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Today's Connections: Sports Edition will require some knowledge of popular U.S. sports and pop culture.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Yellow: Found in the Iron City

• Green: Keeping score

• Blue: PWHL's best

• Purple: Racing horse winners

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: A Pittsburgh Athlete

• Green: Seen on an MLB Scorebug

• Blue: Teams in the PWHL Playoffs

• Purple: Horse Racing Triple Crowns

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections: Sports Edition #585 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• A Pittsburgh Athlete: PANTHER, PENGUIN, PIRATE, STEELER

• Seen on an MLB Scorebug: COUNT, INNING, OUTS, SCORE

• Teams in the PWHL Playoffs: CHARGE, FLEET, FROST, VICTORIE

• Horse Racing Triple Crowns: AFFIRMED, CITATION, JUSTIFY, WHIRLAWAY

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

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

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

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

If you sideload books onto your Kindle, you'll know that things don't always go smoothly. Files sometimes don't even convert properly, the formatting can be completely unpredictable, and your library becomes messy very quickly. That's why I convert my eBooks in Calibre before putting them on my Kindle. It fixes almost all the problems.

So you've heard about Qubes OS, and you're scared to try it. Well, you should be. Qubes OS is not something you can fumble through; there's an upfront research cost, and just because you have a powerful computer, it doesn't mean it'll work. I explain the entire hardware landscape in simple terms.

If you have a few ESP32’s lying around and nothing to do with them, let me show you some fun projects you can finish in under an hour. From full-on air quality monitors to simple sensor projects, here are five things you can do with your ESP32s today.

Is your Netflix watch list looking a little dry? Netflix is set to release new titles in May as the heat picks up, which will ensure your summer watch list is packed with new, fresh films, shows, documentaries, and live events.

Running a Plex server starts out as a tidy experiment and then quietly turns into infrastructure. At first, it is a few movies in a folder, maybe a TV show or two that you swear you will organize later. Then one evening you open the library and realize half the metadata is wrong, some files refuse to match, and someone has just messaged you asking if you can “add that one show with the guy” (this description is somehow expected to be sufficient). That is the moment Plex stops being a media server and starts behaving like a system that needs tooling around it.

If you've already made the switch from VLOOKUP to XLOOKUP in Excel, you've taken the first step toward better formulas. But most people still only use it as a drop-in replacement—they're missing one of its most powerful capabilities.

TL;DR: Build a Lego Star Wars N-1 Starfighter and take it home with you for free on May 3.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego: Free N-1 Starfighter for Star Wars Day   Learn More

Lego regularly runs make and take events, providing an opportunity for participants to walk away with an exclusive build for free. We've made noise about a number of these free giveaways over the years, but nothing gets the people going like free Star Wars Lego.

Lego is once again celebrating Star Wars Day by offering an exclusive mini build for free. Visitors to select Lego Stores around the world can build and bring home a model Star Wars N-1 Starfighter for free. This event is intended for participants aged 10+ years, and the model is available on a first-come-first-serve basis, at participating locations, while supplies last. Warning: These free models are going to go quickly.

In the U.S. and Canada, this free giveaway will take place from 12-2 p.m. on May 3. You can then admire your free model on Star Wars Day.

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The free model depicts the Mandalorian’s second ship with Grogu. You're obviously not getting the same level of detail as the new 1,809-piece Lego Star Wars The Mandalorian’s N-1 Starfighter, but it's a seriously fun collectible that money cannot buy. What's not to love?

The only catch is that you are limited to one build per participant. You can't just turn up and stock up, but that feels fair.

Celebrate Star Wars Day in style with a free N-1 Starfighter from Lego.

TL;DR: Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Apple TV+ through Prime Video Channels to watch select F1 races live. Watch the Miami GP for free with the Prime Video app.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Apple TV Prime Video Channel Watch the Japanese GP for free with a 7-day trial Shop Now

We know the new F1 regulations are not for everyone. A lot of fans and drivers would like to go back to the way things were, but you can't deny that we've had some exciting racing this season. And after missing the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian GPs due to regional conflicts, we're desperate to see some racing at the Miami GP.

Kimi Antonelli leads the standings coming into this race weekend, but George Russell is only nine points back in second. The Ferraris are third and fourth right now, but McLaren showed some promise in the last round. All eyes will be on Norris and Piastri as they look to challenge Mercedes at the front of the grid.

If you want to watch F1 2026 for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is the Miami GP?

