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As one of Mashable’s sex, dating, and relationships writers, I’ve tested dozens of apps over the past few years, and Hinge is easily the one I get asked about most. Why? Because it’s the landing spot for everyone who's too horny to admit it (and wouldn't be caught dead on Tinder) and for the people who are genuinely ready to swap keys and get a dog together. It’s the app famously "designed to be deleted," and for better or worse, it’s where people go when they want to have an actual conversation IRL.

SEE ALSO: All your Hinge questions, answered

Some of my closest friends — and some Mashable staff members — have found love on Hinge (one is even engaged to her match now), so I know it can work. To help you decide if it’s worth the download for you, I’ve broken down everything you need to know about the app, from the sign-up process to the features that actually help you connect.

Getting started on Hinge

The onboarding process for Hinge is super easy. Once you've downloaded the app, just click “Create Account,” enter your phone number, and type in the verification code. There isn’t a Facebook login or any kind of Google or Apple login option right upfront, but I think that’s OK. It’s not like your phone number is viewable anywhere on the platform.

The first screen that pops up says, “You’re one of a kind. Your profile should be, too.” This immediately shows that Hinge is serious about getting to know you a little better than most mainstream dating apps.

The first question? What’s your name? Easy enough. There’s a little note at the top that says “NO BACKGROUND CHECKS ARE CONDUCTED,” which is honestly a little weird, but reassuring, I guess? There’s also a note that says your last name is optional, so if you’re wary about sharing your full identity, you can opt to omit it.

(After entering your name, you do get the option to connect a Google or Apple account. I’m not sure why this isn’t an option on the main login screen, but nevertheless, it’s there if you want it.)

Next, Hinge requests your email and asks for a verification code again. The fact that the app does two-step verification twice is pretty impressive; it makes it much less likely for someone to create a fake profile.

Defining who you are

Of course, your birth date (which Hinge says is only used to “calculate your age"), location, and gender identity are standard questions. Hinge lets you select up to four pronouns (e.g., they/them, she/her).

It offers “Man,” Woman,” and “Nonbinary” gender options, and from there you can add your gender identity, which includes a comprehensive list like genderfluid, genderqueer, trans, and others. If you don’t see yours, you can request it using the “Tell us if we’re missing something” button. You can also toggle whether or not these are visible on your profile.

Following this, you’ll be able to choose your sexuality. The options include:

• Straight

• Gay

• Lesbian

• Bisexual

• Allosexual

• Androsexual

• Asexual

• Autosexual

This is also optional to show on your profile. You’ll then be asked who you want to date, and nicely, you can select multiple options (some apps restrict you to just one).

The app asks for your relationship type next. You can choose from “Monogamy,” “Non-monogamy,” and “Figuring out my relationship type.” If you choose “figuring out,” you’ll be prompted to write up to 160 characters describing exactly what you’re looking for.

Within your profile, you can select your gender, sexuality, and who you're looking to meet. Credit: Screenshot: Hinge Dating intentions

Next are your intentions, and Hinge lists several options to choose from. One of the things I noticed here is that if you choose “prefer not to say,” a little note appears: “This will limit who sees your profile.” This is a good reminder of just how serious Hinge is about helping you meet the right match. If someone can’t share their intentions, they’re probably shady AF, and Hinge is recognizing this out loud.

SEE ALSO: Cuffing season is here! The best dating apps for serious relationships, reviewed.

Once you’ve gotten through that, you’ll be asked to fill in more details about yourself, including:

• Height (which is always visible on your profile)

• Ethnicity

• Children (another answer that will limit your profile if you don’t disclose this info)

• Family Plans (yet another answer that’ll limit who sees you)

• Virtues: Hometown, workplace, job title, school, education level, religious beliefs, and political views

Finally, it hits you with the vices: Do you drink, smoke tobacco, smoke weed, or use drugs? Note that for almost all of these, choosing “prefer not to say” will limit who sees your profile.

While it may seem a little invasive to limit profile views based on your answers, I think this is a really good way for people to meet the ones they’re actually meant to be with. This screening process is way more in-depth than most. It also makes it a good option for people who are sober or conscious about their alcohol intake (which a good chunk of Gen Z are).

Creating your profile

OK, now that you’ve gotten through the basic info, Hinge wants you to “show off” the person behind the screen.

Photos

First up: profile pics and videos. (It’s pretty cool that the app lets you upload videos, too.) There are six spaces for images or videos, and if you’re unsure of what to upload, Hinge offers a “see what works based on research” feature that guides you.

You're required to submit all six photos to move forward. I didn’t love this because I hate photos of myself, but I did love it for filtering others. The fact that users have to do this is a pretty good sign that there will be fewer bots and catfish on this app (and honestly, in my past testing, I never encountered a bot).

Fill out your profile with photos/videos and prompts. Credit: Screenshot: Hinge Prompts

After you’ve uploaded all six images/videos, you’ll be asked to write profile answers. You need to pick three prompts to start.

Some options include:

• This year, I really want to...

• I go crazy for...

• Give me travel tips for...

• Do you agree or disagree that...

• Don’t hate me if I...

• My last journal entry was about...

• Together, we could...

There are tons more across different categories, such as “self-care” and “date vibes.” You can write up to 225 characters for each. Once you fill out a prompt from one category, Hinge suggests filling out prompts from other categories to mix it up. And if your content is thin, Hinge’s AI will nudge you to “go a little deeper.”

You can also add an optional voice prompt to record up to 30 seconds of audio.

After all of that, Hinge gives you your first “Subscriber” pop-up. You can “Check it out” or click “Maybe later.” I’m super appreciative that this is the first time I’ve seen a push toward a paid subscription. Some apps (cough, eharmony) constantly push paid subscriptions.

And, voila! You’re finally finished setting up your profile.

Matching on Hinge

Whether you decide to keep going with your profile is up to you. You can see potential matches after the initial setup, or you can go back and edit details, add more, and see where things go. Of course, the app notes that to improve your match quality, you should complete more sections of your profile.

If you click “edit profile,” you’ll find the option to add a “Match Note,” which is a private message you can share with matches before you start chatting. Examples of what could go in here include things like whether you’re just getting out of a divorce, are recently sober, or are looking for a polyamorous relationship. It’s a dedicated space for the "need-to-know" info you might not want on your public profile.

Hinge also lets you add a poll, a video prompt, a voice prompt, and additional photos. If you’re wondering, the bare minimum we did above gets you to an 89 percent complete profile.

Unlike some other apps, Hinge lets you see full profiles and photos of potential matches for free. You can filter matches by gender, age, height, dating intentions, and more. This helps narrow your search down. More advanced filtering options are available only to paid subscribers (which I’ll cover in a bit).

On the main dashboard, you’ll have a home feed and a “Standouts” section (the star icon). These are people whom Hinge’s algorithm thinks you’d “be most excited about,” based on who’s getting the most attention, your dealbreakers, and your recent activity. “Standouts” are refreshed every 24 hours, so you can always browse new people the next day.

You’ll also see a “Likes You” section (the heart icon) where you can view profiles that have “liked” you. The cool thing here is that these people cannot connect with you unless you give the go-ahead. However, there’s a catch: free users can only view one incoming “like” at a time. You have to make a decision (match or skip) before you can see the next one. (If you have a paid subscription, you can see everyone who’s “liked” you at once.)

Also, once you send a “like,” you won’t see that profile again until they choose to match with you. And, you can only send eight "likes" per day. To prevent ghosting, Hinge also enforces "Your Turn Limits." If you have eight or more conversations where it's your turn to reply, you won't be able to send any new "likes" until you message back or unmatch.

It’s all part of Hinge’s “intentional” philosophy: If you’re forced to really think about who you’re matching with, you’re less likely to just mindlessly swipe on everyone just because (looking at you, Tinder).

Safety and security

In addition to the standard chat features, Hinge has a surprisingly robust safety suite designed to keep the scammers (and creeps) at bay.

Selfie verification

If you click on your profile photo and hit the “Safety” tab, you’ll see “Selfie Verification” first. To get that coveted checkmark, you have to take a quick video selfie to prove you’re a real person. Hinge promises the video is private, but here’s the fine print: according to the pop-up, Hinge keeps three screenshots from that video for the life of your account to audit the feature. It also keeps the results, whether you pass or fail.

Verify your profile to let people know that you're real. Credit: Screenshot: Hinge Comment filter

The comment filter is another safety option that even free Hinge users can activate. You can set an “auto” filter to catch disrespectful comments, or use "Hidden Words" to block specific words, phrases, and emoji from ever appearing in your notifications. (Goodbye, eggplant emoji.)

Hinge tucks these away in a “Hidden Likes” section, so you can still view them if you really want to check if the algorithm got it right. I like that it gives you the final say without forcing you to see the trash upfront.

Block list

You can also sync your phone contacts to your "Block List." This is a must-have feature if you want to preemptively ensure you never see your ex, your boss, or your cousin on the app.

Underneath these features, there’s a direct button to contact the Crisis Text Line and a Help Center with safety tips. It feels comprehensive without being too in-your-face.

How much does Hinge cost?

OK, so I’m pretty impressed with the free features, but if you’re interested in seeing what else this app has to offer, Hinge+ and HingeX are the paid subscription tiers that’ll get you extra perks and advanced filtering.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what you’ll get with each:

Hinge+

Cost: Starts at $19.99 per week

What you get:

• Unlimited “likes”

• See everyone who “likes” you at once (no blurring)

• Additional dating preferences (height, family plans, politics, vices)

• Sort all incoming “likes” by compatibility or recent activity

If you live in a big city and are overwhelmed by likes, this is worth it just to see everyone at once.

HingeX

Cost: Starts at $24.99 per week

What you get: Everything in Hinge+, plus:

• Enhanced recommendations: Better quality profiles in your Discover feed.

• Skip the Line: Your profile is shown to people you like sooner.

• Priority Likes: Your "likes" stay at the top of potential matches’ lists (so they see you first).

You can also buy à la carte options like "Boosts" (which increase who sees you by 11 times) and "Roses" (which, according to Hinge, are two times more likely to land you a date).

Is downloading Hinge worth it?

If you’re looking for a relationship (and not just a late-night “u up?” text), yes, Hinge is absolutely worth the download. There are so many features that come standard for free users, which is rare. Plus, the app’s clear focus on helping people actually meet someone right for them (and its dedication to making you feel safe and supported) is unmatched.

I’ve tested this app in multiple towns, from small suburbs to big cities, and I’ve consistently had better results here than anywhere else. As a bisexual person, I also appreciate that it doesn't pigeonhole me; I always have plenty of options across the board. If you're ready to delete an app for the right reasons (i.e., actually meeting someone), Hinge is still your best bet.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hinge Hinge Hinge has a comprehensive free version, but paid subscriptions start at $19.99 per week Learn More

CES 2026, the world's most important consumer tech show, kicks off in just a few days. If you're not in Las Vegas to see it live, don't worry: You can watch the key presentations on your phone or computer.

To make it easier for you, we've assembled an overview of the key events, livestreams, and presentations.

What/when is CES 2026?

CES, or Consumer Electronics Show, is an annual technology convention in Las Vegas, Nevada, one of the largest such events in the world. Numerous consumer tech manufacturers bring their new wares to the event; typically, this includes everything from TVs to gaming consoles, phones, chips, robots, cars, and a multitude of battery-powered gadgets of all shapes and sizes.

This year, CES starts on January 6 and ends on January 9. Do note that the program, including live-streamed sessions, actually begins one day earlier, on January 5.

There are also numerous pre-announcements and teasers that happens days or even weeks ahead of the event. Check out our coverage so far.

CES 2026 exhibitors

Basically ever tech company under the sun will be there, except for Apple which typically does its own events.

