Mashable

Happy (almost) summer! Let's celebrate by looking ahead to the oodles of television coming in the next few months.

The summer of 2024 is already shaping up to be a busy time for TV lovers, with the return of heavy-hitters like House of the Dragon, The Bear, Bridgerton, and The Boys. Elsewhere, upcoming Star Wars show The Acolyte will transport us to the High Republic, The Umbrella Academy prepares to take its final bow, and Interview with the Vampire goes all in on gothic goodness.

But there are even more shows — both new and returning — where those came from. Read on for 33 TV shows to check out this summer.

SEE ALSO: Summer Movie Preview: Every film you oughta know Shardlake

Sean Bean as Thomas Cromwell. That's all we need to watch Shardlake, a four-part historical murder mystery set in Tudor England. Written by Stephen Butchard and directed by The Other Boleyn Girl's Justin Chadwick, Shardlake is based on the first book in C. J. Sansom's novel series. The show spans the reign of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, during the dissolution of the monasteries. Lawyer Matthew Shardlake, who works for Cromwell, is ordered to investigate the murder of one of the Crown's commissioners in the town of Scarnsea. With his assistant Jack Barak, Shardlake must solve the crime while navigating the political turmoil permeating this seaside town. — Shannon Connellan, UK Editor

Starring: Arthur Hughes, Sean Bean, Babou Ceesay, Paul Kaye, Matthew Steer, David Pearse, Joe Barber, and Kimberley Nixon

How to watch: Shardlake premieres May 1 on Hulu.

Hacks Season 3

Sharp-tongued comedians Deborah Vance and Ava Daniels return in Hacks Season 3, which has a lot of ground to cover following Season 2's game-changing finale. In that episode, stand-up legend Deborah fired her assistant Ava in order to give her more time to focus on her own life and career. But a dynamic duo can only stay apart for so long, right? The two will team up again soon, right?

Based on the trailer for Season 3, it looks like a Deborah and Ava reunion is certainly in the cards after a chance elevator encounter. And now that Deborah's latest special has put her back on top of the comedy world, she'll need someone like Ava to keep pushing her to do all that she wants to achieve. That's great news for Hacks fans, because we can always count on Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder's killer chemistry for a great time.* — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter.

Starring: Jean Smart, Hannah Einbinder, Carl Clemons-Hopkins, Paul W. Downs, Megan Stalter, Kaitlin Olson, Poppy Liu, Rose Abdoo, and Mark Indelicato

How to watch: Hacks Season 3 premieres May 2 on Max.

A Man in Full

Tom Wolfe's novel gets the Netflix treatment with Jeff Daniels in the lead as Atlanta real estate mogul Charlie Croker. He's going bankrupt and risks losing everything, much to the delight of many of his adversaries. Created by David E. Kelley, A Man in Full has Regina King directing alongside Thomas Schlamme, so expect this one to be sharp and smart as hell. — S.C.

Starring: Jeff Daniels, Diane Lane, Tom Pelphrey, Aml Ameen, Chanté Adams, Jon Michael Hill, Sarah Jones, William Jackson Harper, and Lucy Liu

How to watch: A Man in Full premieres May 2 on Netflix.

The Tattooist of Auschwitz

New Zealand author Heather Morris' popular novel The Tattooist of Auschwitz has been adapted into a six-part TV series for Peacock. The book follows a love story in unimaginable circumstances, inspired by the true story of Lale and Gita Sokolov.

The series follows Lale, a Jewish man imprisoned in Auschwitz-Birkenau; there, he was forced to tattoo identification numbers on the forearms of other prisoners. One such prisoner is Gita, with whom he fell in love. — S.C.

Starring: Jonah Hauer-King, Anna Próchniak, Jonas Nay, Harvey Keitel, and Melanie Lynskey

How to watch: The Tattooist of Auschwitz premieres May 2 on Peacock.

Dark Matter

Admit it: You've sometimes wondered how your life might have turned out if you made a slightly different choice along the way. That's the starting premise for Apple TV+'s sci-fi series Dark Matter, but in the world based on Blake Crouch's novel, it isn't just a premise.

SEE ALSO: 'Dark Matter' trailer teases a black box that leads to infinite versions of one man's life

Scientist Jason Dessen (Joel Edgerton) has actually invented a black box that can access infinite versions of his own life. The villain of the piece? A different version of Jason, who kidnaps the first Jason and rudely moves him into a parallel universe. Yes, it's all a little confusing. But the premise is also so intriguing that we can't wait to see where this one goes. — Sam Haysom, Deputy UK Editor

Starring: Joel Edgerton, Jennifer Connelly, Alice Braga, Jimmi Simpson, Dayo Okeniyi, and Oakes Fegley

How to watch: Dark Matter premieres May 8 on Apple TV+.

Reginald the Vampire Season 2

Reginald the Vampire Season 2 raises the stakes with a promise of a face-off between vampires and angels.

The SYFY comedy sees Reginald Andres (Jacob Batalon) adjusting nicely to his new vampire life and cohort. But just as life as a bloodsucker is starting to click, angels return to Earth and threaten to destroy every vampire in existence. With 30 days before the Blood War, can Reginald and his friends find enough allies to stand a chance? — B.E.

Starring: Jacob Batalon, Mandela Van Peebles, Em Haine, Savannah Basley, Aren Buchholz, Marguerite Hanna, and Thailey Roberge

How to watch: Reginald the Vampire premieres May 8 at 10 p.m. ET on SYFY.

Black Twitter: A People's History

In 2021, Wired's Jason Parham published the essential three-part article series "A People’s History of Black Twitter," chronicling the rise of the mighty online community that defined the platform now known as X. Hulu has developed Parham's piece into a three-part series, directed by Prentice Penny (Insecure) and produced by Onyx Collective. The series looks to delve further into the rise of Black Twitter through the memes, moments, and influencers who defined one of the most influential, important spaces on the internet.

"Black Twitter is the beating heart of Twitter overall," wrote Mashable's Chance Townsend and Tim Marcin. "If you have a favorite meme, joke, or even way to use Twitter, it most likely started on Black Twitter. There is no Twitter — at least not the version we know — without Black Twitter." The response to Hulu's trailer, however, was mixed — especially on Black Twitter. — S.C.

Starring: Jason Parham, Roxane Gay, W. Kamau Bell, TJ Adeshola, Ira Madison III, Dr. André Brock, Jemele Hill, Kid Fury, Rembert Browne, Luvvie Ajayi Jones, Raquel Willis, Dr. Meredith Clark, Brandon “Jinx” Jenkins, Shamika Klassen, Wesley Lowery, April Reign, Sam Jay, Brad Jenkins, Van Lathan, Jamilah Lemieux, Baratunde Thurston, Judnick Mayard, God-is Rivera, Ashley Weatherspoon, Amanda Seales, Denver Sean, and J Wortham

How to watch: Black Twitter: A People's History premieres May 9 on Hulu.

Bodkin

From true crime docu-series to troubling dramas and outright parodies, Netflix loves a good murder mystery. Created by Jez Scharf, Bodkin offers a curious new series to obsess over, one that combines a small-town mystery, a tenacious journalist, and a big-hearted podcaster (played by comedian Will Forte).

But don't expect this one to be a laugh riot. Set in an Irish community untrusting of outsiders, Bodkin begins with the unsolved case of three missing persons who vanished 21 years ago during Samhain — or as Gilbert (Forte) puts it, "the Irish Night of the Dead." From there, surly locals, strange revelations, and a battle between ambition and empathy stoke tension. Also, there are nuns who promote yoga. This is an odd Bodkin to be sure. — K.P.

Starring: Will Forte, Siobhán Cullen, Robyn Cara, David Wilmot, and Chris Walley

How to watch: Bodkin premieres May 9 on Netflix.