The Miami GP is the fourth race of the 2026 F1 season. Here's the full schedule from the Miami International Autodrome:

• Practice 1 — 12:30-1:30 p.m. ET on May 1

• Sprint Qualifying — 4:30-5:14 p.m. ET on May 1

• Sprint — 12-1 p.m. ET on May 2

• Qualifying — 4-5 p.m. ET on May 2

• Race — 4 p.m. ET on May 3

It's possible for fans to follow all the action from this race weekend without spending anything.

How to watch the Miami GP for free

I've been a member of Amazon Prime for some time. I happily pay up for the fast shipping, exclusive Prime Day deals, and access to Prime Video. I can't say that I watch Prime Video all that often. I occasionally watch live soccer, but that's about it. That was until I found this hack for F1.

It is now possible to sign up for a seven-day free trial of Apple TV+ through Prime Video Channels. F1 is exclusive to Apple TV in the U.S., so by accessing this free trial, you can watch select races for free this season. The subscription costs £9.99 per month after the trial ends, but you can cancel this automatic renewal at any time.

By cancelling ahead of the renewal, you can watch the Miami GP this weekend without actually spending anything.

I already pay for Amazon Prime, so I understand the argument that I'm not actually watching for free. But I was going to be a member whether I could watch F1 for free or not. Anyway, Amazon Prime offers a 30-day free trial period if you're new to the service. By signing up for this free trial and then gaining access to Apple TV through Prime Video Channels, you can truly watch select races for free this season.

If you've already used this method to watch a race this season, you've got other options to consider. I suggest you go direct to Apple TV. This popular steaming service comes with a seven-day free trial for new subscribers. Alternatively, Apple One bundles Apple TV with Apple Music, Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness Plus, Apple News Plus, and 50GB of iCloud Storage for $19.95 per month after a one-month free trial.

It's also worth noting that the best Apple TV free-trial offer comes with purchases of new Apple devices. New subscribers can get three months of Apple TV for free after purchasing any eligible Apple product. If you're planning on upgrading to something from the Apple lineup, you could gain access to Apple TV for a good chunk of this season.

How to live stream 2026 F1 for free in 2026 Best Apple TV Deal Apple TV 7-day free trial Shop Now Best Prime Video Deal Apple TV Prime Video Channel 7-day free trial Shop Now Best Apple One Deal Apple One 30-day free trial Shop Now

How to live stream 2026 F1 for free at a glance: Best Apple TV Deal Apple TV 7-day free trial Shop Now Best Prime Video Deal Apple TV Prime Video Channel 7-day free trial Shop Now Best Apple One Deal Apple One 30-day free trial Shop Now

This season of F1 is unlike any other. Every season of F1 has a number of fascinating storylines to follow, but due to a major set of regulation changes, there's so much uncertainty right now. And uncertainty can lead to exciting racing.

Lando Norris secured an incredible title victory on the final day of last season. Now the pressure is on McLaren to defend that title against a long list of talented drivers and motivated teams. Expect the likes of George Russell, Kimi Antonelli, Charles Leclerc, and Lewis Hamilton to challenge for race wins this season. Mercedes look like the team to beat this season, but a lot can change.

If you are interested in watching F1 2026 for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

What is F1?

Formula One (F1) is the highest class of international racing for open-wheel single-seater formula racing cars. A season consists of a series of races (Grands Prix) that take place in multiple countries and continents on either purpose-built circuits or closed public roads.

Lando Norris is the defending champion. McLaren won the Constructors Championship in 2025.

When is F1 in 2026?

The 2026 F1 season is the 77th edition of the championship. This year's championship features 24 Grands Prix events held all over the world between March and December:

1. Australian Grand Prix — March 8

2. Chinese Grand Prix — March 15

3. Japanese Grand Prix — March 29

4. Miami Grand Prix — May 3

5. Canadian Grand Prix — May 24

6. Monaco Grand Prix — June 7

7. Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix — June 14

8. Austrian Grand Prix — June 28

9. British Grand Prix — July 5

10. Belgian Grand Prix — July 19

11. Hungarian Grand Prix — July 26

12. Dutch Grand Prix — Aug. 23

13. Italian Grand Prix — Sept. 6

14. Spanish Grand Prix — Sept. 13

15. Azerbaijan Grand Prix — Sept. 26

16. Singapore Grand Prix — Oct. 11

17. United States Grand Prix — Oct. 25

18. Mexico City Grand Prix — Nov. 1

19. São Paulo Grand Prix — Nov. 8

20. Las Vegas Grand Prix — Nov. 21

21. Qatar Grand Prix — Nov. 29

22. Abu Dhabi Grand Prix — Dec. 6

It's important to note that these dates are only for race days. The Chinese, Miami, Canadian, British, Dutch, and Singapore GPs will host a sprint race.