This includes Samsung, LG, Nvidia, AMD, Qualcomm, Alphabet, Meta, Sony, Hyundai, Hisense, Lenovo, TCL, and many others.

CES 2026 full schedule

The official schedule for CES is available here. Note that it doesn't say anything about embargoed events (only the media gets invites and info on those ahead of time).

Where can I tune in online?

Given that the physical CES event is for industry-affiliated folks and not the general public, most people will be following it online.

Your first resource should be the official CES video library, where you'll be able to see all of the video content, with videos of keynotes and sessions uploaded at the end of each day. The library also hosts a number of supporting video content such as countdowns and recaps.

The official CES YouTube channel is another must-have resource. It will host live keynotes, events, and interviews, as well as shorts and other official videos.

Finally, the major keynotes and events will be livestreamed through the companies' channels. We'll link some of the most interesting ones as we list them below.

What are the must-see keynotes at CES 2026?Nvidia CES 2026 keynote Nvidia will host more than 20 demos during CES 2026. Credit: Nvidia

Ever since it became clear Nvidia is the company that powers the bulk of the AI revolution, everyone's been waiting (again and again) to see what the company CEO Jensen Huang has to say.

As is appropriate, Huang will deliver a keynote at 4PM ET on January 5.

There are currently no specific product announcements lined up, and Nvidia says its presence at CES will be about "cutting-edge AI, robotics, simulation, gaming and content creation." But make no mistake, his keynote is always an interesting watch, and the company says more than 20 demos will be shown at CES 2026.

You can watch the event live over at Nvidia's website. It will probably be available on YouTube as well, but we don't have the link for that yet.

LG CES 2026 keynote CES officially starts on January 6, but there's a lot happening on January 5, including LG's keynote. Credit: LG

LG is hosting its traditional CES 2026 keynote at 11 a.m. ET on January 5., under the tagline "Innovation in tune with you."

A lot of it will be about artificial intelligence, but given that LG is known for bringing its bleeding edge display solutions to CES, we expect the company to spend some time talking about its OLEDs and Micro RGB TVs.

You can watch the keynote on LG's website, on the company's YouTube channel, or on X.

Samsung CES 2026 keynote

Samsung's CES keynote has an interesting tagline: The First Look, indicating that the company will have new products to show. The keynote, hosted by TM Roh, CEO and Head of Samsung's Device eXperience (DX) Division, kicks off at 10p.m. ET on January 4.

Officially, Samsung will "unveil its vision for the DX (Device eXperience) Division in 2026, along with new AI-driven customer experiences."

You can watch the event live over at Samsung's Newsroom or at the company's YouTube channel. We've embedded the official trailer for the presentation above.

AMD CES 2026 keynote

As one of the most important chip makers out there, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) will have a large presence at CES 2026. The company CEO Dr. Lisa Su will kick CES 2026 off on Monday, Jan. 5 with a keynote address.

According to the company, Su will "highlight (...) the AMD vision for delivering future AI solutions – from cloud to enterprise, edge and devices."

You can watch the keynote address on YouTube. It's scheduled to start at 9:30 p.m. ET on Monday, Jan. 5. We've also embedded the livestream above.

Lenovo CES 2026 keynote

China's Lenovo is a respected manufacturer of laptops, tablets, phones, and other devices. If you've seen a ThinkPad computer or a Moto Razr phone, those were made by Lenovo.

The company Chairman & CEO Yuanqing Yang will deliver a keynote at 19:45 p.m. ET on January 7. The company calls its CES event "Tech World," and it typically uses it to unveil new tech, products, and solutions.

The Lenovo keynote can be streamed on YouTube; we've also embedded the stream above.

When a couple is apart from each other, it's traditionally considered a nuisance at best. And you only have to look at Carrie Bradshaw's despairing response to Big moving to Paris in Sex And The City to know that being separate is often thought to be the kiss of death for a romantic relationship.

But Gen Z are not only optimistic about the potential of long-distance relationships, but some online are also claiming it's preferable to a traditional relationship. One TikTok user, @brooklyn_crosby, described long-distance relationships as  "the healthiest thing a relationship can go through," explaining that they can help to improve communication and encourage you to appreciate each other more. Another user, Dani Friedmann, made a TikTok video claiming that she loves her long-distance relationship because it allows her to focus on self-improvement. The text of her video reads: "sleep more, WAY more productive, eat healthier, go out with the girls, locked TF in, consistent schedule, and talk to my man on ft every night. Like this is GOATED." 

Clearly, people online believe that a long-distance relationship is all about growth — relationship growth, but also personal growth, which is something of the utmost importance for Gen Z. Social media is flooded with productivity and self-help content. There are over 53,000 posts with the tag #5to9 in which people document their hyper-productive pre-work routines between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m.. On top of that, 39 percent of British and American Gen Z strongly agree that goal-setting is linked to success, either in the workplace or their personal life. Young adults are presenting long-distance relationships as the answer for those who don't want a relationship to get in the way of self-development but still want to experience romantic relationships.

SEE ALSO: Cuffing season is here! The best dating apps for serious relationships, reviewed. Independent women

Twenty-eight-year-old Sarah* has been with her partner for 10 years, four of which were long-distance and she says that having time and energy for their own lives and careers was one of the biggest benefits: "We both had ambitions and continued to pursue our own lives even while being in a relationship," she tells Mashable. "We both have respect for each other and want each other to do well."

Similarly, 26-year-old Thea has been in a long-distance relationship for four years, and she says that the biggest benefit has been having time to focus on personal development. "It allows you to lead the life you want to without having to compromise," she says. "Being in your 20s is all about exploring what you want to do and how you want to lead your life."

The impetus for self-growth while in a relationship might feel particularly pressing for women, who still face gendered expectations in their relationships at home and at work. 

"Distance can be one way to obtain the space for people to have more autonomy [...] which will likely appeal to women, who have been historically prevented from establishing independent work and personal lives," he explains. 

"It means you don't compromise on any of your aspirations."

"In the back of my head, I was conscious that I wanted to have new experiences and not having my boyfriend to come back to every night would be a good opportunity to meet more new people," Sarah says, explaining that she thought it would be beneficial to go long-distance originally. Thea adds that: "Having that loving and supporting person there but also being fully selfish and making decisions thinking of yourself rather than as a two has great benefits while we are young as it means you don't compromise on any of your aspirations."

Why Gen Z decenters romance

The preference for a long-distance relationship perhaps also reflects how young people are decentering romantic love from their lives, focusing on friendships and other relationships instead. In fact, according to a 2025 report by YPulse, only 27 percent of Gen-Z are actively looking to date. Living in a different city or country from your partner allows you to experience some of the benefits of a romantic relationship without other commitments. "I know friends who can get wrapped up in a relationship. [Long distance relationships] avoids [you and your partner] becoming one person so early on in your adult development," Thea says.

And the sacrifice of long-distance may not feel as significant as it did in the past, with so many ways to communicate digitally. In fact, an Ofcom report found that 71 percent of older children and teens (aged 11-18) feel more confident communicating online than in person. Another survey found that 31 percent of American adults prefer texting to talking on the phone. This is another reason why people are idolising long-distance relationships. There's even a dating app, Bumpy,  which is specifically designed for people who want to date internationally. According to Bumpy, the app has had 20 million downloads, and 60 percent of their users are women. It's not designed for holiday flings or casual texting either – Bumpy claims that 70 percent of users are looking for a serious relationship with someone who lives in a different country to them.

But as Gen-Z's lack of social connection is regularly associated with their worsening mental health levels, should we be worried about the rise of long-distance relationships? Brunning says the increasing interest in long-distance relationships is an example of "adaptive preference," a concept that explains why desires subconsciously change due to the way people are forced to work and live in modern times. "When work is increasingly flexible, remote, or precarious, and when housing is hard to afford, it is unsurprising that more people might embrace alternatives: they have little choice," Brunning explains. 

SEE ALSO: What is attachment theory and how does it impact sex and relationships?

It might also have something to do with attachment styles, according to relationship therapist Georgina Sturmer. "If our attachment style is avoidant, then we might struggle when relationships become too close. We might push people away or seek space, in order to feel more comfortable," she explains. "It is these attachment behaviours that might make a long-distance relationship feel more appealing."

"The whole absence makes the heart grow fonder is definitely something that applies to us."

In a healthy relationship, it's important to be able to focus on yourself, without having to put distance between you and your partner, Sturmer says. "This ability to be united, but retain our own identity, is an important part of adult relationships," she explains, adding that it's essential to have, "honest and assertive conversations about how we can maintain a relationship while also holding space for ourselves."

However, that's not to say that long-distance relationships are inherently toxic, particularly if they allow you and your partner to pursue things you feel strongly about for yourselves, whether that's work, friendships, or hobbies. Sarah is living with her partner now, and she says that long-distance ultimately shaped what a healthy and loving relationship is. 

"I valued having that experience of growing up separately and coming together and now we're pretty much inseparable," she says, adding, "The whole absence makes the heart grow fonder is definitely something that applies to us. It's been something that's strengthened the relationship and made us realise what we value in a partner and how much we do love being together."

2025 offered up some truly fantastic TV, but enough about that year! That's in the past, and the future is calling with some tempting streaming options. What shows are barreling down the pipeline in 2026?

SEE ALSO: The 10 best TV shows of 2025, and where to stream them now

The short answer: a lot. 2026 will see the return of several major series, like Bridgerton, Euphoria, The Pitt, and The Boys. This coming year will also usher in not one but two shows set in Westeros, with new series A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms and Season 3 of House of the Dragon. That's already a spoil of riches, but there's so much more where that came from, including new Marvel and Star Trek shows, and even an animated Stranger Things spin-off.

To help you prepare for the coming storm of TV, Mashable has assembled a guide to some of the hottest titles of 2026. We've also sorted everything by streaming service so you'll know which shows you'll have access to, or which streamer you'll need in order to catch the series that excites you the most. Here are the shows you should check out in 2026.

What's coming to AMC+ in 2026?

Two critical darlings return to AMC this year, and one of them even has a new title. Here, in alphabetical order, are the AMC series to keep an eye out for in 2026.

Dark Winds, Season 4

The critically acclaimed crime thriller Dark Winds returns for its fourth season this February, with the Navajo detective duo of Joe Leaphorn (Zahn McClarnon) and Jim Chee (Kiowa Gordon) back for another round of mystery solving. Season 4 is based on Tony Hillerman's novel The Ghostway, the sixth in the Leaphorn & Chee series, and it will spend some time outside the Navajo nation in Los Angeles. What will bring Leaphorn and Chee out there, and what new mysteries lie in store for them?

Starring: Zahn McClarnon, Kiowa Gordon, Jessica Matten, Deanna Allison, A Martinez, Franka Potente, Isabel DeRoy-Olson, Chaske Spencer, Luke Barnett, and Titus Welliver

How to watch: Dark Winds Season 4 premieres Feb. 15 at 9 p.m. ET on AMC and AMC+.

The Vampire Lestat (Interview with the Vampire, Season 3)

AMC's exceptional Interview with the Vampire gets a rocking rebrand in Season 3. Now titled The Vampire Lestat, this season focuses on everyone's favorite French vampire train wreck (affectionate). Lestat de Lioncourt (Sam Reid) has stepped into the spotlight as a rock star, and he's using his music to tell his side of his relationship with Louis de Pointe du Lac (Jacob Anderson). Expect more heart-wrenching angst, vampire spats, and several bangers performed by Lestat himself. Trust me, you're going to want a front row seat to this concert.