Pretty Little Liars: Summer School

2022's Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin gets a new title, just in time for summer! Appropriately titled Pretty Little Liars: Summer School, the series sees our crew of liars catching up on classes while everyone else is on vacation. Summer jobs and flings are in the cards, but so is a disturbing development: A new villain who may be linked to "A" has surfaced, and they've got bloody vengeance on their mind. — B.E.

Starring: Bailee Madison, Chandler Kinney, Zaria, Malia Pyles, Maia Reficco, Mallory Bechtel, Sharon Leal, Alex Aiono, Jordan Gonzalez, and Elias Kacavas

How to watch: Pretty Little Liars: Summer School premieres May 9 on Max.

Doctor Who Season 14

It's a thrilling time to be a Whovian. Following David Tennant's return in the eponymous role for a timey-whimey mini-arc of episodes, Ncuti Gatwa debuted as the Fifteenth Doctor with plenty of panache — and no pants! Shortly thereafter, he took the lead in "The Church on Ruby Road," a Christmas special that ranks as one of the long-running sci-fi series' very best. And now, at long last, we're getting a full season of his swaggering Doctor, aided by a plucky companion in Millie Gibson's Ruby Sunday. But that's not all! 

SEE ALSO: 'Doctor Who' is about to change forever. You're not ready.

The eight-episode season will be brought to us by showrunner Russell T Davies, who is responsible for some of the most beloved episodes of the modern run, including "The Runaway Bride." And in teasers and trailers, Davies has revealed flashy fashion, dinosaurs, dance numbers, and big guest stars, including Broadway's Jonathan Groff and RuPaul's Drag Race's Jinkx Monsoon! When it's Monsoon Season, everybody's a winner, baby. — K.P.

Starring: Ncuti Gatwa, Millie Gibson, Jinkx Monsoon, Aneurin Barnard, Anita Dobson, Yasmin Finney, Michelle Greenidge, Jonathan Groff, Bonnie Langford, Genesis Lynea, Jemma Redgrave, Lenny Rush, Indira Varma, and Angela Wynter

How to watch: Doctor Who Season 14 premieres Friday, May 10 at 7 p.m. ET on Disney+ in the U.S. In the UK, the season kicks off Saturday, May 11, at 12 a.m. GMT on BBC iPlayer, followed by BBC One later that day.

Interview with the Vampire Season 2

AMC's Interview with the Vampire shocked and awed us with its gothic romance and thoughtful reworking of Anne Rice's original novels. Its spectacular first season ended with Louis de Pointe du Lac breaking away from lover Lestat de Lioncourt, bringing young vampire Claudia with him. Season 2 picks up with this pair joining a group of bloodsuckers at the Théâtre des Vampires in France. New characters await, including Théâtre des Vampires members Santiago and Armand, whom Louis introduced to his interviewer Daniel Molloy in the Season 1 finale as "the love of my life." But how did Louis and Armand grow so close? And what fresh hell will Lestat wreak when he finds out? Let's just say we're more than ready to sink our teeth into what comes next.* — B.E.

Starring: Jacob Anderson, Sam Reid, Delainey Hayles, Eric Bogosian, Assad Zaman, Rae Dawn Chong, and Ben Daniels

How to watch: Interview with the Vampire premieres May 12 on AMC and AMC+.

Blood of Zeus Season 2

Several TV shows got us through the dark times of October 2020. One was Blood of Zeus, Charley and Vlas Parlapanides' brutal animated Greek mythology series about the son of the god of thunder, a demigod known as Heron. As is tradition, Hera wasn't stoked at another of Zeus' mortal dalliances resulting in a kid, so she went down the path of vengeance. At the end of Season 2, Heron found out some real Greek myth-level truths about his family, and fratricide went down. But when has death stopped the gods, especially when Hades is around? — S.C.

Starring: Derek Phillips, Elias Toufexis, Jason O'Mara, Fred Tatasciore, Claudia Christian, and Jessica Henwick

How to watch: Blood of Zeus Season 2 premieres May 9 on Netflix.

Bridgerton Season 3

Dearest gentle readers, it's high time we reunite with the Bridgerton family, wouldn't you agree? After the swoon-worthy story of Queen Charlotte and King George, Netflix's juggernaut Bridgerton returns to its roots for a third season, this time focusing on the romance between Penelope Featherington (who is secretly gossip maven Lady Whistledown) and Colin Bridgerton.

SEE ALSO: 'Bridgerton' Season 3 clip teases a very tense argument

Based on the trailer for the new season, this latest trip to the Ton will see Penelope seeking out a suitor with Colin's friendly help. (Emphasis on friend.) But as possible matches for Penelope arise, Colin finds that his feelings for Penelope may be stronger than he originally thought. Cue the angst! Oh, and remember that for the first time in Bridgerton history, Netflix will be releasing the season in two parts — so be sure to time your binge viewing accordingly!* — B.E.

Starring: Nicola Coughlan, Luke Newton, Claudia Jessie, Luke Thompson, Golda Rosheuvel, Adjoa Andoh, Ruth Gemmell, Lorraine Ashbourne, Hannah Dodd, Simone Ashley, Jonathan Bailey, Harriet Cains, Bessie Carter, Jessica Madsen, Florence Hunt, Martins Imhangbe, Will Tilston, Polly Walker, and Julie Andrews

How to watch: The first four episodes of Bridgerton Season 3 premiere May 16 on Netflix, and the last four on June 13.

The Big Cigar

An elaborate escape plan involving a fake movie production? This is one of the core "stranger than fiction" elements of The Big Cigar, Apple TV+'s series about Black Panther leader Huey P. Newton and his escape from the U.S. to Cuba, which he managed with the help of Hollywood producer Bert Schneider. The series is based on a 2012 Playboy article written by journalist Joshuah Bearman, whose 2007 Wired article fueled Ben Affleck's Argo. Yep, it's another fake-movie-border-smuggling-affair drawn from real events, if you can believe it. Plus, the first two episodes are directed by Don Cheadle. — S.C.

Starring: André Holland, Alessandro Nivola, Tiffany Boone, P.J. Byrne, Marc Menchaca, Moses Ingram, Rebecca Dalton, Olli Haaskivi, Jordane Christie, and Glynn Turman

How to watch: The Big Cigar premieres May 17 on Apple TV+.

Trying Season 4

Have you slept on Trying? There's a fourth season coming of writer Andy Wolton's delightful series, so now's the time to get into it. A heartfelt journey through the trials and tribulations of starting a family, specifically through the adoption process, Trying has been one of Apple TV+'s underrated gems for a while now. The series hinges around London couple Nikki and Jason, whose road to parenthood isn't straightforward. But the series embodies the phrase "it takes a village," with a wonderful supporting cast of their family and friends making up the show. — S.C.

Starring: Rafe Spall, Esther Smith, Imelda Staunton, Sian Brooke, Darren Boyd, Scarlett Rayner, and Cooper Turner

How to watch: Trying Season 4 premieres May 22 on Apple TV+.

Evil Season 4

I've said it before: Evil is the wildest show you aren't watching. But with Season 4 fast approaching, there's no better time than the present to catch up quick! Imagine The X-Files with loads of Catholic horror, and you've got the rough outline of Robert King and Michelle King's racy and riveting series. A supernatural drama set in New York City, Evil follows a motley crew of paranormal investigators: one true believer, Catholic priest David Acosta (a sultry and stern Mike Colter); one die-hard skeptic, forensic psychologist Kristen Bouchard (an eye-rolling and charming Katja Herbers); and one agnostic tech wizard, Ben Shakir (the always-funny Aasif Mandvi). 

Week after week, this quipping trio combats everything from urban legends, demons, and ghosts to cults, creatures, and their main antagonist, Leland Townsend (the delectably devilish Michael Emerson), a wicked rival of Kristen's who is literally in league with Satan. After three seasons of cheeky stand-alone stories and an overarching narrative about a sinister IVF company, things are coming to a head with the coming of the Antichrist. So grab a blanket to cuddle up with. This one's going to get creepy. — K.P. 