How to watch F1 for free

In the U.S., F1 is now exclusive to Apple TV. An Apple TV subscription costs $12.99 per month or $99 per year, but it's possible to gain access to Apple TV without spending anything.

Apple TV Opens in a new window Credit: Apple TV Apple TV (7-day free trial) Apple TV comes with a 7-day free trial for new subscribers. This is a sneaky trick, but you could sign up to watch the next F1 race and then cancel your subscription before you need to spend anything. This obviously isn't a long-term fix, but it does give you the opportunity to live stream select F1 race weekends for free. Shop Now Apple TV Prime Video Channel Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Apple TV Prime Video Channel (7-day free trial) Already an Amazon Prime member? You're in luck. You can sign up for a 7-day free trial of Apple TV+ through Prime Video Channels. This lets you watch select F1 races live with the Prime Video app. The subscription typically costs £9.99 per month after the trial ends, but you can cancel at any time. That means you can watch select races without actually spending anything. Shop Now Apple One Opens in a new window Credit: Apple One Apple One (30-day free trial) Apple One bundles Apple TV with Apple Music, Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness Plus, Apple News Plus, and 50GB of iCloud Storage for $19.95 per month after a one-month free trial. Time it right and this trial could provide access to up to four race weekends for free. You do need to be a new or returning subscriber to each of the included services to get the free trial. Shop Now

It's worth noting that the best Apple TV free-trial offer comes with purchases of new Apple devices. New subscribers can get three months of Apple TV for free after purchasing any eligible Apple product, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, or Apple TVs. This special offer goes live for 90 days after the new device is activated — that's a good chunk of the season.

Your 3D printer can turn photos and other images into physical objects using a variety of techniques. This includes—but is not limited to—lithophanes, a 19th-century technique that traditionally relied on porcelain but has since been updated for the modern age.

One of the best parts of being a Lego fan is that it's almost guaranteed that at some point, one of your non-Lego interests will be plastic brick-ified.

May's newest Lego sets are proof of exactly that: there are Toy Story sets (ahead of the fifth installment's release next month), a Lewis Hamilton helmet for F1 fans, a Cristiano Ronaldo set ahead of the 2026 World Cup, and some adorable additions to the Botanicals line.

SEE ALSO: Our 15 favorite Lego sets, sourced from actual Lego fans

You can find them below, along with more of the best releases from the past few months, including Smart Play Star Wars-themed sets, the first-ever Lego Pokémon collaboration, the Lego Game Boy, and a gorgeous Lego-fied Claude Monet painting that I'm legitimately tempted to buy every time I update this list.

Best new Lego sets as of May 2026Lego Botanicals Rocking Plants Look at how much fun they're having!!! Credit: Lego

Last year, Lego launched the Happy Plants set that was so cute, it made Mashable's Timothy Werth want to befriend the two little planters. Considering the continued adorable appearance of the next iteration, we imagine Werth will be looking for more pals in these Rocking Plants.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Botanicals Rocking Plants $22.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Disney Alien with Pizza Planet Rocket Ride The briiiccccckkkk. Credit: Lego

There are plenty of iconic aliens out there, but I would argue the little green guys from Toy Story sit in at least at least in the top five, if not top three, of all time iconic extraterrestrials. Factor in the Pizza Planet branding, the coin slot for the ride, and you have an excellent Lego set.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Disney Alien with Pizza Planet Rocket Ride $59.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Editions Cristiano Ronaldo Soccer Legend The best World Cup viewing companion. Credit: Lego

He's a soccer great, and this set is pretty great, too. This 854-piece Cristiano Ronaldo can be put in his recognizable "siu" pose, or mid-bicycle kick. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just around the corner, this Lego is a unique way to commemorate the occasion.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Editions Cristiano Ronaldo Soccer Legend $79.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Editions Scuderia Ferrari HP Lewis Hamilton Helmet Complete with a mini Lewis Hamilton. Credit: Lego

Maybe you'll never know what it's like to be behind the wheel of a car as one of the greatest drivers of all time. But you can know what it's like to own a Lego version of his helmet, which is kind of the second-best thing?

