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After a premiere at the Sundance Film Festival and a stint in theaters, The Moment is coming to HBO Max. But what can fans of Charli XCX expect from this comedy that's masquerading as a documentary?

First off, let's not flat-out call this a "mockumentary." While that's not the wrong term for writer/director Aidan Zamiri's film, the popularity of the term typically used for Christopher Guest parodies and The Office might have moviegoers expecting a comedic romp. The Moment is far more dry and cutting than wacky. But make no mistake, it's awesome. 

The British singer/songwriter who redefined "brat" plays herself in a compelling, often unvarnished look at what it means to achieve massive fame at breakneck speed. Beginning in September 2024, The Moment kicks off at the tail end of "brat summer."

With her sixth studio album becoming a massive hit that inspires memes, TikTok dances, and controversy, Charli XCX has her first arena tour ahead of her, pinned to brat. An eye-jittering montage of news clips and internet videos is intercut with flashing neon-colored production company logos, and Charli thrashing around in a feral dance under strobe lights. Right off, Zamiri captures the nonstop energy that is this 365 party girl's image. But once the montage stops, The Moment pauses on Charli, who practically collapses from her dance when "Cut!" is called. Just like that, she goes from fantasy to reality, and she's utterly exhausted. 

What's The Moment about?  Charli XCX and Alexander Skarsgård star in "The Moment." Credit: A24

Charli XCX is credited with the original story behind Zamiri and Bertie Brandes' screenplay, which follows the pop star through business deals, meet-and-greets, and tour rehearsals to a last-minute retreat to Ibiza, and onto the stage. Now, plenty of musicians have allowed camera crews behind the scenes for concert docs that reveal the human frailty behind the epic shows. But The Moment has more in common with St. Vincent's The Nowhere Inn, a 2020 mockumentary/psychological thriller that blended fact and fiction to explore the strangeness of being famous for your music. 

The plot of The Moment is Charli prepping for the tour, initially eager to collaborate with her trusted creative director, Celeste (Hailey Benton Gates), who envisions each show turning the arenas into a nightclub, complete with strobe lights and flashing graphics that include the word "cunt." However, this hard party energy clashes with the vision of documentarian Johannes (Alexander Skarsgård), who's been hired by a snarling record exec (Rosanna Arquette) to make the brat moment last forever with a concert doc that'll appeal to the mainstream and "dads."

This battle for creative control seems simple at first. Everyone from those above to Charli's timid manager Tim (Jamie Demetriou), her make-up artist Molly (Kate Berlant), and her famous friends, like Rachel Sennott (playing a comically shallow version of herself) insist Charli has the final say. But as pressure from the record company grows more intense, Charli realizes how little power she actually has, and struggles to make sense of what's best for her and brat. 

Far from finger-wagging or self-pitying, The Moment is electrifying.  Charli XCX takes a call in "The Moment." Credit: A24

The faux documentary Zamiri has made is not presented as Johannes' concert doc. That faux documentarian is an antagonist to Charli, pushing her to change her image, her signature green color, and even "brat" itself, daring to capitalize the B. 

Yet within the film's logic, it's unclear whose movie we're watching. The camera crew and director stay out of frame. However, through the persistent strobe effects — which mirror the opening title cards and Celeste's vision for the brat tour — it seems the film is from Charli's perspective, even as she is intruded upon. The cameras invade squabbles with Charli's team, doing cocaine in a nightclub bathroom, and an emotional breakdown in a private resort. And whereas in a narrative film people would ignore the camera, those around Charli look right into the lens, audibly alarmed. The pop star doesn't look, implying that Charli has gotten so used to being watched that she doesn't even notice them anymore. 

This reflects the message at the core of The Moment. In a tearful phone message, Charli recounts how she made brat the way she wanted to. It was hers, and now everyone else acts as if it is theirs, as if she is theirs, and as if they are entitled to tell her what to do next. 

Rather than enjoying the success she dreamed of, she's being relentlessly pushed to make big decisions. Will brat define her for life? Will she cling to it or let it go to look for something new? Will it be destroyed by capitalism's insistence on making all art into a commercial opportunity? 