Starring: Katja Herbers, Mike Colter, Aasif Mandvi, Michael Emerson, Andrea Martin, Kurt Fuller, and Christine Lahti

How to watch: Evil Season 4 premieres May 23 on Paramount+.

Eric Credit: Ludovic Robert / Netflix

Suffragette writer Abi Morgan's Netflix thriller, Eric, promises to plunge us back into '80s Manhattan with a missing person mystery. Benedict Cumberbatch is in the lead as Vincent, a famous puppeteer and kids' TV show creator. When his nine-year-old son Edgar goes missing, a distressed Vincent descends into destructive actions, fixated on the character Edgar created in his drawings: a monster called Eric. Seeing Eric as the one real chance to bring his son home through his TV show, Good Day Sunshine, Vincent starts to become more and more isolated from those around him. — S.C.

Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Gaby Hoffmann, McKinley Belcher III, Dan Fogler, Clarke Peters, Ivan Howe, Phoebe Nicholls, David Denman, Bamar Kane, Adepero Oduye, Alexis Molnar, and Roberta Colindrez

How to watch: Eric premieres May 30 on Netflix.

We Are Lady Parts Season 2 Credit: Saima Khalid / Peacock / NBC International / C4

It's been a while since Nida Manzoor's comedy about an all-female Muslim punk bad made a splash with its first season, but fans will be pleased to hear that it won't be long before Saira (Sarah Kameela Impey), Ayesha (Juliette Motamed), Bisma (Faith Omole), Momtaz (Lucie Shorthouse), and Amina (Anjana Vasan) are back on our screens.

"The main critique for We Are Lady Parts remains that it is too short," wrote Mashable's Proma Khosla about Season 1. "I want eight episodes, or 10, or 50. Finishing the first season feels a lot like performing a stage gig; you won't remember every detail but you'll remember the feeling, a rush of joy and adrenaline that you were grateful to share with this motley, magnificent crew."* — S.H.

Starring: Sarah Kameela Impey, Juliette Motamed, Faith Omole, Lucie Shorthouse, and Anjana Vasan

How to watch: We Are Lady Parts Season 2 premieres May 30 on Peacock.

The Outlaws Season 3 Credit: Prime Video / BBC Worldwide Americas

Stephen Merchant and Elgin James' lauded comedy series is back for a third round. Described as "a criminally fun watch" by Nicole Gallucci for Mashable, The Outlaws follows a group of random miscreants in Bristol charged with community service. In previous seasons, this now-tight crew has dealt with crime boss and drug lord The Dean (Claes Bang), but they're not free of the threat yet. No word yet on whether Christopher Walken will return, but the rest of the beloved cast is back for more. — S.C.

Starring: Stephen Merchant, Rhianne Barreto, Gamba Cole, Darren Boyd, Clare Perkins, Eleanor Tomlinson, Jessica Gunning, Charles Babalola, Tom Hanson, and Claes Bang

How to watch: The Outlaws Season 3 premieres May 31 on Prime Video.

Clipped Credit: Kelsey McNeal / FX

FX's sports drama Clipped tackles one of professional basketball's biggest scandals: Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling's racist remarks and subsequent lifetime ban from the NBA.

The series examines the dysfunctional environment Sterling (Ed O'Neill) fostered at the Clippers organization through the eyes of new head coach Doc Rivers (Laurence Fishburne) and Sterling's mistress, V. Stiviano (Cleopatra Coleman), who leaked tapes of Sterling's racist comments during the Clippers' 2014 playoff run. Not only does Clipped portray a pivotal moment in NBA history, it also chronicles social media's response and the role it played in the scandal's aftermath. — B.E.

Starring: Laurence Fishburne, Ed O'Neill, Cleopatra Coleman, Jacki Weaver, Kelly AuCoin, J. Alphonse Nicholson, Rich Sommer, Corbin Bernsen, Clifton Davis, and Harriet Sansom Harris

How to watch: Clipped premieres June 4 on Hulu.

Star Wars: The Acolyte

2023's Star Wars TV offerings like The Mandalorian Season 3 and Ahsoka suffered from an overreliance on Easter eggs, fan service, and hewing too closely to prior Star Wars series and films. The Acolyte may just avoid these pitfalls altogether, as it takes us to an entirely new time period in the Star Wars chronology. Created by Leslye Headland (Russian Doll), The Acolyte is our first live-action introduction to the High Republic era, 100 years before the prequels take place. This is a time of relative peace for this galaxy far, far away. However, when a former Jedi Padawan and her master team up to investigate a series of crimes, they'll uncover forces far darker than they could have possibly imagined.* — B.E.

Starring: Amandla Stenberg, Lee Jung-jae, Manny Jacinto, Dafne Keen, Jodie Turner-Smith, Rebecca Henderson, Charlie Barnett, Dean-Charles Chapman, Carrie-Anne Moss, Margarita Levieva, and Joonas Suotamo

How to watch: The Acolyte premieres June 4 on Disney+.

Queenie

Candice Carty-Williams has already had a big 2023 with her awesome BBC series Champion, but this year has even more on the horizon. The author has adapted her popular 2020 debut novel, Queenie, as a buzzy series with Onyx Collective and Channel 4, with Dionne Brown in the lead as the eponymous protagonist. With Carty-Williams at the helm as showrunner and executive producer, the series revolves around Queenie, a 25-year-old Jamaican British journalist who's going through a break-up, navigating the mess of modern dating, and figuring out how to keep her job together, all while connecting with her family and incredibly tight group of friends.* — S.H.

Starring: Dionne Brown, Jon Pointing, Samuel Adewunmi, Bellah, Sally Phillips, Tilly Keeper, Elisha Applebaum, Mim Shaikh, Llewella Gideon, Michelle Greenidge, Cristale De'Abreu, Joseph Marcell, Joseph Ollman, Melissa Johns, and Laura Whitmore

How to watch: Queenie premieres June 7 on Hulu.

The Boys Season 4

In 2023, The Boys universe took a college detour with the deeply fun (and deeply bloody) spin-off Gen V. In 2024, the flagship series will return for an explosive fourth season. America is more polarized than ever (sound familiar?), with the MAGA-esque cult of Homelander facing off against Starlight's supporters. Meanwhile, Congresswoman Victoria Neuman grows ever closer to the Oval Office, the Boys are at odds with former leader Billy Butcher, and new supes Sister Sage and Firecracker are joining the Seven. With so much at stake, how will The Boys be able to top themselves in terms of outrageous gore?* — B.E.

Starring: Karl Urban, Jack Quaid, Antony Starr, Erin Moriarty, Jessie T. Usher, Laz Alonso, Chace Crawford, Tomer Capone, Karen Fukuhara, Colby Minifie, Claudia Doumit, Cameron Crovetti, and Jeffrey Dean Morgan

How to watch: The Boys Season 4 premieres June 13 on Prime Video.

Presumed Innocent Credit: Apple TV+

Already adapted into a Harrison Ford-led film in the '90s, Scott Turow's legal thriller novel Presumed Innocent has been snapped up by David E. Kelley and J.J. Abrams for Apple TV+. Jake Gyllenhaal (who is also on board as an executive producer) takes over Ford's role of Rusty Sabich, the chief deputy prosecutor for the Chicago Prosecuting Attorney's office. Here, a murder charge within the building sees power and politics thrown into the air, and over eight episodes, it's a race to the truth. — S.C.

Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Ruth Negga, Bill Camp, Elizabeth Marvel, Peter Sarsgaard, O-T Fagbenle, and Renate Reinsve

How to watch: Presumed Innocent premieres June 12 on Apple TV+.