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Editions Scuderia Ferrari HP Lewis Hamilton Helmet $89.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Best Lego sets coming soon Best Lego sets available for preorder or coming soon Preorder for May 1 Lego Editions FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Emblem $24.99 Pre-Order Here Preorder for August 1 Lego One Piece Tony Tony Chopper $69.99 Pre-Order Here Available June 1 Lego Ideas Peanuts: Snoopy's Doghouse $89.99 Learn More Available June 1 Lego Marvel Spider-Man Hero Figure $99.99 Learn More Preorder for June 1 Lego Jurassic Park Dinosaur Fossils: Triceratops $109.99 Pre-Order Here Preorder for June 1 Lego Shrek, Donkey & Puss in Boots $129.99 Pre-Order Here Best new Lego sets as of April 2026Lego Gift Box Celebration A birthday gift to celebrate any Lego lover. Credit: Lego

The universal human experience? Asking yourself what you want for your birthday. This gift celebration box is one festive answer, both for getting yourself a piece of decor or gifting a fellow brick lover.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Gift Box Celebration $19.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Star Wars Darth Vader Bust Luke, I am your tastefully nerdy decor. Credit: Lego

I mean, it's a Darth Vader bust; is there much more to say? It feels fitting that one of the most recognizable film characters of all time has a museum-worthy bust in Lego form. This 349-piece set stands at just over seven inches tall, making it the perfect balance of a statement piece that doesn't threaten to take up your entire bookshelf.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars Darth Vader Bust $49.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Star Wars Grogu Grogu remains adorable in every form he comes in. Credit: Lego

When we knew him as Baby Yoda, Grogu was adorable. When we know him as a 1,200-piece, eight-inch-tall Lego set, he's adorable. In other words, you can't go wrong picking up Lego Grogu.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars Grogu $129.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Super Mario Mario Kart Luigi & Mach 8 Blue shell not included. Credit: Lego

Maybe you haven't quite bitten the bullet on a Switch 2, and therefore Mario Kart World. Maybe you've been playing a lot of Mario Kart World and want to continue the fun IRL. Either way, this over 2,000-piece Luigi Mario Kart set is one worth considering.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Super Mario Mario Kart Luigi & Mach 8 $179.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Icons Douglas DC-3 PAN AM Airliner Vintage aircraft fans, this one's for you. Credit: Lego

You've heard of model trains; now there are Lego planes. This replica of the 1930s twin-engine aircraft comes with a kitted-out cockpit and passenger cabin, because this is Lego after all. The 1,903-piece set is recommended for builders 18 and over.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Icons Douglas DC-3 PAN AM Airliner $219.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Technic McLaren MCL39 F1 Car One of the more affordable ways to get an F1 car. Credit: Lego

You know what goes really well with the Lewis Hamilton F1 helmet? A Technic F1 McLaren. At least, it's just a bit more accessible than buying the real thing.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Technic McLaren MCL39 F1 Car $229.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Best new Lego sets as of March 2026Lego London Bus It's a red bus, innit? Credit: Lego

Lego city-related sets are often targeted toward older fans, but this double-decker London bus is recommended for anyone 8 and up, and it's only 245 pieces. And for older folks, the red could be rather striking for some shelf decor.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego London Bus $20.02 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego BrickHeadz Sulley, Mike, and Boo Don't put these things back where they came from, or so help me. Credit: Lego

Personally, I can't get over how cute Mike Wazowski's single eye is in this set. The whole lineup is adorable, though, and at only 303 pieces, a great quick build.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego BrickHeadz Sulley, Mike, and Boo $24.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Disney Sally's Flowerpot Botanicals fans who also love Halloween, this is your set. Credit: Lego

At first glance, this set includes a Sally Minifigure and the exterior of her flowerpot. Plenty on its own to satisfy Nightmare Before Christmas fans, but Lego takes it a step further by making the interior of the flowerpot its own room filled with accessories for Sally.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Disney Sally's Flowerpot $49.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Technic BMW M4 GT3 EVO Race Car This set comes with a code to unlock content in the racing game Asphalt Legends. Credit: Lego

Live out your pit crew dreams by putting together a Lego-fied BMW race car. This 747-piece set is good for ages 11 and up, and comes with steering, a six-cylinder engine, and opening doors.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Technic BMW M4 GT3 EVO Race Car $64.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Technic Jeep Wrangler Rubicon SUV A Jeep appropriate for children to take the wheel of. Credit: Lego

