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OLED TV deals at Best Buy: 10 stunning discounts on LG, Samsung, and Sony
Best Buy's early Black Friday sale is officially live, and if an OLED TV is on your shopping list this year, there are some great deals already available.
There's a pretty decent selection to choose from, whether you're looking to replace an aging TV or finally treat yourself to that bigger screen you've been eyeing up for years. OLED TVs tend to come with a hefty price tag, but the retailer has cut prices on models from LG, Samsung, and Sony. From smaller screens to massive TVs that'll take over your living room, we've rounded up the best discounts we've spotted so far.
Best LG OLED TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 48-Inch Class B6 OLED AI 4K $599.99 at Best Buy$1,199.99 Save $600 Get Deal at Best Buy Why we like it
The TV comes with a 4K OLED display, a 120Hz refresh rate, and Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for a high-quality viewing experience. Its α8 AI Processor automatically adjusts picture and sound quality based on what you're watching, and it has four HDMI 2.1 ports, NVIDIA G-Sync, and AMD FreeSync Premium, making it a great choice for gamers, too.
More LG OLED TV dealsLG 55-inch Class B6E OLED AI 4K — $799.99 $1,399.99 (save $600)
LG 65-inch Class C6 OLED evo AI 4K — $1,399.99 $2,69.99 (save $1,300)
$2,699.99 Save $1,300.00 Get Deal at Best Buy Why we like it
If you really want to level up your movie or gaming nights, this TV is a great choice. Its Glare-Free technology helps reduce annoying reflections, and the NQ4 AI Gen3 Processor upscales lower-resolution content to 4 K resolution. There's also a refresh rate of up to 165Hz, alongside NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro for a smoother experience. And for an all-around great experience, you'll get Dolby Atmos audio, plus AI-powered sound settings that let you adjust dialogue, background music, and sound effects.
More Samsung OLED TV dealsSamsung 42-inch Class S90H OLED 4K — $899.99 $1,299.99 (save $400)
Samsung 65-inchClass S84H Series OLED 4K — $999.99 $2,099.99 (save $1,100)
Samsung 65-inch Class S95H OLED 4K — $2,299.99 $3,399.99 (save $1,100)
$1,999.99 Save $799.97 Get Deal at Best Buy Why we like it
This Sony OLED TV uses more than eight million self-lit pixels to showcase deep blacks and sharp contrast. It also benefits from Triluminos Pro technology that produces more than a billion colors for a vibrant picture. It runs on Google TV, so you'll get easy access to streaming apps such as Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video. It's well suited to gamers, too, with 4K gaming at up to 120Hz, variable refresh rate support, and HDMI 2.1 features.
More Sony OLED TV dealsSony 77-inch Class BRAVIA XR8B OLED 4K — $1,999.99 $2,999.99 (save $1,000)
Sony 65-inch Class BRAVIA 8 II OLED 4K — $2,499.99 $3,299.99 (save $800)
Hisenses huge 85-inch U6 Pro Series TV is 50% off at Amazon — shop this best-ever Black Friday deal
SAVE OVER $1,000: As of Nov. 12, the Hisense 85-inch U6 Pro Series Mini‑LED ULED 4K TV is down to its lowest-ever price of $997.99 at Amazon. That's $1,002 off its full cost of $1,999.99.
Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 85-Inch U6 Pro Series Mini‑LED ULED 4K UHD HDR Gaming AI Smart Fire TV $997.99 at Amazon$1,999.99 Save $1,002 Get Deal at Amazon
Early Black Friday TV deals are already popping up, which is great news if you're eager to grab a new screen right away rather than waiting for the main sales to start.
If a big TV upgrade is on your wishlist this year, Amazon can help. As of Nov. 12, it has the Hisense 85-inch U6 Pro Series Mini‑LED ULED 4K TV — our favorite budget TV of 2026 — down to a record-low price of $997.99.
This is half off its list price of $1,999.99, saving you a grand total of $1,002. That's a fantastic discount on such a massive display, and one with some mighty impressive specs.
SEE ALSO: The Black Friday 2026 countdown is on: Our top 7 hacks for finding the best dealsThis Hisense TV pairs Hi-QLED technology with Mini-LED backlighting to deliver a stunning picture, with vibrant colors and deep contrast that bring your movies, shows, or games to life. Plus, 4K resolution makes everything look crisp and clear, and its glare-free display helps prevent reflections and light from disrupting your view.
When it comes to on-screen action, from watching live sports to playing a game, it also features a native 144Hz refresh rate that helps reduce blur and keep everything looking fluid and smooth. And to top it off, it boasts high-quality DTS-powered audio and a built-in subwoofer to help you feel fully immersed in what you're watching or playing.
Black Friday sales may be coming up, but this deal is well worth grabbing now. Don't miss out on 50% off the Hisense 85-inch U6 Pro Series Mini‑LED ULED 4K TV at Amazon.
The best console deals for GTA 6: Where to buy PS5 and Xbox ahead of launch day
GTA 6 finally launches on Nov. 19, and if you still need hardware to play, here's the truth: none of the consoles are actually on sale. Between massive launch hype and tight hardware supply, Sony and Microsoft are holding firm at standard retail prices across the board, so your best move right now is simply finding a legitimate system in stock before shelves clear out.
With launch day right around the corner, inventory is already drying up — especially on higher-end models like the PS5 Pro, which is largely sold out at major stores. Because there is no PC version at launch and older systems like the PS4 and Xbox One cannot run the game natively, everyone is scrambling for the handful of current-gen PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S models that are still in stock.
To save you from wading through third-party marketplace listings charging hundreds of dollars above sticker price, we rounded up the consoles that can play GTA 6 on day one — and where you still have a solid shot at grabbing them at regular retail price before they vanish.
Best budget Xbox option Opens in a new window Credit: Xbox Xbox Series S (512GB) $499.99 at XboxShop Now at Xbox
If you want to play Grand Theft Auto VI on day one without spending a small fortune, the Xbox Series S is the cheapest brand-new ticket into Vice City. Because it is an all-digital console with no disc drive, you will need to download the game directly from the Xbox Store. Even with simpler graphics settings and a lower screen resolution than the flagship consoles, it still runs the game at the exact same 30 fps as the PS5 Pro and supports quick game-switching, while keeping plenty of cash in your bank account.
Best budget PS5 option Opens in a new window Credit: Sony / PlayStation PlayStation 5 Slim Digital Edition (825GB) $599.99 at Best BuyShop Now at Best Buy
If you want a PlayStation without paying extra for a disc drive, the PlayStation 5 Slim Digital Edition is Sony's lowest-priced current-gen console. Because it is a digital-only system, you will need to download Grand Theft Auto VI directly from the PlayStation Store, though its 825GB hard drive gives you plenty of room out of the box. You still get the exact same power and DualSense controller features — including haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and 3D audio — as the disc version, and you can always buy Sony's external disc drive add-on separately later if you change your mind.
Best PS5 for physical game discs Opens in a new window Credit: Sony / PlayStation PlayStation 5 (1TB) $649 at PlayStation DirectShop Now at PlayStation Direct
If you prefer buying physical game discs instead of relying solely on downloads, the standard PlayStation 5 Console is the only current-gen PS5 model with a built-in Blu-ray drive out of the box. Having a disc drive lets you pick up a physical copy of Grand Theft Auto VI at a local store, lend it to a friend once you roll credits, or trade it in later. It also bumps the built-in solid-state drive up to a full 1TB, giving you plenty of storage space, along with the same DualSense controller features, fast load times, and the pre-installed Astro's Playroom game as in the Digital Edition.
Best high-end Xbox console Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft / Xbox Microsoft Xbox Series X (1TB) $799.99 at GameStopShop Now at GameStop
If you want sharper 4K visuals and a built-in disc drive on the Xbox side, the Microsoft Xbox Series X Console is the best model to grab. Unlike the cheaper Series S, it comes with a full 1TB of storage space out of the box, plays physical game discs, and makes Vice City look noticeably sharper while running at the same 30 fps speed as every other console. Outside of Grand Theft Auto VI, features like Quick Resume let you hop back into different games without waiting on loading screens, and it plays older games from four generations of Xbox — including classics like Red Dead Redemption 2, Grand Theft Auto IV, and Halo 3.
Best PlayStation console for top-tier visuals Opens in a new window Credit: Sony / PlayStation PlayStation 5 Pro (2TB) $899 at PlayStation DirectShop Now at PlayStation Direct
If you want the sharpest picture and best lighting possible when exploring Vice City, the PlayStation 5 Pro Console is the system to buy. Even though Grand Theft Auto VI still runs at 30 fps on the Pro just like every other console, Rockstar confirmed it gets exclusive ray-traced shadows and cleaner image upscaling that you will not find anywhere else. It also comes with a massive 2TB solid-state drive that easily swallows the huge game file, leaving plenty of room, though keep in mind it ships without a disc drive — so you will need to download the game digitally or buy Sony's detachable disc drive separately.
Console discounts might be off the table right now, so your best move is to lock down your system at regular retail price before Vice City traffic clears the rest of the shelves.
Whats the cheapest way to play GTA 6 on launch day?
TL;DR: The cheapest way to play Grand Theft Auto VI natively on launch day is pairing the 512GB all-digital Xbox Series S ($499.99) with the standard digital edition of the game ($79.99), bringing your total day-one setup to $579.98.
Buying a brand-new console for a single video game is an expensive pill to swallow, but GTA 6 is forcing that choice. With Rockstar skipping PC at launch, anyone planning to cruise through Vice City on Nov. 19 will need dedicated console hardware.
If you look at the premium options, the price tag is intimidating. The PS5 Pro costs $899.99 before you even purchase software, which pushes a day-one setup past $979. Fortunately, you do not need to spend that kind of cash to be there at launch.
The cheapest way to play GTA 6 on day one is pairing the Xbox Series S with the standard digital edition of the game.
Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft GTA 6 $79.99 at AmazonShop Now at Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Xbox Series S (512 GB) $499.99 at Xbox
Shop Now at Xbox
That puts you in Vice City for exactly $400 less than a PS5 Pro setup, and saves you anywhere from $100 to $250 compared to the other current-gen disc and digital consoles.
Opting for the lower-priced console does not mean you miss out on fluid gameplay compared to the rest of the market. Rockstar confirmed that GTA 6 targets 30 frames per second on every system, including base consoles and the PS5 Pro.
Sony's flagship hardware provides higher native resolution and enhanced ray-traced lighting, but it will not run the title at 60 fps at launch. On the Series S, you get lower resolution output and dialed-back graphical settings, but you experience the identical 30 fps gameplay, story missions, and open-world mechanics as every other player.
SEE ALSO: 'GTA 6' on PS5 vs. Xbox: What we know The 212GB storage issueThe biggest compromise with the entry-level Xbox is storage. The baseline Series S comes with a 512GB solid-state drive, which leaves around 364GB of usable space after the operating system takes its share.
With pre-loads confirming Grand Theft Auto VI requires a massive 212GB download, the game will take up over half of your internal drive on day one. You will likely need to clear out other big titles before installing it, but as long as you keep your drive free of excess clutter, you have plenty of room to pre-install and jump into Leonida when servers go live at 1 a.m. ET on launch day.