House of the Dragon Season 2

Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon returns for its highly anticipated second season this summer, bringing more Targaryen fire and blood to our TV screens. And I mean a ton more fire and blood. Think of it this way: If Season 1 was all about the build-up to the Targaryen civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons, Season 2 is where the war begins in earnest. Following the death of her son Lucerys, Rhaenyra Targaryen is prepared to go scorched earth on Alicent Hightower and her son Aegon II — and who can blame her? Brutal battles, dastardly assassinations, and political machinations await, along with more dragons. (Of course.)* — B.E.

Starring: Emma D'Arcy, Matt Smith, Olivia Cooke, Rhys Ifans, Eve Best, Steve Toussaint, Fabien Frankel, Sonoya Mizuno, Graham McTavish, Matthew Needham, Gayle Rankin, Simon Russell Beale, Freddie Fox, Abubakar Salim, Clinton Liberty, Jamie Kenna, Kieran Bew, Tom Bennett, Tom Taylor, and Vincent Regan

How to watch: House of the Dragon Season 2 premieres June 16 on HBO and Max.

SEE ALSO: 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 has dueling trailers. Watch and pick a side. Orphan Black: Echoes

In the mid-2010s, Orphan Black was an obsession for sci-fi fans. Not only did the twisted Canadian drama series spin a complicated and compelling tale of clones quirky and caustic, but also it was shouldered by the wildly talented Tatiana Maslany, who'd go on to star in She Hulk: Attorney at Law. Now, the concept is replicated with Orphan Black: Echoes, a sequel series of sorts that exists in the same universe as the original.

This time around, Krysten Ritter (Jessica Jones, Love and Death) stars, but specifics on the plotline are currently cryptic. Here's what AMC has released: "Set in the near future, Orphan Black: Echoes takes a deep dive into the exploration of the scientific manipulation of human existence. It follows a group of women as they weave their way into each other's lives and embark on a thrilling journey, unraveling the mystery of their identity and uncovering a wrenching story of love and betrayal. Ritter plays Lucy, a woman with an unimaginable origin story, trying to find her place in the world." — K.P.

Starring: Krysten Ritter, Keeley Hawes, Amanda Fix, Avan Jogia, Rya Kihlstedt, and James Hiroyuki Liao

How to watch: Orphan Black: Echoes premieres June 23 at 10 p.m. ET on AMC, AMC+, and BBC AMERICA.

Land of Women Credit: Apple TV+

Eva Longoria leads Apple TV+'s Land of Women as Gala, a New Yorker who's used to the good life. Unfortunately, Gala's husband has been up to no good; he implicates their family in financial wrongdoings and promptly disappears, leaving her to deal with his debt. With bad guys hot on their trail, Gala flees the country with her mother and adult daughter. The three wind up in a small wine town in Northern Spain — the same one Gala's own mother left decades before. They try their best to keep their identities hidden, but as townspeople gossip and criminals hunt Gala down, she and her family will learn deep, surprising family secrets. — B.E.

Starring: Eva Longoria, Santiago Cabrera, Victoria Bazúa, and Carmen Maura

How to watch: Land of Women premieres June 26 on Apple TV+.

The Bear Season 3 Credit: Chuck Hodes / FX

Are you ready for Carmy and company to come back? Season 1 gave us a panic attack with the real-time lunch rush of "Review." Season 2 gave us treats: rising star chef Sydney (Ayo Edebiri) guiding us on a Chicago food tour, beloved baker Marcus (Lionel Boyce) rolling around Denmark, Cousin Richie finding himself and his inner Swiftie, and hard-shelled Carmy (Jeremy Allen White) finally letting some love into his life. But man, this so-called "comedy" show also knows how to gut us with the ferocious family conflict in a star-stuffed holiday episode. 

SEE ALSO: The surprising mindfulness of 'The Bear'

Whether you love this critically heralded series for its "Forks" or "Fishes,"The Bear is undeniably some of the best TV of the past decade. So while we know virtually nothing about Season 3, it's still among our most anticipated returns of 2024. Let it rip! — K.P. 

Starring: Jeremy Allen White, Ayo Edebiri, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Abby Elliott, Lionel Boyce, and Liza Colón-Zayas

How to watch: The Bear will debut on FX and Hulu in June 2024. 

Sunny Credit: Apple TV+

A mystery with a sci-fi twist, Apple TV+'s Sunny stars Rashida Jones as a woman who teams up with a robot to solve the disappearance of her family.

Jones plays Suzie, an American woman living in Kyoto. When her husband and son go missing in a plane crash, Suzie receives Sunny, a domestic robot made by her husband's electronics company. Her resentment and grief soon give way to an unexpected friendship between the two — one that leads them to investigate what really happened to Suzie's family. Dark secrets and robot detective capers await. — B.E.

Starring: Rashida Jones, Hidetoshi Nishijima, Joanna Sotomura, Judy Ongg, You, annie the clumsy, and Jun Kunimura

How to watch: Sunny premieres July 10 on Apple TV+.

Hit-Monkey Season 2 Credit: Courtesy of Marvel

2021's Hit-Monkey brought us face to face with one of TV's most unlikely (yet surprisingly moving) duos: Monkey (voiced by Fred Tatasciore), a Japanese snow monkey with a killer instinct, and Bryce (voiced by Jason Sudeikis), an American assassin who is also a ghost. In Season 1, the two took on the Yakuza in Tokyo. Season 2 moves the action to New York City, where Monkey will try to end his killing ways. But with former ally Akiko (voiced by Olivia Munn) hunting him down to avenge the death of her uncle, Monkey's plans for a life of peace might have to wait. — B.E.

Starring: Fred Tatasciore, Jason Sudeikis, Olivia Munn, Ally Maki, and Leslie Jones

How to watch: Hit-Monkey Season 2 premieres July 15 on Hulu.

Those About to Die

Anthony Hopkins! Roland Emmerich! Gladiators! Those About to Die has it all.

The TV debut from Independence Day director Roland Emmerich takes us behind the scenes of a gladiatorial competition in ancient Rome. Prepare to see the nitty-gritty ins and outs of the bloodiest entertainment industry imaginable, as well as some gnarly fights. And, of course, reigning over it all is Hopkins himself as Emperor Vespasian. Let the games begin. — B.E.

Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Iwan Rheon, Sara Martins, Tom Hughes, Jojo Macari, and Moe Hashim

How to watch: Those About to Die premieres July 18 on Peacock.

The Umbrella Academy Season 4

2024 marks one last ride with the Hargreeves siblings, who can never quite seem to time travel without any consequences. By the end of Season 3, the siblings have entered an all-new timeline, one where none of them have any powers, and where their nightmare of an adoptive father is exceedingly powerful. The Hargreeves' future may be unpredictable, but you can bet we'll get one more season full of fun fight scenes set to absolute banger tunes.* — B.E.

Starring: Elliot Page, Tom Hopper, David Castañeda, Emmy Raver-Lampman, Robert Sheehan, Aidan Gallagher, Justin H. Min, Ritu Arya, Colm Feore, Nick Offerman, Megan Mullally, and David Cross

How to watch: The Umbrella Academy Season 4 premieres Aug. 8 on Netflix.

Only Murders in the Building Season 4 Credit: Craig Blankenhorn / Hulu

Following the theatrical conclusion of their Broadway murder mystery, Mabel Mora (Selena Gomez), Oliver Putnam (Martin Short), and Charles-Haden Savage (Steve Martin) are back on the case this summer! Season 4 will focus on who killed Charles' long-time body double Sazz Pataki (Jane Lynch). And — considering her physical similarity to the polarizing TV star — was she even the intended target? 

The Season 3 finale laid out some early clues. But here's what else we know about this fresh investigation: Season 4 of Only Murders in the Building will feature the return of Meryl Streep as the secretive actress Loretta Durkin, and new to the ever-expanding ensemble are Molly Shannon, Eva Longoria, Eugene Levy, Kumail Nanjiani, and Zach Galifianakis. Without even knowing what roles these comedic talents are slated for, we suspect this season will be another big hit. — K.P.