And yet, Charli is not painted as a pitiable victim of her own success or a noble heroine for creative freedom. The portrait she and Zamiri offer is more complicated and refreshing. She shares personal insecurities about her hair and body, showing herself flushed and without make-up next to a meticulously made-up Kylie Jenner, who is in a bikini to boot. Beyond creating space for the venting of her frustrations, The Moment also shines a light on the bad calls made when caving to studio pressure. Thus, Charli demystifies the glory of being a pop star by uncovering some unflattering truths about commercial compromise, even when you are the moment.

The Moment has a dry, razor-sharp wit.  Rachel Sennott plays herself in "The Moment." Credit: A24

Not a romp or a laugh fest, this is the kind of movie where a laugh escapes you like a gasp or a scream, booming and deliciously surprising. There's cringe humor, like Sennott's scene, which plays like her HBO Max satire, I Love L.A., probing a particularly venal element of self-promotion. There are inside jokes that will only hit for Charli's fans, like a brief but biting appearance from Julia Fox as herself. For his part, Skarsgård is frightfully convincing as a faux-feminist douchebag. Then, there's Gates, whose bristled creative director is wickedly funny in her rage. Her delivery of the phrase "metaphorical cocaine" is sublimely absurd. 

Rather than broadly skewering the rich and famous, The Moment shrewdly targets the corporate side of making art for a living. Through celebrity cameos, a succinct yet riveting story, earnest emotion, and biting humor, Charli XCX's mockumentary captures something real about the battle of art versus commerce. How does one hold onto themselves when hit by an avalanche of more, more, more, for better or worse? The Moment shows one answer, urging audiences to find their own.

The Moment is streaming on HBO Max.

UPDATE: May. 27, 2026, 2:12 p.m. EDT "The Moment" was reviewed out of the 2026 Sundance Film Festival. This article was originally published Jan. 30, 2026, and has been updated to include current viewing options.

TL;DR: The new Motorola Razr Fold is available for free with T-Mobile. Claim this offer by activating a new line on Experience Beyond.

Opens in a new window Credit: Motorola Motorola Razr Fold Free when you activate a new line on Experience Beyond. Shop Now

Foldable phones are taking over in 2026. We've seen plenty of rumors about a potential iPhone Fold, but for now, the focus is firmly on the new Motorola Razr Fold.

If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to make the jump, T-Mobile has launched an enticing offer on this brand-new handset. For a limited time, the Motorola Razr Fold is free with T-Mobile. Yes, you read that correctly. To qualify, all you need to do is activate a new line on Experience Beyond. There's no trade-in required for this offer.

Before claiming this deal for yourself, it’s important to understand the contractual small print. T-Mobile doesn't simply hand over a $1,700 smartphone. Instead, the full retail value of the phone is financed across 24 consecutive monthly statements. Each month, T-Mobile applies an equal promotional bill credit that brings your device charge down to $0.

If you decide to close your account, switch networks, or pay off the phone early to upgrade to whatever comes next from the world of folding phones, the remaining unpaid balance will be due immediately.

You will also need to pay taxes and a $35 activation fee, but that's always the case with these "free deals." Does that make this phone totally free? We guess not, but it's a grey area.

Score the Motorola Razr Fold for free with this latest offer from T-Mobile.

I wasn't prepared for Pressure. Walking into the World War II drama, which stars Andrew Scott and Brendan Fraser, I knew it was about the lead up to D-Day. As such, I braced myself for a serious, stiff-upper-lip drama about soldiers and the cruelty of war. And it's not that Pressure isn't about those things. Rather, adapted from David Haig's 2014 stage play of the same name, Pressure comes from an unexpected angle in exploring war strategy.

Andrew Scott stars as Group Captain James Stagg, a Scottish meteorologist for the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force, who was assigned to aid American ally General Dwight D. Eisenhower (Brendan Fraser) by figuring out the forecast for the beaches of Normandy for D-Day.

Now, you might be thinking that weather and war don't sound like rich terrain for laughs. But Pressure's humor comes from the crackling cultural conflict between this no-nonsense Scot and the American general in desperate need of a sunny day.