Starring: Sam Reid, Jacob Anderson, Eric Bogosian, Delainey Hayles, Assad Zaman, Jennifer Ehle, Ella Ballentine, Jeanine Serralles, Christopher Heyerdahl, Damien Atkins, Sheila Atim, Noah Reid, Ryan Kattner, Seamus Patterson, and Sarah Swire

How to watch: The Vampire Lestat premieres on AMC and AMC+ in 2026. The exact date has yet to be announced.

What's coming to Apple TV in 2026?

Apple TV may have dropped the + from its name in 2025, but it hasn't stopped its commitment to turning out high-quality streaming shows. While recent favorites like Severance and Pluribus likely won't return this year, several other Apple series are coming back in full force. Here, in alphabetical order, are the Apple TV series to keep an eye out for in 2026.

Hijack, Season 2

Remember when Idris Elba singlehandedly saved a flight from disaster in Apple TV's thrilling Hijack? Well, he's back at it again, except this time, he's swapped planes for trains. (What's next, automobiles?) Hijack Season 2 sees Elba return as corporate negotiator Sam Nelson, who's embroiled in a hostage crisis on a Berlin underground train. How will he wrangle his way out of this one? And more importantly, will Sam ever have a normal commute?

Starring: Idris Elba, Christine Adams, Max Beesley, Archie Panjabi, Christian Näthe, Clare-Hope Ashitey, Lisa Vicari, Toby Jones, Karima McAdams, and Christiane Paul

How to watch: Hijack Season 2 premieres Jan. 14 on Apple TV.

Margo's Got Money Troubles Michelle Pfeiffer and Elle Fanning in "Margo's Got Money Troubles." Credit: Apple TV

Rufi Thorpe's novel Margo's Got Money Troubles comes to the small screen next year with a star-studded adaptation from A24 and David E. Kelley (Big Little Lies, Presumed Innocent). Elle Fanning stars as the titular Margo, a single mother and college dropout looking to make ends meet. In the book, she starts an OnlyFans account to pay her bills and achieves internet fame thanks to some pro-wrestling advice from her father, Jinx (Nick Offerman). Rounding out Margo's family in the series is Michelle Pfeiffer as her mother Shyanne. With a cast this good, it's no wonder Margo's Got Money Troubles is on our radar.

Starring: Elle Fanning, Nick Offerman, Michelle Pfeiffer, Marcia Gay Harden, Greg Kinnear, Michael Angarano, Rico Nasty, and Lindsey Normington

How to watch: Margo's Got Money Troubles premieres April 15 on Apple TV.

Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, Season 2

Do you want to see some big monsters duke it out on TV? Why am I even asking? Of course you do! Then get ready for more Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, a decades-spanning thriller set in the world of the MonsterVerse. Season 2 focuses on King Kong and Skull Island, so prepare yourself for some giant gorilla action, along with Skull Island staples like Skullcrawlers. And no, we haven't forgotten about the King of Monsters himself: Godzilla is still very much around, and we can't wait to see him and his monstrous brethren back in action.

Starring: Kurt Russell, Wyatt Russell, Anna Sawai, Kiersey Clemons, Ren Watabe, Mari Yamamoto, Joe Tippett, and Anders Holm

How to watch: Monarch: Legacy of Monsters premieres Feb. 27 on Apple TV.

Shrinking, Season 3 Jason Segel and Harrison Ford in "Shrinking." Credit: Apple TV

Apple TV's beloved comedy Shrinking returns for its third season in 2026, and I wouldn't blame you for already tearing up at the thought of the laughs and life lessons the show has coming down the line. The gang's all back in Season 3, with therapists Jimmy (Jason Segel), Gaby (Jessica Williams), and Paul (Harrison Ford) continuing to navigate their own changing lives alongside those of their patients. Season 3 is also introducing some big-name guest stars, including Candice Bergen and Jeff Daniels. Most notable is Michael J. Fox, who will be playing someone in Paul's orbit as he deals with his Parkinson's disease. Fox himself has Parkinson's, even retiring from acting in 2020 due to the condition. However, Shrinking marks an exciting return for the actor.

Starring: Jason Segel, Harrison Ford, Christa Miller, Jessica Williams, Luke Tennie, Michael Urie, Lukita Maxwell, Ted McGinley, Brett Goldstein, Damon Wayans Jr., Wendie Malick, Cobie Smulders, Jeff Daniels, Candice Bergen, and Michael J. Fox

How to watch: Shrinking Season 3 premieres Jan. 28 on Apple TV.

What's coming to Disney+ in 2026?

Disney+'s biggest TV offerings this year are all about the MCU. The delayed entertainment satire Wonder Man, originally slated for a 2025 release, will finally see the light of day, while Charlie Cox will ride again as Matt Murdock/Daredevil. Here, in alphabetical order, are the Disney+ series to keep an eye out for in 2026.

Daredevil: Born Again, Season 2 Charlie Cox in "Daredevil: Born Again." Credit: Marvel Television

Daredevil: Born Again proved a welcome return for Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox), but it certainly did not leave things in great shape for the vigilante hero. Season 1 ended with Mayor Wilson Fisk (Vincent D'Onofrio) ruling New York City with an iron fist, after all. However, there's still light in the darkness: Matt and Karen Page (Deborah Ann Woll) are working to put things right, even recruiting allies like Frank Castle/the Punisher (Jon Bernthal) and Jessica Jones (Krysten Ritter) to join in their fight. Can this small force bring Fisk and his army of violent, corrupt cops to justice?

Starring: Charlie Cox, Vincent D'Onofrio, Margarita Levieva, Nikki M. James, Genneya Walton, Michael Gandolfini, Clark Johnson, Ayelet Zurer, Camila Rodriguez, Deborah Ann Woll, Krysten Ritter, Matthew Lillard, and Lili Taylor

How to watch: Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 premieres in March on Disney+.

Wonder Man

The MCU gets meta with Wonder Man, a miniseries about struggling actor Simon Williams (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) auditioning for the role of a superhero, only to become a superhero himself. Created by Shang-Chi director Destin Daniel Cretton and 30 Rock and Community writer Andrew Guest, Wonder Man is a show under the "Marvel Spotlight" banner, meaning you won't need to watch other MCU shows to understand what's going on. Still, that doesn't mean you won't be seeing any familiar faces from the MCU. Trevor Slattery (Ben Kingsley), of Iron Man 3 and Shang-Chi fame, will be popping up, presumably as another actor in Simon's circle.*

Starring: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Ben Kingsley, Demetrius Grosse, Ed Harris, Lauren Glazier, Josh Gad, Byron Bowers, and Manny McCord

How to watch: Wonder Man premieres Jan. 27 on Disney+.

What's coming to Dropout in 2026?

A new season of TTRPG madness, shiny and chrome, kicks off Dropout's 2026 slate.

Dimension 20: Gladlands

Game master Brennan Lee Mulligan is back in the dome for another Dungeons & Dragons-styled adventure. This time, the setting for his campaign is a sun-scorched wasteland, reminiscent of Mad Max: Fury Road. And joining him around the table are an enticing collection of Dropout stars, including previous players Ally Beardsley, Oscar Montoya, Zac Oyama, and Jacob Wysocki. Making their debut in the dome are Kimia Behpoornia and Very Important People host Vic Michaelis. Based on the line-up alone, we anticipate some outrageous comedy and campaign chaos. Let's roll for initiative!  — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor

Starring: Brennan Lee Mulligan, Ally Beardsley, Oscar Montoya, Zac Oyama, Jacob Wysocki, Kimia Behpoornia, and Vic Michaelis

How to watch: Dimension 20: Gladlands premieres Jan. 7 on Dropout.

What's coming to HBO/HBO Max in 2026?

Let's put aside any concerns about the Netflix/Warner Bros. acquisition for a moment and just appreciate the TV feast that awaits us on HBO and HBO Max in the new year. Two Game of Thrones spin-offs, a new DC universe series, more Euphoria, and a second round of The Pitt. Here, in alphabetical order, are the HBO/HBO Max series to keep an eye out for in 2026.

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms

The first of two Westeros-set shows to air this year, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms sets a different course from its predecessors Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon. There are no bloody battles for the Iron Throne here. Instead, this is the tale of humble hedge knight Ser Duncan the Tall (Peter Claffey), his sassy young squire Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell), and their journey to earn some coin at the Ashford Meadow tourney. George R.R. Martin's Tales of Dunk and Egg novellas are much lighter in tone than his other Westeros-based work, so expect more of a buddy adventure with some jousting thrown in for good measure. I'm not complaining: It'll be nice to have some fun before diving back into the brutal affairs of House of the Dragon.

Starring: Peter Claffey, Dexter Sol Ansell, Daniel Ings, Bertie Carvel, Danny Webb, Sam Spruell, Shaun Thomas, Finn Bennett, Edward Ashley, Tanzyn Crawford, Henry Ashton, Youssef Kerkour, Tom Vaughan-Lawlor, and Daniel Monks

How to watch: A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms premieres Jan. 18 at 10 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.

Euphoria, Season 3 Zendaya in "Euphoria." Credit: Patrick Wymore / HBO

It's been well over three years since we last saw Rue (Zendaya) and her high school classmates in Euphoria Season 2. If that wait time has you saying, "Bitch, you better be joking," I'm right there with you! However, HBO's buzzy drama is poised to make a comeback in a big way in 2026, with its third season kicking off five years after the Season 2 finale. Since then, a lot has changed for our leads: Rue is in Mexico, paying off her debts from Season 2; Cassie (Sydney Sweeney) and Nate (Jacob Elordi) are engaged; Jules (Hunter Schafer) is in art school; and Maddy (Alexa Demie) and Lexi (Maude Apatow) are climbing the ranks in Hollywood. How will all these puzzle pieces fit together? I'm not sure yet, but I'm ready for more killer memes, makeup looks, and mess.

Starring: Zendaya, Hunter Schafer, Eric Dane, Jacob Elordi, Sydney Sweeney, Alexa Demie, Maude Apatow, Martha Kelly, Chloe Cherry, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Toby Wallace, Colman Domingo, Sharon Stone, Rosalía, Danielle Deadwyler, Marshawn Lynch, Sam Trammell, Dominic Fike, Natasha Lyonne, Eli Roth, and Trisha Paytas

How to watch: Euphoria Season 3 premieres in April on HBO and HBO Max.

House of the Dragon, Season 3 Emma D'Arcy in "House of the Dragon." Credit: Ollie Upton / HBO

The dragons are still dancing in House of the Dragon Season 3, which continues the war of succession between Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy) and her nephew, King Aegon II Targaryen (Tom Glynn-Carney). Between the massacres by dragonfire and full-on child murder, the war has already been catastrophic enough. But it's about to get even more fraught, as the Battle of the Gullet is on its way. In George R.R. Martin's Fire & Blood, the Battle of the Gullet is a naval bloodbath that will launch a calamitous new chapter in the Westerosi history books. Brace yourself for epic action, family betrayals, and of course, tons of dragons.

Starring: Matt Smith, Emma D’Arcy, Olivia Cooke, Steve Toussaint, Rhys Ifans, Fabien Frankel, Ewan Mitchell, Tom Glynn-Carney, Sonoya Mizuno, Harry Collett, Bethany Antonia, Phoebe Campbell, Phia Saban, Jefferson Hall, Matthew Needham, James Norton, Tom Bennett, Kieran Bew, Kurt Egyiawan, Freddie Fox, Clinton Liberty, Gayle Rankin, and Abubakar Salim

How to watch: House of the Dragon Season 3 premieres in the summer of 2026 on HBO and HBO Max.