Starring: Steve Martin, Martin Short, Selena Gomez, Meryl Streep, Molly Shannon, Eva Longoria, Eugene Levy, Kumail Nanjiani, and Zach Galifianakis

How to watch: Only Murders in the Building Season 4 is coming to Hulu this summer.

(*) means a blurb comes from a prior story.

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: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for April 29 SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for April 29

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Sunday, April 29, 2024:

AcrossLike hobbits and Oompa Loompas

• The answer is Short.

Hawaiian island where much of "Jurassic Park" was filmed

• The answer is Kauai.

"___ we meet again!"

• The answer is Until.

Baggy

• The answer is Loose.

Disney World headaches

• The answer is Lines.

DownProp for Hamlet in his "Alas, poor Yorick" speech

The answer is Skull.

Capital of Vietnam

• The answer is Hanoi.

No longer a fan of

• The answer is Out on (no space).

Salary boost

• The answer is Raise.

Bananagrams pieces

• The answer is Tiles.

Be honest: Did you really forget your Gmail password? Or are you just making excuses to avoid checking your email?

We get it! The emails are coming, and they don't stop coming. You're always just one password memory slip away from internal peace. Emails can't "find you well" if you can't even get into your account, just sayin'.

Though we should still probably work on getting you back in there. What if there's a pizza discount waiting for you or something?

SEE ALSO: 8 great ways to organize your Gmail inbox to improve productivity

Luckily, there are multiple ways to change your password and recover your account. You can also change your password from within your account, but we'll get to that later.

What to do when you need to change your Gmail password

First, go to Gmail like you would normally. Enter your email or click on your account if you already have it saved on the homepage. Then, underneath the spot where you'd normally enter your password, click on "Forgot password?"

Google needs to verify that you're the owner of the Gmail account you're trying to log into. Once you can verify that you're the owner, Google will sign you in and prompt you to change your password. There are a few ways you can do this.

Option one

You'll first be asked to enter the last Gmail password you can remember, and Google will try to recover your account that way. But if you're here, it’s probably because you don't remember any of your passwords, let alone your most recent. (It might be an idea to get a password manager in future.)

Option two

In that case, below the text bar, click "Try another way." If you listed a backup email address when you created your Gmail account, you'll get a message on the next page saying an email was just sent to that backup email address. The email contains a verification code that you'll be prompted to enter back on the "Forgot password?" page.

Featured Video For You How to set up an automation in Google Home Option three

If you don't have a backup email account associated with your Gmail, maybe you have a linked phone number. Click "Try another way" again; this time, you'll have the option to get a verification code sent to the phone number you have on your Google account. You can select either "Text" or "Call" to get this verification code, and, when it arrives, enter that code into the text bar.

Option four

But what if you don't have your phone? Well, there's a button for that. It's called the "I don't have my phone" button, and you'll find it below the "Text" and "Call" options. Click it.

At this point, your computer will gain consciousness and start screaming at you to just remember your damn password next time.

Just kidding. It won't do that. Probably.

It will, however, offer one more way to reset your password: The security question. You probably chose a security question and answer when you created your account. You'll see your security question and be prompted to answer it in order for Google to verify you as the Gmail account owner.

Hopefully, one of the above verification methods will gain you access to your Gmail account where you should be prompted to enter a new password.

If you already have access to your Gmail account and want to change your password anyway, you can do that, too.

Once signed into your Gmail, click on your account profile icon in the top right corner. Under your icon, name, and email address, click "Manage your Google Account." On the next page, there'll be a menu with options on the left. Click the "Security" option with the padlock symbol next to it.

Credit: Screenshot: Andy Moser / Google

Scroll down to the box titled "Signing in to Google" and click on "Password." Google might ask you to enter your current password again to verify that it’s you. Once you do that and click "Next," you’ll be prompted to enter a new password. Confirm your new password in the text bar below, and click "Change password."

You have officially changed your Gmail password. Now go forth. Send all the emails. Receive all the emails. Delete emails. Archive emails. Mark emails as spam. Emails.

TL;DR: Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022 for Windows is on sale for £31.93.

Virtually any profession finds itself intertwined with at least one Microsoft application. Writers live and breathe Word, data analysts often use Excel, and many working in a remote or hybrid setup are familiar with Teams. Meanwhile, developers have found a home in Visual Studio, an integrated development environment (IDE) that allows for easy coding, debugging, deploying, and managing all sorts of programs and applications.

Securing a Visual Studio license usually requires a hefty investment of £400, making it out of reach for many developers. Luckily, for a limited time, it's on sale for £31.93 — no coupon necessary. You'll only have to pay once and install and use the program on a single computer for lifetime use.

This deal nets you the full capabilities of Visual Studio Professional 2022 for life. Whether you're writing a simple "hello world" program or a complex project, the platform has an advanced suite of tools and integrations to help you churn out high-quality code more efficiently. You can use it to build cross-platform mobile and desktop apps with .NET MAUI, create responsive Web UIs in C# with Blazor, build, debug, and test .NET and C++ apps in Linux, and more.

To help you code smarter, its IntelliCode function understands your code context down to the variable name and functions and completes it automatically. If you're collaborating with a team, you can expedite your edit and debugging cycles with custom settings. It also offers access to information like changes, authors, tests, and commit history, allowing for full transparency throughout the development process. 

It's worth mentioning that this version of Visual Studio can only be installed on computers with Windows 11 and up, those with a minimum of 4GB memory, as well as ARM64, x64, or Quad-core processors.

A lifetime license to Visual Studio Professional 2022 normally goes for £400, but you can get it on sale for £31.93.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022 for Windows £31.93 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for April 29's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles used to be available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it. Unfortunately, it has since been taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

An artsy hobby.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no letters that appear twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter C.

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

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

Drumroll please!

The solution to Wordle #1045 is...

CRAFT.

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Reporting by Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

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

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for April 29's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

What is Connections?

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

Tweet may have been deleted

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer. If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

Tweet may have been deleted

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.

Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Basic calisthenics

• Green: Western tropes

• Blue: Icons of peace

• Purple: Types of bees

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Exercises

• Green: Featured in Westerns

• Blue: Leaders Who Received the Nobel Peace Prize

• Purple: ___Bee

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 Connections #323 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Exercises: BRIDGE, CRUNCH, DIP, SQUAT

• Featured in Westerns: BOUNTY, COWBOY, DUEL, SALOON

• Leaders Who Received the Nobel Peace Prize: CARTER, GORE, KING, TUTU

• ___Bee: BUSY, HONEY, QUEEN, SPELLING

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Is this not the Connections game you were looking for? Here are the hints and answers to yesterday's Connections.

Ahead of Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June — where AI is predicted to be a big talking point — Apple is reportedly intensifying its talks with OpenAI, according to Bloomberg.

As Mashable has previously noted, Apple has been talking to several big AI companies in pursuit of a potential partnership for on-device chatbot capabilities. According to Bloomberg, Apple and OpenAI discussed a potential deal earlier this year. Those talks have since reopened, according to people with knowledge of the matter. The possible agreement could be about OpenAI integrations into iOS 18.

SEE ALSO: iOS 18: The ‘Notes’ app is reportedly getting 2 new features

No deal has been currently reached, however. It seems that Apple may be deciding whether to partner with another company to bring chatbot features to its devices. Apple is also in talks with Google about bringing the latter's Gemini to iPhone.

New research hints that Apple is working on an AI upgrade to Siri as well. As Mashable's Cecily Mauran reported, Apple researchers are working on a model that would better understand context of what's on screen and running in the background of a device than ChatGPT currently can. It would also better understand conversational context. This would all be on device, a shift in the current state of large language models (LLMs) that are cloud-based, because they require a lot of computing power.

Whatever Apple's plans are, we may not hear what's coming until WWDC.