Just be sure to preorder before Nov. 19. That locks in the Vintage Vice City Pack and a free month of GTA+, while Xbox Smart Delivery guarantees your copy jumps to a Series X for free if you upgrade later.
If clearing out your other games to make room for that 212GB download feels like too much of a compromise, Microsoft also sells a 1TB Xbox Series S for $599.99. Pairing that with the base game brings your total day-one spend to $679.98 — still $300 cheaper than a PS5 Pro, with double the onboard storage.
Why you can skip the Ultimate EditionRockstar also offers a $99.99 Ultimate Edition, but the extra $20 only buys cosmetic items and early vehicles — including the '95 Grotti Cheetah sports car, custom revolvers, and instant access to specialty vehicle and tattoo shops like Rideout Customs.
None of those bonus items affect the core campaign. If you preorder the standard edition before Nov. 19, you still receive the Vintage Vice City Pack and one month of GTA+ included with the Ultimate edition.
The catch with Xbox One cloud streamingIf you still have an original Xbox One from 2013 hooked up to your TV, you don't technically need to buy new hardware. Rockstar and Microsoft confirmed the title will stream via Xbox Cloud Gaming on launch day, running on the Xbox Series S graphics profile.
That sounds like an easy budget win on paper, but it comes with some strings attached. You still have to purchase the standard digital game for $79.99, since it is not included free with Game Pass. You are also subject to Microsoft's cloud playtime limits, which restrict streaming to 5 to 15 hours per month depending on your subscription tier, with additional blocks priced at $4 for every 10 hours.
Plus, Rockstar's cloud agreement blocks streaming to phones, tablets, and PCs entirely. If you own a Series S, though, standard local Remote Play still works, so you can stream your game locally from your console to a phone or tablet over your home WiFi without burning through cloud hours.
Between choppy streams, lag, and launch-night traffic, relying on the cloud is a gamble for a game this big. If you want a smooth, headache-free experience on day 1 without dropping nearly four figures, the $499.99 Series S and the $79.99 base game give you the smartest route into Vice City.
Save the $400 premium for your actual holiday shopping — the entry-level Xbox is more than enough to handle day one.
Read in luxury — these are the 3 best e-readers for the bath
I remember the days when if you dropped your phone in a puddle, you put it in a bag of rice and prayed for the best. Luckily, tech has been waterproofed in recent years, so now your phone and tablet are safe if they get a little wet. E-readers have also been waterproofed, with many holding an IPX8 rating.
But not all e-readers are waterproof, and it's important to know which ones are before you take one to the bath. So if you're buying an e-reader and plan to be a bath time reader, these are the e-readers to look at.
And if you want the most luxurious experience, we recommend checking out e-reader accessories, too.
A free way to make your earbuds sound better? Give them a deep clean.
I say this without judgment: you're likely overdue for an earbud clean.
Earwax, sweat from workouts, dirt, and dust — daily use exposes earbuds to a myriad of ways to get nice and dirty. And when was the last time you spot-cleaned them? Exactly.
"Please don't forget to clean us," - your earbuds, probably. Credit: Bethany Allard / MashableThat's where the deep clean comes in. In addition to the sanitation of it all, cleaning your earbuds periodically can help prevent damage that might impact their use, whether it be causing issues with the charging case, wear detection features, or even how the buds themselves sound. In other words, the less dirt getting into the internals of your buds, the better. Even the best earbuds can start to suffer without proper maintenance. For optimal performance, Bose recommends cleaning your earbuds every two months.
If the idea of cleaning your earbuds makes you worried you'll cause more harm than good, don't fret. It's easier than you think, and you likely have most, if not all, of the supplies already.
Supplies for cleaning earbudsMicellar water (or distilled water, though regular water can also be used in a pinch)
A clean microfiber cloth
Cotton swabs
Optional: A soft-bristled toothbrush
- 5 minutes
- Micellar water
- Clean microfiber cloth
- Cotton swabs
Step 1: Remove the ear tips.
How to do this can vary slightly from model to model, but generally a light pinch and pull will get the job done.
Step 2: Wipe down the earbuds and exterior of the case with a dry microfiber cloth.
Step 3: Check specific earbuds guide for any areas you may need to avoid during cleaning.
For example, Apple's AirPods Pro instructions make clear where to avoid cleaning.
Credit: Apple / ScreenshotStep 4: Apply a very small amount of micellar water to a microfiber cloth, cotton swab, or soft bristled toothbrush. Lightly clean earbuds' mesh for 15 to 30 seconds.
You can repeat this step as many times as needed, but be sure to dry the mesh immediately after with a dry microfiber cloth.
Step 5: Use a microfiber cloth to wipe the interior of the case.
You can use a small amount of micellar water here, but make sure your cloth is damp, not wet. If possible, avoid getting charging pins wet.
Credit: Bethany Allard / MashableStep 6: Wipe ear tips down with microfiber cloth.
In most cases, it's completely fine to also use a damp cloth here. However, if you're unsure, check specific instructions for brands. Sony recommends not getting the XM6 ear tips wet, while Bose and Apple say you can submerge the ear tips in water.
Step 7: Set aside ear tips to dry if necessary.
Tapping the ear tips on a towel to remove any excess moisture can work well here. You'll want to leave them sitting out in a secure, clean space while the rest of your earbuds dry.
Step 8: Dry case and earbuds for at least two hours.
This may seem like overkill (and honestly, in some cases, this probably is excessive), but letting the case dry open and the earbuds sit out on a clean surface guarantees that not a drop of moisture will threaten the performance of your earbuds.
Credit: Bethany Allard / MashableStep 9: Replace the ear tips, and enjoy your newly cleaned buds!
General rules of thumb for earbud cleaningDO: Double-check the specific manufacturer instructions for your earbuds. That might mean actually cracking open the user guide. Oftentimes, guides or specific cleaning instructions will tell you the specific areas to avoid on your earbuds.
Find cleaning instructions for Apple AirPods Pro models, Apple AirPods 4 and 5, Bose earbuds, Sony WF-1000XM6 earbuds, Beats Powerbeats Pro 2, Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 earbuds, and Soundcore earbuds.
DON'T: Put earbuds back into their charging case until both the earbuds and the case are completely dry. You didn't get your earbuds extra clean just to introduce moisture problems.
DO: Be aware of small openings and ports. Minimizing moisture is key, so even when using a lightly damp cloth, it's important to avoid getting liquid into tiny openings, as it could affect the efficacy of the hardware. After using any damp materials for cleaning, dry your earbuds with another microfiber cloth immediately. Do NOT use any heat, such as hair dryers, as they're liable to cause damage.
One of these is better than the other. (Hint: it's not the rubbing alcohol). Credit: Bethany Allard / MashableDON'T: Turn to harsh alcohols for disinfecting. While some brands — Beats and Soundcore included — mention using rubbing alcohol as a cleaning tool, several other brands warn against it. The harshness of the alcohol can degrade earbuds and ultimately affect performance, so relying on water, micellar water, or a dry cloth is ultimately the safest route.
DO: Be careful with cotton swabs and charging cases. Though cotton swabs are a great shape for getting into nooks and crannies, their fibers can easily get caught and lodged into those same nooks and crannies. The best solution is to use a microfiber cloth instead — if you're having trouble maneuvering it, you can always wrap the cloth around the cotton swab to give yourself more dexterity.
The 12 best phones of 2026, tested by experts
If you're in the market for a new phone right now, you should know that it'll cost you more than usual. The best phones were never cheap, but smartphone prices surged in 2026 amid a global RAM shortage driven by the AI boom (commonly known as "RAMageddon"). New AI data centers are hogging supplies of memory and SSD storage chips, driving up their prices. Consequently, consumer tech devices with memory components are also getting more expensive. (RAMageddon price hikes have also taken a toll on laptops and gaming consoles.)
So far, we've seen Apple, Google, and Samsung all raise the prices of their new smartphones at launch. This fall, Samsung implemented another $100 to $200 price hike across its Galaxy S26 lineup, while Apple increased the prices of some older iPhones by $100.
SEE ALSO: Apple iPhone Duo vs. iPhone 18 Pro Max: How to decide between themWith this in mind, it's especially wise to shop around for deals and carrier promotions before buying your new phone. Trading in an older device is the easiest way to save several hundred dollars on an upgrade. Some carriers will give you a new phone for free (in the form of monthly bill credits) if you also sign up for a new line or certain data plans. For example, the new iPhone 18 Pro is free with eligible trade-ins and plans through AT&T and T-Mobile.
Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters or get Mashable push alerts today.
What's new Credit: Stan Schroeder / MashableIn early November 2026, I made some adjustments to this guide after our latest round of testing:
The Apple iPhone Duo is our new favorite foldable iPhone.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 is now our top Android foldable.
Last month, I added the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max as picks for photography and battery life, respectively.
What about the iPhone Air? Credit: Stan Schroeder / MashableReleased in fall 2025, the iPhone Air is Apple's thinnest phone ever. Its ultra-sleek design is appealing, but it has worse battery life and inferior cameras compared to the standard iPhone 17 (which runs on the same processor... and costs $200 less). We think it's a very pretty and well-made phone, but not one of the best overall. For more info, check out our iPhone Air review and our dedicated guide to the best iPhones.
Early Black Friday laptop deals are trickling in. Heres what I would buy already.
Black Friday has always been the best time to buy a laptop, and we expect that to hold true in 2026. While the holiday season's top discounts on MacBooks and Windows PCs may not look as great as usual due to industry-wide price hikes — thanks, RAMageddon — they should still be retailers' most competitive offers of the year.
Black Friday laptop deals aren't plentiful just yet, but some of the initial markdowns I've spotted are worth adding to your cart. Amazon is already offering its usual Black Friday discount on certain variants of the MacBook Air, for instance. And Lenovo has several on-sale laptops marked with a "Black Friday Price Guarantee" badge. (That means they for sure won't get any cheaper through Saturday, Nov. 28, the day after Black Friday.)
Meanwhile, HP has fully kicked off its Black Friday Sale already, and it features discounts of up to $550 on one of the best MacBook alternatives I've tested, the OmniBook Ultra 14. Our sister site, CNET, named it their favorite laptop overall.
Check out my running list of the best early Black Friday laptop deals below.
Best MacBook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,349.99 at Amazon$1,599 Save $249.01 Get Deal at Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,549.99 at Amazon
$1,799 Save $249.01 Shop Now at Amazon
The Mashable Choice Award-winning M5 MacBook Air boasts "a premium design, great speakers, a bright and sharp display," and incredibly impressive performance, said Mashable Tech Editor Timothy Beck Werth. He called it "a damn near-perfect machine" — so suffice it to say, it's our top MacBook for most people. As of mid-November, Amazon has 1TB variants of both sizes on sale for $250 off, starting from $1,349.99.
Black Friday MacBook Air discounts have historically peaked around $250, so I don't expect these deals to improve down the road.
Read Mashable's full review of the MacBook Air.
