a family in the Michael Showalter-helmed film. But with Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko, they played "Does It Ring Christmas?" — a game where, if a movie title rings true to Christmas to you, you ring a jingle bell.

Die Hard is just the tip of the iceberg. Mashable asked about a string of movies that internet users have proclaimed a "Christmas movie." We're talking Eyes Wide Shut, Gremlins, Trading Places, Lethal Weapon, and Batman Returns, which also famously stars Pfeiffer as an anti-heroine who has had enough.

The Oh. What. Fun. cast also weighed in on the holiday classics they gravitate toward each yuletide, giving answers like The Family Stone, It's a Wonderful Life, Home Alone, Elf, and Bad Santa.

Yet asked what Christmas movie is best paired with Oh. What. Fun., there was one clear answer. Watch the video above to the end to find out!

Oh. What. Fun. is now streaming on Prime Video.

FREE IPHONE 17: T-Mobile is offering those who switch to their network, and with eligible trade-ins, a deal to get up to four free iPhone 17s and four lines on the Essentials unlimited plan for $25 per line (a total of $100 per month).

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPhone 17 at T-Mobile   Learn More

Planning to give the generous gift of a new iPhone this Christmas? Or maybe you deserve an upgrade? Either way, T-Mobile has you covered with a special festive deal that could see you walking away with a free iPhone 17. And you don't even need to trade anything in to qualify for this offer. We know that sounds wild, but there are obviously some hoops to jump through.

If you port your number and open a new line on T-Mobile's Experience Beyond plan, you'll get the Apple iPhone 17 thrown in for free. That ends up saving you $830. That's a lot of cash that can be put to much better use of the holidays.

T-Mobile's Experience Beyond plan costs $100 per month for one line. The monthly price is locked for five years, but does include some nice extras like Hulu, Netflix, unlimited mobile hotspot, full-flight texting, and WiFi with streaming. What's probably clear at this point is that you aren't really getting a "free" iPhone 17 with this promotion. But if you were already looking to move to a new premium plan, this deal significantly sweetens the pot.

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!

You will need to pay tax on the full price of the iPhone 17 up front, plus a one-time $35 device connection fee and your first monthly payment to access the service. Then the cost of the phone will be paid out via 24 monthly bill credits. You'll also need to enroll in AutoPay, transfer your number from an eligible carrier (find details here), and add the new line. We weren't lying when we said there are some hoops to jump through, but this is the iPhone 17 we're talking about. It's worth the hassle.

Score a free Apple iPhone 17 with T-Mobile's Experience Beyond plan ahead of the holidays.

Americans are deeply concerned with the current state of the U.S. economy. According to a recent Fox News poll, 76 percent of voters view the economy negatively, with voters blaming President Donald Trump; the New York Times reports 38 percent of voters approve of how Trump is handling the economy while 61 percent disapprove.

So if you've been struggling, frustrated, and worried about rising prices of late, the president has some "sound advice," as Stephen Colbert pointed out during his Late Show monologue on Wednesday night. During a Pennsylvania rally on Wednesday, Trump told Americans they should "give up certain products."

"You can give up pencils," the president said. "That's under the China policy, you know, every child can get 37 pencils, they only need one or two, you know, they don't need that many."

"How much does he think pencils cost?" asked Colbert on The Late Show. "Our fact-checkers checked, a pack of pencils is $4.36 on Amazon. So saving money on pencils may not be the stupidest thing he's ever said, but I'm gonna say it's number two."

Speaking of things the president has said...

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 some huge giveaways. On Dec. 13, the Droppin' Bars event in Venice Beach provides an awesome opportunity for fans to get the very first free try of the Ice Cream Bars. Then 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.

MARKET VALUE: The Pokémon TCG Mega Kangaskhan ex Box is $24.97 at Walmart. That's $15 cheaper than Amazon's inflated price.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Mega Kangaskhan ex Box $24.97 at Walmart
$39.99 Save $15.02   Get Deal

Walmart is riding high when it comes to Pokémon TCG right now. Not only is the Unova Poster Collection below market value, but the Mega Kangaskhan ex Box is listed for $24.97 (market value) whilst stock last. It's a brilliant sign of things to come in my opinion, with stock readily available at the price it should be. Amazon needs to watch out, as TCGplayer is also on the case by consistently undercutting their inflated prices and I'm here for it.

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!

Mega Khangaskhan ex's Run Errand ability allows trainers to draw two draws per turn. It can't be stacked, but the card is a basic Pokémon so you can get this into play as soon as you draw it. There's also two Destined Rivals and two Mega Evolution booster packs included alongside a jumbo lenticular card of Mega Kangaskhan ex.

The best chase cards you can pull from Destined Rivals and Mega Evolution Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

I've said this a million times by now and I'll say it again — you'll likely save money by buying the Pokémon card you're chasing instead of buying and ripping endless booster packs. TCGplayer is a great way to get the proper prices and market value tracking in the U.S. It's owned by eBay and works off a similar model of sellers making up the market, which means the best prices and your supporting independant traders. They have publicly visable reviews and ratings, giving you some solid confidence when buying.

Here's the top five chase cards you can pull or buy right now from Destined Rivals and Mega Evolution:

Destined Rivals

1. Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex - 231/182
   Near Mint Holofoil: $427.58
   Market price: $441.49
   Most recent sale: $429.99

2. Cynthia's Garchomp ex - 232/182
   Near Mint Holofoil: $176.01
   Market price: $228.72
   Most recent sale: $214.94

3. Ethan's Ho-Oh ex - 230/182
   Near Mint Holofoil: $174.89
   Market price: $174.83
   Most recent sale: $173.90

4. Team Rocket's Moltres ex - 229/182
   Near Mint Holofoil: $68.85
   Market price: $125.55
   Most recent sale: $129.99

5. Team Rocket's Crobat ex - 234/182
   Near Mint Holofoil: $70.01
   Market price: $69.77
   Most recent sale: $68.85

Mega Evolution

1. Mega Lucario ex - 188/132
   Near Mint Holofoil: $340
   Market price: $392.72
   Most recent sale: $350.49

2. Mega Gardevoir ex - 187/132
   Near Mint Holofoil: $284.97
   Market price: $307.92
   Most recent sale: $279.99

3. Mega Gardevoir ex - 178/132
   Near Mint Holofoil: $205.31
   Market price: $207.38
   Most recent sale: $150

4. Mega Lucario ex - 179/132
   Near Mint Holofoil: $193.01
   Market price: $197.50
   Most recent sale: $195

5. Mega Venusaur ex - 177/132
   Near Mint Holofoil: $145.90
   Market price: $149.07
   Most recent sale: $149

Lily Allen possibly turning West End Girl into a West End play? MAKE IT SO.