The Rabbit R1 shook up the tech world as it hit the scene with a bright orange chassis and a promise to save us from the chaos of navigating countless apps.

If you don't know what the Rabbit R1 is, or why the internet is going crazy over the device, it's an AI assistant that can fit in your palm. However, what makes it different from ChatGPT and Gemini is that it's designed to take action on your behalf.

For example, ChatGPT and Gemini can answer, "What's the best pizzeria in my area?" However, if you were to ask, "Can you place an order for a pepperoni pizza from this place?", you'd get the equivalent of a blank stare from those assistants.

Conversely, in addition to an LLM (large language model), an LAM (large action model) underpins Rabbit R1. So if you were to ask it that same question, it would actually take action — and order it for you. I'll dive into the Rabbit R1's capabilities, but first, let's take a step back.

Featured Video For You Rabbit R1 hands-on review SEE ALSO: Humane Ai Pin reviews: Top 5 common complaints about the 'smartphone killer' Rabbit R1 price

The Rabbit R1 is just $199, making it relatively inexpensive compared to other AI assistant devices (e.g., the $699 Humane Ai pin).

Unlike the Humane Ai pin, the Rabbit R1 doesn't require a monthly subscription.

Rabbit R1 release date

The first batch of Rabbit R1 orders are expected to start shipping some time "around April 24."

Rabbit hosted a "pick up party" on April 23, allowing some buyers, even if they're not within the first batch, to grab their new Rabbit R1 at a location in New York City — but only if they RSVP'd in time.

Tweet may have been deleted

If you are in batch 2, orders will begin shipping in early May, with batch 3 shipping "shortly thereafter," according to a Rabbit support post.

Orders after batch 3, including batch 4, batch 5, batch 6, and batch 7, will begin shipping in between June and July.

Rabbit R1 design

The Rabbit R1 is a compact, cute, pocketable gadget with a 2.88-inch screen. This bright-orange device is striking, featuring a rotating camera (i.e., the "Rabbit Eye"), an analog scroll wheel, and a push-to-talk button.

Credit: Rabbit Inc.

If I were to get the Rabbit R1 in my hand, I'd instinctively want to play 8-bit games on it. It looks like a retro-esque handheld gaming device à la the Playdate, another brightly colored, squarish gadget.

Rabbit R1 specs

Here's a quick rundown of the Rabbit R1's specs:

• 2.88-inch touchscreen

• 360-degree rotating camera

• 2.3GHz MediaTek processor

• 4GB of RAM

• 128GB of storage

• Speaker (on the back)

• SIM card slot (for a 4G LTE connection)

• All-day battery life (reportedly) via USB-C charging

Rabbit R1: 7 cool things it can do

Now here comes the fun part. What, exactly, can the Rabbit R1 do? The list appears to be endless.

Credit: Rabbit Inc.

However, based on the X account of Jesse Lyu, the CEO of Rabbit Inc., here are some of its most noteworthy capabilities.

1. Generate AI images

Lyu boasts that you can use Rabbit R1 to generate AI images (via Midjourney) without shelling out a monthly fee.

Tweet may have been deleted 2. Identify objects and answer questions about them

Watch Lyu point his Rabbit R1 at a pair of sneakers and ask who makes them.

Tweet may have been deleted 3. Listen and summarize

Lyu commands the Rabbit R1 to listen to his own lecture and summarize it an easy-to-digest manner.

Tweet may have been deleted 4. Problem solving with the 'Rabbit Eye'

In this mind-blowing use case, Lyu tells the Rabbit R1 that he's having trouble with his Nest thermostat — and the AI device proceeds to identify the issue.

Tweet may have been deleted 5. Translate text

Watch the Rabbit R1 translate text on a KitKit bar into English. This could be a useful tool for travel, particularly while visiting countries with languages that are foreign to you.

Tweet may have been deleted 6. Order DoorDash

Putting the LAM to the test, Lyu shows how the Rabbit R1 ordered KFC on his behalf.

Tweet may have been deleted 7. Play music

The Rabbit R1 can play music and podcasts via voice commands.

Tweet may have been deleted

And that's just the tip of the iceberg. Mashable will be at the Rabbit R1 pick-up party. Expect a review on the Rabbit R1 soon — we'll be testing how well these features work in the real world.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses $299.00
Get Deal

Meta has begun pushing AI on Facebook, Instagram, and Whatsapp — so much so that you can't turn Meta AI off. As it turns out, the tech giant's own features aren't the only AI proliferating on Meta's platforms. Explicit ads for AI "girlfriends" are populating Facebook and Instagram, Wired reported.

Searches by Wired found that at least 29,000 ads for explicit AI "girlfriends" have been published on Meta platforms, most with sex-related messaging; at least 19,000 ads have the term "NSFW" and 14,000 "NSFW AI." Wired conducted searches on Meta's ad library, which can display all ads currently on its platforms; all ads shown in the EU in the last year; and ads from the past seven years related to elections, politics, or social issues.

SEE ALSO: Here's how the TikTok ban will likely play out in the courts

These explicit ads appear to violate Meta's adult content advertising policy, which bans advertisers from running ads that "contain adult content, such as nudity and depictions of people in explicit or suggestive positions, or activities that are overly suggestive or sexually provocative." Facebook and Instagram's community guidelines ban nudity and anything the platform sees as "offering sexual services." These platforms also ban sexual language in instances of sexual solicitation (or perceived solicitation), even "commonly sexual emojis."

For years, sex workers — and also sex educators, LGBTQ users, erotic artists, and the like — have said that Meta unfairly targets their content and accounts due to these policies. Such users have told Mashable that they feared targeting under Meta community guidelines; Instagram shadowbans LGBTQ and sex educator accounts; and that Whatsapp bans sex worker accounts. In one experiment conducted by sexual wellness brand Unbound last fall, Meta repeatedly rejected sex toy ads targeted for women, while approving ones targeted for men. Last November, Mashable reported that Meta allegedly rejected a period care ad for being adult or political.

Yet, these NSFW AI "girlfriend" ads apparently skate through. Wired's report isn't the first instance of ads for explicit AI apps showing up on Meta: Deepfake ads featuring Jenna Ortega and other celebrities ran on Meta platforms as well.

When Wired contacted Meta about this, 2,700 AI "girlfriend" ads were active. Meta spokesperson Ryan Daniels told Wired that the company prohibits such ads and were reviewing them, and would remove those that violated its policies. "When we identify violating ads we work quickly to remove them, as we're doing here,” he told Wired. "We continue to improve our systems, including how we detect ads and behavior that go against our policies."

Still, the publication found that thousands of these ads were still active days later.

Mashable has reached out to Meta for comment.

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: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for April 28 SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for April 28

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Sunday, April 28, 2024:

Across"___ a beautiful day in the neighborhood …"

• The answer is Its.

Clothing typically washed on a delicate setting

• The answer is Knits.

Swing one's arms helplessly

• The answer is Flail.

Quaint worker at a traveling fair

• The answer is Carny.

Woolly beast of Tibet

• The answer is Yak.

DownEmbed, as a mosaic tile

The answer is Inlay.

Crowning part of a princess costume

• The answer is Tiara.

Really reek

• The answer is Stink.

Chain that temporarily dropped the "Finger Lickin' Good!" slogan during the pandemic

• The answer is KFC.

Tricksy

• The answer is Sly.

TL;DR: Through May 1, order this AquaSprouts® aquaponics water garden for $127.99 with guaranteed delivery by Mother’s Day.

Instead of getting Mom flowers that will just wilt away, you could get her a Mother’s Day gift that lasts — this aquaponic water garden. Whether she’s been flexing her green thumb, thinking of adopting a fish, or both, this is a meaningful gift that she could cherish for years. However, the fish part is optional.

The AquaSprouts® fountain is currently $127.99 (reg. $159.95). If you’re interested, be sure to order on or before May 1 for guaranteed delivery by Mother’s Day. 