Best Windows laptop deal Opens in a new window Credit: HP HP OmniBook Ultra 14 (Intel Core Ultra 7 356H, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,319.99 at HP$1,819.99 Save $500 Get Deal at HP Opens in a new window Credit: HP HP OmniBook Ultra 14 (Snapdragon X2 Elite, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,849.99 at HP
$2,399.99 Save $550.00 Get Deal at HP
HP's latest OmniBook Ultra 14 is a thin, light Windows laptop with a cool modern look, a haptic touchpad, and an amaaazing OLED touchscreen that's super sharp and smooth. HP has Intel and Qualcomm configurations discounted by up to $550 during its Black Friday sale; the former come in black and "silk sand" (beige), while the Snapdragon models are available in a chic "stone blue." (Note that both models are way cheaper than the new MacBook Pro with an OLED touchscreen.)
More Windows laptop dealsSamsung Galaxy Book4 Edge 15 (Snapdragon X, 8GB RAM, 256GB UFS) — $449.99 $799.99 (save $350)
Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1 16 (Intel Core Ultra 5 226V, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $799.99 $1,349.99 (save $550)
Lenovo Yoga 7 2-in-1 16 (AMD Ryzen AI 5 340, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $849.99 $1,399.99 (save $550)
HP OmniBook Ultra 14 (Intel Core Ultra 7 356H, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,319.99 $1,819.99 (save $500)
HP OmniBook Ultra 14 (Snapdragon X2 Elite, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,849.99 $2,399.99 (save $550)
$2,666.99 Save $1,017.00 Get Deal at Lenovo
The Legion Pro 5i is an upper-end gaming laptop with a crisp 240Hz display and an Intel processor. Aside from an RGB keyboard, it's quite subdued for a gaming PC. This model with a powerful Core Ultra 7 251HX chip and RTX 5060 graphics is a whopping 38% off ahead of Black Friday, and Lenovo guarantees that its price won't get any lower through Black Friday.
When is Black Friday 2026? Dates to keep in mind:Black Friday falls on Friday, Nov. 27 this year, but most retailers are starting their holiday sales well before then.
Best Buy will begin its extended Black Friday Doorbusters + Deals event on Thursday, Nov. 19, and it will probably bring us the season's best selection of Windows laptop deals. I also expect Best Buy to start matching Amazon's MacBook Air deals at that point.
Amazon's Black Friday Week sale kicks off the very same day. According to a company blog post, it will feature savings of up to 30% on certain Alienware, Acer, Asus, HP, and Lenovo laptops and gaming PCs.
Walmart is hosting two Black Friday Deals events from Nov. 12 to 15 and Nov. 23 to 29. While I don't think they'll be packed with on-sale laptops, Walmart is usually good at scrounging up some decent gaming laptop deals.
Acer, Asus, and Dell have yet to announce their Black Friday plans, but I'll update this story as soon as they're made public.
Voyager 1 is about to hit one light-day away. NASAs planning to party.
If you step outside tonight and flick a flashlight toward deep space, that split-second pulse will race through the void at 186,000 miles per second.
The light will continue its journey while you sleep, while you eat, while you go to work. Only when you reach the same time tomorrow could its photons potentially wash over a spacecraft more than 16 billion miles away.
That robotic probe is NASA's Voyager 1, the farthest human-made object in the universe. It will cross the one light-day-away milestone at 5:16 a.m. ET on Wednesday, Nov. 18. One light-day is the distance light travels over 24 hours. Radio signals move at the speed of light, so any message from Earth would need a full day to reach the spacecraft. Considering Voyager 1 never stops moving, that communication lag will only increase.
To mark the occasion, the U.S. space agency has a couple of things planned, one of which involves pointing that flashlight toward the sky. The day after the milestone, you can watch the mission team talk about where the spacecraft has been and how it keeps going.
SEE ALSO: China's moon plan mirrors NASA's, except for one big differenceVoyager 1 left Earth in 1977 to explore the giant outer planets. NASA timed the launch to catch a lineup of those planets that comes around only once every 176 years. The probe finished its tour decades ago but kept going at nearly 38,000 mph. In 2012, it left the heliosphere, the protective bubble the sun blows around our solar system, and entered interstellar space.
Its twin, Voyager 2, took a different path past Uranus and Neptune and left the solar system in 2018. But Voyager 2 won't reach a light-day until November 2035, most likely after it has depleted its fuel.
After touring the giant outer planets, Voyager 1 left the solar system in 2012 and entered interstellar space. Credit: Space Frontiers / Archive Photos / Getty Images illustrationThat's the bittersweet reality of Voyager 1's historic achievement: Both probes are dying, nearly tapped out of their nuclear power sources that turn heat from decaying plutonium into electricity. Since 2024, the team has shut off two science instruments on each spacecraft to stretch what's left. Sooner or later, the power will run out, and no one will be able to talk with the twins at all, regardless of time delays.
A long-distance greetingFor now, though, the mission team is only thinking happy thoughts. The first way to get involved comes after sunset on Tuesday, Nov. 17. NASA is asking people around the world to point a light at the sky to spell out VGR, Voyager's call sign, in Morse code. Morse code is an old telegraph language that turns each letter into a pattern of short and long signals.
The easiest way to do this is with a phone or tablet. NASA built an online flasher that blinks the code for you. After sunset, open the flasher in your device's web browser, point the device's screen at the sky, and let it send the signal. (You can bookmark this story to keep the flasher link handy.)
If you'd rather tap it out yourself, grab a flashlight, and switch it on and off or use your hand to block and unblock the beam. Short flashes, called dots, should last less than a second. Long flashes, called dashes, should last about one second.
Then, follow this pattern:
V: Dot, dot, dot, dash.
Pause.
G: Dash, dash, dot.
Pause.
R: Dot, dash, dot.
You can repeat the pattern as many times as you like.
Now, even if you were to point your flashlight in precisely the direction of Voyager 1, the beam would fan out into a cone billions of miles wide, scattering its photons across the void. Because the light is diluted in space, virtually every photon would sail past the tiny 12-foot spacecraft without ever hitting it.
But it's a symbolic gesture for wishing the old mission godspeed. You can tag @NASA on your photos and videos if you post them to X, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or other social media.
NASA · Golden Record: Morse Code, Ships A retrospective discussionThe second way to join in the celebration comes at noon ET / 9 a.m. PT on Thursday, Nov. 19. Mission leaders and top NASA science officials will meet at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California to talk about the twins. They'll explain how the spacecraft are holding up, what they're still learning beyond the sun's bubble, and how engineers keep such old hardware running from far away. The public can watch on NASA's streaming service, NASA+, or Youtube.
The team has plenty to talk about. This year, engineers tried a fix they nicknamed the "Big Bang." They turned off three power-hungry devices on each probe that help keep it warm, and at the same time they switched on three lower-power replacements. The swap should keep them running for at least another year.
But at this stage, the team has come to expect the unexpected. Last month, Voyager 1 had a mysterious issue with its thrusters that briefly caused a communication blackout. Engineers are still trying to figure out what caused the problem.
If the distant spacecraft could send you a Morse code message back, perhaps it would say the one recorded on its Golden Record: "ad astera per aspera." In Latin, that means "to the stars through struggles."
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Rings of Power star Tyroe Muhafidin talks Theos dark side, Witch-king theories, and that heartbreaking death
Tyroe Muhafidin is ready to embrace his villainous side.
The 20-year-old actor plays Theo in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, his first professional role. A young Southlander, Theo has spent the first two seasons of the series caught up in a battle between good and evil that he can barely understand. But in Season 3, Theo hopes to take matters into his own hands, a choice that brings him face to face with Sauron (Charlie Vickers).
Over the course of Season 3's first four episodes, Theo officially joins Sauron's army as a Nazgnagôl, or Ring-servant. Later, in one of the show's heaviest scenes, he kills his former mentor, the elf Arondir (Ismael Cruz Córdova), at Sauron's command. Between accepting a ring of power and murdering Arondir, Theo's arc has bent entirely toward darkness, especially since the Nazgnagôl will soon become entirely corrupted, turning them into the Nazgûl of The Lord of the Rings.
In a conversation with Mashable, Muhafidin unpacked Theo's turn to the dark side, his final scene with Córdova, and whether Theo may become the Witch-king of Angmar, as the show so heavily implies.
This season, Theo gets up close and personal with Sauron. In the first episode, he and the men of Pelargir head to Mordor for a ring of power. Tell me about how the five years under Númenórean rule have led to this decision from Theo.
In the last five years, I think any of those dwindles of hope that Theo had have now all dissipated. Basically, in the first two seasons, Theo was was very hopeful for a better life, and he really did believe that something good was going to come for his people. Then it just became pain upon pain upon pain, and loss upon loss for him. Five years, especially for a human, is enough time to set in stone for him the idea that those good days weren't ever coming, and if he was ever going to have any life that's different to the one that he's having now, it would be in Barad-dûr.
That fight between the Southlanders for the ring is the most involved combat Theo's been in so far. Walk me through training for that scene and embodying that fight-or-die feeling.
I feel like I've never really done anything where I was the attacker. A lot of the stunty stuff that Theo had done prior was always him running away from something. So I feel like this is the first time, and it's showing that he's grown now, and he can take on battles for himself, full-on, headfirst.
That fight was a bit hectic. It took us a few weeks to choreograph and nail down. Adam [Basil], who's the loveliest guy ever — he's this 6-foot-8 guy, and his name on the call sheet was "Big Farmer" — was absolutely a dream to work with. He's on top of me, and you think that he would be heavy, but he did such a great job at keeping his weight just enough off me that it looked like I was holding all this weight. It was really fun, but it was really grueling to shoot. The conditions in Barad-dûr aren't the most fun. There's fire everywhere and blood everywhere, and it's dark. But I guess that's the exact vibe that Sauron's lair would have!
SEE ALSO: The Dark Wizard's true identity in 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' is a Tolkien deep cutSpeaking of Sauron, I'd love to hear more about working with Charlie Vickers this season and establishing that intriguing dynamic between Theo and Sauron.
Working with Charlie was a dream. He'd always had a particular kind of arm around me since the first season. We were all out in New Zealand by ourselves, and he'd invite me around to play FIFA with him a bunch. It was kind of like an uncle relationship, Uncle Charlie. So we already had this dynamic, and now actually working with him, we could actually build upon that kind of big bro energy.
There's been certain moments that they've shared prior, like the moment where Theo held the sword up and said, "Strength to the Southlands." Halbrand, at the time, recognized that. So, I think Sauron had an eye out for Theo. I think the moment that he stepped into Barad-dûr, her knew there was something about this kid.
I love the whole scene where Sauron uses dark magic to invite Theo to commune with his late father. What's running through Theo's mind in that moment as he learns the truth about his father and his ties to Mordor?
At this point, his mind is racing. It's so filled with everything, it would be hard for him to think rationally at all. He just did a complete fight to the death with six other guys, and now he's having to talk to the Dark Lord and meeting his dad all of a sudden, whom he hasn't known for the last 20 years. It's literally the most insane sequence of events, so at this point he's genuinely the most vulnerable, mentally. His brain is at a point now where it will soak up anything that Sauron says to him, and it has left him easy to manipulate.