The artist joined Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show to unpack writing the most talked-about album of the year, in which Allen airs more than dirty laundry on her tempestuous open relationship with Stranger Things star David Harbour.

When Fallon mentions the album's runaway success has lead to the potential development of a play in London, Allen doesn't give much away but says, "That's true."

"Are you involved with that?" asks the host.

"I might be," says Allen. "The ink is not dry, but I'm definitely having some conversations with people, it's very exciting."

The idea of turning West End Girl track "Pussy Palace" into a stage number is all I need to get through the day, to be honest, but remembering the lyrics to "West End Girl" and a certain someone's reaction to Allen's previous West End success might get me through the whole year.

Taylor Swift spoke to Stephen Colbert about how to deal with the end of an era on The Late Show on Thursday, with the host's beloved show set to end in May 2026 after its controversial cancellation.

Specifically, Colbert asked the artist, who wrapped up her two-year, $2 billion-grossing Eras Tour almost one year ago, for tips on how to deal with finishing something so monumental. In December, Swift is set to release a Disney+ docuseries and extended concert film of the Eras Tour.

"I need a little advice," said Colbert. "I've been hosting a late night show for 21 years. I've got six months left here, approximately. Any advice on what to do? Because you have to come down from a two-year tour like that. I'm sure there's a little bit of a transition to do. Any advice?"

"I mean, for this specific situation, no, but I can sort of see from afar, right?" replied Swift. "I think that I can speak for both of us to say that we're both very passionate, hyperactive people. I like the grind, yes. So it's like, let's not say workaholic, let's just say we're passionate, hyperactive people."

SEE ALSO: Taylor Swift's mystery novel idea for Stephen Colbert post-'Late Show' is wild

"We're workpportunists," said Colbert.

"We like it, right? And so I think that when I take time off, it's always just like, I can't slow down the fact that I need to get up and do a lot of things today, but I can change what those things are. I can figure out how to chill out, but I'm never going to be a chill person," said Swift.

"So you're going to chill out with intention and very hard," said the Late Show host.

"So what you could do is I became like, 'I'm bread girl now.' Or I'm like, 'Oh, you know, this isn't gonna cross stitch itself.' Do you know what I mean? Hobbies are kind of incredible," Swift said. "You love to do a million things to prepare for this, and you give everything to the people that watch your show and you can give that to your friends and family, your community."

"But my friends and family don't chant my name, Taylor."

Taylor Swift joined Stephen Colbert on The Late Show on Wednesday, and they not only talked about how to deal with the end of an era, they planned a mystery novel?

After asking the artist to list her five favourite Taylor Swift songs (a tough ask, but "All Too Well (10 Minute Version)" is in there), Colbert and Swift then speak about what the host will do after his show ends in May next year, after its controversial cancellation. According to Swift, Colbert will get into podcasting, TikTok, and being an influencer, then make a pivot into a career in literature.

"I feel like you're gonna write a really amazing mystery thriller, where there's like, a house and it's covered in ivy, right?" said Swift, referring to her requirements for a perfect read.

"Maybe off the coast of Maine?" responded Colbert, who begins madly writing down plot details Swift begins to spin.

"There's a mistress there, but actually, she's related to them. And so it's really bad, but it's an amazing book. But it's grim right?" says Swift. "And then somebody falls off a cliff. Oh no, it was a ghost! And then it turns out that they don't actually own the island, right? They don't actually own it because their father is actually his twin brother, and the father died in a mysterious drowning incident."

"Done," says Colbert. "If it sells, I'll give you half the royalties."

SAVE $250: As of Dec. 11, the 13-inch Apple MacBook Air M4 is on sale for $949 at Amazon. That's a 21% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple 2025 13-Inch MacBook Air M4 $949 at Amazon
$1,199 Save $250   Get Deal

The MacBook Air has seen some incredible discounts lately, and as we approach the end of the year, there's no signs of stopping. As of Dec. 11, the 13-inch Apple MacBook Air M4 is still on sale at Amazon, this time bringing the price down to the lowest-ever price and giving you a $250 discount.

For just $949, you can take home the 512GB SSD storage option, but there's a catch: Only the sky blue model is at this record low price. If color doesn't matter too much to you, you'll be getting a great deal. However, if you have your heart set on a silver, midnight, or starlight colored option, you'll just need to pay $50 more and save $200.

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 M4 MacBook Air is a powerhouse of a computer (its 15-inch counterpart even made it onto our list of the best laptops of 2025). The M4 chip is one of the main selling points, giving you fast, smooth performance, even when multitasking across several apps. It also benefits from Apple Intelligence to help with tasks like writing and creating. It also has a 12MP Center Stage camera, three microphones, and four speakers with Spatial Audio to provide clear video and audio for calls and content creation.

Connectivity ports include two Thunderbolt 4 ports, MagSafe charging, a headphone jack, and more. And if you have an iPhone or other Apple product, enjoy seamless connection between the two, with features like iPhone Mirroring letting you view, control, and transfer content between Mac and iPhone.

This is the perfect deal to secure before Christmas. Get it from Amazon now.