A Mother’s Day gift that won’t just wilt away

Nobody likes a gift that becomes a burden — like constant watering, fertilizing, and fish cleanup — which makes the AquaSprouts® fountain an excellent choice for Mother’s Day. When used as an aquaponic garden with live fish, the plants hydrate and fertilize themselves with fish water, using their waste as nutrients.

Selecting fish that will thrive in this environment is no small task, though. Some types Mom might be interested in are small species like tetras, mollies, platies, and barbs.

If Mom decides not to adopt fish, the AquaSprouts® fountain can be used as a water or hydroponic garden. The manufacturer suggests that plants may actually grow faster this way than in soil and save around 90% of the usual water.

She could grow herbs, greens, and several small fruits or vegetables like strawberries or cherry tomatoes all year long, since the garden is indoors.

Surprise Mom with a gift to remember.

Regularly $160, get the AquaSprouts® aquaponics fountain for $127.99 with guaranteed delivery by Mother’s Day when ordered by May 1 at 11:59 p.m. PT. No coupon is needed.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: AquaSprouts AquaSprouts® Fountain: Aquaponics Water Garden $127.99 at the Mashable Shop
$159.95 Save $31.96 Get Deal

TL;DR: Through May 1, if your mom is into gardening or plants, this lifetime subscription to the Plantum AI Plant Identifier app could be a hit, and the Premium Plan is on sale for $16.97 (reg. $59).

The art of being a great gift giver requires you to know something your loved one enjoys and then find something interesting along those lines. For instance, if your mom has a green thumb (or wants to), this subscription to the Plantum AI Plant Identifier app could be something she'd love for Mother's Day. A lifetime subscription to the Premium Plan is on sale for just $16.97 (reg. $59) through May 1.

The Plantum AI Plant Identifier makes a handy companion for anyone interested in plants, flowers, and their environment. With over 33,000 plant profiles, this app uses advanced AI technology to identify various plant species in seconds. It's like having a botanist in your pocket, ready to help expand your knowledge of the fauna and flora wherever you go.

It does more than just identify, though. You'll get soil selection, temperature, fertilization, and watering tips, along with the ideal temperature for the plant. And if your plant isn't going very well, it can help you figure out what's wrong and how to help a sick plant.

You can also use this app as a plant journal to keep all your gardening notes. In addition, it has the ability to measure sunlight levels in a certain area so you know just where to plant a new addition. Updates are also included.

This offer is for new users only. It's only available on iOS devices.

Pick up a lifetime Premium Plan subscription to the Plantum AI Plant Identifier app for your mom (or yourself) for just $16.97 (reg. $59) when you order by May 1 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Plantum Plantum - AI Plant Identifier Premium Plan: Lifetime Subscription (For iOS Only) $16.97 at the Mashable Shop
$59.99 Save $43.02 Get Deal

TL;DR: Through April 30, upgrade to Windows 10 Pro to add improved security tools and better integration with Microsoft 365 — only $29.97 if you. 

From basic integration with apps to software compatibility, upgrading your operating system could be a simple way to keep your older computer up to snuff for a while longer, and it doesn't have to be a major expense. 

Windows 10 Pro isn't the latest OS from Microsoft, but it's still a versatile operating system with a 64-bit architecture, and you can use a limited-time sale to get it for cheap. Install Windows 10 Pro on your compatible device for just $29.97, but that's only if you get it in the next two days. 

Make your old computer feel new(er)

Windows 10 Pro seamlessly integrates with Microsoft 365, so you may be able to work from practically anywhere. Remote workers could take advantage of integration with Teams to stay in contact with their co-workers, and you could even control your PC remotely from any device.

Use the Azure Active Directory to make it a little easier to manage all your passwords and login info instead of trying to remember all of them yourself. That means you may only need one password to get into your computer, Microsoft 365, and all your other Microsoft services. 

Upgrade your operating system

Don't miss your limited-time chance to upgrade to Windows 10 for life. 

Until April 30 at 11:59 p.m. PT, get Microsoft Windows 10 Pro on sale for $29.97. 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Windows 10 Pro $29.97 at the Mashable Shop
$199.00 Save $169.03 with code ENJOY20 Get Deal

TL;DR: Through April 30, save a little money by getting the 2019 version of Microsoft Office Professional Plus for Windows. It's on sale for just $29.97.

If you could use some productivity support, a tried-and-true suite of apps from a big name in software could help. Create, organize, and more with the assistance of Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows, and you can get it on sale for just $29.97 through April 30.

Get access to tools to help you perform your best, whether professionally or personally. This 2019 version of Office might be slightly older than the most current version on the market, but it still features most of what many expect from Office.

You'll get the 2019 version of Word for document creation, Excel to access spreadsheets, PowerPoint to make killer slides, Outlook for email and calendar management, Access to build databases, OneNote to take digital notes, and Publisher for personal publications.

All of these apps combine to help keep you moving more efficiently. However, it should be noted that it does not include Teams. You will need to be running Windows 10 or 11 to use this software.

Because you only pay a one-time price for this license, you won't need to worry about any recurring fees like you would with Microsoft 365. This license is good on one PC for life. 

Office Professional Plus 2019 is tailored for enhanced productivity with rich features that provide business users, professionals, and home users alike with most of the functions they need to work at their best.

Don’t miss this opportunity to own Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 at this reduced price.

Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows is on sale for just $29.97 (reg. $229) until April 30 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows $29.97 at the Mashable Shop
$229.00 Save $199.03 Get Deal

TL;DR: Through April 30, get this Apple Watch Wireless Charger Keychain in time for Mother's Day for just $18.99 (reg. $49).

Many moms would rather not have all the traditional gifts like flowers or perfume. Some more practical women would like to be surprised with something they can get a lot of use out of. This Apple Watch Wireless Charger Keychain might be such a gift if the mother in your life loves her Apple Watch. 

On sale for just $18.99 (reg. $49), it can easily clip onto a purse or backpack so mom can have the convenience of a charger wherever she goes. 

Compact and lightweight, it fits easily into a purse or bag, making it perfect for travel, work, or everyday use. With its sleek design and practical functionality, it’s an accessory that mom can use daily and think of you every time she powers up. And you can breathe easier knowing she can communicate while she's out and about. 

With a 950mAh lithium-ion battery that's compatible with all Apple Watch series, this pocket-sized charger can also be charged while it's busy charging an Apple Watch. It features four LED lights to show you the status of your charge. It also has protection in place to protect the Apple Watch itself, including over-heat, -current, and -voltage, as well as protection against short-circuiting.

Don’t miss the chance to show your appreciation this Mother’s Day with a gift that combines practicality with thoughtfulness.

Score this Apple Watch Wireless Charger Keychain for Mom while it's on sale for just $18.99 (reg. $49).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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Mark Zuckerberg looks different. His hair is longer and less restrained. His clothes hang from his frame with an enviable ease, and a rotating repertoire of link chains adorn his neck. For years, Zuckerberg applied the same daily diet of dark wash jeans, gray fitted tees, dad sneakers, and a close, cropped haircut à la his idol Augustus Caesar.

Now, it looks like he has taken a sartorial chill pill.

Online, reactions have been positive enough that Zuckerberg has begun to engage in the discourse. He's asked fashion insider and Instagram's director of fashion partnerships Eva Chen to weigh in on his chain (too long, she said — she was right). A meme of Zuckerberg, edited with facial hair, has also made the rounds. 

Before this sudden switch up, Zuckerberg was known for the no-nonsense wardrobe popular with tech execs who hope to be perceived as too busy (or too serious) to care about what they wear. Steve Jobs, famously, wore a uniform of a black Issey Miyake turtleneck and Levi's 501 classic fit jeans. When asked about his choice to wear gray t-shirts in 2014, Zuckerberg spun it into a commentary on the importance of his work: "I feel like I’m not doing my job if I spend any of my energy on things that are silly or frivolous about my life" he said, "and that way, I can dedicate all my energy to building the best products and services and helping us reach our goal and achieve our mission.”