Finding out who his dad was is a question that he's asked his entire life, and when he learns, it's disbelief and shock. It's one of those things where you've been wondering for so long, so when you find out, you can't believe that it's true anyway. It's this weird, in-between world of knowing now, but still feeling like he doesn't know. I think Sauron can use that uncertainty in his brain, and with the presence of a ring, it was very easy to say what needed to be said.
I have to talk about the Witch-king in the room, because Sauron tells Theo he has it in him to be a sorcerer and a king. Obviously, a very famous sorcerer king with a ring of power in The Lord of the Rings is the Witch-king of Angmar. Are you able to confirm that Theo is going down that path?
[laughs] You could theorize along those lines, maybe, but I guess you'd have to ask [co-creators] J.D. [Payne] and Patrick [McKay] about that one.
SEE ALSO: Did 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' just reveal the Witch-king of Angmar? Tyroe Muhafidin as Theo in "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" Season 1. Credit: Ben Rothstein / Prime VideoTheo puts on the ring and becomes one of the Ring-servants. When did you learn that this darkness was really going to become a part of his arc?
There was always a presence of it from the first season. With the sword hilt, there was already a connection to the dark side, and there was the scene with Waldreg [Geoff Morrell] at the watchtower trying to get him to join him. There've been temptations throughout, and they were planted carefully, so that when it came to the point that he got offered the ultimate question, he'd already been broken down gradually, and let the darkness in so much that it was easy to say yes.
I'd only found out just just before Season 3 I actually get a ring. In the five years prior to that, I'd been poking at J.D. and Patrick saying, "Will I get a ring? Will I get a ring?"
They always flipped it back on me, asking, "Should Theo get a ring?" And I was like, "I don't know. That's too much pressure!"
I did a little bit of sweet talking all the way through, saying it'd be cool to play a villain. Villain arcs are really cool, and there's some cool depth to them. Theo does have a real great sense of depth and reasoning behind his darkness.
Speaking of the rings, they all look different. Did you get a choice in which one you got to put on?
I think I got the coolest. I remember seeing them all and being like, "I hope that one's mine."
Then when I got my costume for the first time, I got to see which ring was mine, and it was exactly the one I wanted. It was my favorite one out of all of them.
SEE ALSO: Who is Khamûl in 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power'?We have to talk about the costume, because the image of the Nazgnagôl armor and mask recalls the Nazgûl in Lord of the Rings, and that has a lot of weight for the series. What was it like, stepping into that for the first time?
I'd done a lot of movement workshops and things like that to try and gauge a sense of the power that the Nazgnagôl would have. I'd done it for a few weeks before any kind of costume fitting, but it wasn't until the day that I had my first costume fitting — there was no armor or crown or anything, it was literally just a bunch of black robes — that I immediately could feel the darkness attached to it. You could get a sense of power, even just in the robes. Then at each costume fitting, they introduced more and more to the costume, and then by the last costume fitting, I'd fully felt the power.
I also requested if I could do some movement workshops in the costume, because it was actually really complicated to move in. The crown is essentially an extension of your head, so any movement of your head will be really exaggerated at the end of the crown. We had to figure out how to walk in a way so our heads weren't bobbing a bunch. There was a sense of trying to move like you're floating, because if we didn't do that, the crown would have just made us look goofy.
What's the secret to moving like the Nazgnagôl?
There's a sense of real strength and power, but also a sense of otherworldliness. The Nazgnagôl live in both the mortal life and the immortal life, so we wanted them to move as if they were in between worlds, and they're coming from one world to another. It was very much about moving with a slight bend at the knees, so every time you're moving, it's more of a glide than a walk. I think once the costume's on, though, it does 80 percent of the work for you. You just automatically feel it.
It's very imposing. We've got to talk about the final scene of episode 4, with Arondir's death. Tell me about filming that final scene with Ismael and finding that last connection?
We shot that scene over two weeks, so we'd shot that specific sequence and the stabbing multiple times without getting any close up. We'd done it wide a bunch of times, and every point up until then, we were really light-hearted. We were having fun on set, and then the day came where we were doing our close-ups, and the air just felt cold, and everyone could feel the sad energy. It was so heavily emotional, like for both of us, it was a real bonding and brotherhood moment. We got a lot closer, because we could open up on our feelings. Feeling so deeply at that time in that moment, it really opened up a big space for us to connect. It was fun though. We had a really great time, and it was a really great group of us on set. It was daunting, but it was very fun. It was a big celebration of Ismael and all the hard work that he's put into this job and how awesome Arondir is. I'm so glad that he got to do all this really cool shit at the end.
SEE ALSO: Scarlet Witch's return is everything that's wrong with the MCUWhat was your reaction to first reading that Theo stabs him?
I knew beforehand. I think initially J.D. and Patrick's plan was to wait for me to just get the script and read it, but Charlotte Brandstrom, the first episode director, just blurted it out to me. I was like, "Oh, I guess that was the whole secret they were trying to keep from me."
So, I knew it was coming, but I didn't know how. I knew at some point if I was going to go to the dark side, there would be a confrontation between them, because obviously they're fighting on opposing ends of the war, and they're both frontmen. Reading it, I just didn't imagine it to be as heartfelt as it was. I always thought that it was going to be a lot colder and a lot quicker. So, reading it and seeing how close he was to really accepting Arondir was really heartbreaking. This is actually such a love-filled scene, and that's why it's so tragic and so heartbreaking, because there is so much love between them, and it just disappears in an instant, which leaves a real hollow feeling at the end of the episode.
There's that moment of compulsion from Sauron that makes Theo stab Arondir. What's he thinking at that moment? Is he reevaluating his choice, or is his humanity too far gone?
Theo is definitely someone who's been a product of who his role models are and who is giving him guidance. This is the moment where his two biggest role models in his life at this point are meeting head to head. For the last few weeks, Theo has been under the influence of Sauron. He has been fed however many ideas in his head about the elves. But then when he sees Arondir's face, all those ideas that Sauron had planted disappear, and he's almost ready to accept the hand that's put out in front of him because he can see the the love in Arondir's eyes. That moment when Sauron arrives is him thinking, "Oh yeah, I remember what I'm supposed to be doing now." It flips back into work mode, or servant mode.
Right now we know the Nazgnagôl as Ring-servants, but we know that the final iteration of them is the Nazgûl, who are totally far gone. Assuming Theo stays on this path, what is an element of that transformation that you're most excited to play?
The cool thing about the Nazgnagôl and the Nazgûl is that they have a completely different living experience to anything else in Middle-earth. They are living in between two worlds, and so you're trying to explore what it looks like to be detaching from the mortal world, becoming more spirit-like, and losing a sense of reality while being completely controlled and manipulated. It'll be really interesting because at this point in time, the Nazgnagôl are still men. They have autonomy over themselves and their decisions and what they can do, whereas it'd be great to see them slowly not be able to do that.
The show has such a massive array of locations to visit. Going forward, what is one of the worlds within Middle-earth that you would like to work in?
I would love, love, love to do work in Númenor. The sets are just so magnificent. Everything around it is so glorious and beautiful, and there's a real community vibe. Any time I've been on the sets with the Númenóreans, they all seem to be getting along real well, whereas I've been hanging out with orcs who most of the time aren't that happy. [laughs]
And who is someone from the ensemble you'd love to work with?
I'd love to do work with more or at least more stuff with Leon [Wadham], who plays Kemen. I really wish we had more to do. I love Leon. When we were shooting Season 3, he was actually living above me, so we were constantly just borrowing stuff off each other all the time and just talking about work or whatever. We only ever had two days on set, and it was the last scene of Season 2 and the first scene of Season 3. But I also just think Kemen is not a nice guy.
Every time he's on screen, I'm angry. I don't even care if Theo's on the dark side. He deserves his vengeance a little.
Yeah, I'd love for Theo to face off against Kemen and give him what he deserves.
The interview above was edited for length and clarity.
Whats new to streaming this week? (Nov. 13, 2026)
Looking for something great to watch at home? Streaming subscribers are spoiled for choice between Hulu, Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, Apple TV, Prime Video, Shudder, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. And that's before you even look at the vast libraries of movies and television programs within each streamer!
Don't be overwhelmed or waste an hour scrolling through your services to determine what to watch. We've got your back, whatever your mood. Mashable offers watch guides for all of the above, broken down by genre: comedy, thriller, horror, documentary, and animation, among others. But if you're seeking something brand new (or just new to streaming), we've got you covered there, too.
19. The End of Oak StreetWhat if dinosaurs terrorized a suburb? That's the premise of the latest from writer/director David Robert Mitchell (It Follows). And while there's plenty of action and jump scares in this Amblin-inspired adventure, I was not a fan of The End of Oak Street.
SEE ALSO: 'The End of Oak Street' review: Imagine 'Jurassic Park' but bleak and stupidAnne Hathaway and Ewan McGregor star as an oft-bickering married couple who need to reunite as a team to keep their teenage children from being eaten by the prehistoric creatures prowling their neighborhood. Grim and gory with a dunderheaded ending, I'm not remotely recommending this movie. But it sure is streaming this weekend. — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor
Starring: Anne Hathaway, Ewan McGregor, Maisy Stella, and Christian Convery
How to watch: The End of Oak Street will debut on HBO Max on Nov. 13.
18. Deadly Women 2.0Is this a safe space to admit I've seen every episode of Deadly Women at least once? I won't deny the Investigation Discovery doc series, which ran for over 190 episodes across 14 seasons, is problematic. The show's experts (and writers) tended to frame its subjects under misogynistic archetypes, like deadly gold diggers, ungrateful daughters, and sex-crazed maniacs, with little more than lip service to motives or the societal conditions or psychological distress that led to murder. But I couldn't get enough of the succinct storytelling, which traversed the globe and centuries, to tell stories of all kinds of women who were admittedly deadly.
Deadly Women 2.0 offers a new cast of expert psychologists, along with re-enactments, evidentiary footage, and disturbing new stories. Will this one be better — or less problematic — than its older sister series? I'll definitely be watching to find out. — K.P.
17. Get Huge: Looksmaxxing to DeathThis docu-series traces the origins of looksmaxxing, which is part of the bizarro maxxing trend that Dictionary.com named word of the year. Get Huge: Looksmaxxing to Death follows the story of Anthony Hughes (aka Tony Huge/Dr. Huge), a fitness influencer and self-described "millionaire lawyer and body-building nerd" whose close friend — and fellow looksmaxxing influencer — Leo Longevity was found dead in Thailand in 2023. "A lot of people in my past have died," Hughes is heard saying in the trailer. "And it's nothing to do with me." — Sam Haysom, General Assignment Editor, UK
How to watch: Get Huge: Looksmaxxing to Death is now streaming on Hulu.
16. Tinsman RoadIf you like your found footage horror with a side of grief and misery, you may want to check out Tinsman Road. Writer/director Robbie Banfitch also stars in this story about a man on the trail of his missing sister, who vanished while out walking in the woods around their home long ago. Banfitch's own mother plays his mother in the film, with the two of them battling both their grief and the possibility of something supernatural. This sounds like one for fans of Lake Mungo. — S.H.