Industry, Season 4

If you're not on the Industry train, consider this your sign to get on immediately. Over its first three seasons, the series went from being Euphoria with stocks to one of the TV's most ambitious and compelling dramas. (Don't get me wrong, Euphoria with stocks was great on its own as well.) Industry shows no signs of slowing in its fourth outing, which sees Harper (Myha'la) and Yasmin (Marisa Abela) getting involved in a promising new fintech company from very different angles. Conspiracies and backstabbing are sure to follow, along with a costume party that, dare I say, will rival Bridgerton's most lavish period gatherings.

Starring: Myha’la, Marisa Abela, Kit Harington, Ken Leung, Max Minghella, Miriam Petche, Sagar Radia, Toheeb Jimoh, Charlie Heaton, Amy James-Kelly, Roger Barclay, Andrew Havill, Kiernan Shipka, Kal Penn, Jack Farthing, Stephen Campbell Moore, Claire Forlani, and Edward Holcroft

How to watch: Industry Season 4 premieres Jan. 11 at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.

Lanterns Aaron Pierre and Kyle Chandler in "Lanterns." Credit: John P. Johnson / HBO

The televised DC Universe expands in a big way this year with Lanterns, based on the Green Lantern comics. Don't expect many space shenanigans, though. The series is primarily set on Earth, pairing new Lantern Corps recruit John Stewart (Aaron Pierre) with longtime Lantern Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) to investigate a murder right in the heart of America. Our very first look at the show features Hal jumping out of a moving car in order to encourage John to use the ring, so expect a lot of banter in this mentor-mentee relationship. (And maybe a few car crashes.)

Starring: Kyle Chandler, Aaron Pierre, Kelly Macdonald, Nathan Fillion, Garret Dillahunt, Poorna Jagannathan, Ulrich Thomsen, Nicole Ari Parker, Jason Ritter, Sherman Augustus, Chris Coy, Paul Ben-Victor, J. Alphonse Nicholson, Cary Christopher, and Jasmine Cephas Jones

How to watch: Lanterns premieres on HBO and HBO Max in 2026. The exact release date has yet to be announced.

The Pitt, Season 2

Medical drama The Pitt took the world by storm in 2025, becoming a weekly TV obsession and picking up the 2025 Emmy for Best Drama series. Now, Dr. Robby (Noah Wyle) and co. are clocking back in for another shift that's bound to have us both stressed and engrossed. Season 2 jumps ahead in time to July 4, which means I'm already bracing myself for gnarly grill burns and fireworks mishaps. But that's not all I'm worried about: The season's opening scene features Dr. Robby riding a motorcycle to work. That's already out of character for a doctor who oversees an emergency department, but what's even more concerning is that Dr. Robby isn't wearing a helmet. What kind of self-destructive streak does Dr. Robby have going on, and how is it going to impact his team? I'm waiting on the edge of my seat to find out, and you can bet the edge of my seat is where I'll be staying for all of The Pitt Season 2's pulse-pounding run.

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

How to watch: The Pitt Season 2 premieres Jan. 8 at 9 p.m. ET on HBO Max.

What's coming to Hulu/FX in 2026?

There's a lot to get excited about on Hulu and FX in 2026. Old favorites like Paradise and The Bear are back, while a new Ryan Murphy project and a Handmaid's Tale sequel wait in the wings. Here, in alphabetical order, are the Hulu and FX series to keep an eye out for in 2026.

The Bear, Season 5 Jeremy Allen White and Ayo Edebiri in "The Bear." Credit: FX Networks

Carmy (Jeremy Allen White) may have quit the restaurant life at the end of The Bear Season 4, but don't think for a second that the series is done. FX announced that The Bear will return for Season 5 in 2026, meaning we'll see what the Bear restaurant looks like under the supervision of Sydney (Ayo Edebiri), Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), and Sugar (Abby Elliott). I'm especially intrigued to see what Carmy gets up to when he's not in chef mode. Maybe he gets really into watercolors, or hiking. Maybe he'll finally learn to relax! But something tells me he'll be back in the kitchen before too long — hopefully after he's done some serious healing, though.

Starring: Jeremy Allen White, Ayo Edebiri, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Lionel Boyce, Liza Colón-Zayas, Abby Elliott, Matty Matheson, Edwin Lee Gibson, Corey Hendrix, Oliver Platt, Molly Gordon, Ricky Staffieri, and Jamie Lee Curtis

How to watch: The Bear Season 5 premieres on Hulu in 2026. The exact release date has yet to be announced.

The Beauty Bella Hadid in "The Beauty." Credit: Philippe Antonello / FX

Love him or hate him, you know a Ryan Murphy series will always cause conversation. His upcoming project The Beauty, co-created with Matthew Hodgson, looks to be no exception. Based on the comic book series by Jeremy Haun and Jason A. Hurley, the show sees two FBI agents (Evan Peters and Rebecca Hall) investigating a spate of grisly supermodel deaths. What they discover is unsettling: a sexually transmitted virus that can make you physically perfect, but at a devastating cost. As the epidemic spreads, they cross paths with a shadowy tech billionaire (Ashton Kutcher), his personal assassin (Anthony Ramos), and the miracle drug he'll do anything to protect. Boasting sci-fi and body horror elements aplenty, The Beauty could be your next gory good time.

Starring: Evan Peters, Anthony Ramos, Jeremy Pope, Ashton Kutcher, Rebecca Hall, Amelia Gray Hamlin, Ari Graynor, Bella Hadid, Ben Platt, Billy Eichner, Isabella Rossellini, Jessica Alexander, Julie Halston, Lux Pascal, Meghan Trainor, Nicola Peltz Beckham, Peter Gallagher, and Vincent D’Onofrio

How to watch: The first three episodes of The Beauty premiere on FX and Hulu at 9 p.m. ET on Jan. 21.

Paradise, Season 2

Paradise Season 1 wowed me with its sci-fi twist and layered conspiracies. Now, Dan Fogelman's Emmy–nominated series leaves the Paradise bunker and heads into the unknown. As Xavier Collins (Sterling K. Brown) searches for his wife Teri (Enuka Okuma) on the surface, he'll learn all about how the world survived the tsunami-volcano-nuclear-war apocalypse that struck three years ago. Meanwhile, a new power structure emerges back in Paradise, and Sinatra (Julianne Nicholson) makes the bombshell revelation that "it was never just about the bunker." Does that mean more crazy twists? Consider me seated.

Starring: Sterling K. Brown, Julianne Nicholson, Sarah Shahi, Nicole Brydon Bloom, Krys Marshall, Enuka Okuma, Aliyah Mastin, Percy Daggs IV, Charlie Evans, James Marsden, Shailene Woodley, Thomas Doherty, and Jon Beavers

How to watch: Paradise Season 2 premieres Feb. 23 on Hulu.

The Testaments Chase Infiniti in "The Testaments." Credit: Disney

The Handmaid's Tale may have ended in 2025, but viewers can return to the hellscape of Gilead in 2026 with The Testaments. The series adapts Margaret Atwood's Handmaid's Tale sequel of the same name, set 15 years after the original novel. It weaves together the lives of three women living in Gilead's shadow. Agnes (One Battle After Another breakout Chase Infiniti) grows up as the daughter of a Gilead commander, not knowing that she's really June's (Elisabeth Moss) daughter Hannah. Daisy (Lucy Halliday) lives freely in Canada, but like Agnes, there's a secret about her birth: She's June and Nick's (Max Minghella) daughter Nicole. Rounding out the trio is Handmaid's Tale staple Aunt Lydia (Ann Dowd), who continues to fight Gilead from the inside.

Starring: Ann Dowd, Chase Infiniti, Lucy Halliday, Rowan Blanchard, Mattea Conforti, Mabel Li, Amy Seimetz, Brad Alexander, Zarrin Darnell-Martin, Eva Foote, Isolde Ardies, Shechinah Mpumlwana, Birva Pandya, and Kira Guloien

How to watch: The Testaments premieres in April on Hulu.

What's coming to Netflix in 2026?

Netflix may have said goodbye to mega-hits Squid Game and Stranger Things in 2025, but its other franchises are still alive and well in 2026. Bridgerton will be making its long-awaited return, as will the live-action adaptations of Avatar: The Last Airbender and One Piece. Oh, and we might not be as done with Hawkins, Indiana, as we might think. Here, in alphabetical order, are the Netflix series to keep an eye out for in 2026.

Avatar: The Last Airbender, Season 2

It's Toph time! Netflix's live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender returns for Season 2 in 2026, where it will introduce everyone's favorite earthbender (Miya Cech) as Aang's (Gordon Cormier) newest teacher. On top of that, we'll hopefully be revisiting some of the original show's best moments: the increased involvement of Princess Azula (Elizabeth Yu), the political intrigue of Ba Sing Se, and the true beginnings of Prince Zuko's (Dallas Liu) redemption arc. That's an embarrassment of riches, but Toph is still at the top of my list of things I'm most excited to see this season. You know that first "twinkletoes" is going to hit just right.

Starring: Gordon Cormier, Kiawentiio, Ian Ousley, Dallas Liu, Miya Cech, Elizabeth Yu, Ty Lee, Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, Maria Zhang, and Daniel Dae Kim

How to watch: Avatar: The Last Airbender Season 2 premieres on Netflix in 2026. The exact release date has yet to be announced.

Bridgerton, Season 4

Yearning for more swoonworthy romance and string quartet covers of pop hits? Good, because Bridgerton Season 4 is just around the corner. This time around, the focus is on Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson), commitment's number-one enemy. Could a chance masked encounter with the enchanting Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha) change his playboy ways and make him more interesting to Bridgerton fans at large? Jury's still out, but one thing we can guarantee is this season's masquerade ball — one that will hopefully top every lavish Bridgerton party that's come before.

Starring: Luke Thompson, Yerin Ha, Jonathan Bailey, Simone Ashley, Victor Alli, Adjoa Andoh, Julie Andrews, Lorraine Ashbourne, Masali Baduza, Nicola Coughlan, Hannah Dodd, Daniel Francis, Ruth Gemmell, Florence Hunt, Martins Imhangbe, Claudia Jessie, Katie Leung, Luke Newton, Michelle Mao, Emma Naomi, Golda Rosheuvel, Hugh Sachs, Will Tilston, Polly Walker, and Isabella Wei

How to watch: Bridgerton Season 4, Part 1 premieres Jan. 29 on Netflix. Part 2 premieres Feb. 26.

His & Hers

You may know and love Tessa Thompson and Jon Bernthal for their roles in the MCU, or their critically acclaimed turns in projects like Hedda or The Bear. Now, they join forces for the limited series His & Hers, based on the novel of the same name by Alice Feeney. The pair play estranged spouses: Thompson is Anna, a reclusive reporter, and Bernthal is Jack, a small-town detective. When a violent murder shakes up their sleepy hometown, the two go toe-to-toe as they investigate the case — and each other. 

Starring: Tessa Thompson, Jon Bernthal, Pablo Schreiber, Crystal Fox, Sunita Mani, Rebecca Rittenhouse, Marin Ireland, and Poppy Liu

How to watch: His & Hers premieres Jan. 8 on Netflix.

One Piece, Season 2

Netflix broke its streak of unsuccessful manga and anime adaptations with 2023's One Piece, a delightful live-action take on Eiichiro Oda's beloved adventure story. In Season 2, Monkey D. Luffy (Iñaki Godoy) and his Straw Hat crew are still on the hunt for the mythical One Piece treasure. Their quest will take them into the Grand Line, a perilous stretch of ocean crawling with new foes and new islands to explore. This season, get ready to see the Baroque Works criminal syndicate in action, as well as the arrival of fan favorite Tony Tony Chopper (voiced by Mikaela Hoover).

Starring: Iñaki Godoy, Mackenyu, Emily Rudd, Jacob Romero, and Taz Skylar

How to watch: One Piece Season 2 premieres March 10 on Netflix.