Maybe your kiddo isn't quite old enough to get behind the wheel of a Jeep, but this Lego Wrangler Rubicon is good for anyone ages 10 and up. As expected from any actual Jeep on the road, this SUV comes packed with the sense of adventure and whimsy, from a surfboard to a rubber duck for the dash.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Technic Jeep Wrangler Rubicon SUV $64.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Icons Project Hail Mary Complete with a minifigure Rocky and Ryland Grace. Credit: Lego

Anyone else ugly cry over Rocky in the theater? Anyone else tempted to ugly cry over Lego Rocky? No. OK, well, this 830-piece replica of the ship from Project Hail Mary is also pretty sick, too.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Icons Project Hail Mary $99.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Ideas Orange Cat Probably a great way to freak out your real cat, tbh. Credit: Lego

Lego made a tuxedo cat, so naturally, they had to follow up with the creature that inspired the phrase "orange cat behavior" (iykyk). Unlike an actual orange cat, you'll have some level of control over this one, with the ability to adjust its eyes, ears, tail, paws, and even its facial expression.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Ideas Orange Cat $99.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Ideas Floating Sea Otter Impossible not to say aw when looking at this set. Credit: Lego

It's a Lego floating sea otter. It's cute as hell. It comes with a baby otter you can rest on its stomach. Somehow, the set gets even cuter. And it's almost a foot wide, so it's sure to be one of the better conversation starters in your space.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Ideas Floating Sea Otters $119.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Art Claude Monet Bridge over a Pond of Water Lilies This set is legitimate art. Credit: Lego

Of all the Lego sets I've added to this list, this Claude Monet one has tempted me the most. At 3,179 pieces and $249.99, it's an investment in more ways than one. Still, I can't help but remain impressed by how well the Lego style works with the impressionism of Monet, making this one of the more striking sets from the Art line, in my humble opinion.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Art Claude Monet Bridge over a Pond of Water Lilies $249.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Best new Lego sets as of February 2026Lego Disney Piglet's Birthday Fun Only the most iconic friends get made into Lego sets. Credit: Lego

Oh, bother! These sets are almost annoyingly cute. For a more affordable option, you can celebrate Piglet's birthday with him for $39.99. Of course, it'd also be tempting to pick up Pooh and his pot of Hunny — but it'll run you slightly more at $149.99. Both Piglet and Pooh are available for preorder immediately and will be officially released come March 1.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Disney Piglet's Birthday Fun $39.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Botanicals Magnolia Branches Tasteful flowers that never die? Say less. Credit: Lego

Lego has long been the savior for those of us without a green thumb, but even for the best gardeners out there, an indoor magnolia tree situation isn't exactly the most practical. Now, Lego has us covered with this new set that's an easy 435 pieces. Preorders are available now, and are set to be available starting March 1.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Botanicals Magnolia Branches $49.99 at Lego
  Pre-order Here Lego Icons The Lord of the Rings: Sauron's Helmet That's what I call a statement piece. Credit: Lego

One thing about Lego is that it's going to keep Lord of the Rings fans fed, but not exactly on the cheap. Out of the five LotR sets available, Sauron's Helmet is the only one less than $100, clocking in at $69.99. That lower price point isn't a sacrifice on size — the 538-piece set stands at over a foot tall, making it plenty viable as a statement piece.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego The Lord of the Rings: Sauron's Helmet $69.99 at Lego
  Pre-order Here Lego Botanicals Flower Wall The aptly-named Lego Flower Wall. Credit: Lego

Many of the Lego Botanicals sets can be arranged in a vase or as a table centerpiece, but it's less common to come across ones that can easily be hung on the wall. For a year-round pop of color, Lego introduced the Flower Wall — it's also the only set on our list that's available for purchase immediately (without a preorder period). At $89.99, it is one of the pricier Botanicals sets (though it's also one of the bigger ones). Still, if you're looking for a cheaper option, the new Sunflower Botanicals set is available for preorder now, with a release date of March 1.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Botanicals Flower Wall $89.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Editions Soccer Ball This Lego soccer ball does not come hollow. Credit: Lego

Maybe watching the Winter Olympics has got you hyped for the Summer Olympics in 2028, or maybe you're simply a big soccer fan. In either case, this Lego Soccer Ball set is sick. At first glance, it looks exactly what it sounds like — a plastic brickified version of the ball. Open it up, and you'll find a mini stadium in full-swing celebration.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Editions Soccer Ball $129.99 at Lego
  Pre-order Here Lego Icons Ford Model T No assembly line required for building. Credit: Lego