Starring: Robbie Banfitch, Leslie Ann Banfitch, Salem Belladonna, and Heather Middleton
How to watch: Tinsman Road debuts on Shudder on Nov. 13.
15. The Good DaughterKarin Slaughter's best-selling thriller The Good Daughter gets the TV treatment this week, with Oscar nominee Rose Byrne and Emmy nominee Meghann Fahy at the helm. The pair play sisters Samantha and Charlotte Quinn, who have spent the past 20 years processing a violent attack on their family. When another act of violence shatters their small town, it dredges up complicated memories and painful family truths. If you love thrillers and all-star casts, The Good Daughter might be right up your alley. — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter
Starring: Rose Byrne, Meghann Fahy, Brendan Gleeson, Harper Steele, Paula Malcomson, Jake McDorman, Olivia Williams, Michael Dorman, Jayson Warner Smith, Audrey Grace Marshall, and Drew Cheek
How to watch: The Good Daughter is now streaming on Peacock.
14. AvedonPortrait photography great Richard Avedon is on the other side of the lens in this Netflix documentary from Ron Howard. Through archival footage and interviews with his family, friends, and contemporaries (Avedon himself passed away in 2004 at the age of 81), the film explores the artist who disrupted and defined modern portraiture.
You would have seen at least one of his signature striking photographs — everyone from Martin Luther King Jr. to Charlie Chaplin, Marilyn Monroe, Michael Jordan, James Baldwin, Andy Warhol, Louis Armstrong, the Dalai Lama, Toni Morrison, The Beatles, and so many more. An overarching picture of the pioneer, Howard looks into Avedon's influence on the fashion world, while examining his need to capture the people instrumental in global politics. — Shannon Connellan, Senior Editor
How to watch: Avedon is now streaming on Netflix.
13. Janelle James: How RomanticAbbott Elementary fans know five-time Emmy nominee Janelle James as the always unfiltered, always hilarious principal Ava. But before her role on Abbott Elementary, she was primarily known as a stand-up comedian. Now, audiences can get better acquainted with James' stand-up work in her debut stand-up special, Janelle James: How Romantic. Over the course of the special, James touches on American politics, dating, and more, making for a fun, candid hour of comedy. — B.E.
Starring: Janelle James
How to watch: Janelle James: How Romantic is now streaming on Netflix.
12. Other MommyRemember how Odyssey audiences freaked out over the trailer for Jessica Chastain as Other Mommy? Well, now's your chance to get your spine tingled at home by the latest from Rob Savage (Host, The Boogeyman).
Based on Josh Malerman's New York Times best-selling novel Incidents Around the House, Other Mommy centers on Bela (Arabella Olivia Clark), a 7-year-old girl who is being stalked by an entity she calls "other mommy," which looks like her real mommy (Jessica Chastain). A haunted house narrative that's thrillingly twisted, gruesome, and stupid, Other Mommy might not be for the whole family. But it's some sick fun. — K.P.
SEE ALSO: 'Other Mommy' parents' guide: Is your kid ready for this child-centered horror movie?Starring: Jessica Chastain, Jay Duplass, Arabella Olivia Clark, Dichen Lachman, Arian Moayed, Sean Kaufman, and Karen Allen
How to watch: Other Mommy is now available for rental or purchase on digital.
11. Avengers Endgame: EncoreLook, by this point, chances are you've already seen Avengers: Endgame. But if you need to rewatch it as part of your preparation for Avengers: Doomsday, be sure to watch Avengers Endgame: Encore, debuting Friday on Disney+. It's the same tale of the Avengers battling fight Thanos (Josh Brolin) and trying to reverse his catastrophic snap, only this time, there are a few extra scenes tacked on at the end that tease what's to come in Doomsday. — B.E.
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Don Cheadle, Paul Rudd, Brie Larson, Karen Gillan, Danai Gurira, Benedict Wong, Jon Favreau, Bradley Cooper, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Josh Brolin
How to watch: Avengers Endgame: Encore hits Disney+ Nov. 13.
10. 12 12 12If you love your TV shows full of flashbacks and non-linear storytelling, do I have a show for you! Feast your eyes on 12 12 12, which follows a heist across three different timelines: the 12 months of planning leading up to it, the 12 hours of the heist itself, and the 12 days following the heist. Jamie Dornan plays longtime thief Paul Galvin, and Anthony Mackie plays FBI agent Jack Strickland, who's diligently on his tail. Together, the pair face off in a cat-and-mouse game that may sneakily get you in the holiday spirit, as the heist takes place on Christmas Eve. — B.E.
Starring: Anthony Mackie, Jamie Dornan, Jack Kesy, Kali Reis, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, Agathe Rousselle, Sallie Harmsen, and Patrick Fabian
How to watch: 12 12 12 debuts on Apple TV on Nov. 13.
9. Snoopy Presents: 12 Days of SnoopyA Charlie Brown Christmas is a holiday classic, and this week, Apple TV hopes to add another Peanuts special to your winter rotation.
In Snoopy Presents: 12 Days of Snoopy, Charlie Brown's beloved beagle has wound up on Santa Claus's naughty list. Now, with only 12 days left until Christmas, he'll have to prove he's a good dog, and of course, learn some valuable holiday lessons along the way. Get ready for some Christmas sweetness, as well as jazzy music from composer Jeff Morrow and original music from John Legend, Kamasi Washington, Leon Bridges, and Laufey. — B.E.
Starring: John Legend, Kamasi Washington, Leon Bridges, and Laufey
How to watch: Snoopy Presents: 12 Days of Snoopy debuts on Apple TV on Nov. 13.
8. Being HeumannFrom Siân Heder, the director behind the Best Picture Oscar winner CODA, comes Being Heumann, a biographical drama about Judith Heumann, an advocate known as the mother of the disability rights movement.
An adaptation of her memoir Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist, this movie focuses on the 1977 sit-in that began as an impulsive political action and became the longest occupation of a federal building in American history. Sounds like a stirring drama that could well return Heder to the Oscar campaign trail. While critics have cheered the film's performances, from a compelling cast of actors with disabilities, they've been less impressed with Heder's filmmaking. Essentially, this is a movie about revolution that feels frustratingly traditional.* — K.P.
Starring: Ruth Madeley, Mark Ruffalo, Dylan O'Brien, Rob Delaney, and Ray Fisher
How to watch: Being Heumann debuts on Apple TV on Nov. 13.
7. HeartlandJessica Chastain's country-music-filled thriller comes to Netflix this week, from writer/director Shana Feste (Country Strong). Heartland sees Chastain playing Misty Jones, a country music star who has stepped out of the spotlight — and, unfortunately, into the role of amateur investigator. Returning to her hometown of Nashville 20 years later, she's tracking the disappearance of her 22-year-old niece, Charlie Heart (Carter Faith), a rising country star. Decades since she's been in town, Misty must determine suspects from allies in the city that made her. — S.C.
Starring: Jessica Chastain, Garrett Hedlund, Carter Faith, and John Hawkes
How to watch: Heartland debuts on Netflix on Nov. 13.
6. AllenImagine if 20 years after the events of E.T., Elliott hadn't moved on from obsessing over his alien friend. That's essentially the premise of the oddball Aussie comedy Allen.
When Petey (T.J. Power) was a kid, he met a cute extraterrestrial he named Allen. But after playing together and making a pact to be besties for all time, Allen took off to parts unknown. Decades later, Petey hasn't grown up, rejecting building a career, a relationship, or a family while he waits for Allen to return. But when he does, their reunion sparks a bizarre revelation that will force Petey and his human loved ones to come together to save the world.
SEE ALSO: 'Bluey' has an unexpected Dropout connection beyond the 'Game Changer' shockFrom Daley Pearson, co-founder of Bluey production company Ludo Studios, Allen offers a family-friendly setup with comedy that's decidedly not! But for those who grew up on the '80s, there's plenty of irreverent humor, heart, and nostalgia to enjoy. — K.P.
Starring: T.J. Power, Charlotte Nicdao, Josh Helman, Emily Barclay, and Benedict Hardie
How to watch: Allen is now streaming on Netflix.
5. A Proud Family WizmasThe Proud family is back, but with a Rankin/Bass twist! Leaning into the classic aesthetic of the animators who brought us stop-motion classics like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Santa Claus is Comin' to Town, A Proud Family Wizmas reimagines its 2D clan in a new dimension.
When businessman Wizard Kelly rebrands Christmas as Wizmas, Penny Proud sounds off at a mall Santa, hurting the holiday spirit. Now, it's up to her to Santa Clause it up and save Christmas. We're always game for more Proud family fun. So, the holiday flare plus the stop-motion reimagining is the cherry on top of our whipped cream and hot cocoa. — K.P.
Starring: Kyla Pratt, Tommy Davidson, Paula Jai Parker, Jo Marie Payton, Cedric the Entertainer, Karen Malina White, Soleil Moon Frye, Alisa Reyes, Carlos Mencia, Alvaro Gutierrez, Raquel Lee Bolleau, and Melissa De Sousa
How to watch: A Proud Family Wizmas debuts on Disney+ on Nov. 14.
4. Rivals, Season 2, Part 2Rivals enters its darkest days yet, as the lauded Jilly Cooper adaptation returns in uncharacteristically sombre form for Season 2, Part 2. But this is the Cotswolds in the '80s — there's also plenty of drama and debauchery. Reeling from a major character death at the end of Part 1, the residents of Rutshire are grieving, guilt-ridden, and swiftly pivoting to post-funeral sex to the sounds of George Michael’s "Faith." As the feud between Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell) and Lord Tony Baddingham (David Tennant) reaches a point of no return, secret affairs hide an inch from discovery, unexpected new romances simmer, and the all-important war for commercial television dominance raises the stakes for one of the most superbly salacious shows on TV. — S.C.
Starring: David Tennant, Aidan Turner, Katherine Parkinson, Victoria Smurfit, Alex Hassell, Nafessa Williams, Bella Maclean, Emily Atack, Lisa McGrillis, and Danny Dyer
How to watch: Rivals Season 2, Part 2 debuts on Disney+ on Nov. 11.
3. The BodyAll hell breaks loose in Netflix's new series The Body, about a Catholic high school dance team who might have summoned the Devil.
Created by Quinn Shephard (Under the Bridge), The Body is an intoxicating blend of strange visions, sapphic angst, and religious hysteria, led by a formidable young cast. As I wrote in my review, "Mix the teen-girl ferocity of Yellowjackets with the moral panic of The Crucible, dress it up in a blinged-out Juicy Couture tracksuit, and you'll get The Body." Come on, who wouldn't want to give that a whirl? — B.E.
Starring: Kristina Bogic, Sara Boustany, Geena Meszaros, Nnamdi Asomugha, Louisa Krause, Shirley Chen, Jackson Kelly, and Sofia Wylie
How to watch: The Body is now streaming on Netflix.