Stranger Things: Tales from '85

Stranger Things may be coming to an end this New Year's Eve, but your time in Hawkins doesn't have to end. Netflix still has big plans for its smash hit, including the upcoming Stranger Things: Tales from '85, an animated spinoff set between Seasons 2 and 3. The series picks up with our usual crew of Hawkins heroes as they investigate another paranormal mystery. None of the original cast is reprising their roles in Tales from '85, but based on the first look images, we're in for some awesome animation, as well as a new monster that looks like an unholy cross between a Demogorgon and a spider. Now I'd say that's bitchin'.

Starring: Brooklyn Davey Norstedt, Jolie Hoang-Rappaport, Luca Diaz, EJ Williams, Braxton Quinney, Benjamin Plessala, Brett Gipson, Odessa A’zion, Janeane Garofalo, and Lou Diamond Phillips

How to watch: Stranger Things: Tales From '85 premieres on Netflix in 2026. The exact release date has yet to be announced.

What's coming to Paramount+ in 2026?

Paramount+ keeps exploring the final frontier in 2026 with the latest in its series of Star Trek shows.

Star Trek: Starfleet Academy

Paramount+ continues to build out its library of Star Trek spinoff shows with Star Trek: Starfleet Academy. The series follows a new class of cadets at the academy, all eager and ready to become Starfleet officers. Think of it as a boarding school show, with phasers and aliens, that is. Plus, there's some serious star power behind Starfleet Academy: Holly Hunter gets a turn in the captain's chair as Nahla Ake, who pulls double duty as Starfleet Academy chancellor and captain of the USS Athena. That's not all, though. Paul Giamatti also stars as villain Nus Braka. Giamatti as a Star Trek villain? Say less.

Starring: Holly Hunter, Paul Giamatti, Sandro Rosta, Karim Diané, Kerrice Brooks, George Hawkins, Bella Shepard, Zoë Steiner, Robert Picardo, Tig Notaro, Oded Fehr, and Gina Yashere

How to watch: The first two episodes of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy premiere Jan. 15 on Paramount+.

What's coming to Peacock in 2026?

Espionage and betrayal lurk around the corner in Peacock's 2026 lineup, which kicks off with the return of Emmy–winning competition series The Traitors. Here, in alphabetical order, are the Peacock series to keep an eye out for in 2026.

The 'Burbs

If you could use a little Keke Palmer charisma in your life (and let's be real, couldn't we all?), you're in luck. Palmer returns to the small screen in The 'Burbs, inspired by the 1989 Tom Hanks film of the same name. She and Jack Whitehall star as a young couple who've recently moved to the suburbs. However, a long-abandoned house and the arrival of new neighbors threaten to upend their entire world and expose long-buried secrets. Can Palmer's sleuthing get to the bottom of whatever strangeness is lurking in the cul-de-sac?

Starring: Keke Palmer, Jack Whitehall, Julia Duffy, Paula Pell, Mark Proksch, and Kapil Talwalkar

How to watch: The 'Burbs premieres Feb. 8 on Peacock.

Ponies

Emilia Clarke and Haley Lu Richardson team up for some '70s-style espionage in the upcoming thriller Ponies. The pair play secretaries who work at the American embassy in Moscow during the Cold War. But when their husbands die under mysterious circumstances, they become CIA operatives, using their anonymity as a weapon. While the pair are PONIs in intelligence speak — "persons of no interest" — the show's trailer and combination of Clarke and Richardson has certainly piqued my interest.

Starring: Emilia Clarke, Haley Lu Richardson, Adrian Lester, Artjom Gilz, Nicholas Podany, Petro Ninovskyi, and Vic Michaelis

How to watch: Ponies premieres Jan. 15 on Peacock.

The Traitors, Season 4

The campiest competition show is almost back, bringing with it more backstabbing, more reality stars playing detective, and more killer Alan Cumming outfits. This time around, contestants include Real Housewives stars Lisa Rinna and Dorinda Medley, who's returning after being first out on Season 3; Olympic figure skaters Johnny Weir and Tara Lipinski; and RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars winner Monét X Change, who I'm hoping can avenge her sister Bob the Drag Queen. The real question, though: Who can top the ridiculousness of Tom Sandoval earnestly singing backwards nursery rhymes through a phone?

Starring: Alan Cumming, Candiace Dillard Bassett, Caroline Stanbury, Colton Underwood, Donna Kelce, Dorinda Medley, Eric Nam, Ian Terry, Johnny Weir, Kristen Kish, Rob Cesternino, Lisa Rinna, Mark Ballas, Maura Higgins, Michael Rapaport, Monét X Change, Natalie Anderson, Porsha Williams, Rob Rausch, Ron Funches, Stephen Colletti, Tara Lipinski, Tiffany Mitchell, and Yamil “Yam Yam” Arocho

How to watch: The Traitors Season 4 premieres Jan. 8.

What's coming to Prime Video in 2026?

Superheroes are all the rage on Prime Video this coming year, whether it's the fifth and final season of The Boys or Nicolas Cage as Spider-Noir. Here, in alphabetical order, are the Prime Video titles to keep an eye out for in 2026.

The Boys, Season 5

The Boys comes to a close in 2026, so expect it to go out with a bloody bang. In Season 5, Homelander (Antony Starr) is firmly in control, and the world is all the worse for it. Hughie (Jack Quaid), Billy Butcher (Karl Urban), and the rest of the Boys are mounting a small resistance, but how much will it matter in the face of Homelander and his fellow Supes' might? Could recruiting the cast of Gen V, as seen in that show's Season 2 finale, be enough to change the tide? I'm not sure. What I am sure of is that The Boys Season 5 also doubles as a Supernatural reunion, with Jensen Ackles, who plays Soldier Boy, sharing the screen with Jared Padalecki and Misha Collins again. While Padalecki and Collins' roles are secret, the hype for this team-up is not.

Starring: Antony Starr, Karl Urban, Jack Quaid, Erin Moriarty, Jessie T. Usher, Laz Alonso, Chace Crawford, Tomer Capone, Karen Fukuhara, Colby Minifie, Cameron Crovetti, Susan Heyward, Valorie Curry, Jensen Ackles, Jared Padalecki, and Misha Collins

How to watch: The Boys Season 5 premieres April 8 on Prime Video.

The Night Manager, Season 2

2026 will mark 10 — 10! — years since The Night Manager first aired. Now, it's back for round two, with Tom Hiddleston returning as Jonathan Pine. He's been living under the radar for the past few years, but when he crosses paths with a mercenary of old enemy Richard Roper's, he finds himself back in the fray. Soon, he's embroiled in a Colombian arms operation, where conspiracy lurks at every turn. Diego Calva and Camila Morrone join in on the fun this season, and based on the trailer, Tom Hiddleston remains in fine form as a smooth thriller star. 

Starring: Tom Hiddleston, Diego Calva, Camila Morrone, Indira Varma, Paul Chahidi, Hayley Squires, Olivia Colman, Noah Jupe, Alistair Petrie, Douglas Hodge, and Michael Nardone

How to watch: The Night Manager Season 2 premieres Jan. 11 on Prime Video.

Scarpetta Nicole Kidman in "Scarpetta." Credit: Amazon MGM Studios

From Big Little Lies to Expats, Nicole Kidman has become a TV staple. That remains true in 2026, when she hunts a serial killer in thriller series Scarpetta. Based on the books by Patricia Cornwell, the show introduces brilliant medical examiner Dr. Kay Scarpetta (Kidman), who's returned to her hometown to solve a gruesome murder. But it's not just death that awaits her there: Her fraught relationship with her sister Dorothy (Jamie Lee Curtis) and some long-held secrets all threaten to come to a head as well. That all sounds beyond stressful, but the thought of watching Nicole Kidman solve a murder does soothe me.

Starring: Nicole Kidman, Jamie Lee Curtis, Bobby Cannavale, Simon Baker, Ariana DeBose, Rosy McEwen, Jake Cannavale, and Hunter Parrish

How to watch: Scarpetta premieres March 11 on Prime Video.

Spider-Noir  Nicolas Cage in "Spider-Noir." Credit: Aaron Epstein / Prime Video

It's impossible to single out just one highlight in the Academy Award–winning Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, but hearing Nicolas Cage voice the ultra-broody Spider-Man Noir is certainly up there. This year, Cage takes that portrayal into live action with Spider-Noir, which audiences can watch in black and white or color. The series takes place in 1930s New York, where Cage's Ben Reilly is a grizzled private investigator who also happens to be the city's only superhero. Here's hoping he gets to drink all the egg creams and punch all the Nazis he wants. If it's even half as fun as Spider-Man Noir's appearance in Into the Spider-Verse, I'm all for it.

Starring: Nicolas Cage, Lamorne Morris, Brendan Gleeson, Abraham Popoola, Li Jun Li, Karen Rodriguez, and Jack Huston

How to watch: Spider-Noir premieres on Prime Video in 2026. The exact release date has yet to be announced.

Young Sherlock 

We all know Sherlock Holmes, but do you know young Sherlock Holmes? Well, you're about to, thanks to Prime Video's Young Sherlock. The series dives into the early adventures of Arthur Conan Doyle's iconic detective, played by Hero Fiennes Tiffin. Here, he's a disgraced young man, but when a murder mystery comes his way, he'll adventure through 1870s Oxford and abroad in order to get to the bottom of it. Guy Ritchie is attached as a director and executive producer, so expect the series to be in keeping with his Robert Downey Jr.-led Sherlock Holmes films.

Starring: Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Dónal Finn, Zine Tseng, Joseph Fiennes, Natascha McElhone, Max Irons, and Colin Firth

How to watch: Young Sherlock premieres March 4 on Prime Video.

(*) denotes the blurb has come from a prior list.

Want to watch college football this season? Here are your best options: BEST FOR ESPN ESPN Unlimited $29.99 per month for 1 year (save $15) Shop Now Best for Fox and Big Ten Fox One 7-day free trial, then $199.99 per year (save $39.89) Shop Now BEST FOR SINGLE GAME FuboTV 7-day free trial, then $54.99/month for 1 month (save $30) Get Deal Best for channels Hulu + Live TV 3-day free trial, then $76.99/month Shop Now Best for affordability Sling Season Pass $329 for 5 months (save $50.95) Shop Now BEST for INTRODUCTORY OFFER YouTube TV 5-day free trial, then $49.99/month for 3 months (save $99) Shop Now

The college football year rounds off with a stacked day of five games. Among the action on Dec. 31 is Texas Longhorns vs. Michigan Wolverines in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl. Neither team made the playoffs so this bowl game means one last chance at glory in the postseason.

With both teams at 9-3, it's also a battle to secure that season record of 10 wins. The Longhorns won last year's Peach Bowl game, while the Wolverines won the ReliaQuest Bowl.

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If you want to watch Texas vs. Michigan for free from anywhere in the world, here's all the information you need.

When is Texas vs. Michigan?

Texas vs. Michigan takes place at 3 p.m. ET on Dec. 31. This game takes place at Camping World Stadium.

Texas vs. Michigan is broadcast on ABC.

How to watch college football in 2025/26

Fans can live stream college football on a wide range of recommended services, some of which include free trials so you can follow the action without actually spending anything.

ESPN Unlimited (no free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: ESPN ESPN Unlimited $29.99 per month for 1 year Shop Now

Channels: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, SEC Network, ACC Network, ESPN on ABC, ESPN+, ESPN3, SECN+, and ACCNX

ESPN Unlimited provides access to everything that ESPN has to offer. For college football, you get live access to games on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN+, SEC Network, SECN+, ACC Network, and ABC. The Unlimited plan will set you back $29.99 per month, but for the first year, new subscribers can secure a bundle with Disney+ and Hulu for the same price.