SAVE $70: As of Dec. 11, the DJI Mic 3 is on sale for $259 at Amazon. That's a 21% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mic 3 $259 at Amazon
$329 Save $70   Get Deal

The DJI Mic 3 is back on sale at Amazon and if you create content, this is the deal for you. As of Dec. 11, this wireless microphone is down to $259 from $329, a saving of $70. Not only that, but according to camelcamelcamel, this is the best-ever price for this model.

This DJI mic setup is perfect for filming on the go as it's small enough to fit in a pocket or bag. So, whether it's travel vlogs or street interviews, it's nifty enough to take with you. It even supports pairing with up to four transmitters plus syncing with seven additional receivers if you need a group setup.

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 Mic 3 also benefits from adaptive gain control to keep audio clear in all settings. Anything from quiet areas to louder environments with lots of background noise, you'll be covered. And don't worry about losing connection in busy places; the dual-band anti-interference helps you keep a clean signal in crowded locations, and the built-in 32-bit float recording gives you a safety backup so you don’t lose usable audio.

And for anything wireless, battery life is important. With this mic, you'll get up to 28 hours of total recording time when everything is charged, so you're set for a full day of filming. It even has a quick five-minute charge feature that provides an extra two hours of use.

Get this wireless mic deal from Amazon now.

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

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

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

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025:

AcrossPainter's protective garment

• The answer is Nap.

"Toy Story 5" studio

• The answer is Pixar.

Your answer to "Where were you at 9 p.m. last night?," perhaps

• The answer is Alibi.

Tennis star Rafael

• The answer is Nadal.

Solemn sound from a church bell

• The answer is Knell.

DownDefeat soundly, in slang

• The answer is Spann

Italian city with a fashion week

• The answer is Milan.

Iron ___ (rust)

• The answer is Oxide.

Small group of conspirators

• The answer is Cabal.

Food for a baleen whale

• The answer is Krill.

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

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

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

This was the year I said enough is enough with dirty lenses and screens. I carry lens wipes in my bag at all times, and I finally bought a screen cleaner safe to use on all my devices: laptops, tablets, and smartwatches. The screen cleaner I went for has the very catchy name of Whoosh, in a sense promising to wipe away all the dirt and grime that collects on screens.

Plus, based on our research, it really does seem to be the screen cleaner of choice at Apple stores. I gave it a try on my very dirty MacBook Pro screen, and for under $20, it'll make your device look fresh out of the box.

Opens in a new window Credit: Whoosh Whoosh Screen Cleaner $17.99 at Amazon
$19.99 Save $2 Includes 3.4 ounce bottle of cleaner, 0.30 ounce travel-sized cleaner, and two microfiber cloths. Get Deal Dirty screen be gone Before Whoosh... Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable After Whoosh! I can see my reflection again. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The best way to show just how well Whoosh cleans is to bravely show my laptop pre-cleaning. It wasn't pretty, but with just a few wipes, my screen was clean and shiny. The Whoosh screen cleaner comes with two microfiber cloths, and it's gentle on screens.

To clean, just spray the Whoosh cleaner on the cloth and wipe the screen. Depending on how dirty your screen is, it may take a few passes — mine certainly did. The difference between my dirty and clean screen was astounding; gone were the fingerprints, and I could say hello to my reflection again.

It's a gentle cleanser that's ammonia- and alcohol-free. While its primary use is cleaning the screen, you can also use it on the keyboard, trackpad, and chassis — just make sure to spray it on the microfiber cloth, not directly on any of those components.

It's the screen cleaner of choice at Apple stores Whoosh's own evidence of its cleaner being used in Apple stores. Credit: Whoosh

Ever wonder how Apple stores manage to keep their screens clean despite all the folks coming through everyday? The answer is Whoosh, at least according to the brand itself. Whoosh proudly claims that it's "Apple’s cleaner of choice, trusted in all Apple stores worldwide." Since Apple itself doesn't confirm this, we did a little sleuthing ourselves.

As shown by The Shopping Expert on TikTok, Whoosh is in fact used in Apple stores. Plus, we confirmed with a current Apple Store employee that Whoosh is still used in stores in 2025. So if it's good enough for Apple, it's good enough for us.

An office essential and cheap stocking stuffer Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Whoosh is a staple product for me. No longer will I shirk away when showing something on my laptop, embarrassed by the smudges and fingerprints. This screen cleaner is gentle, effective, and totally affordable. It's under $20 on Amazon, and for $19.99, it includes a 3.4-ounce bottle of cleaner, a 0.30-ounce travel-sized cleaner, and two microfiber cloths. Not to mention it's often on sale for even less.

And while we think everyone should get this for themselves, it's also a smart and affordable stocking stuffer. With the holidays coming up, this is a boring but extremely practical tool for anyone who uses a laptop, phone, or tablet. Sure, it might be a little bit of a callout, but once the recipient has sparkling clean screens, they won't mind.

Opens in a new window Credit: Whoosh Whoosh Screen Cleaner $17.99 at Amazon
$19.99 Save $2 Includes 3.4 ounce bottle of cleaner, 0.30 ounce travel-sized cleaner, and two microfiber cloths. Shop Now

UNDER MSRP: As of Dec. 11, the Pokémon TCG Unova Poster Collection is bundled with Pokémon Legends: Z-A for Nintendo Switch at Walmart, knocking it below market value for a total of $74.97.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Unova Poster Collection + 'Pokémon Legends: Z-A' $74.97 at Walmart
$81.93 Save $6.96   Get Deal

The Nintendo Switch 1 version of Pokémon Legends: Z-A retails for $59.99. The Unova Poster Collection has a list price of $18.99. Combined that adds up to $78.98. That means this is the first deal in months that sees Pokémon TCG going under market value by $4.01, which is a ridiculously good deal and hopefully a sign of the tide turning in this volatile market.

Pokémon TCG has been struggling to meet demand since the back end of 2024 for many reasons. The Pokémon Company has been struggling to print enough cards in the west and scalpers have been buying up any available stock to sell on at a premium. This in turn has artificially inflated the market, causing single card prices to reach record highs.