2. The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power, Season 3The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power returns for Season 3, and this time, Sauron (Charlie Vickers) is running the show. He's conquered most of Middle-earth and is working on forging one ring that will force all other rings of power to bend to his will. Can the rebellious Elves, Dwarves, and Men of Middle-earth stop him in time? If you have any passing knowledge of J.R.R. Tolkien's work, you know the answer. But, as is the case with Tolkien, the journey to the end point is where the real fun happens.
While The Rings of Power still struggles with its pacing and unwieldy scale, Season 3 is the show's most fun outing yet. Turns out, it's a total blast watching Sauron be fully evil and corrupt those around him, just as it's a blast to watch the show's spectacular fight sequences. And with the introduction of new characters like Celeborn (Jamie Campbell Bower), Galadriel's (Morfydd Clark) long-lost husband, there's many a new juicy dynamic to explore. — B.E.
Starring: Morfydd Clark, Charlie Vickers, Robert Aramayo, Ismael Cruz Córdova, Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Charles Edwards, Owain Arthur, Maxim Baldry, Jamie Campbell Bower, Trystan Gravelle, Robert Strange, Markella Kavenagh, Daniel Weyman, Eddie Marsan, Andrew Richardson, Zubin Varla, Adam Young, and Simon Pegg
Best of streaming this week: Cunk on CinemaPhilomena Cunk (Diane Morgan) has taught audiences about life and earth in outrageously funny satirical mockumentaries. Now, she's tacking the history of movies with Cunk on Cinema.
Reaching back to the earliest days of the moving image, this mini-series, made up of six 15-minute episodes, offers many actual facts about the evolution of cinema, moving from Edison and Kuleshov to Spielberg and AI. Of course, through the lens of this deadpan and daft character, the results are a mix of informative and chaotically comedic. I warn you, it's hard to watch just one. I binged the whole lot in one sitting, cackling so hard and often that my face hurt in the end. Cheers to Cunk, and all the bewildered interviewees who endured her. — K.P.
Starring: Diane Morgan, Michael Bay, and Benedict Cumberbatch
How to watch: Cunk on Cinema is now streaming on Netflix.
(*) denotes a blurb came from a prior list.
Apple iPhone Duo, one month in: Im never going back to the Pro
Apple's iPhone Duo has been my main phone for a month. I switched from the iPhone 17 Pro Max (I only tested the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max for a week), set up all my apps (including online banking and other finance apps, which typically require a more complicated setup) on the Duo, and put my other phones in a drawer.
This is a different type of test than a typical phone review. When you're writing a review, you're looking for the new and exciting. Once you've switched to a new phone entirely, you're looking for apps that don't work and annoyances that can't be fixed. Had I found enough of these, I would've gone back to the Pro.
But I feel zero desire to do so. The iPhone Duo has plenty of quirks, but none that would make me go back. In fact, I dread the moment when I'll have to go back to a regular-sized phone to do a review. The iPhone Duo is a game-changer for me. I am now a foldable phone guy.
For my detailed review of the iPhone Duo, go here. In this article, I'll skip the details and highlight the interesting bits.
The hardware has held up The hinge has held up nicely. And it's not for lack of use; I fold and unfold the Duo dozens of times each day. Credit: Stan Schroeder/MashableMy iPhone Duo works just as well as it did on the first day. I know that some unlucky folks have had screen trouble, but I haven't had anything of the sort so far. The dreaded crease is still barely visible. The hinge works smoothly. In fact, the only real trouble I've had with the Duo has been grease buildup on the inner display, which appears near-impossible to remove (but is, fortunately, invisible most of the time).
Not only did the hardware hold up, but I've gotten completely used to it. I perform the little tasks (check out a message, see the weather forecast) on the front display; I flip the phone open for anything taking longer than five seconds. It's become second nature, and I don't think about it anymore. I still awkwardly search for the volume buttons sometimes, but even that doesn't bother me much; I know they're there, somewhere.
The camera is the Duo's weak point, and I do miss the telephoto option. If there's one thing that would make me go back to a non-Duo phone, it would be the camera. The Duo's camera isn't bad, but it's roughly in line with what you'd get on an iPhone 16 or 17, and that can be hard if you've used a recent Pro model. For now, I'm sticking with it, but I really hope the next Duo gets a lot of improvements in this area.
Battery life isn't a problem. It's not as good as battery life on the iPhone 18 Pro Max, but it the Duo lasts a full day for me. It really depends on how you use it, and the Duo beckons you to use it more for gaming and videos, which drains the battery faster. Still, I've never had to charge it more than once per day, which is good enough for me.
SEE ALSO: The best iPhones for 2026: We compared cameras, battery life, and overall value The bugs are there, but I've gotten used to them Apple's own apps and features work excellent. Third-party apps are a mixed bag. Credit: Stan Schroeder/MashableBy far the most annoying bugs have to do with the fact that the iPhone Duo has four cameras and many apps still don't know when to invoke which one. Making a video call on Messenger, WhatsApp, or Apple's own FaceTime will yield different results depending on how the phone is turned; sometimes you'll be upside down for no good reason. Sometimes, the person you're on a call with will be in a narrow, vertical window awkwardly positioned in the middle of that large, horizontal inner display. I have no doubt this will all get fixed over time, but it is taking a bit too long.
The other annoyance is that some apps still haven't been properly updated for the Duo, and that could take months or perhaps years to fix. This includes some apps I use daily, such as Google Authenticator and TradingView. Others have been tweaked to fit the big display better, but those tweaks were just quick fixes. This isn't hard to get used to, but it just feels like the overall app experience on the Duo could and should be so much better.
That gorgeous inner display is so worth it Little tricks like these, where I use the magnifier to read the impossibly fine print in a tiny manual, also make the Duo worthwhile. Credit: Stan Schroeder/MashableThe other day, I watched two entire episodes of Slow Horses on the iPhone Duo. I've never done something like that on any phone; the displays were always too small. Given the Duo's screen size, brightness, and quality, watching on the Duo would actually be an improvement over a crappy hotel TV (and TVs in hotels are still very often very crappy).
On my desk, I now have the iPhone Duo all the time as an additional display. I use it to control music, check my calendar and reminders, and manage my smart home devices. In fact, wherever I go, I prop the Duo up beside me; it's like a more portable HomeView.
Showing a bunch of photos to someone, playing a video for a group, and browsing through a shopping site together with my wife are all tasks that are borderline annoying on a regular phone, and almost invariably end with someone giving up very quickly. On the Duo, the experience is great, and is invariably greeted with the same comment: "That screen is nice."
Oh, and the fact that the stereo speakers are pretty great also helps a lot when you're playing music on the Duo. Theoretically, you can prop up any phone on a table and play music, but you'll rarely do it because the sound is thin and tinny. On the Duo, it's good enough to be the background entertainer at a small gathering.
I'm a foldable phone guy now Yes, it's another photo of the Duo next to an espresso. Deal with it. Credit: Stan Schroeder/MashableKeeping it simple: How many times do I hold the Duo in my hand and think, "damn, I wish I had a different phone now"? The answer is never. Or, perhaps, only when I need to take a photo, and even then the Duo is better for actually viewing the photos I've taken.
The advantages of having an iPhone with a massive, beautiful, iPad mini-like display in your pocket simply outweigh all of the compromises that you have to make with the Duo. And I don't see myself going back anytime soon.
Apple Watch Ultra 4 vs. Ultra 3: Why you might want to upgrade to Apples new rugged smartwatch
Apple dropped a new premium rugged smartwatch this fall, the Apple Watch Ultra 4. While it looks the same as its predecessor on the outside, don't be fooled: Its has some updated internal hardware and fresh features that make it "an essential upgrade" for certain users, according to our reviewer.
Here's a closer look at the key differences between the Apple Watch Ultra 4 and last year's Apple Watch Ultra 3.
Apple Watch Ultra 4 (GPS + Cellular, 49mm) $774 at AmazonShop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Best Buy Shop Now at Target Apple Watch Ultra 3 (GPS + Cellular, 49mm) $799 at Best Buy
Shop Now at Best Buy Shop Now at Target Shop Now at Amazon Apple Watch Ultra 4 vs. Ultra 3: Pricing
The Apple Watch Ultra 4 and Ultra 3 both start at $799 in one size with cellular connectivity. The latter is no longer available in new condition through the Apple Store, but third-party retailers were still selling it as of this writing.
Apple Watch Ultra 4 vs. Ultra 3: Design Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable Credit: Stan Schroeder / MashableAs mentioned up top, both Apple Watch Ultras look virtually identical. They both have 49mm titanium cases that are water-resistant for up to 100 meters. The Ultra 4 is just slightly heavier by up to 1.4 grams, depending on the case color, and the back of it is made from ceramic and zirconia instead of ceramic and sapphire crystal.
Apple Watch Ultra 4 vs. Ultra 3: DisplayApple didn't make any changes to the Ultra's display between the two generations. The Ultra 3 and 4 both have a wide-angle, always-on OLED display with up to 3,000 nits of brightness. They're 50 percent brighter than the standard Apple Watch Series 12.
Apple Watch Ultra 4 vs. Ultra 3: Colors and styles Credit: Stan Schroeder / MashableThe titanium cases on the Ultra 3 and 4 both come in the same two colors: natural and black. You can pair them each with an Alpine Loop, Trail Loop, Ocean Band, Titanium Milanese Loop ($100 extra), or premium bands from the Apple Watch Hermès collection that Apple designed in partnership with the luxury French fashion brand. Those cost a pretty penny.
Apple rolled out several new band colors and one new Hermès band style for the Ultra 4. They also fit the Ultra 3, and you can buy them separately for $99 to $2,199:
Alpine Loops: Desert, dark olive, and burgundy
Trail Loops: Dark umber, sand, and burgundy
Ocean Bands: Translucent gray, translucent kelp, and translucent black
Apple Watch Hermès collection: Grand H Titane band
Like the Series 12, the Ultra 4 runs on Apple's brand-new S11 chip, which makes it capable of taking more accurate step counts and running some new Audio Intelligence tools (more on those shortly). The Ultra 3 has an older S10 chip.
Both Apple Watch Ultras support WiFi 4 and Bluetooth 5.3, and come equipped with 64GB of built-in storage.
Apple Watch Ultra 4 vs. Ultra 3: Battery lifeThe Ultra 3 is a very long-lasting smartwatch, but thanks to that S11 chip, the Ultra 4 can stretch its battery life even further in a bunch of different scenarios. It's rated for up to 50 hours of normal usage and 84 hours in Low Power Mode, which is a boost of up to 19 percent compared to the Ultra 3. It taps out at 42 hours of normal usage and 72 hours in Low Power Mode.
Both Ultras can charge to 80 percent battery in about 45 minutes, but the Ultra 4 charges quicker on shorter cycles. Fifteen minutes on an outlet gives it up to 18 hours of normal use, while a five-minute charge delivers up to 10 hours of sleep tracking. Those numbers dip down to 12 hours and 8 hours, respectively, with the Ultra 3.
The Ultra 4 also has new Extended Workout and Max Extended Workout modes. These get you up to 25 and 45 hours of usage during endurance activities while the watch is taking constant GPS and heart rate readings.