Pressure is as much about social pressure as it is weather and war. Brendan Fraser and Andrew Scott in "Pressure." Credit: Alex Bailey / Focus Features / STUDIOCANAL

Pressure begins with bloodshed in 1944. Before the Allies carried out the biggest seaborne invasion in history (aka D-Day), there was a test run known as Operation Tiger, which failed miserably. Pressure begins in the immediate aftermath of this disastrous exercise, where a boyish young man in uniform stares blankly into the sky, blood washing around his prone body as the tide comes in.

Up and down the beach, there's a scramble among the survivors to aid whatever soldiers may be saved. Eisenhower looks on, stricken, cursing under his breath. With one brief yet brutal scene, director Anthony Maras, who adapted the screenplay with playwright David Haig, has succinctly established the life-or-death stakes of planning an invasion.

Six weeks later, Eisenhower is in a remote country estate filled with U.S. and UK military, all planning to launch D-Day in 72 hours. The fatal failure of Operation Tiger hangs over him, whether he's being barked at by a brash British field marshal (Damian Lewis), cajoled by his Irish aide, Kay Summersby (Kerry Condon), or placated by the American's lead meteorologist, Irving Krick (Chris Messina).

While the energy of these allies ranges from stern to abrasive, patient to bombastic, they're all pushing for D-Day to launch on Monday morning. Then, on a Friday arrives Stagg, who warns major storms could sink D-Day out the gate.

Introduced in his home in the midst of a cozy morning ritual, Stagg prepares breakfast for his very pregnant wife (Tamsin Topolski), gently assuring her he has time for this bit of intimacy. He is a man of few words, and this will come to frustrate his colleagues as the pressure builds. No sooner does he reach the estate than he's making curt commands. He points out errors in his men's work, dismisses the directives of another meteorologist, and is visibly vexed to discover Summersby in his office.

To borrow from reality TV, Stagg is not here to make friends; he's on mission. Like in Conclave, another excellent Focus Features release, there's a brilliant humor that erupts when this very serious setting collides with cutting replies to arrogance.

Krick is Stagg's foil, a suave American who literally performs a lively song and dance ("Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy") to amuse his troops. Stagg, by contrast, demands the piano be taken away, and literally hits a bad note when slamming its cover closed.

Where others swoon over Krick's easy-going attitude, name-dropping stories, and retellings of professional glory, Stagg simply stares, seeming to resent the wasting of time. Later, when arguing against Krick's proposed forecast of beautiful sunny weather, Stagg flatly calls the man "moronic." And when Krick complains that Stagg is insulting him to his face, Stagg responds sharply, "I'm not insulting you. I'm describing you."

In this ruthless honesty, there's an exciting — and yes, funny — rejection of social norms. And maybe even the thrill of vicariously being so good at your job that you don't need a charm offensive to be heard.

Pressure is competency porn. Andrew Scott and Chris Messina in "Pressure." Credit: Alex Bailey / Focus Features / STUDIOCANAL

Fun fact: I'm the person who introduced this bit of slang to Pressure's leading men. In an interview with Scott and Fraser, I explained how Pressure reminded me of HBO Max's hit series The Pitt, because both feature people who are so dedicated to their work, and so skilled at it, that it's deeply — almost orgasmically — satisfying to watch.

Featured Video For You Andrew Scott and Brendan Fraser talk 'Pressure' and competency porn

While it's tempting to flatten Eisenhower, Krick, Summersby, and Stagg into symbols to make them broader critiques of American attitudes versus British ones, Pressure bristles against such simplicity. For one thing, Stagg is Scottish, Summersby is Irish, and Eisenhower and Krick are two very different representations of American masculinity. The former is a tall, stern man, haunted by his failures. The other is a dynamic hero, held up by his wins and charm.

Looking at the two of them, it's tempting to think Krick gives Eisenhower the sunny forecast to please him. But in Messina's intensity opposite Stagg, it's easier to believe that a soldier with so many victories may be blind to his own potential defeat. None of these people are stupid or lazy or incompetent. But, as Stagg declares almost as soon as he arrives, it's incredibly difficult to determine the weather in Northern Europe for sure, more than 24 hours in advance. No matter how much these military leaders want the answer to be something else, Stagg won't bend on being certain.