Fox One (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Fox One Fox One 7-day free trial, then $199.99 per year Shop Now

Channels: Fox, FS1, FS2, Big Ten Network

Fox One provides access to live broadcasts on Fox, Fox Sports, FS1, FS2, and Big Ten Network. It costs $19.99 per month, but you can save $40 by opting for the annual plan at $199.99. You can also start with a seven-day free trial, so you've got the chance to watch select games without spending anything.

FuboTV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV 7-day free trial, then $54.99/month for 1 month Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, Fox, FS1, FS2, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NBCSN, Pac-12 Network, SEC Network, and The CW

FuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and provides the opportunity to watch on 10 screens at once, if that's your thing. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period. 

Fubo takes sports seriously, and that's something we appreciate. With the Pro subscription, you get access to most college football broadcasts. But hardcore fans may want to consider upgrading to the Elite plan, which unlocks access to ESPNU, SEC Network, Pac-12 Network, and ACC Network. Either way, we suggest you test the waters for seven days before you make any sort of commitment.

Hulu + Live TV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu + Live TV 3-day free trial, then $76.99/month Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, ESPN U, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, and The CW

Hulu + Live TV is not exactly cheap, but it does offer good bang for your buck. You need to cough up $76.99 per month (after a three-day trial), but you get access to over 95 live TV channels, plus Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+ (all with ads). The included access to ESPN+ provides bonus access to even more college football games on top of live TV networks like ABC, FOX, ESPN, The CW, ACC Network, and more. Now that's value.

Sling (no free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling Season Pass $329 for 5 months Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN 3, ESPNews, ESPN U, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, Pac-12 Network, SEC Network

Sling is a comprehensive sporting service that offers a whole host of benefits, but you do need to be careful when selecting a plan. The Orange and Blue packages give you access to FOX, NBC, ABC, ESPN, and more in local markets, but for access to ACC Network, SEC Network, Big Ten Network, and more, you'll need the Sports Extra package. We recommend checking your local market to ensure you get access to the channels you actually need.

YouTube TV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV 7-day free trial, then $49.99/month for your first 3 months Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, NBCSN, SEC Network, and The CW

YouTube TV provides access to over 100 live channels. Newsflash: that's a lot. This huge list includes most of the channels you actually need to watch live college football, including NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, and ESPN, plus networks like FS1 and SEC Network. YouTube TV also offers that all-important free trial so you can watch select games without spending anything.

How to watch Texas vs. Michigan from anywhere in the world

If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock your favorite streaming service. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S., meaning you can unblock live streams of college football from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Texas vs. Michigan from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Sign in to your favorite streaming service

5. Watch Texas vs. Michigan from anywhere in the world

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

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

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TL;DR: Microsoft Office 2024 Home includes Word, Excel, and PowerPoint with updated collaboration, accessibility, and AI features for $119.97, $30 off its usual price.

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Microsoft Office remains a staple for writing, budgeting, and presentations, especially for people who prefer desktop software they can buy once and keep. Microsoft Office 2024 Home — the newest version of the suite — is $119.97 (reg. $149.99), a limited time $30 discount for your Mac or PC.

Microsoft Office 2024 Home includes the apps Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, designed for individuals handling everyday tasks such as writing documents, managing budgets, or creating presentations. The interface keeps the Ribbon navigation, but with adjustments that display relevant tools based on what you’re working on. Accessibility has also been improved, with real-time feedback, helping users create more inclusive documents.

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This version supports real-time co-authoring across Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, along with built-in comments, chat features, and version history, making it very helpful for editing. That setup can be beneficial for shared household projects, school assignments, or planning documents.

Office 2024 also introduces AI features within its apps. In Word, Smart Compose offers context-based text suggestions, while Excel uses AI to help analyze data, spot trends, and create visualizations more efficiently. PowerPoint now supports recording presentations with voice, video, and closed captions, which can be helpful for remote meetings or online classes. Accessibility features extend further with AI-generated suggestions, such as alternative text for images.

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Self improvement, professional development, and hobby building are among some of the top New Year’s resolutions year after year. But for many, finding the time and simply getting started is the hardest part. Having the right tools makes all the difference between following through and failing. EDU Unlimited by StackSkills offers more than 1,000 courses across popular disciplines like graphic design, IT, blockchain, and more for just $18.

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Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 2 is setting course for the Sea of Monsters, and just like in Season 1, there are bound to be a few adaptation changes ahead.

SEE ALSO: 'Percy Jackson and the Olympians' Season 2 review: Rough waters ahead for 'Sea of Monsters' adaptation

Whether it's adding new characters or tweaking major book events entirely, some of these changes from Rick Riordan's original books fall flat, while others enrich the world of the show. Here are all the biggest changes between Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 2 and The Sea of Monsters. We'll be updating every week, so be sure to come back for more adaptation breakdowns.

Episode 1: Grover meets new characters, like Alison Simms. Aryan Simhadri in "Percy Jackson and the Olympians." Credit: Disney / David Bukach

Season 2 kicks off with Percy having a nightmare about Grover in danger, just like The Sea of Monsters does. However, there are some key differences: Grover isn't in Florida, meaning we don't get him running into St. Augustine Bridal Boutique. (Don't worry, though, the show doesn't abandon the wedding dress storyline.) Instead, he's in the jungle, where he meets a crew of demigods like Alison Simms (Beatrice Kitsos). They're new characters who have allied themselves with Luke (Charlie Bushnell) and Kronos, meaning Percy and his crew will have even more rogue demigods to contend with.

Episode 1: Basically everything about Tyson is different. Daniel Diemer in "Percy Jackson and the Olympians." Credit: Disney

Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 2 introduces Tyson (Daniel Diemer), Percy's Cyclops half-brother. In the books, he is unhoused, and while he attends Meriwether College Prep with Percy, no one gives him any extra support outside of school. That changes in the series, as Sally Jackson (Virginia Kull) meets him while volunteering at a shelter, takes him in, and gets him into Meriwether. That means she and Percy already know he's a Cyclops, as opposed to in the book, where the Mist disguises his true nature to Percy.

Don’t miss out on our latest stories: Add Mashable as a trusted news source in Google.

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

I'm always happy to see Sally get to showcase her kindness and empathy, and I'm intrigued by whether she's aware of Tyson also being Poseidon's (Toby Stephens) son. Based on her telling Percy that they might have more in common than they think — hence the "two sides of the same coin" talk — it seems like she's got a pretty good idea, giving her more investment in Percy and Tyson's relationship.

Another big change with Tyson is how he speaks. In The Sea of Monsters, he has a more childlike speech pattern, as Cyclops age more slowly than humans. Here, though, he sounds like any of the other characters. Perhaps this was a case of the book dialogue simply not translating well to screen, for fear of infantilizing or stereotyping Tyson. Still, it seems like book Tyson's loyalty and enthusiasm carry over into show Tyson.

Episode 1: The Laistrygonian giant dodgeball scene gets a big change.

The Sea of Monsters opens with a monster attack in the form of a deadly gym class. Laistrygonian giants posing as visitors from Detroit sneak into Meriwether and wreak havoc during a dodgeball game, hurling fireballs at Percy, Tyson, and their classmates. Percy Jackson and the Olympians moves this fight scene from Meriwether to Camp Half-Blood, with the Laistrygonians ambushing Percy, Tyson, and Annabeth on their way to camp. In moving the scene, the attack winds up replacing the book's Colchis Bull fight.

SEE ALSO: 7 magic school series to buy young readers that aren't 'Harry Potter'

While there's still a fiery dodgeball element to the Laistrygonian sequence, it misses a lot of the charm from the book's version. Gone are the Laistrygonians' weak disguises, along with the name tags reading Joe Bob, Skull Eater, and Marrow Sucker. These disguises, along with the high school setting of the scene, are a huge part of the appeal of Riordan's series in the first place: seeing Greek mythology transposed into our day-to-day world. I understand wanting to fold two monster attacks into one due to time and budget constraints, but there's still a lot lost when you rip away one of the defining elements of the book series.

Episode 1: Chiron is fired for different reasons.

Rounding out the biggest changes from episode 1 is Chiron's (Glynn Turman) firing from Camp Half-Blood. In the show, he's fired because he's the son of Kronos, which makes the Greek gods wary about his allegiances. The book takes it a step farther: In The Sea of Monsters, Chiron's connection to Kronos makes him a prime suspect in the poisoning of Thalia's (Tamara Smart) tree. He's already fired by the time Luke poisons the tree in the show, though. Percy sees Luke attack the tree in person, furthering the animosity between the two.

Episode 2: Whoa, there's a lot of drama between Percy and Annabeth. Walker Scobell and Leah Sava Jeffries in "Percy Jackson and the Olympians." Credit: Disney / David Bukach

Percabeth shippers, buckle up, because this episode delivers so much angst. Chiron reveals the Great Prophecy to Annabeth before telling her that she can't let Percy go on any quests. Cue Annabeth planning to sabotage Percy in the chariot race should it come down to the two of them. Later, she suggests she go on Clarisse's (Dior Goodjohn) quest for the Golden Fleece without Percy. All of this is new, and it's stressful, adding more distrust between the pair.

Despite all the new twists in how the quest comes together, the end result is the same: Percy, Annabeth, and Tyson set out for the Sea of Monsters. However, Percy and Annabeth are more at odds than ever before, setting a more adversarial tone for the quest ahead.

Episode 3: Percy Jackson and the Olympians shows off a different side of Clarisse. Dior Goodjohn in "Percy Jackson and the Olympians." Credit: Disney / David Bukach

Episode 3 of Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 2 makes a few tweaks to Percy, Annabeth, and Tyson's encounter with Luke aboard the Princess Andromeda, getting new characters like Alison involved, and even having Tyson set off a bomb in totally badass fashion.

The biggest change in the episode, though, is that we get more of Clarisse's perspective as she sets out on her quest. We witness firsthand her trip to the Oracle, along with her father, Ares (Adam Copeland), gifting her a ship and a zombie crew. Unlike in the book, these are losing soldiers from a vast variety of wars, as opposed to simply Confederate soldiers. For a number of reasons... Good call, Percy Jackson and the Olympians.

But Ares' gift is a double-edged sword. He immediately undermines her field experience to the soldiers and threatens Clarisse should she fail. Dad of the Year, he is not. That scene fuels Clarisse's insecurities heading into her mission, which only get worse as the soldiers repeatedly ignore her.

By the episode's end, though, she's won them over by promising them a place in Elysium once they die. Is this a check she can actually cash? I'm not sure yet. However, her rousing speech is proof of her burgeoning leadership skills. Plus, seeing Clarisse actually struggle with the beginning of her quest is something we don't get much of in The Sea of Monsters, beyond a tense conversation Percy overhears between her and Ares. That's one of the benefits of a TV adaptation that isn't a book narrated in first person: We get to take in other perspectives. As a result, Clarisse gets more layers this episode, and Goodjohn gets to truly shine as a more prominent member of Percy Jackson and the Olympians' ensemble.

Episode 4: Percy Jackson and the Olympians gives us flashbacks to Annabeth, Luke, and Thalia's journey to Camp Half-Blood. Tamara Smart in "Percy Jackson and the Olympians." Credit: Disney / David Bukach

Following in the footsteps of episode 3's focus on Clarisse, episode 4 continues Percy Jackson and the Olympians' trend of showcasing new, non-Percy perspectives. This time, we get that in the form of flashbacks to Annabeth's time traveling with Luke and Thalia (Tamara Smart), daughter of Zeus (Courtney B. Vance), to Camp Half-Blood. A dangerous encounter between young Annabeth and a band of Cyclopes prompts Thalia's decision to find sanctuary at Camp Half-Blood, as opposed to continuing to live life on the road. In Annabeth's mind, this was the fatal decision that led to Thalia's death on the edges of camp. If she hadn't been captured by the Cyclopes in the first place, then Thalia would still be alive.