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 interesting thing here is that single card values have been crashing across the board recently. Is it because stock levels are better or because people are simple exiting the hobby? Only time will tell, but I'd like to think it's the former.

The most valuable Black Bolt and White Flare Pokémon cards Credit: The Pokémon Company

Speaking of single cards, when I say the market has been spiraling, I mean it.

Let's take the most valuable chase card from Black Bolt and White Flare, and something you could pull in the poster collection, Victini - 172/086. Back in August it was putting out prices of $450, but today you can pick it up for $390. That's a $60 drop in just shy of four months. In all honesty, it's usually cheaper to just catch the single cards you want instead of buying and ripping open hundreds of booster packs to pull them.

Here's the top chase cards right now from Black Bolt and White Flare alongside up-to-date market values and links to catch your own on TCGplayer:

1. Victini – 172/086 – SV: White Flare
   Near Mint Holofoil: $390
   Market price: $410.43
   Value at launch: $395

2. Reshiram ex – 173/086 – SV: White Flare
   Near Mint Holofoil: $346.01
   Market price: $362.76
   Value at launch: $360

3. Zekrom ex – 172/086 – SV: Black Bolt
   Near Mint Holofoil: $387
   Market price: $424.98
   Value at launch: $427.27

4. Victini – 171/086 – SV: Black Bolt
   Near Mint Holofoil: $373.53
   Market price: $427.26
   Value at launch: $411.64

5. Zekrom ex – 166/086 – SV: Black Bolt
   Near Mint Holofoil: $210
   Market price: $216.12
   Value at launch: $211.99

6. Reshiram ex – 166/086 – SV: White Flare
   Near Mint Holofoil: $175
   Market price: $179.81
   Value at launch: $177.90

If you're concerned about scams in 2025, start by monitoring your texts. Many of the most common internet scams of the year start with a text message.

Of course, scams are everywhere because the internet has made it so easy for bad actors to do bad things. But, quite notably, the year in scams has largely been defined by text-based scams. You've likely heard about, or even received, these scams: The E-ZPass scam, the DMV scam, and the job offer scam, to name a few. And sadly, romance scams and malware trickery still abound.

To keep yourself and your loved ones safe online, here are the most common internet scams you need to be aware of in 2025.

The E-ZPass scam text

The E-ZPass scam texts — or scams involving other similar toll services — have seemingly been the most prevalent scam in 2025. We here at Mashable initially covered the story in January and updated with readers on the scammers' latest tactics and targets in May.

The TL;DR is that scammers send a text falsely claiming you have unpaid tolls, often creating a sense of urgency by threatening to suspend your license or enact some other severe punishment. Oftentimes, the text includes a link and, to be very clear: Do Not Click Any Links (or copy-paste a broken URL into another browser).

SEE ALSO: E-ZPass and toll scam texts are everywhere. What to do if you're targeted.

If you're curious about the scam texts, they typically looking something like the examples embedded below and are often sent from random phone numbers or email addresses.

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

In general, it's best to not engage with scams at all. That means do not click links, do not respond to the text, or do not start a chat on some other messaging service. If you have any concerns about an outstanding toll bill, the Federal Trade Commission recommends contacting your local agency directly. It's worth noting that the tolling agencies will not send a bill via text and will not threaten to suspend your license. If you get a scam E-ZPass text, you should just delete it and report it as junk, which is an option for most phones.

DMV scams

Another common scam in 2025 is the DMV text scam. It's effectively a close cousin to the E-ZPass scams described above.

The text itself is a near copy-paste from the E-ZPass scam. DMV offices in states like California, Florida, and New York issued warnings that scammers would spam people with texts claiming to be from the DMV, falsely saying the driver had unpaid tickets and their driver's license was in jeopardy. These are fake and should be treated exactly the same as the E-ZPass tolls.

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

There are just so many text-based scams out there. A new one this year centered on Coinbase, the crypto platform. Typically speaking, the scammer reaches out with a phone number or link in an apparent attempt to get your financial information. Though the message often claims some transaction took place, that's fake: You can safely delete it and move on.

Very common scam to watch out for. #2fa #scam #coinbase #crypto

[image or embed]

— Angel (@angellozan.live) April 10, 2025 at 3:17 PM Job offer scams

A relatively recent scam that's become more popular involves fake job offers, often from the job site Indeed. With a difficult economy and job market, these Indeed scams are especially cruel, as they take advantage of people who may already be economically vulnerable.

As we covered at Mashable, the scammers send a text saying the receiver has been offered a job, often claiming to be an employer on Indeed or the company Indeed itself.

The offer is fake, of course. Instead, the bad actors often try to get folks to click a bad link or strike up a conversation on a platform like WhatsApp or Telegram. If you receive one of these texts, do not respond or converse with the scammers. Obviously, do not send any personal information. Indeed also recommends blocking the number and reporting the issue to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

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

Some New Yorkers did (or will) get tax refunds in response to inflation. But scammers took that fact and ran with it. Scammers sent texts claiming the receiver was due for a refund. New York's Department of Taxation and Finance warned that it was not contacting people via text, but rather sending the checks via mail.

"You do not need to provide us with additional information to receive a check. If you are contacted about the inflation refund check by someone supposedly from the Tax Department, report it," the department wrote in a statement.

Retailer and Facebook ad scams

While lots of scams this year relied on text messages, Facebook had its fair share of issues, too. The FTC had to issue a consumer warning, for instance, about fake Joann Fabric ads on platforms like Facebook and Pinterest that directed folks to fake websites promising amazing, going-out-of-business deals. Joann is going out of business, but all the sales, the FTC noted, were in person and not online. The scam seemed to be targeting shoppers who weren't experienced with common online pitfalls.

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

Unfortunately, that's hardly the only sketchy ad that's appeared on Facebook this year. In fact, Reuters recently reported that Facebook makes up to $7 billion a year from "high risk" ads and outright scam advertisements.