Here's where the tension becomes satisfying and humane. This is not one man's battle to be heard in a realm where he's surrounded by fools. Pressure presents people who are the best at what they do. Their forces combined, we might think it's easy to see how D-Day was a success, marking a major turning point in World War II. But Stagg, staunch and soft-spoken, is like a mountain, unmovable as he reminds them that nature, that science, cannot be bellowed at or bullied into submission.

There's a glint in Eisenhower's eyes that reminds us of the dying boy on the beach without the need of a flashback. The stakes are clear. It's electrifying to witness humans who are determined to do the hard, right thing, while having to face that we're not as in control of the world as we wish to be. So, who will make the tough call, stay or go?

Andrew Scott is remarkable in Pressure. Andrew Scott and Kerry Condon in "Pressure." Credit: Alex Bailey / Focus Features / STUDIOCANAL

There's an incredible restraint in Scott's performance that allows the humor to reverberate without feeling forced. It's not that Stagg is trying to be funny or cutting. Scott gives no wink or smile to suggest Stagg enjoys dressing down Krick (though who could blame him?).

Whether caressing his wife or arguing his position against the towering wrath of Eisenhower, Stagg is a man who values time and truth above all else, and so will waste none of the former with a denial of the latter. Because Messina's boogie woogie American is scripted as the dashing dynamo, Scott suppresses the sultriness and mischievousness that made fans of Fleabag and Sherlock go wild. He holds in the throbbing heartache that made All of Us Strangers radiant in its grief, and the anchoring empathy of Blue Moon. He plays none of the biting barbs as punchlines or reads. Resolute and restrained, he is nonetheless riveting, perhaps especially as Stagg's anti-social tendencies irk those around him.

Maras smartly sets Stagg apart from his peers with a hint of color. Cheers to Maras and his cinematographer Jamie D. Ramsay for rejecting the contemporary obsession for desaturated palettes. In Pressure, a rich saturation brings depth to ornate rooms filled with soldiers in brown, khaki, and more brown. Flesh is allowed to flush red in frustration. But most notably, Stagg, in a crisp blue dress shirt, is visually in opposition to the troop of brown around him. Even in a group shot, even with his back turned, this simple choice of embracing color and a simple choice from costumer Liza Bracey, makes him stand out. Perhaps to remind us of how he feels alone in this fight. Or perhaps, stripped down from his dress jacket in moments of high stress, this blue shirt is meant remind us that these icons of history are also just men, as flawed and fearful as they may be revered and brave.

Created with care and great humanity, Pressure explores the hard work, intense co-operation, and tricky social dance of warfare, in a way that is enlightening and entertaining. Maras is respectful without ever falling prey to a stony reverence that would make his characters statues instead of people. Fraser is committed and suitably stern as Eisenhower. Condon balances warmth and clarity as the middleman between Eisenhower and Stagg. Messina is delightfully smarmy. Along with Scott, they create portraits that don't feel stiff, but are pulsating, precious, and alive.

Pressure is outstanding cinema, propelled by passion, intellect, and spirit. Don't overlook it.

Pressure opens in theaters May 29.

Hooking up is hard enough as it is. And that's before you've thrown in the minefield of online dating and all its nuances into the mix.

It adds all kinds of complications around app etiquette, how to know when you're vibing, and how to move offline. Not to mention concerns over protecting your digital privacy. And yet, people repeatedly sabotage their own chances of success with common online dating mistakes — which can prevent you from finding that all-important match.

If you're a loyal AdultFriendFinder user and want to use the site safely and effectively, here are three things we recommend you should keep off your profile.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdultFriendFinder AdultFriendFinder   Learn More Public-facing NSFW content

AdultFriendFinder is very permissive when it comes to NSFW content — you could even say it's kinda the whole point of AFF — and many of its members take advantage of this freedom by posting explicit material upfront. That said, we advise against it, especially if you also plan on sharing pictures or videos of your face.