Apple Watch Ultra 4 vs. Ultra 3: Sensors Credit: Apple Credit: Stan Schroeder / MashableChip and battery life aside, the Ultra 4's biggest hardware upgrade comes in the form of its new optical and electrical heart sensors. The former glow green on the underside of the device.
Thanks to these sensors, Apple said the Ultra 4 takes more frequent and accurate heart-rate readings and measures heart rate variability (HRV), a marker of stress and recovery, up to 24 times more often than the Ultra 3. You can now compare your daytime and nighttime HRV measurements as well.
Apple Watch Ultra 4 vs. Ultra 3: Features Credit: AppleBoth Ultras run on watchOS 27 and support Apple Intelligence tools like and Siri AI. Key health and safety features like hypertension notifications, sleep apnea alerts, blood oxygen readings, cycle tracking, and Emergency SOS via Satellite are available on either model. But since the Ultra 4 has a more powerful chip and better sensors, it can do a couple things that the Ultra 3 can't.
One is calculate a Readiness score, which tells the user how fit they are for future exercises on a scale of 0 to 10. This score is based on their recent activity, vitals, and quality of sleep.
SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about the new Apple Watch featuresThe Ultra 4 also has a redesigned pedometer model that can track steps more accurately and a new Steps complication on its watch face. On older Apple Watch models, a step count widget is something you have to DIY.
Finally, the Ultra 4 adds Audio Intelligence tools like Sound Recognition alerts, Live Rewind conversation transcriptions, Siri Recap conversation summaries, and automatic music recognition via Shazam, which rely on its built-in microphone. Apple said they don't create or store any audio recordings, and that raw audio is processed separately from the rest of the system before being deleted. But if you're too sketched out by them, you can just turn them off.
All of these new features are also available on the Apple Watch Series 12, which has the same upgraded chip and sensors as the Ultra 4.
Final thoughts: Who should upgrade?After testing the Apple Watch Ultra 4 for a few days prior to its release, Mashable senior editor Stan Schroeder concluded that it's "an essential upgrade" for "an athlete, especially an endurance athlete, who needs the best battery life and the best heart rate measurement system available." If your workouts aren't quite as intense, you'll probably be content with an Ultra 3.
It should be noted that the Ultra 3 is easier to find on sale these days since it's an older device. (It's been as cheap as $649 a couple times and regularly falls to $699, while the Ultra 4 has only hit $699.99 once so far since launch.) If you want a fancy and durable wearable at a great value, monitor retailers' listings for deals in the coming weeks, especially around Black Friday. That said, if both models are sitting at their usual price of $799 when you go to buy one, you might as well get the nicer Ultra 4.
AdultFriendFinder: 3 niche dating sites AFF owner also runs
If you're a fan of the AdultFriendFinder hookup site, you'll be interested to know it's part of a larger network of dating and hookup sites that share AFF's architecture and design philosophy. These sites are collectively known as the FriendFinder Network, which encompasses a wide variety of platforms, from mainstream dating sites to services for religious daters and even live cam sites.
Here are three of the most popular AFF alternatives run by the FriendFinder Network:
ALTALT is one of the largest kinksters-only dating sites around, with even more focus on BDSM than AdultFriendFinder. The interface and general feel of the site are clearly inspired by AFF, but there's an emphasis on connecting individuals to couples or couples to individuals. And the user base is largely well-schooled in the ins and outs of BDSM.
If you're looking for a dedicated dom or want to explore the intricacies of Shibari with someone in your area, ALT offers a large number of like-minded daters. Sign up with an open mind, and you're guaranteed to have a good time.
BigChurchIf you've spent any time on AFF, it may surprise you to learn that one of the other sites under the FriendFinder network umbrella is a Christian dating site. A similar interface experience is the extent of their similarities, unsurprisingly. BigChurch has almost nothing else in common with its spicier sibling.
As with many other FriendFinder sites, signing up is totally free, and BigChurch has a strong community aspect, with a biblical bent nearly everywhere you look. The homepage serves up not only a Bible verse (Genesis 2:24: "A man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh" — what else!) but also a search bar, so instead of finding partners by shared kinks, you can find someone who shares your passion for Ephesians.
Cams.comIf you're more of a visual person and want a dating experience to match, Cams.com is a great alternative dating platform. As with AFF, the experience is quite restrictive for free members, though it does allow you to browse webcam feeds. The real fun begins when you sign up for an upgraded paid account. You can then access HD webcam feeds, with options to tip, private message, or live video chat with other users.
It also offers a very robust search filter, with models of all legal ages, genders (trans-inclusive!), and ethnicities. One big caveat, though: as with AFF, there are scammers on Cams.com, often using pre-recorded video feeds, so it's always worth taking a second to verify that the person you're watching is real before you spend a token on them or send a DM.
How to watch Commanders vs. Giants for free online
TL;DR: Live stream Washington Commanders vs. New York Giants for free on 7Plus. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Thursday Night Football kicks off with an NFC East showdown, as the Washington Commanders visit the New York Giants.
The Giants have a better win-loss record this season, 5-2 vs. 2-5, but the last time these teams met, it ended in a tie — this game will settle the score. Coming off a win over the Philadelphia Eagles, the Giants certainly want to keep that momentum. They're currently in the hunt for a playoff spot.
If you want to watch Commanders vs. Giants in the NFL for free from anywhere in the world, here's all the information you need.
When is Commanders vs. Giants?Washington Commanders vs. New York Giants starts at 8.15 p.m. ET on Nov. 12. This fixture takes place at MetLife Stadium.
How to watch Commanders vs. Giants for freeCommanders vs. Giants in the NFL is available to live stream for free on 7Plus.
7Plus is geo-restricted to Australia only, 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 Australia, meaning you can live stream Commanders vs. Giants for free from anywhere in the world.
Access free live streams of the NFL by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice
Open up the app and connect to a server in Australia
Visit 7Plus
Watch Commanders vs. Giants for free from anywhere in the world
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 Commanders vs. Giants without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this fixture (plus NFL action) before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for the NFL?ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream the NFL, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries, including Australia
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices, including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
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 usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.
Live stream Washington Commanders vs. New York Giants for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Black Friday 2026 at Walmart: See the ad and check out early deals
Walmart's Black Friday sale is arriving in three waves this year, with the first big deals drop kicking off on Nov. 12 and running until Nov. 15. The retailer's ad scans have been live for some time, offering shoppers a sneak peek at what's to come during its early Black Friday sale.
Credit: WalmartThis three-day-long event is just the start, though. The retailer also has a Black Friday sale planned for Nov. 23-29, plus a Cyber Monday sale running from Nov. 30 to Dec. 2. Walmart+ members can even get early access to the sale (plus exclusive online-only deals during the first 24 hours). If that's piqued your interest, check out our guide to signing up for Walmart+ to learn more.
There are quite a few early deals up that are worth a look before the main event starts. At the time of this writing, we've spotted discounts on AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 4, a 65-inch LG C6 TV, and even the Lego Pokémon Pikachu and Poké Ball, which has hit an all-time low price. These are just a few highlights.
Check out more of our favorite finds below, or for a deeper dive into what's available, our rundown of early Black Friday deals at Walmart can help you out.
Best Apple deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 3 $199 at Walmart$249 Save $50 Get Deal at Walmart Why we like it
AirPods Pro 3 are our favorite pair of buds for Apple users, so it's always exciting when we spot a discount. Ahead of Black Friday sales, they're currently marked down to $199 at Walmart, saving you $50 off the regular price.
There's a good chance they'll drop a bit lower during the main sale (the lowest price they've dipped to is $169, according to price tracker camelmart), but this is still a pretty good deal if you're itching to pick them up now. They're certainly worth the investment, with Active Noise Cancellation, high-quality audio, built-in heart rate sensing, and up to eight hours of battery life with ANC.
More Apple dealsApple AirTag 4 Pack (2nd Generation) — $69.99 $99 (save $29.01)
Apple AirPods 4 — $89 $129.99 (save $40.99)
Apple 16-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Pro, 18-core CPU/20 core GPU, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $2,816.99 $2,999 (save $183)
$899.99 Save $400 Get Deal at Walmart Why we like it
It's not even Black Friday yet, and this Roborock Qrevo S5V is already down to its lowest price at Walmart. It's currently on sale for $499.99, which is $400 off its list price of $899.99. That's a huge discount, and this combo cleaner is certainly worth the pick-up if you need a little extra assistance with your floors.
It features 12,000Pa suction for lifting dirt, debris, hair, and more, plus dual spinning mops that can hit 200 RPM to scrub out stains. Its Obstacle Avoidance System is very helpful, steering clear of any objects that might be in its way as it cleans around, and PreciSense LiDAR Navigation helps it map out your home for an efficient clean.
More home dealsBissell Little Green Portable Deep Cleaner — $74.62 $101.97 (save $27.35)
Shark Steam & Scrub Scrubbing Steam Mop — $98.74 $149 (save $50.26)
Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum Cleaner — $118 $168 (save $50)
KitchenAid Deluxe Series 4.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer — $279 $449.99 (save $170.99)
Roborock Q10 X5+ Robot Vacuum and Mop — $299.99 $499.99 (save $200)
$2,699.99 Save $1,300.00 Get Deal at Walmart Why we like it
Black Friday is a great time to upgrade your TV, and this 65-inch LG C6 TV offers an impressive 4K OLED display, support for Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, and a 165Hz Refresh Rate for gamers. Walmart has slashed $1,300 off ahead of its early Black Friday sale, bringing its price down from $2,699.99 to $1,399.99. That's a massive drop, and not too far off from its lowest-ever point of $1,339.99.
More TV dealsSamsung 65-inch Class U8000H Series Crystal UHD 4K TV — $298 $378 (save $80)
Samsung 65-inch Class M70HB Series Mini LED 4K UHD Smart TV — $378 $478 (save $100)
TCL 75-inch Class QM6K Series QD-Mini LED QLED 4K UHD HDR Smart TV — $798 $999.99 (save $201.99)
$199.99 Save $40.04 Get Deal at Walmart Why we like it
The 2,050-piece Lego Pikachu and Poké Ball set is an absolute delight for Pokémon fans, and it's recently received a surprise price drop ahead of Black Friday. Walmart currently has it on sale for $159.95. That's $40.04 off its original price, marking the lowest price we've seen since its launch. If it's been on your radar, this is a great time to act.
More Lego dealsLego Classic Medium Creative Brick Box — $21.42 $34.99 (save $13.57)
Lego Pokémon Eevee — $47.96 $59.99 (save $12.03)
Lego KPop Demon Hunters Derpy Tiger and Sussie Bird — $55.95 $69.99 (save $14.04)
Lego Star Wars Grogu with Hover Pram — $79.99 $99.99 (save $20)
Lego Harry Potter Diagon Alley Wizarding Shops — $159.99 $199.99 (save $40)
$549 Save $60 Get Deal at Walmart Why we like it
The Ninja Luxe Café Premier is an espresso/coffee maker we have a lot of love for, with Mashable's Samantha Mangino writing that it "strikes the perfect balance of user-friendly design with high-end settings." If you've had your eyes on it, Walmart's knocked it down to a new low price ahead of Black Friday. This has brought its price down from $549 to $489, making now an excellent time to add it to your shopping cart.