Wrong number scams

The classic wrong number scams made a resurgence in 2025, thanks to artificial intelligence. AI has allowed scammers to more easily carry on conversations with people, earning their trust over time in order to steal from them. Sure, the scam might begin with a wrong number, but the idea is to make the person feel like they know you — then they find a way to take your money.

Wrote Mashable's Chance Townsend about stopping these scammers:

"The simplest and most effective way to protect yourself? Don’t respond. If a text pops up from 'Emily from the gym' or 'Daniel from the yacht club' and you have no idea who that is, ignore it. If the number’s from an unfamiliar area code or a region you’ve never set foot in — ignore it. That’s it. No need to engage, correct them, or play along. Just block the number and move on."

Fake IRS scams

As Mashable's Chase DiBenedetto covered in detail, scammers have increasingly fooled folks by posing as IRS agents chasing down taxes. Nearly one-quarter of Americans have been the victim, or know someone who was a victim, of a tax scam, according to a 2025 survey by McAfee.

How scammers carry out the scheme varies, but typically speaking they approach victims claiming they owe unpaid taxes. Before victims have the time to think it through, they pay up. It's important to know that the IRS conducts such business only through certified mail. So if you get a call or text about unpaid taxes, it is by definition a scam.

Black Friday scams

People love sales, and scammers know it. Amazon warned around Black Friday that bad actors were posing as the company in an attempt to steal its users' financial and personal information. The scam especially relied on sending browser notifications — so be careful what you click.

"Pig butchering" crypto and romance scams

Excuse the, well, graphic name, but a common 2025 scam has been labeled "pig butchering." The idea is that scammers get close to people in order to "fatten them up" and take them for all they're worth. The Secret Service warned that these scams often prey on people by catfishing them into a romantic relationship, then taking their money via crypto schemes, which makes this a variation on a classic romance scam.

The Secret Service wrote: "Pig butchering scams involve fraudsters gaining the trust of victims, oftentimes via a fictitious romantic relationship, and duping them into making investments into fake cryptocurrency projects. These schemes typically begin with a victim meeting someone on an online dating website"

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

As AI has improved, so have deepfake voice scams. That's when scammers reach out, often posing as someone you know, in an attempt to steal your financial or personal info. AI can clone someone's voice without much effort.

Mashable's Neal Broverman wrote about how to protect yourself from these scams but, in general, keep your social media private and question if someone urgently asks for money.

Tech support scams

We all struggle with tech at times — it can feel so frustrating when something you need to work just won't. Or we fret over losing access to our devices, or that people might steal our money over the internet. Scammers are preying on that fact. They've begun posing as some kind of tech or security support in order to convince people — often elderly folks with savings — to give up their money.

These scams come in a number of forms. The FTC warned, for instance, that some scammers use aggressive pop-ups claiming to be security alerts from Microsoft, Apple, or Geek Squad. They claim users have an urgent problem that they can "fix" for a cost. In a variation of this scam, people will receive an email notification that their Geek Squad account is about to renew for an exorbitant price. When users call "Geek Squad" to cancel, the scammers steal their financial information.

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

Other cases have shown elderly folks being told to deposit money into crypto accounts to "fix" an urgent computer issue. A woman in Michigan, for instance, was conned out of $30,000 by bad actors pretending to be an internet security company. Police in Texas prevented another scam in progress where a woman was all set to fork over $20,000 after a scammer contacted her about a "virus" on her computer. These scams, like many others, rely on urgency and pressuring people to act quickly. It's important to always take time to assess the situation and be especially wary of any payments that require using crypto or gift cards.

Clearly, 2025 has already been littered with scams. As we approach a new year on the internet, stay vigilant and watch out for these common internet scams.

Have a story to share about a scam or security breach that impacted you? Tell us about it. Email submissions@mashable.com with the subject line "Safety Net" or use this form. Someone from Mashable will get in touch.

TL;DR: Live stream Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers for free on 7Plus. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Week 15 of the NFL season promises to be a big one for both the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a crucial NFC South game.

Both teams are coming off losses, with the Falcons falling to the Seattle Seahawks and the Buccaneers taking a loss against the New Orleans Saints. In fact, Atlanta have lost seven in eight while Tampa Bay have lost five in seven. Both franchises will be looking to turn their fortunes around when Thursday Night Football kicks off.

Tampa Bay have had the better season, currently at 7-6 vs. Atlanta’s 4-9, and could go top of NFC South if they score a win on home turf and the Panthers lose to the Saints on Sunday. And if all that NFL action isn’t enough to satisfy your passion for football, it’s bowl season for college football, so there are stacks of other fixtures you can 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 want to watch Falcons vs. Buccaneers in the NFL for free from anywhere in the world, here's all the information you need.

When is Falcons vs. Buccaneers?

Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers takes place at 8.15 p.m. ET on Dec. 11. This fixture will be played at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay, Florida.

How to watch Falcons vs. Buccaneers for free

Falcons vs. Buccaneers in the NFL is available to live stream for free on 7Plus.

7Plus is geo-restricted to Australia only, but anyone around the globe can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can help by hiding your real IP address (digital location) and connecting you to a secure server in Australia, allowing you to unblock 7Plus from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the NFL by following these simple steps:

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

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

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with free coverage of the NFL

4. Register with 7Plus

5. Watch the NFL for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming do require a subscription, but the leading VPN services also offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. You can leverage these deals to get access to live streams of the NFL without committing any cash in the long run. This is obviously a short-term fix, but it will give you time to watch all the NFL fixtures before you reclaim any upfront investment.

What is the best VPN for the NFL?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream the NFL, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

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

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

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 — a saving of 49% — which includes a bonus three months usage at no extra cost. This plan also includes a year of unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (also with a money-back guarantee).

Live stream the NFL for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Secure 1TB of cloud storage forever with this lifetime subscription to Koofr Cloud Storage, on sale now for just $129.99 (reg. $810) with code KOOFR through Jan. 11.