Always use non-nude content for your profile photos. Because once you post naked content online, you lose all control over it – where it ends up and what it gets used for. That doesn't mean you can't share nudes, but there are more private ways to bare all.

SEE ALSO: Adult Friend Finder vs. Tinder: How they compare as hookup apps

It's not just a matter of your own safety but also the impression you give. While some people will be turned on by upfront nudity, others may be put off. So, if you want to maximize your chances at making a connection, you're better off leaving something to the imagination. You finding other subtler ways to be sexually suggestive.

Unnecessary personal information

Oversharing is another major security concern that people can overlook. No, your potential hookups don't need to know what you do for a living, at least not from from just scanning your profile, and they certainly don't need to know specifics about your employer, your address, or your marital situation. 

SEE ALSO: All your Hinge questions, answered

Think very hard about what you choose to share and how certain information can lead back to you or even compromise you in the wrong hands. It's not that every person you meet on AFF will be a bad actor — chances are, most of your interactions will be totally genuine — but this is the internet we're talking about here and there are bad actors all over it, just waiting to strike.

Online safety 101: Share the bare minimum, and if you do choose to open up to a specific person, make sure you've vetted them and that they are who they say they are. There are common sense rules that you can follow.

Sexual boasting

Hookup sites in general, and AdultFriendFinder in particular, can be littered with profiles bragging about their sexual prowess, often in very crude terms (mostly men in our experience).

We understand the impulse to boast, especially when you're trying to connect with another human being on a sexual level, and in an environment centered on sex, but bragging is just a turn-off. Take note, fellas, and save your sexual boasting for one-on-one convos after a rapport has been established and you have a sense of the other person's turn-ons. 

TL;DR: Watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The world will stop this summer for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

16 cities across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada will welcome the best international sides from around the world as they compete for arguably the biggest prize in sport. Huge names like Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Lamine Yamal are likely to steal the spotlight, but new stars always shine brightly in this prestigious competition. It's going to be a wild ride.

If you're interested in watching the 2026 FIFA World Cup from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

What is the FIFA World Cup?

The World Cup is an international football competition between senior men's national teams. The 2026 World Cup has been expanded to 48 teams, split into 12 groups of four teams. The top two teams in each group and the eight best third-placed teams will progress to the knockouts rounds.

The defending champions are Argentina. They won their third title at the 2022 World Cup after defeating France in an epic final.

When is the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

The 2026 World Cup is the 23rd edition of this famous competition. This year's tournament takes place from June 11 to July 19.

How to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free

A number of streaming platforms are offering free coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup:

• Australia — SBS

• Austria — ORF and ServusTV

• Belgium — RTBF and VRT

• France — M6

• Germany — ARD and ZDF

• Ireland — RTÉ

• Italy — RAI

• Norway — NRK

• Netherlands — NOS

• Spain — RTVE

• UK — BBC iPlayer and ITVX (recommended)

These streaming services are geo-restricted, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another location, meaning you can live stream the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free by following these simple steps:

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

2. Download the app to your device of choice

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

4. Visit BBC iPlayer or ITVX (recommended)

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

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this tournament 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 the FIFA World Cup?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for accessing live sport on free streaming platforms, 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 secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Fonseca vs. Djokovic in the 2026 French Open for free on France TV. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2026 French Open took a massively unexpected turn yesterday when unseeded youngster Juan Manuel Cerundolo defeated world No. 1 Jannik Sinner. With the men's field now wide open, Novak Djokovic has perhaps his best chance at winning a record 25th Grand Slam title.

But there's a long way to go. The 30-year-old Serb must first beat Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca, the tournament's No. 28 seed. Fonseca has only dropped two sets so far, so will prove tough competition. He's just 19 years old and as proved by Cerundolo, anything can happen on the court on any given day.

If you want to watch Fonseca vs. Djokovic in the 2026 French Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Fonseca vs. Djokovic for free

Fonseca vs. Djokovic in the 2026 French Open is available to live stream for free on France TV.