Lego has modeled a lot of iconic cars over the years, but it's possible there's no car more iconic than the very first mass-produced one — the Ford Model T. The 1,060-piece set gives you plenty of accessibility in exploring the car, from the liftable seat that reveals the gas tank, to the accessible engine under the hood, and the foldable fabric roof top. Fans can preorder the set now, with full availability coming March 1.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Icons Ford Model T $129.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Smart Play Star Wars sets Punch it, Chewie! Credit: Lego

Fan of the original trilogies? Whether your favorite setting is the Millennium Falcon, Endor (with its adorable Ewoks), Mos Eisley Cantina, Yoda's Hut, or Luke's landspeeder on Tatooine, Lego's newest batch of Smart Play sets has got you covered. The sets range in price, but all of them are available for preorder with a release date of March 1.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars Smart Play sets (5 sets) Starting at $39.99 Shop Now Best new Lego sets as of January 2026Lego Pokémon Lego Pikachu, we choose you. Credit: Lego

The first-ever Lego Pokémon release actually is made up of three sets, all of which are available for preorder and set to ship out on Feb. 27. Each exists in a different price tier: there's the adorable and affordable Eevee, which clocks in at $59.99 for a 587-piece set, the more involved Pikachu and Poké Ball with 2,050 pieces for $199.99, and finally the massive Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise set, which is a whopping $649.99 for 6,838 pieces.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Pokémon (3 sets) Ranging from $59.99 to $649.99, depending on the set Shop Now Lego Smart Play Star Wars sets Charge up your Smart Bricks before adding them to the set to add an extra element of interactivity. Credit: Lego

Lego's Smart Play system just debuted at CES 2026, and already, the first three sets from the line are available for preorder, with a ship date set for March 1.

The Smart Play system includes three elements — the Smart Brick, Smart Minifigure, and Smart Tag — which can all be found on the debut sets of Darth Vader's TIE Fighter, Luke's Red Five X-Wing, and the Throne Room Duel & A-Wing. Star Wars fans aren't just getting the debut of a new type of Lego, but they're also getting relative affordability (in Lego terms, at least): the former two sets are below $100, with the latter set costing $159.99, and coming with the greatest number of Smart Bricks, Smart Minifigs, and Smart Tags.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Smart Play Star Wars sets Ranging from $69.99 to $159.99, depending on the set Shop Now Lego Creator 3-in-1 Retro Gaming Console The gaming console can also be built into a computer or arcade machine. Credit: Lego

Can't quite swing the $60 Lego Game Boy? No problem. The 3-in-1 Retro Gaming Console delivers for just $19.99, offering the form of a handheld, computer, and arcade machine with its 268 pieces. For anyone who enjoys switching it up or prefers a low-key build, this might be the better option.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Creator 3-in-1 Retro Gaming Console $19.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Bugs Bunny A Lego set with the potential to absolutely ruin Elmer Fudd's day. Credit: Lego

It's buying a (Lego) rabbit season, folks. Though this set is just 605 pieces, it stands at a decent seven inches high, nine inches wide, and five inches deep. Bugs's personality can shine through with the adjustable head, ears, arms, wrists, and fingers.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Bugs Bunny $39.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Minecraft The Fox Find foxes in the taiga biome, or your living room. Credit: Lego

The days of Minecraft creatures existing solely behind a computer screen are gone, thanks to the Lego Minecraft line. The Fox set comes in at just $39.99, and is a relatively simple build with 497 pieces. Like Bugs, this set can be positioned and posed, and depending on the build, can have opened or closed eyes.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Minecraft The Fox $39.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Spring Wreath Ring in spring with a Lego wreath. Credit: Lego

Lego's holiday wreaths aren't just limited to the colder months. The straightforwardly-named Spring Wreath comes with 747 pieces and some decor options. One build of the set lets you go all-in on Easter theming, with a bunny head and eggs to adorn the wreath, while another aims for a classic spring look, with a yellow bow and flowers.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Spring Wreath $39.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Botanicals Peace Lily Behold: a peace lily that will never droop. Credit: Lego

Cat owners, rejoice! The latest Botanicals release means you can finally own a peace lily without worry that you're putting poison within paws' reach. Non-cat owners can also appreciate that this peace lily will permanently flower and look healthy (never in my life have I encountered a plant as dramatic as a peace lily). At $49.99 and just 474 pieces, this set is a great addition for more casual and dedicated Lego fans alike.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Botanicals Peace Lily $49.96 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Technic NASA Artemis Space Launch System Rocket Houston, we have a cool Lego set. Credit: Lego