More kitchen dealsCrock-Pot Manual 7-Quart Slow Cooker — $34.96 $79.99 (save $45.03)
Nespresso Vertuo Pop Coffee and Espresso Maker — $84.97 $119 (save $34.03)
Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream Maker — $149 $169 (save $20)
Ninja Luxe Café Premier Series Espresso Machine and Drip Coffee Maker — $489 $549 (save $60)
$129.95 Save $50.00 Get Deal at Walmart Why we like it
Whether you plan on sharing holiday tunes or your favorite podcast wherever you go this season, a portable speaker can make everything better. This one has a powerful woofer with a separate tweeter and dual passive bass radiators for room-filling sound. It’s rated IP67 against water and dust, and a full charge lasts up to 12 hours, so the party doesn't have to stop until you're ready. Plus, you can link it up with other compatible JBL speakers for stereo or bigger sound.
More speaker dealsAnker Soundcore 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker — $29.99 $45.99 (save $16)
JLab JBuds Party Portable Speaker — $47.99 $59.99 (save $12)
$1,199.99 Save $470.99 Get Deal at Walmart Why we like it
If you're in the market for a new daily driver laptop, this is a great option. The 15.3-inch touchscreen has a 1920 x 1200 display, with a 360-degree hinge that means it can transform from laptop to folding tablet or stand modes for sketching or streaming on the couch. It boasts an Intel Core Ultra 5 processor 322 with 16GB of DDR5 memory and a 512GB SSD, and support for WiFi 7 so you stay connected even in larger homes.
More laptop dealsHP 14-inch HD Windows 11 Laptop (Intel N150, 4GB RAM, 128GB Storage) — $199 $259 (save $60)
$65.97 Save $15.99 Get Deal at Walmart Why we like it
If you want to keep an eye out for who darkens your doorstep, this video doorbell is a boon for your home security setup. It has a 150-degree view and motion detection, as well as two-way audio, so you can communicate with anyone on your porch. You can mount it on battery power alone or wire it into the existing doorbell leads for constant power. It works with Alexa and Google Assistant and includes a one-month Cam Plus trial, which adds cloud recording and smarter person and package alerts.
More home security dealsTP-Link Tapo TCW34 Dual-Camera Indoor/Outdoor Security Camera — $49 $58 (save $9)
Zelda Switch 2 restock: Live restock updates at Walmart, Target, and Best Buy (Nov. 12)
If your current morning ritual involves violently hitting refresh on a dozen retail tabs, you already know the vibe: finding the Nintendo Switch 2: The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition is turning into an Olympic sport.
Between automated bot armies scooping digital drops, surprise order cancellations at Walmart, and inventory vanishing in seconds on Amazon, this custom black-and-gold console feels like a myth. But while digital storefronts look completely barren, stock is actively circulating behind the scenes.
Where to check for Zelda Switch 2 stock right nowBefore getting into the restock details, bookmark these retailer pages to check for surprise drops:
Nintendo Store — Out of stock right now, but you can add it to your wishlist to get pinged the second a restock hits.
Amazon — Dropping tiny batches of consoles randomly throughout the day.
Walmart — Stock exists but only for third-party listings selling at way over market price, so make sure your in-stock email alerts are turned on.
Target — Sold out online, but periodic drops have taken place in-store.
Best Buy — Sold out online, but select stores ran midnight openings on Nov. 5 with walk-in stock.
GameStop — Online orders are off; you will have to walk into a store to find one.
The feeding frenzy is being supercharged by Nintendo’s staggered release calendar. While the custom Zelda 40th Anniversary hardware dropped first on Oct. 29, the flagship game driving demand — The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for Nintendo Switch 2 — arrived on Thursday, Nov. 5.
The remake rebuilds the 1998 classic from the ground up with modernized controls, a fully orchestrated soundtrack, reworked dungeon puzzles, and expanded Hyrule environments. Since the $520 console doesn’t include the game, everyone is rushing to lock down a system before launch day.
Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for Nintendo Switch 2 $59.99 at AmazonShop Now at Amazon What comes with the Zelda 40th anniversary Switch 2?
The package includes the special-edition Switch 2 system sporting a custom black-and-gold finish, themed Joy-Con 2 controllers, and a matching dock decorated with the gold Triforce emblem. It retains the platform's signature flexibility, letting you switch between TV, Tabletop, and Handheld modes whenever you want.
Inside the themed chassis, you get 256GB of built-in storage (expandable with microSD Express cards), a vivid display in handheld mode, faster load times, and support for up to 4K resolution on compatible TVs when the console sits in the dock.
The magnetic Joy-Con 2 controllers add mouse-style tracking in supported games, while the new GameChat hub lets you voice chat and share your screen directly as you play. It also plays your older Switch games and supports standard multiplayer options.
How can you improve your chances of finding stock?Landing limited-edition Nintendo hardware takes a little prep work, but these battle-tested habits will give you a real edge over the bots:
Save your checkout details everywhere — Log in to Target, Best Buy, Walmart, and the Nintendo Store to save your shipping address and default card. Stopping to type a card number or billing zip code during a live drop is how you lose an order.
Hands off the refresh button in Best Buy's queue — When an online drop goes live, Best Buy puts shoppers into a randomized waiting line to filter out scrapers. Touching the reload button resets your spot and boots you straight to the back.
Watch for Walmart+ early-access paywalls — Walmart frequently locks headline console drops behind paid Walmart+ subscriptions for the first 30 to 60 minutes. If you have a membership, keep that tab signed in; if not, wait for the general public window to unlock.
Dodge third-party sellers — Double-check the seller before buying. Marketplace scalpers frequently list units for jacked-up prices; make sure it says "Sold and shipped by [Retailer]" at the standard price.
Skip the web wars and head to physical stores — Online checkout bots grab website stock in under 15 seconds. Showing up in person is easily your most reliable path to securing one without paying scalper markups.
Most likely, yes.
Stores like Walmart, Amazon, and Best Buy often hold onto popular gaming hardware to use as headline deals during Black Friday and Cyber Monday week.
With that said, Black Friday restocks are usually the hardest ones to catch. You will be fighting website crashes, gift shoppers, and automated bots all at once. If you can grab a console whenever stock appears, take it. Think of Black Friday as a backup plan, not your main bet.
Console hunting sucks right now, period. But between the surprise micro-drops and physical store restocks, you still have real shots at retail price — just be ready to move the second that stock goes live.
Dutch Bros’ Passenger Princess merch drop is real: How to get free car charms, themed drinks, and fuzzy seat belt wraps
What's your vibe on a long car journey? Are you the driver — focused on the road and your safety, determined to get to your destination on time? Or are you the passenger, tasked with the aux cord, cueing up podcasts, and sipping on an iced coffee? Yes, we're talking about the passenger princesses out there.
Nov. 18 marks the third annual National Passenger Princess Day, and Dutch Bros is taking the viral trend to the next level with a mammoth merch drop.
To mark the occasion, Dutch Bros is rolling out its first-ever dedicated holiday energy drink, an online drop of fuzzy car accessories, and a nationwide morning giveaway of rhinestone car vent bling. Yes, this is real.
The festivities kick off on Nov. 13 and culminate on Nov. 18 with free car charms on qualifying beverage orders:
Pink Majesty (Nov. 13): The chain's first dedicated beverage engineered specifically for the occasion. It blends a neon-pink Rebel energy drink base with tiny edible candy crown sprinkles.
Merch Drop (Nov. 13): Dropping exclusively on the Dutch Bros Shop online, the collection features a plush pink fuzzy seat belt cover, an oversized sherpa-lined cabin hoodie, a bedazzled mini cup-holder trash bin, and a specialty "credit card wand" designed for swiping cards at drive-thru windows with acrylic nails.
Vent Charm Giveaway (Nov. 18): Starting at 5 a.m. local time on the official holiday, drive-thru guests ordering any medium or large drink walk away with one of three collectible rhinestone-studded car vent clips (free while supplies last).
Physical stock for Dutch Bros giveaways is notoriously lean. If you pull up to the drive-thru window after the morning rush, odds are the franchise will be completely out of charms. The early bird gets the merch.
Use AI offline and keep conversations and documents stored locally with this $63.20 lifetime tool
TL;DR: Get a lifetime Pansophy Base license for $63.20 with code DEAL20 through Nov. 15 (reg. $199), with local AI chat, writing, coding, and document analysis and no recurring fees.
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AI tools can be incredibly useful, but there’s a trade-off worth thinking about: when you use a cloud-based assistant, your conversations and uploaded documents may be processed outside your own computer. If you’d rather keep more control over your information — and skip another monthly AI bill — Pansophy offers a different approach. The Pansophy Private Personal AI Desktop Assistant Base Plan is on sale for $63.20 with code DEAL20 through Nov. 15.
Instead of sending your prompts and files to a cloud service, Pansophy runs its AI processing locally on your computer. That means you can use its chat, writing, and coding tools without depending on a cloud account or paying per token. Once activated and running, it can also work offline, so you don’t need an internet connection for every task.
There’s plenty to do with it, too. Use Pansophy to brainstorm ideas, draft emails, generate or debug code, summarize research, and work with documents. You can upload PDFs, Word documents, text files, and Markdown files to get summaries, ask questions, rewrite passages, or translate content. An optional web search mode can bring live search results into your workflow when you’re connected.
Pansophy supports Windows, macOS, Linux, and ChromeOS, with a minimum of 4GB RAM and 8GB recommended. The Base license covers one device and includes lifetime access and updates, with no token limits or recurring software fees.
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If you’d like to try a more private, locally run approach to everyday AI tasks, check out this lifetime subscription to a Pansophy Base Plan for $63.20 with code DEAL20 through Nov. 15.
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How to watch Czechia vs. Spaina online for free
TL;DR: Watch Czechia vs. Spain in the Nations League for free on RTVE. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The UEFA Nations League is back this week with a number of interesting fixtures, including Czechia vs. Spain. The World Cup winners are continuing their domination in this competition, winning every game. They'll expect to win this one too, but the hosts have the talent to produce a shock result.
If you're interested in watching Czechia vs. Spain in the Nations League from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.
When is Czechia vs. Spain?Czechia vs. Spain in the Nations League kicks off at 2.45 p.m. ET on Nov. 12. This fixture takes place at the Letná Stadium.
How to watch Czechia vs. Spain for freeCzechia vs. Spain in the Nations League is available to live stream for free on RTVE.
RTVE is geo-restricted to Spain, 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 Spain, meaning you can live stream Czechia vs. Spain for free from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Czechia vs. Spain for free by following these simple steps:
Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice
Open up the app and connect to a server in Spain
Visit RTVE
Watch Czechia vs. Spain for free from anywhere in the world
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 Czechia vs. Spain without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this fixture before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for RTVE?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on RTVE, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries, including Spain
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices, including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to 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 usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.
Live stream Czechia vs. Spain for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