The actual Cyclopes encounter plays out differently in the show than in the books, which saw 7-year-old Annabeth saving a trapped Luke, Thalia, and Grover from a Brooklyn-based Cyclops' house of horrors. That fateful meeting led to Annabeth's deep hatred of all Cyclopes. However, in the show, Annabeth's ire is directed less at the Cyclopes, and more at herself for getting captured in the first place and slowing Thalia and Luke down. It's a poignant shift, one that emphasizes her survivor's guilt. It also gives us our first look at Smart in action as Thalia, getting us ready for Percy Jackson and the Olympians' Season 3 adaptation of The Titan's Curse.

Episode 4: The Scylla and Charybdis fight gives Clarisse a moral crisis.

Just like in the books, Percy, Annabeth, Tyson, and Clarisse face off with Scylla and Charybdis in order to enter the Sea of Monsters. But the show adds in a trolley problem-esque twist, courtesy of Annabeth's battle strategy. To get past Scylla, all Clarisse needs to do is sacrifice six of her men, one for each tentacle. Should she knowingly send these soldiers to their doom in order for guaranteed success? Or should she try her original plan of getting past Charybdis?

In the end, Clarisse follows Annabeth's plan. Yet the guilt of sacrificing her crew members overwhelms her, and she joins them on deck. Once again, the added depth to Clarisse works wonders here. It's great to see that as she's stepped up in terms of importance, the show has stepped up just as much in terms of letting audience members into her inner world.

Episode 5: Percy Jackson and the Olympians mashes up Circe and the Sirens.

Episode 5 of Percy Jackson and the Olympians mashes up two key encounters from The Sea of Monsters, those with sorceress Circe (Rosemarie DeWitt) and the Sirens. Here, instead of immediately turning Percy into a guinea pig the way she does in the books, Circe tries to keep Percy and Annabeth at her island resort with the promise that she can train them — and the other many demigods staying on her island — to get past the Sirens. Of course, she's lying and merely trying to keep people around to avoid the loneliness she's experienced for centuries.

The end result of the Circe encounter is the same: She turns Percy into a guinea pig, Annabeth saves him, and the two leave the island. But along the way, we get a new perspective on a legendary antagonist of Greek mythology, as well as some fascinating discussion of Percy and Annabeth's fatal flaws. As far as adaptation changes go, I'm not mad at it — especially since we still get to see Percy in guinea pig form.

Episode 5: That encounter with the Sirens looks way different.

Percy and Annabeth's meeting with the Sirens looks nowhere near how it looks in The Sea of Monsters. In the book, Percy plugs his ears with wax and ties Annabeth to the mast, as she wants to hear what the Sirens have to sing. In the show, after some drama about ear wax, Percy winds up on the mast, but Annabeth still falls under the Sirens' spell. 

Annabeth's vision differs between page and screen. In the book, she sees herself having a picnic with her father and Luke in a New York that she's designed. The show features a vision of Grover needing her to solve conflict between Luke and Percy, which then gives way to another vision of Annabeth slaying the Sirens and impressing her mother, Athena (Andra Day). 

As for Percy's vision? All he says he saw was Annabeth, which grounded him and led him to save her. But if his ears weren't blocked, and the Sirens' songs show you your greatest desire, and all he saw was Annabeth… Then that means for Percabeth fans, this sequence was a treat.

Episode 5: Clarisse and Grover team up against Polyphemus.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians introduces the unlikely team-up of Clarisse and Grover, who try to work together to escape Polyphemus' cave. While their partnership isn't something we get to see in the books due to Percy's first-person narration, it's fun to witness in the show. The real switch-up here, though, is the reveal that thanks to his sense of smell, Polyphemus has known who Grover is the whole time. Plus, he's been using him as bait to lure Percy Jackson to his island. That's new territory for the show to tread, so what's Polyphemus' endgame?

Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 2 is now streaming on Disney+, with a new episode every week.

In the run-up to the new year, we’re resharing some of our favorite tips from 2025. 6 Steps to Identifying Your Core Values  As a leader, you’ll face numerous high-stakes situations. When there’s no clear playbook for how to handle them, your personal core values can guide your most difficult decisions. But to use them effectively, you need to define them first. Start with these […]

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It's the last Moon of the year, and it's putting on a show. It's so close to being full, so there's plenty you can see when you look up tonight.

What is today’s moon phase?

As of Wednesday, Dec. 31, the moon phase is Waxing Gibbous. According to NASA's Daily Moon Observation, 88% of the moon will be lit up tonight.

With just your naked eye, you'll be able to see the Mares Fecunditatis and Serenitatis, and Vaporum. If you add binoculars, you'll also see the Endymion Crater, the Mare Nectaris, and the Clavius Crater. With a telescope, you'll also see the Apollo 14 and 15 landing spots and the Rima Hyginus.

When is the next full moon?

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

What are moon phases?

According to NASA, it takes roughly 29.5 days for the Moon to complete a full cycle, known as the lunar cycle. During this period, the Moon moves through a series of phases as it orbits the Earth. While the same side of the Moon always faces our planet, the amount of sunlight illuminating its surface changes over time. This is why the Moon appears fully lit, partially illuminated, or not visible at all at different stages of the cycle. The lunar cycle is divided into eight main phases:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TL;DR: Live stream Mozambique vs. Cameroon in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free on Channel 4 Sport YouTube. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations sees out the year with a final day of group games. It's already been a thrilling tournament in Morocco, and the final games come from Group F, including Mozambique vs. Cameroon.

Mozambique entered this group as underdogs, but while Cameroon are one of the best known African teams in world soccer, they're not what they once were. Could the last day of group action include an upset?

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If you want to watch Mozambique vs. Cameroon in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Mozambique vs. Cameroon?

Mozambique vs. Cameroon in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off at 2 p.m. ET on Dec. 31. This fixture takes place at Le Grand Stade Agadir.

How to watch Mozambique vs. Cameroon for free

Mozambique vs. Cameroon in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is available to live stream for free on Channel 4 Sport YouTube.

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

Live stream Mozambique vs. Cameroon for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit Channel 4 Sport YouTube

5. Watch Mozambique vs. Cameroon for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of AFCON without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Mozambique vs. Cameroon (plus more 2025 Africa Cup of Nations fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Channel 4 Sport YouTube?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Channel 4 Sport YouTube, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Watch Mozambique vs. Cameroon in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Gabon vs. Ivory Coast in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free on Channel 4. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

It's the final day of group games in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and defending champions Ivory Coast are in action against Gabon. Ivory Coast are one of a handful of teams who could realistically win the whole tournament, along with the likes of Morocco and Senegal, and they have Manchester United's Amad Diallo in the squad.

Though Gabon aren't quite at that level there are a few players, such as Mario Lemina and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who can cause problems for any top team.

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If you want to watch Gabon vs. Ivory Coast in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Gabon vs. Ivory Coast?

Gabon vs. Ivory Coast in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off at 2 p.m. ET on Dec. 31. This fixture takes place at Stade de Marrakech.

How to watch Gabon vs. Ivory Coast for free

Gabon vs. Ivory Coast in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is available to live stream for free on Channel 4.

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

Live stream Gabon vs. Ivory Coast for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit Channel 4

5. Watch Gabon vs. Ivory Coast for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of AFCON without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Gabon vs. Ivory Coast (plus more 2025 Africa Cup of Nations fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Channel 4?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Channel 4, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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TL;DR: Live stream Equatorial Guinea vs. Algeria in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free on Channel 4. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

As the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations wraps up the group stage, there are still a number of must-watch games to be played. Any game in the tournament with Algeria's Riyad Mahrez comes with a certain interest. The former AFCON winners came into the Morocco-hosted tournament as one of the favorites.

While Equatorial Guinea aren't a major name in world soccer, they reached the quarter finals and Round of 16 in previous tournaments and have a goal machine in captain Emilio Nsue.

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If you want to watch Equatorial Guinea vs. Algeria in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Equatorial Guinea vs. Algeria?

Equatorial Guinea vs. Algeria in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off at 11 a.m. ET on Dec. 31. This fixture takes place at Stade Prince Moulay Al Hassan.

How to watch Equatorial Guinea vs. Algeria for free

Equatorial Guinea vs. Algeria in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is available to live stream for free on Channel 4.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Intertwined.

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

WOVEN

Hurdle Word 2 hint

A unit of energy.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for December 31, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

JOULE

Hurdle Word 3 hint

To mock.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 31 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 31, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

SCOFF

Hurdle Word 4 hint

A wire.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for December 31 Hurdle Word 4 answer

CABLE

Final Hurdle hint

To stow away.

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

STASH

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

By now, everyone knows that Elon Musk is very much an optimist when it comes to making predictions. 

That's the nice way to put it. To be blunt, Musk is a "bullshit artist." He makes promises he can't keep. For example, everyone now is likely very familiar with his infamous 2011 interview with the Wall Street Journal where he said he'd put a man on Mars in 10 years. That was 14 years ago now and we're nowhere near putting anyone on Mars. Years ago, Musk also touted his proposed Hyperloop train system as a way to quickly transport people between cities; that never came to fruition and was likely a ruse to stop other transit projects.

With 2025 nearly over, Mashable decided to revisit his predictions related to this year. Time has run out. What did Musk promise for this year that didn't come to fruition?

People on Mars by 2025

Yes, I just mentioned that 2011 Wall Street Journal interview where Musk promised to put a man on Mars in 10 years. However, this one is a completely separate promise from Musk regarding a man on Mars.

Back in 2016 — roughly four years after his 10-year WSJ claim — Musk made an appearance during Recode's Code 2016 conference. During a conversation with Kara Swisher and Walt Mossberg, Musk pushed back his previous Mars arrival prediction that placed humans on the red planet by 2021. According to Musk, SpaceX would start sending rockets to Mars by 2018, followed by a new Mars mission every 26 months, and then they'd start sending people.

"If things go according to plan, we should be able to launch people probably in 2024 with arrival in 2025," Musk said, referring to colonists arriving on the planet.

Nope — 2025 has come and gone and we're still not on Mars.

SEE ALSO: NASA Mars rover captures crackling lightning. Hear the 'thunder' yourself. Tesla robotaxis would cover half of the U.S. population

Take a walk outside. How many Tesla robotaxis do you see? None, you say? And you say you live in Austin, Texas – the only place in the U.S. where robotaxis are currently operating?

That's odd. Because in July, during Tesla's Q2 quarterly financial report, Musk told investors that Tesla's robotaxis would be serving half of the nation.

“I believe half of the population of the US will be covered by Tesla’s robotaxi by the end of the year," Musk said.

Obviously, that's not true. And a new report from the New York Times last week found that even Austin locals rarely, if ever, came across Tesla's robotaxis.

As the EV outlet Electrek pointed out at the time of his claim, it was preposterous for Musk to make. Yet, he made the claim with a straight face and investors believed him.

Fully driverless Tesla robotaxis

Speaking of Tesla's robotaxis, if you do come across one, did you know you'll actually find a human safety monitor riding inside? You will, despite what Musk previously promised.

"Teslas will be in the wild with no one in them, in June in Austin," Musk said last year in a 2024 Q4 earnings call. "This is not some far-off mythical situation, it's five, six months away."

While Tesla's robotaxi service did arrive in Austin during that timeline, they weren't "with no one in them." The level of autonomy that Tesla's performs at requires a human safety monitor to ride inside the vehicle, according to Texas regulations.

But, Musk promised multiple times over the past few months that those human safety monitors would be removed by the end of 2025.

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Musk said so in a post in September on X.