France TV is geo-restricted to France, 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 France, meaning you can stream the 2026 French Open for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream the 2026 French Open 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 France

4. Connect to France TV

5. Watch the 2026 French Open 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 Roland-Garros without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream the 2026 French Open 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 sport?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, 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 secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream Fonseca vs. Djokovic in the 2026 French Open for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Linette vs. Swiatek in the 2026 French Open for free on France TV. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2026 French Open is still stunned from yesterday's shock result, which saw men's No.1 Jannik Sinner eliminated by unseeded Juan Manuel Cerundolo, a twist that's blown the field wide open.

But there's little time to take it all in — the Roland-Garros action continues today as women's No. 3 Iga Swiatek faces Magda Linette in a third-round, all-Polish showdown. And the women's field is just as open and unpredictable following surprise exits of Elena Rybakina and Jessica Pegula.

With some of the toughest opponents out of action, Swiatek must surely fancy her chances to go all the way and claim a seventh Grand Slam, which would come off the back of winning last year's Wimbledon. You can also bet that Linette will be motivated by the number of big unseeded upsets so far at Roland-Garros, and will look to further disrupt the order.

If you want to watch Linette vs. Swiatek in the 2026 French Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Linette vs. Swiatek for free

Linette vs. Swiatek in the 2026 French Open is available to live stream for free on France TV.

France TV is geo-restricted to France, 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 France, meaning you can stream the 2026 French Open for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream the 2026 French Open 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 France

4. Connect to France TV

5. Watch the 2026 French Open 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 Roland-Garros without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream the 2026 French Open 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 sport?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, 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 secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream Linette vs. Swiatek in the 2026 French Open for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Watch Love Island UK for free on ITVX. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Forget all about sunning yourself on a picture-perfect beach this summer. Love Island UK is back on our screens for the forseeable future, so cancel all your plans.

Prepare yourself for weeks of cringey pickup lines, awkward breakups, and massive meltdowns. There's also a slim chance that contestants will find love, but that's not really what Love Island is about. It's all about the drama, and we really can't get enough.

If you're interested in watching Love Island UK in 2026 for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is Love Island UK in 2026?

The 13th season of Love Island UK starts on June 1. Love Island seasons typically run for eight weeks.

How to watch Love Island UK for free in 2026

The 13th season of Love Island UK is available to live stream for free on ITVX.

ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone from around the world 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 watch Love Island UK from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Love Island UK 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. Visit ITVX

5. Stream Love Island UK 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 free trials and money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch the latest season of Love Island UK without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you time to watch a large chunk of the season before recovering your investment.

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

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for accessing free live streams on ITVX, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

• Easy-to-use apps for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, as well as platforms like Linux, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, and routers

• Strict no-logging policy

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Today's Connections: Sports Edition will require knowledge of Music City.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Yellow: Fancy footwork

• Green: Basketball club-related

• Blue: Sports leaders

• Purple: Music City competitor

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Hit a ball with your foot

• Green: First words in NBA team locations

• Blue: League commissioners

• Purple: An athlete in Nashville

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 #613 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Hit a ball with your foot: BOOT, KICK, PUNT, STRIKE

• First words in BA team locations: GOLDEN, LOS, NEW, OKLAHOMA

• League commissioners: BETTMAN, GOODELL, MANFRED, SILVER

• An athlete in Nashville: COMMODORE, PREDATOR, SOUND, TITAN

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 the latest Connections.

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 Friday, May 29, 2026:

Across"Whatcha ___?"

• The answer is Doin.

"Whatcha ___?"

• The answer is Up to.

Ecosystem that includes the bristlemouth, the most common vertebrate on Earth (roughly 1 quadrillion organisms)

• The answer is Ocean.

Marx who wrote "Das Kapital"

• The answer is Karl.

Period at a hotel

• The answer is Stay.

DownOld gold coin of Europe

• The answer is Ducat.

Performance at Milan's La Scala or Naples's Teatro di San Carlo

• The answer is Opera.

Home to Milan and Naples

• The answer is Italy.

Prefix with starter or smoker

• The answer is Non.

Approves

• The answer is OKs.

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.

A Blue Origin New Glenn spaceship has exploded, disappearing in a massive ball of fire during a test on Thursday night. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported, but it's an expensive setback for Jeff Bezos' space company. 