Lego Icons released an Artemis launch set that goes for $249.99 and is currently on backorder. This Technics set, by contrast, is available for purchase and will ship immediately, and is a more stomachable $59.99. Sure, it's 632 pieces to the Icons' 3,601 pieces, but there's something to be said about affordability when nerding out over space.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Technic NASA Artemis Space Launch System Rocket $59.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Art Japanese Cherry Blossom Landscape Lego Art decor is the best kind of decor. Credit: Lego

The Lego Art line has produced some of the most coveted sets from the brand, from Van Gogh's Sunflowers to Hokusai's The Great Wave. These sets are a) stunning and b) hangable just like non-Lego art. On both fronts, the latest addition — the Japanese Cherry Blossom Landscape — is no exception. At $139.99 for 1,892 pieces, it's one of the less expensive and mid-size framed pieces from the line, but it certainly doesn't skimp on color and detail. Popular as it is, this set is currently on backorder, but will be shipped out on Feb. 1.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Art Japanese Cherry Blossom Landscape $139.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Icons Shopping Street Just have to pop around to the Lego shops. Credit: Lego

The Lego Modular Buildings collection just got a new addition in the form of the Lego Icons Shopping Street. This 3,456-piece set features a three-story building housing two floors of stores and a top-floor apartment, as well as a two-story music shop. You'll be able to adorn your shopping plaza with the seven included minifigures.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Icons Shopping Street $249.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Best new Lego sets as of December 2025Lego Creator 3-in-1 Space Exploration Telescope A tripod telescope is one of three available builds in this one set. Credit: Lego

What's just as cool as space? The fact that this 278-piece set can be built into three different configurations, including an adjustable telescope on a tripod, an adjustable microscope, or a UFO. It's the perfect set for the space enthusiast in your life, young or old, and best of all, it's just $34.99. Preorders ship out on January 1, 2026.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Creator 3-in-1 Space Exploration Telescope $34.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Fortune Firecracker Legos that serve as wall decor are elite. Credit: Lego

Lunar New Year isn't until February, but you can get prepared by pre-ordering this Lego Fortune Firecracker. The eight firecrackers "crackle" when they're moved, and the entire set can be mounted on the wall. The center can also be opened to reveal one of two scenes of your choice — a firework display or God of Fortune celebration scene. Preorders will ship out on January 1.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Fortune Firecracker $89.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Editions FIFA World Cup Official Trophy Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / Lego

In classic Lego style, this replica brings you more than meets the eye. The 2,842-piece set functions as a 14.5-inch brick version of the iconic World Cup trophy, but unlike the real deal, the top can also be opened to reveal a World Cup scene. The actual World Cup isn't until July of next year, but preorders for this set ship out on March 1, 2026.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Editions FIFA World Cup Official Trophy $199.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Ideas The Goonies The Goonies Legos 'R' Good Enough. Credit: Lego

The Goonies turned a whopping 40 years old this year — what better way to celebrate than building this nearly 3,000 piece set, featuring the iconic Inferno pirate ship housing vignettes from the film? And unlike the full-scale ship built for the movie, it won't be devastating if you want to scrap this one and build it all over again. At the time of writing, this set is on backorder, but should be ready to ship out (no pun intended) 60 days from purchase.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Ideas The Goonies $329.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Icons Star Trek: U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D Your living room: The Final Frontier. Credit: Lego

The crew of the Lego U.S.S. Enterprise may be used to more exciting voyages than the one to your office shelves or living room sideboard, but the Star Trek fans will probably appreciate being greeted by the display every single day.

SEE ALSO: How 'Star Trek: The Next Generation' ruled the internet

This Next Generation-themed 3,600-piece set comes with nine minifigures, a detachable command saucer, secondary hull, warp nacelles with distinctive red and blue detailing, an opening shuttlebay, 2 mini shuttlepods, and an angled display stand with a schematic and ship statistics. Also currently on backorder, it will ship out 60 days after purchase.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Icons Star Trek: U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D $399.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Icons Tropical Aquarium All the aquarium essentials are in this set, including a treasure chest. Credit: Lego

This set may be a whopping 4,154 pieces, but after the initial build, it'll be way less work to maintain a real aquarium. Plus, it even comes with knobs and levers so you can "move" the sea life inside, from a striped brickfish to sea anemones and, of course, a sunken treasure chest. This backordered set will ship out 60 days after purchase.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Icons Tropical Aquarium $479.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Best new Lego sets as of October 2025Lego Time Machine from Back to the Future Credit: Lego