"The safety driver is just there for the first few months to be extra safe," Musk said. "Should be no safety driver by end of year.”

Musk reiterated that schedule during an earnings call in October.

“We are expecting to have no safety drivers in at least large parts of Austin by the end of this year, so within a few months," Musk said.

And then Musk repeated that claim in early December during an xAI hackathon.

“Unsupervised is pretty much solved at this point," stated Musk. "So there will be Tesla robotaxis operating in Austin with no one in them. Not even anyone in the passenger seat in about three weeks.”

Last week, Musk posted that he had taken a ride in a fully driverless Tesla robotaxi in Austin. A Tesla employee shared a video from inside a driverless ride as well. However, these appear to be test runs as regular customers still report human safety monitors are still part of the ride, as least as of very late December.

xAI would achieve AGI

Artificial general intelligence or AGI is basically the holy grail for the current AI-obsessed tech industry. AGI can be defined as the type of artificial intelligence that we were promised in sci-fi movies. It's not a large language model that can sound human, like existing AI, but AI that can actually perform intellectual tasks just like a human. It can think, learn, reason, and take action.

In 2024, in a reply on his social media platform X, Musk said his AI company xAI would achieve AGI in 2025.

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

"How long until AGI?" posted Logan Kilpatrick of Google AI Studio.

"Next year," Musk replied.

"Big if true," Kilpatrick responded.

Well, surprise. It wasn't true.

According to a new report from Business Insider, Musk has since moved the goalposts and says xAI could achieve AGI in the next few years and potentially even by next year! We'll report back at the end of 2026 unless Musk's version of Skynet has taken over.

A flying car / demo of the long-awaited Tesla Roadster

This is a combo of two potential promises, as it's still unclear what the heck Musk was actually referring to on Joe Rogan's podcast back in November.

During an appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience, Musk claimed that Tesla would drop a demo of the long-awaited Roadster, a vehicle which the company announced and started taking preorders for in 2017. The Tesla Roadster has still yet to be released eight years later.

"We're getting close to demonstrating the prototype," Musk said to Rogan during the show. "I think this will be...one thing I can guarantee is that this product demo will be unforgettable."

When pressed for a timeline from Rogan, Musk replied "hopefully before the end of the year."

However, Musk went further, recalling how his "friend" Peter Thiel would say that the future was supposed to have flying cars, yet we don't have flying cars. Rogan questioned Musk further but Musk just hinted that Thief should be able to buy a flying car and we'd all just have to wait to see the demo.

So, was Musk saying that the Roadster can fly? Was Musk even being serious about the flying car? Who knows. But, 2025 is now over and we don't have a demo of a flying car or a Roadster so Musk didn't deliver on either.

DOGE would cut $2 trillion in 'waste, fraud and abuse'

Following Donald Trump's reelection, Musk was given the chance to head up a new quasi-government agency called DOGE in which he pledged to cut $2 trillion in what he described as "waste, fraud and abuse."

DOGE quickly became quite controversial as Musk and his very young team struggled to find any real "waste, fraud, and abuse" in the federal government. Many of DOGE's claims of fraud were debunked and the group had a penchant for posting inaccurate data which put the group in a more favorable light.

Musk's promise of $2 trillion in cuts quickly became a promise of $1 trillion in cuts. That $1 trillion promise? That soon was rounded down further to the hundreds of billions.

SEE ALSO: DOGE is dead

Now, new analysis from the New York Times as well as the right-wing CATO Institute, found that DOGE actually didn't save anything. Many of the government contacts that DOGE claimed to cancel are still active. In fact, government spending actually went up on DOGE's watch.

“The federal government spent $7.6 trillion in the first 11 months of calendar year 2025, approximately $248 billion higher by November of 2025 compared to the same month in 2024,” the CATO Institute's analysis said.

While Musk failed to deliver on his DOGE promises, the cuts it did actually make to USAID and foreign aid programs have reportedly led to hundreds of thousands of deaths. Happy new year?

This article reflects the opinions of the author.

Samsung usually launches its next wave of flagship devices over the winter, and all signs point to an early 2026 launch for the Samsung Galaxy S26 — and the Galaxy Z TriFold. The Galaxy S25 was released in early February, and the Galaxy S24 before it came in late January. Thus, it stands to reason that the Galaxy S26 will come around the same time in 2026.

While Samsung hasn't announced any upcoming Galaxy Unpacked events, we fully expect the new generation of Samsung phones to make their debut in the months ahead. And if the volume of S26 leaks is any indication, it's sooner rather than later.

SEE ALSO: The Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold is coming to America soon: Everything we know so far What will the Galaxy S26 phones look like?

Recently, leaker @onleaks posted a gallery and video on X that claims to show dummy units of the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. We can't verify the authenticity of the video, but it looks plausible, at least.

Overall, it looks very similar to the S25 Ultra, as expected, with one notable change — it has a camera bump similar to the Galaxy Z Fold 7. As 9to5Google points out, because this bump is on the left side of the phone, it will make the phone wobble when placed down on a table or desk. In comparison, the latest iPhone 17 Pro Max has a more symmetrical shape and thus no wobble.

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However, we would be a little skeptical of this leak. Android Police recently posted its own alleged S26 Ultra leaks, only without the camera bump.

What models will be included in the S26 lineup?

Just a few months ago, rumors and leaks pointed to a significant shakeup in the Galaxy S26 line. It was said that Samsung would rename the base model to S26 Pro, drop the Plus model that sat in the middle of the annual lineup for years, and replace that with a new Edge phone modeled after last year's S25 Edge (which was something of a flop). However, that's apparently no longer happening, and you can thank Apple for that, per Korean outlet NewsPim (via 9to5google).

This is the S25 Ultra. Credit: James Martin / Mashable

Due to Apple's success in offering significant year-over-year upgrades to the base iPhone 17 (such as a 120Hz display) without raising the price, Samsung has reportedly dropped the Pro branding for the base model and reverted it back to just the Galaxy S26, which was corroborated by a separate report from SamMobile. According to that report, you can expect a retread of the usual S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra lineup in 2026. That may be disappointing to anyone who was expecting a big shakeup based on previous reporting, but if nothing else, it makes it easier to keep track of what's going on.

As for the previously rumored S26 Edge, it's unclear what's going to happen with that. It might be dead, or it might come out later in the year as a separate release like the S25 Edge did. Given that phone's relative lack of success, it might be smart to assume there won't be an S26 Edge at this point.

Galaxy S26 rumored specs

For specs, the rumors aren't particularly surprising. The Galaxy S26 series is currently rumored to have the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chip, which Qualcomm rebranded to the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. There is also a rumor that Samsung will equip some S26 models with an Exynos chip, which Samsung fans hope is the Exynos 2600, which has also been making some noise in the rumor mill lately.

In terms of the small stuff, like storage and RAM, there have been some small rumblings. One rumor says that the Galaxy S26 (all models) will feature 16GB of RAM, a 4GB increase from the last few years, and the most a Galaxy phone has had since the Galaxy S21 Ultra. In terms of storage capacity, there are no rumors that anything will change, so the 128GB base (256GB on the Ultra) is likely to remain in place for now, with upgraded storage available as an option. 

Galaxy S26: Is a price hike coming?

We're in the midst of a major global memory shortage, and this could be very bad news for smartphone and laptop shoppers (you can blame the AI industry for hogging all the RAM). And according to leaker @kro_roe, this could not only lead to an S26 price hike, but also the end of a popular launch offer.

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

Typically, when Samsung launches a new phone, customers who pre-order or purchase at launch can claim double the storage at no extra cost. But with RAM in short supply, that may no longer be the case. The most recent rumors suggest that Samsung hasn't landed on a final price for the S26 phones, however.

TL;DR: Not only could S26 phones cost more, but you may have to pay a premium for more storage as well.

Battery and charging

Based on early rumors, this may be one of the most interesting changes coming to the S26 lineup. Samsung has been working on a stacked battery design that would allow for more dense batteries in the same physical space. This could bring a long-awaited bump to battery size. According to early rumors, the S26 Ultra is slated to come with a 5,500 mAh stacked battery, a 10 percent increase from the S25 Ultra. Samsung reportedly experimented with removing a camera to add even more battery capacity, but that doesn't mean it's certain to happen in the mass-produced model. While the S26 Pro was rumored to have a bigger 4,900mAh battery compared to previous base model Galaxy phones, NewsPim's report claimed that the base S26 (now that it's no longer a Pro device) has been adjusted down to a more modest 4,300mAh cell.

For charging, it’s unlikely that the Galaxy S26 series will get a serious upgrade. Samsung is definitely working on 60W wired charging, but so far, it seems that Samsung will wait for the Galaxy S27 series (or later) to implement it. This could change as we get closer to launch for the S26 series, but for now, it seems that 45W will be around for at least one more year. There are also rumors that wireless charging may see a bump to the Qi2 standard

Galaxy S26: What about the cameras?

The camera system in the Galaxy S26 series may change quite a bit, and there are a few different rumors that say different things. Jumping right in, one older rumor says that the S26 series will have the same megapixel count but will feature a new, as-of-yet unannounced sensor from the same ISOCELL GN series as prior Samsung models. On the Galaxy S26 Ultra, a 200MP camera is rumored, as is a 324MP lens with a 50MP, 3x telephoto lens. It’s more likely that Samsung will do the 200MP with a new sensor, but all leaks are being considered right now. 

S25 Ultra with its five cameras. Credit: James Martin / Mashable

In addition, there are rumors that Samsung will bring back its variable aperture on the main shooter, which Samsung hasn’t included on its camera system since the Galaxy S10 series back in 2019. As previously mentioned, Samsung may be considering dropping the number of cameras to three instead of four, like on prior models, to make space for a larger battery. Other rumors about the camera include a dual periscope design that’ll magnify to 8x, but that is just speculation at this time.

However, many of these rumors come from the time when we thought Samsung was significantly altering the S26 lineup. Newer reports indicate that, at least for the base S26 and S26 Plus, things won't change that much from previous years. According to Korean outlet The Elec, those two phones will have the exact same megapixel count on the triple-lens rear array as previous Galaxy models: a 50MP wide lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP 3x telephoto lens. Those have been the specs going all the way back to the Galaxy S22. If you were hoping for big changes in the cheaper S26 models this year, you have our condolences.

Other features and hardware

Much of the rest of the Galaxy S26 lineup is predictable. It’ll come with the latest One UI out of the gate with the latest version of Android. That is no surprise, and we don’t need rumors to predict that one. The S26 series will likely get One UI 8.5, which is slated for a rather large redesign along with a host of new features, including the aforementioned privacy screen feature. According to rumor, the redesign emulates Apple’s Liquid Glass in some ways with transparent UI elements. 

The only other piece of hardware we haven’t talked about is the S-Pen. Samsung appears to be set to do something big with the S-Pen. The rumors speculate that the S-Pen is sticking around and will come with some upgrades. The new functionality may have something to do with how magnetic accessories work, and this seems to be linked to the aforementioned Qi2 wireless charging upgrade. 

We'll find out how much (if any) of this is true in just a matter of weeks, going by previous Samsung announcement timelines.

I've always argued that we desperately need competition in the GPU space, which is why I was very happy when Intel broke into the GPU market—even as it only made mid-range and budget cards.

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Is your Outlook inbox so packed that important emails slip through the cracks, leaving you feeling overwhelmed? If so, you’re not taking advantage of features that help keep everything under control. Here’s how you can filter out the noise, surface what truly matters, and keep your inbox organized.

If you’re shopping for a gaming laptop, don’t overlook storage. With games taking up more space than ever, it’s one of the most important specs to consider. NVMe drives are fast but pricey, and skimping here can quickly blow your budget. So, how much storage do you really need?