SEE ALSO: Blue Origin’s New Glenn mission successfully launches and lands a reusable rocket

The New Glenn rocket had been undergoing a static hot-fire test at Florida's Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at the time of the explosion. A static hot-fire test is a trial run of the rocket's launch system, involving fuelling up the vehicle and briefly firing all its engines without disengaging the launch mount. 

Unfortunately, this trial didn't go as planned. At approximately 9 p.m. ET the rocket "experienced an anomaly," which is Blue Origin-speak for "rapid unscheduled disassembly," which is SpaceX-speak for "exploded in a giant fireball." SpaceX suffered a similar accident last June, when its Starship spacecraft also exploded during a static fire test.

One first stage New Glenn rocket reportedly costs over $100 million to build.

The explosion was caught on camera by Spaceflight Now and NASA Spaceflight.

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"We experienced an anomaly during today's hotfire test," the official Blue Origin X account posted shortly after the explosion. "All personnel have been accounted for. We will provide updates as we learn more."

Bezos reiterated that all personnel were safe in a post from his personal X account, and said that an investigation into the incident is now underway.

"It’s too early to know the root cause but we’re already working to find it," Bezos wrote. "Very rough day, but we’ll rebuild whatever needs rebuilding and get back to flying. It’s worth it."

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New Glenn is Blue Origin's attempt at building a reusable orbital rocket. On Wednesday, the company announced that New Glenn's fourth launch would place 48 Amazon Leo satellites into orbit, with further details to be revealed at a later date.

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

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

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

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

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

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

To decorate.

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

ADORN

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Golf helper.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for May 29, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

CADDY

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

Hurdle Word 3 hint

A principle.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for May 29 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for May 29, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

DOGMA

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Spiral.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

HELIX

Final Hurdle hint

An explosion.

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

BLAST

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

We're just a few nights away from the Blue Moon, so there's plenty surface features to spot on the Moon tonight. But what are they? Keep reading to find out.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Friday, May 29, the Moon phase is Waxing Gibbous. Tonight, 91% of the moon will be be lit up, according to NASA's Daily Moon Guide.

You don't need visual aids to be able to moon gaze, especially if its a clear night. With just your naked eye, you'll be able to spot the Mare Imbrium, Aristarchus Plateau, and the Kepler Crater. If you have binoculars you'll also be able to catch a glimpse of the Posidonius Crater, Archimedes Crater, and the Clavius Crater. If you have a telescope, you'll see the Caucasus Mountains, Descartes Highlands, and the Schiller Crater.

When is the next Full Moon?

There are two Full Moons in May, with the next due to take place on May 31.

What are Moon phases?

According to NASA, the Moon takes around 29.5 days to orbit Earth, passing through a repeating pattern of eight distinct phases. Although the same side of the Moon always faces Earth, the portion illuminated by the Sun changes as it moves around the planet. This is what creates the different shapes we see in the night sky, from thin crescents to half Moons and the full Moon. Together, these phases form the lunar cycle:

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.

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

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

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

How to play Pips

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for May 29, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for May 29, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for May 29 Pips

Less Than (2): Everything in this space must be less than 2. The answer is 0-6, placed horizontally; 0-5, placed vertically.

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

Greater Than (2): Everything in this space must be greater than 2. The answer is 6-2, placed horizontally; 1-5, placed vertically.

Number (20): Everything in this space must add up to 20. The answer is 0-5, placed vertically; 5-5, placed horizontally; 1-5, placed vertically.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for May 29 Pips

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

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

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

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 6-1, placed horizontally; 2-0, placed vertically.

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 0-1, placed vertically; 3-2, placed vertically.

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

Hard difficulty hints, answers for May 29 Pips

Less Than (6): Everything in this space must be less than 6. The answer is 0-1, palced horizontally.

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

Less Than (2): Everything in this space must be less than 2. The answer is 2-0, placed horizontally; 0-5, placed vertically.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Number (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 3-2, placed vertically; 0-4, placed vertically.

Equal (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 0-4, placed vertically; 1-4, placed vertically; 4-2, placed horizontally.

Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 4-2, placed horizontally; 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.

You won't have to wait much longer to buy Slate Auto's first EV. The Jeff Bezos-backed startup is telling customers via email that it will begin taking orders for the low-priced, modular truck on June 24th ahead of deliveries later in the year.

For All Mankind season 5 might be coming to a close, but the new spin-off show, Star City, is just getting started. Star City premieres with two episodes on Apple TV on May 29 at 12 a.m. PT/3 a.m. ET.

The Nissan Pathfinder has been hauling people and their stuff around since 1986, when it arrived as a compact pickup-based off-roader before eventually growing into the three-row SUV it is today.

TL;DR: Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows is available for $29.97 (reg. $219.99) through May 31 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License $29.97
$219.99 Save $190.02   Get Deal

If you’re shopping for Microsoft Office and don’t necessarily need Microsoft’s latest release, this right here could save you quite a bit of money. Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows is price-dropped to $29.97 (reg. $219.99) through May 31 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Instead of paying an ongoing subscription fee for Microsoft 365, this package provides access to Microsoft’s classic productivity apps with a one-time purchase.

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One advantage of Office Professional 2021 is the inclusiveness of software included. While newer Office editions often focus on the core essentials, this package comes with eight applications: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, OneNote, Publisher, and Access.

That means users can handle everything from document creation and email management to database projects and business presentations without piecing together multiple software solutions. Excel remains a go-to tool for budgeting, reporting, and data analysis, while Word and PowerPoint continue to be primary programs for professional communication.

Although Office 2021 isn’t Microsoft’s newest version, that may not be a pitfall for many buyers. If your main goal is reliable access to familiar Office applications rather than the newest feature releases or bundled cloud storage, Office 2021 can be a more cost-effective option. In fact, this deal includes more applications than Office 2024 Home & Business, making it a smart choice for users who want the broadest set of desktop tools.

Before purchasing, it’s worth noting that Office Professional 2021 requires Windows 10 or Windows 11 and installs on one Windows PC.

For anyone looking to equip a home office, small business, or personal workstation without stretching their software budget, Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows is available for $29.97 through May 31 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: The GoCable 8-in-1 EDC 100W Cable is on sale for $21.99 (reg. $49.99) and combines fast charging, multiple connectors, cable management, and everyday tools in one compact gadget.

Opens in a new window Credit: GoCable GoCable 8-in-1 EDC 100W Cable $21.99
$49.99 Save $28.00   Get Deal

Is your bag, desk drawer, or carry-on overflowing with charging cables, adapters, and random accessories? The GoCable 8-in-1 EDC Cable is here to turn all of that disarray into convenience, consolidating all that clutter into one clever, pocket-sized tool, and it’s on sale for $21.99 (reg. $49.99).

We’ve seen multi-purpose charging accessories before, but GoCable stands out by packing an impressive range of features into something small enough to clip onto your keychain or backpack.

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The GoCable supports up to 100W charging speeds when paired with a compatible power source. That means it’s ready for everything from smartphones and tablets to laptops and other USB-C devices. Plus, with both USB-C and Apple Lightning compatibility, it’s great for those who always have a mix of devices.

It’s built-in LED display shows charging info in real time. Instead of not knowing whether your device is charging efficiently, you can see the status right on the cable itself.

GoCable also features magnetic cable management, keeping cords neatly wrapped and tangle-free. It’s great for travelers, commuters, photographers, drone users, and content creators alike (basically anyone carrying multiple gadgets).

It also comes loaded with extras: a built-in bottle opener, a safe cutter for opening packages, a carabiner clip for attaching to bags or gear, and support for high-speed data transfers between devices.

Plus, rather than carrying separate charging accessories and small utility tools, users get several everyday functions bundled into one compact gadget that’s less than six inches long.

If you want to travel lighter with your tech, the GoCable 8-in-1 EDC 100W Cable can do that for you for just $21.99 (reg. $49.99).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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

Luxury used to be all about aspiration. People paid extra for nicer materials, smoother performance, quieter cabins, and the badge on the hood that signaled you’d “made it.”