Opens in a new window Credit: Koofr Koofr Cloud Storage: Lifetime Subscription (1TB) $129.99
$810 Save $680.01   Get Deal

Want to get your digital life in order in 2026? Start by putting an end to those expensive cloud storage fees and finally getting your files safely stored for life. Koofr Cloud Storage makes that an option, allowing you to own cloud storage for life.

Right now, you can secure a 1TB lifetime subscription to Koofr Cloud Storage for $129.99 (reg. $810) with code KOOFR through Jan. 11.

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!

Whether you’re hoping to safeguard family photos or you’re looking for a place to park your important work data, Koofr Cloud Storage lets you secure 1TB of your data forever for a one-time price with this lifetime subscription. That means you can keep 250,000 12MP photos, 500 hours of HD video, or around 6.5 million PDF files safe.

Aside from being more affordable than the usual cloud storage suspects, Koofr Cloud Storage also offers much greater security. Your files will be protected by end-to-end encryption, so there’s absolutely no tracking. And if you’ve already been using a popular platform, don’t worry — it’s easy to connect to your existing cloud accounts on Dropbox, Google Drive, Amazon, and more.

Koofr Cloud Storage offers some tools to make data management easier, like the duplicate finder feature that automatically locates and removes duplicate files to save you time and storage. You can also take advantage of advanced renaming options and link appearance customization.

Enjoy a 1TB lifetime subscription to Koofr Cloud Storage for only $129.99 (reg. $810) with code KOOFR now through Jan. 11.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: The NanoPhone is now more than 50% off at $89.97.

Opens in a new window Credit: NanoPhone NanoPhone $89.97
$199.99 Save $110.02   Get Deal

Smartphone makers can’t seem to agree on what the “right” size is anymore. Not long ago, the industry was racing to make phones as small as possible. Now, many models are creeping into tablet territory. If you’d rather cut the bulk and carry something genuinely compact, the NanoPhone is one of the smallest fully functional smartphones currently on the market.

Right now, it’s on sale for $89.97 (reg. $199.99) through Dec. 21, with orders placed by Dec. 14 arriving in time for Christmas.

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!

True to its name, the NanoPhone is nearly as small as the iPod Nano of yesteryear. Despite its size, it still handles core smartphone tasks. It supports clear voice calls and video chats through 4G and Wi-Fi, with a 5MP rear camera and a 2MP front camera. It runs on Android 10, so the interface will feel familiar, and it supports web browsing, video streaming, and commonly used apps such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and WhatsApp.

The NanoPhone also features dual SIM support, allowing you to stay connected to two numbers at the same time. Despite its small size, it’s built to handle daily use and works well as a backup phone, travel device, workout companion, or emergency handset. Its lightweight design makes it easy to keep on hand without adding noticeable bulk.

Instead of replacing your primary smartphone, the NanoPhone works best as a compact secondary device for situations when carrying a full-size phone isn’t ideal.

The NanoPhone is on sale for $89.97 through Dec. 21. To ensure delivery before Christmas, orders should be placed by Dec. 14.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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

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

Mashable's entertainment team has scoured the streaming services to highlight the most buzzed-about releases of the week and ranked them from worst to best — or least worth your time to most watchable. Whether you're looking for comical crime stories, compelling documentaries, epic adventures, fresh horror, or some failed Oscar bait, we're here for you.

16. Christy

Sydney Sweeney swung hard in this Oscar bait biopic of boxer Christy Martin. But it was a big swing and a miss.

While Christy does explore the struggles Martin faced in a male-dominated sport, at home with her abusive husband, and as a closeted gay woman, it does so with all the nuance of a a sledgehammer. As I wrote in my pan out of TIFF, "This movie is a mess, and Sweeney is a contributor to that, not its highlights. For one thing, she uses Martin's West Virginia background as an excuse to slap on a thick Southern accent that comes and goes. For another, while her look is different in Christy, it doesn't read "athlete," as she lacks tone and physicality...

[director David] Michôd seems most riveted by the criminal violence than any other aspect of Martin's story. So even what this film has to say about being a woman in sports, or a lesbian in America, or a person at all, is perplexing. In the end, Christy doesn't hit hard. It just blows." — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor

Starring: Sydney Sweeney, Ben Foster, Merritt Wever, and Katy O'Brian

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

15. The Mother, the Menacer, and Me

Want a showbiz comedy that's about what can happen if your imagination runs away with you? Then, check out The Mother, the Menacer, and Me.

Directed by Jon Salmon, this horror-comedy focuses on Eddie Matthews (James Austin Kerr), an aspiring filmmaker who has a deep love of horror and practical effects. Hollywood dreams are hard enough to attain when you don't have a mean mother-in-law (Lorraine Bracco) scowling over every decision you make. But Eddie has an unlikely ally in the Menacer, a creepy character he's made up who's actively rooting for violent vengeance against those who stand between the man and his moviemaking aspirations. How will this turn out? Watch to find out. — K.P.

Starring: Lorraine Bracco, Leah Remini, James Austin Kerr, and Alfonso Caballero

How to watch: The Mother, the Menacer, and Me is now available on digital.

14. Influencers

CW is back. In 2022, Cassandra Naud brought swaggering menace as the homicidal social climber CW with Influencer. And sure, that movie ended with this identity thief in a tough spot. But in the sequel — also helmed by Kurtis David Harder — CW has a new circle of friends and frenemies. Let's see how that lasts.

Set in sun-drenched countryside of southern France, Influencers has CW settled into a beautiful, quiet life with her girlfriend Diane (Lisa Delamar). But when she meets an alluring influencer named Charlotte (Georgina Campbell), bad habits die hard. — K.P.

Starring: Cassandra Naud, Georgina Campbell, Jonathan Whitesell, Lisa Delamar, Veronica Long, and Dylan Playfair

How to watch: Influencers begins streaming on Shudder on Dec. 12.