Zuckerberg in uniform in 2017. Credit: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images

In 2024, it would seem that frivolity is no longer a concern. In February, Zuckerberg let his hair grow out into natural curls and replaced his fitted tees with relaxed, structured cuts in new colors (white! black! blue!). He visited Japan in a shearling jacket and, for the wedding of the son of Indian billionaire and business partner Mukesh Ambani, wore matching Alexander McQueen and Rahul Mishra ensembles with his wife Priscilla Chan. In March, he implied that the shearling had become his signature look when he exchanged it for the leather jacket of billionaire Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang in a photo op he captioned "jersey swap."

Earlier this month, the chain arrived — multiple chains, actually, worn on different days. The accessory's first major appearance was in videos posted to X which documented the couple's attendance at a UFC fight in meticulously crafted looks: Zuckerberg in his chain and structured tee, Chan in a gold Chanel necklace, cropped fur coat, combat boots, and black top with a plunging neckline.

It was a far cry from the Zuckerberg we used to know and, for that matter, the Chan of the past. A coworker of mine had equated her personal style to the inventory of J. Crew. Now, Business Insider praised her for pulling off "mob chic," a reference to the trending "mob wife" aesthetic (though most mafia dons' better halves would probably pass on combat boots). "When did Priscilla become hot?" asked one X user in a tweet liked 44,000 times.

It was clear that the Zuckerbergs had hired a stylist, and it was money well spent.

Tweet may have been deleted

Shortly after the fight, Zuckerberg took to Instagram Reels to announce updates to Meta AI. He addressed his followers while sporting a chain and his longer hair, introducing the look to a new audience. Memes abounded but the most popular was a screenshot of the video that had been altered to look like Zuckerberg had also grown facial hair. People liked it.

Instagram gossip account The Shade Room reposted the edited photo to its more than 29 million followers, adding Sexyy Red's song "Get it Sexyy" to the post for effect. "Who did this?" Zuckerberg commented from his account. Gwyneth Paltrow commented, too, noting how much he resembled her ex, Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, a compliment of the highest degree to any middle-aged white man.

Since then, comments on Zuckerberg's Instagram posts have demanded that he grow out his beard. When he isn't wearing a chain, the people call for that, too.

View this post on Instagram

In his interaction with Instagram's Eva Chen on April 23rd, he addressed the accessory outright, classifying it as a personal project of sorts. "I'm actually in the process of designing a long-term chain," he told her, "and what I'm going for is I'm working with a designer to engrave the prayer that I sing to my girls every night when I put them to bed on the end of the chain."

This sartorial shift has run parallel to a lifestyle change that has seen Zuckerberg engaging with masculinity in new ways. In 2022, he began sharing videos of him sparring with UFC greats and attending fights. In 2023, he competed in a jiu-jitsu tournament and tore his ACL. In January, he shared on Instagram that he was raising cattle with the goal of "[creating] some of the highest quality beef in the world" and posted a video of Chan "catching" him playing what appears to be Call of Duty with friends in couple's home bunker.

Tweet may have been deleted

In July 2023, twin successes were likened by The Atlantic and Wall Street Journal to a renaissance of sorts for Zuckerberg: the launch of Meta-owned X alternative Threads and Zuckerberg's challenge to take on Elon Musk in a physical fight.

The past two weeks feel like another turning point, perhaps the opening of a new era. Throughout the 2010s, Zuckerberg's uniform turned him into a sort of extraterrestrial caricature of a human, drained of personality and color. Now, thanks to a few styling changes, he is approaching relatability. And while there's certainly no crime in being stylish, there's something nefarious about a billionaire aspiring to popular approval. Mark Zuckerberg, the fourth richest person in the world, does not need more attention. In fact, with a net worth of $177 billion, he doesn't need anything. So why does he seem to care so much?

Perhaps because relatability can evolve into respectability, a public sentiment that has been in low supply for Zuckerberg in recent years (a 2022 NBC News poll found that just 8 percent of respondents held a "positive" view of him). The Social Network's fictional depiction of Zuckerberg as an awkward, jealous Harvard nerd belies a kernel of truth: that Zuckerberg has always just wanted to be liked and admired. It was, after all, the reason he created Facebook to begin with.

The problem with Zuckerberg's current bid for respectability is that he does not, at present, deserve it. The 39-year-old is a white guy rapidly accumulating billions as the gaping maw of the wealth gap groans ever wider.

And with the American Presidential elections just seven months away, Zuckerberg's new look could conveniently serve as a distraction from the scrutiny Meta may face over its handling of foreign interference and misinformation.

Zuckerberg holds too much power and has too much money to be innocently wooing the public with an aesthetic glow-up. Forgive me for not complimenting his jacket.

TL;DR: Stream Game 4 of Dallas Mavericks vs. Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA playoffs for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The NBA playoffs are in full swing, with everything still hanging in the balance in the first round. This is the moment when the biggest players need to stand up and be heard, and they don't come much bigger than the stars on show in the Mavericks vs. Clippers series.

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When is Game 4 of Dallas Mavericks vs. Los Angeles Clippers?

Game 4 of the Dallas Mavericks vs. Los Angeles Clippers series starts at 3:30 p.m. ET on April 28. This game takes place at the American Airlines Center.

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TL;DR: Watch Chennai Super Kings vs. Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL for free on JioCinema. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Having kicked off in late March, cricket fans will be well and truly enthralled by the 2024 season of the IPL. Four weeks in and the excitement is only getting started as we approach the next fixture. So, who's next in line?

The next match sees Chennai Super Kings go head to head against the Sunrisers Hyderabad; will SRH reign triumphant against last year's winners?

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When is Chennai Super Kings vs. Sunrisers Hyderabad?

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How to watch Chennai Super Kings vs. Sunrisers Hyderabad for free

JioCinema is giving you the chance to watch live streams of the IPL for free in 4K resolution on its app.

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Most of the best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By taking advantage of these offers, you can watch IPL live streams without committing with your cash. This is clearly not a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch select IPL fixtures for free.

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A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for £82.82 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

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TL;DR: The Microsoft Excel: From Beginner to Advanced course is on sale for £16.09, saving you 75% on list price.

Microsoft Excel shouldn't just be a "skill" you flex on your CV when you're trying to impress a potential employer. And while it does have lots of uses in the workplace, including sorting and managing raw data, it can also be incredibly useful in your daily life, like when you're figuring out your travel budget or visualising your fitness progress.

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TL;DR: Stream Gloucester vs. Exeter Chiefs for free on ITVX. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

There has been a lot of rugby on free-to-air channels recently, including massive games like Saracens vs. Harlequins and Sale Sharks vs. Exeter Chiefs. It's rare to see top-level sport available to watch for free, but the free games don't stop there. Fans can watch Gloucester vs. Exeter Chiefs for free from anywhere in the world with a simple hack.

If you want to watch Gloucester vs. Exeter Chiefs for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Gloucester vs. Exeter Chiefs?

Gloucester vs. Exeter Chiefs kicks off at 3 p.m. BST on April 28. This fixture takes place at the Kingsholm Stadium.

How to watch Gloucester vs. Exeter Chiefs for free

Gloucester vs. Exeter Chiefs will be broadcast live on ITV1, with coverage starting from 2:30 p.m. BST on April 28. You can also live stream this fixture for free on ITVX.

ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK. This process makes it look like you're connecting from the UK, so you can access ITVX from anywhere in the world.

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The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to ITVX without committing with your cash. This is not a long-term solution, but it gives you plenty of time to stream Gloucester vs. Exeter Chiefs before recovering your investment.

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• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for £82.82 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream Gloucester vs. Exeter Chiefs for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.