13. Roofman

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

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

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

How to watch: Roofman is now streaming on Paramount+.

12. Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Season 2

Turtle Power! In 2023, everyone's favorite quartet of reptiles got wildly (and wonderfully) re-imagined with the animated adventure Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem. Since then, Paramount has brought the impeccable vibes and more distinctive takes on Donatello, Raphael, Leonardo, and Michelangelo to the small screen with Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. And just like that, we're getting Season 2!

No matter what your entry point to the Turtles is, you'll appreciate how Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles maintains the mix of martial arts, mutant mayhem, and brotherly quips in store. Plus, did we mention Ayo Edebiri voices April O'Neil, who is a plucky teenager on the high school news team? Yeah. It's just good stuff. — K.P.

Starring: Micah Abbey, Shamon Brown Jr., Nicolas Cantu, Brady Noon, and Ayo Edebiri

How to watch: Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Season 2 begins streaming Paramount+ on Dec. 12.

11. Little Disasters

Based on the Sarah Vaughan novel of the same name, Little Disasters centers on a group of four women, close friends who've shared the highs and lows of motherhood together. But their group fractures after a fateful visit to the hospital.

On the surface, Jess (Diane Kruger) seems the picture-perfect stay-at-home mom. But when her infant daughter is brought to the emergency room with a head injury she can't explain, questions are raised about the child's safety. Her close friend Liz (Jo Joyner) is an ER doctor with a duty to report such incidents to child services. The investigation that follows tests their bond, but also throws their whole circle of friends into upheaval, and their marriages, too. Ready for drama? You can binge all six episodes of this British thriller, as they all premiere together. — K.P.

Starring: Diane Kruger, Jo Joyner, Ben Bailey Smith, Shelley Conn, and Emily Taaffe

How to watch: All six episodes of Little Disasters are now streaming on Paramount+.

10. Predators

One of the most buzzed-about movies out of Sundance 2025, Predators is a true crime documentary that's sure to make you squirm.

Documentarian David Osit explores To Catch a Predator, the American television program that ran from 2004-2007 and featured journalist Chris Hansen engaging in sting operations to catch grown men attempting to contact minors through online chats for sex. The show was widely considered a sort of catfishing for the greater good setup. But Osit looks back on the show's methods, results, and a legacy that involves a lot of haphazard Hansen imitators online.

Exploring why the show was so popular and what it got wrong is sure to make a lot of true crime fans uncomfortable. Osit takes the discourse to a profoundly personal place, which may be triggering for some. Be warned that this doc is thought-provoking and hard to watch, and make your call. — K.P.

How to watch: Predators is now streaming on Paramount.

9. Wizkid: Long Live Lagos

What if your success wasn't just about you, but also about opening the door for countless dreamers behind you?

Wizkid: Long Live Lagos is about such an incredible journey. Nigerian singer/songwriter Wizkid (aka Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun) has been building his music career for decades, but broke through with his first studio album, Superstar, in 2021. Since then, more albums have followed, including Morayo, which broke the record for biggest streaming debut for an African album on Spotify. Now, this documentary from director Karam Gill explores where Wizkid came from, who inspired him, and how his first stadium concert could be a defining moment for him and the untold African musicians he might inspire. Are you ready for a concert doc that captures not just the music but also the moment? — K.P.

How to watch: Wizkid: Long Live Lagos debuts on HBO/HBO Max Dec. 11 at 9 p.m.

8. Spinal Tap II: The End Continues

In 1984, Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Harry Shearer, and Rob Reiner made mockumentary history with the deeply silly comedy This Is Spinal Tap. Spoofing rock star decadence with a devotedly daffy approach, the movie became truly iconic, influencing generations of comedians and musicians to turn the volume up to 11.

Now the band is back together for a sequel that sends them on a reunion tour. And you can bet it's going to be wild. Mocking of merch, off-the-wall marketing ideas, and appearances from such real-world rock legends as Elton John and Paul McCartney are just the tip of this stonehenge. — K.P.

Starring: Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Harry Shearer, Rob Reiner, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Garth Brooks, Questlove, and more

How to watch: Spinal Tap II: The End Continues begins streaming on HBO Max on Dec. 12.

7. The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula: Titans: Season 2 finale

The Boulet Brothers bring 14 of their most fearsome monsters back into the competition for The Boulet Brothers' Dragula: Titans Season 2. Here, drag artists embrace filth, horror, and glamor to deliver the gnarliest drag (and extermination challenges) you'll see on TV. And since the cast of Titans has been through Dragula before, you know they'll deliver at a ridiculously high standard.

This season of Titans made waves not just for its competition, but for its drama, including two disqualifications. Since the finale just aired this past Monday, there's no better time to watch (or rewatch) these Dragula legends go head to head. Just know that it's not for the faint of heart. — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter

Starring: Abhora, Evah Destruction, Jaharia, Jay Kay, Cynthia Doll, Sigourney Beaver, Blackberri, Disasterina, Priscilla Chambers, Dollya Black, La Zavaleta, Jade Jolie, Loris, and Frankie Doom

How to watch: The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula: Titans is now on Shudder.

6. Keeper

Osgood Perkins delivered a double whammy to horror fans this year, offering not only his wild adaptation of Stephen King's The Monkey, but also the original horror film Keeper.

SEE ALSO: 'Keeper' review: Osgood Perkins and Tatiana Maslany deliver a scorching horror that's uniquely feminine

Tatiana Maslany stars in this trippy thriller as a painter who reluctantly agrees to go on a weekend getaway to the family cabin of her boyfriend, Malcolm (Rossif Sutherland). But shortly after they arrive, she senses something is just off. Maybe it's the creepy cousin (Birkett Turton) who drops by with a bored party girl (Eden Weiss). Perhaps it's the strange chocolate cake that just appears on a table, inviting yet off-putting. Where this story — from Dangerous Animals screenwriter Nick Lepard — will go is impossible to predict. But that's part of the fun. — K.P.

Starring: Tatiana Maslany, Rossif Sutherland, Birkett Turton, and Eden Weiss

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

5. Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour | The End of an Era & The Final Show

Swifties can celebrate Taylor Swift's birthday a day early thanks to the release of not one but two celebrations of Swift's record-breaking Eras Tour. 

SEE ALSO: Taylor Swift's "The End of an Era" trailer takes us behind the scenes of the Eras Tour

First up is the two-episode premiere of The End of an Era, a six-part docuseries that delves behind the scenes of the Eras Tour, from Swift's rehearsal process to the beginnings of her relationship with fiancé Travis Kelce. Expect star-studded cameos from Kelce, Sabrina Carpenter, Ed Sheeran, and more. Still craving more Swift? Then check out The Eras Tour: The Final Show, a concert film of the last-ever performance of the Eras Tour. Unlike The Eras Tour concert film that's already on Disney+, The Final Show includes Swift's Tortured Poets Department set. — B.E.

Starring: Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce, Sabrina Carpenter, Gracie Abrams, Ed Sheeran, and Florence Welch

How to watch: Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour | The End of an Era two-episode premiere and The Final Show debut on Disney+ on Dec. 12.

4. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Season 3

Before there was Captain Kirk and Spock, there was Captain Pike and Hot Spock. Or so declares this bold prequel series that's not only among the sexiest Star Trek shows, but also one that managed to do a musical episode and a crossover with the animated series Star Trek: Lower Decks.

Now, Season 3 of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds aired its finale episode back in September. But whether you need to catch up or just can't get enough of this Enterprise crew, getting the whole season on digital offers some bonus rewards. In addition to all 10 episodes of Season 3, those who purchase also get bonus features, like the featurettes "Exploring New Worlds," "Personal Log: Melissa Navia," "Virtual Visionaries," and "VFX Flights," along with a pair of gag reels and deleted/extended scenes. — K.P.

Starring: Anson Mount, Ethan Peck, Jess Bush, Christina Chong, Celia Rose Gooding, Melissa Navia, Babs Olusanmokun, Bruce Horak, Rebecca Romijn, and Martin Quinn

How to watch: Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Season 3 is now available on digital.

3. Percy Jackson and the Olympians

Demigods, rejoice! Percy Jackson and the Olympians returns this week, meaning we're headed back to Camp Half-Blood. But this time around, the beloved demigod camp is in grave danger. Its magical barrier is failing, leaving monsters able to enter and attack campers. You know what that means: It's time for a quest! In order to save camp and his missing bestie Grover (Aryan Simhadri), Percy Jackson (Walker Scobell) must venture into the Sea of Monsters, where Sirens, Scylla and Charybdis, and more deadly foes await.

SEE ALSO: Watch Phineas and Ferb recap 'Percy Jackson and the Olympians' Season 1

Once again, Percy Jackson and the Olympians proves a charming adaptation of Rick Riordan's bestselling novels. However, any frustrations you may have had with Season 1 as an adaptation persist here. As I wrote in my review, "Once again, the changes from book to show are a mixed bag, and once again, the show often lacks a defining visual spark. Yet the occasional high-energy action sequence and delightful interplay between Camp Half-Blood's heroes gives hope that it's not all rough waters ahead." — B.E.

Starring: Walker Scobell, Leah Sava Jeffries, Aryan Simhadri, Charlie Bushnell, Dior Goodjohn, Glynn Turman, Jason Mantzoukas, Toby Stephens, Virginia Kull, Daniel Diemer, Tamara Smart, Andra Day, Timothy Simons, Sandra Bernhard, Kristen Schaal, and Margaret Cho

How to watch: Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 2 premieres Dec. 10 on Disney+.

2. The Mastermind

There are not one but two cozy crime capers starring Josh O'Connor at the top of this week's list: one that wraps a small-town murder mystery in a star-studded cast and one that uses realism and is based on an actual art heist. Kelly Reichardt's The Mastermind is the latter (with the former coming up next), as it follows middle-class family man and carpenter JB (Josh O'Connor), whose unemployment leads him to drastic measures amid a social and political turning point for America.

I loved the film, as I wrote in my review, "Set in '70s Massachusetts and loosely based on the high-profile Worcester Art Museum robbery, The Mastermind plays out such a scenario with charming realism, wholesome comedy, and a rich, seductive score. But its most valuable asset is O'Connor, whose magnetic performance is as hilariously deadpan as it is moving." — Shannon Connellan, UK Editor

Starring: Josh O'Connor, Alana Haim, Hope Davis, John Magaro, Gaby Hoffmann and Bill Camp

How to watch: The Mastermind begins streaming on Mubi on Dec. 12.

1. Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery

Rian Johnson's whodunnit franchise Knives Out is back for a third locked door mystery! But this time, a seemingly impossible case might even crack world-famous, debonair detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig). Following The Glass Onion, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery sees the Southern sleuth called to a small town in upstate New York, where the local Monsignor Wicks (Josh Brolin) ends up dead. The prime suspect? Newcomer priest Jud Duplenticy (yep, it's Josh O'Connor), who swears himself innocent. Could it be him? Or one of the star-studded cast: Andrew Scott, Kerry Washington, Daryl McCormack, Glenn Close, Mila Kunis, Cailee Spaeny, Jeremy Renner, and Thomas Haden Church are all under the investigator's eye.

It's a rollicking murder mystery, one Mashable Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko called "tenaciously twisty, deliciously deranged, and a hell of a good time," writing in her review, "As Wake Up Dead Man leans into its curious title with a sensational third act, audiences will surely be pulled to the edge of their seats, wondering not only how this mystery resolves but what its answer will mean for the ever-questioning Benoit Blanc." — S.C.

Starring: Daniel Craig, Josh O'Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, Daryl McCormack, and Thomas Haden Church

How to watch: Wake Up Dead Man begins streaming on Netflix on Dec. 12.

(*) denotes a blurb came from a prior list.