It's relatively common to see Lego sets from popular IPs, but less so to see them at an under-$50 price point. This quaint 357-piece set is the perfect coffee table addition for Back to the Future fans. It's on preorder until its ship date of Jan. 1, 2026 (not 1955). This isn't the first time Marty McFly's DeLorean has been brickified, but this more-affordable set is part of the Lego Speed Champions line.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Time Machine from 'Back to the Future' $27.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Up-Scaled Santa Minifigure Why not get into the holiday spirit before the end of October? Credit: Lego

Not to pit sets against each other, but I wasn't wowed by the $330 Christmas Tree (and neither were reviewers on Lego's site so far). This oversized Santa minifig is a much more palatable $54.99, has the positive reviews to back it up, and stands at a nice 10.5-inches tall, making it a great addition for any holiday setup.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Up-Scaled Santa Minifigure $54.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Gingerbread AT-AT Walker Not pictured: the seasonally-appropriate snowy landscape of Hoth. Credit: Lego

Star Wars fans have another huge (literally) release lower down on this list, but for anyone looking to get into the holiday spirit while honoring their love of Star Wars lucked out with this Lego Gingerbread AT-AT Walker. It's just a bit smaller than the now-retired 1,267-piece AT-AT Lego originally released, but at 697 pieces and 7.5-inches tall, it's still plenty to ring in the holidays with.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Gingerbread AT-AT Walker $59.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Super Mario Game Boy The ultimate dose of nostalgia. Credit: Lego

I don't know if there's a combination of words more nostalgic than Lego Super Mario Game Boy. This set was announced for preorder in July, and as of Oct. 1, is finally available. As a small catch, it is on backorder for up to 60 days, so if you're looking to gift it to the gamer in your life this holiday season, I'd grab it sooner rather than later. The set comes with a customizable display and game paks, but if you want to play actual games on this Lego replica, you'll have to go the same path as this modder.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Super Mario Game Boy $59.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Ideas Mineral Collection For any Botanicals fans looking for something a little different, one of Lego Ideas newest releases has got you covered. Credit: Lego

They're (Lego) minerals, Marie. One of the latest releases from the Ideas line is an 880-piece set that allows you to create a nice display of Lego golden pyrite, purple amethyst, reddish-pink rhodochrosite, blue fluorite, watermelon tourmaline and tangerine quartz.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Ideas Mineral Collection $59.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Batman Logo This easy to display Batman set celebrates 20 years of Lego Batman. Credit: Lego

It may be hard to come by your own personal bat signal if you don't live in Gotham, but Lego made it easy with this Batman Logo set. The 678-piece set celebrates 20 years of Lego Batman, hence the golden Batman and anniversary coin. Also included is the display stand, supports for wall-mounting the piece, and a code to unlock a character in Lego Batman Legacy of the Dark Knight. As of now, it's only available for preorder, and will ship on March 1, 2026.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego 'Batman' Logo $79.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Wicked Emerald City & Kiamo Ko Castle One short day, in the Lego Emerald City. Credit: Lego

We're closing in on the release to the Wicked sequel. If you're looking to kill some time before the film's release, this relatively small (but adorable) 860-piece set will do the trick.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego 'Wicked' Emerald City & Kiamo Ko Castle $79.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Ideas Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory The snozzberries do in fact taste like snozzberries. Credit: Lego

Come with me, and you'll be, in a world of 2,205 plastic bricks that make up the iconic scenes from Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. This set comes with nine minifigures (you'll never guess who five of them are), along with depictions of the chocolate waterfall and Wonkatania boat.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Ideas Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory $219.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Icons Captain Jack Sparrow's Pirate Ship And yes, it does come equipped with a row of cannons. Credit: Lego

The enduring power of Pirates of the Caribbean's popularity can be found in two facts about this Lego set. One, it's part of the Icons series, meaning it joins the ranks of other iconic IPs. Two, it's on backorder for the next 60 days, so if you're wanting to get an impressive display piece sooner rather than later, I recommend adding it to your cart ASAP.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Icons Captain Jack Sparrow's Pirate Ship $379.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now Lego Star Wars Death Star This 9,023-piece set might rival the build time of the actual Death Star. Credit: Lego

Step aside, $850 Lego Millennium Falcon. The Lego Death Star hits a $999.99 price point, making it the most expensive Lego from the brand. While its price point has raised some eyebrows, this is one of the top ten biggest sets Lego's ever made, and the biggest Lego Star Wars set to date, clocking in at a whopping 9,023 pieces, including 36 minifigures and two droid figures.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego 'Star Wars' Death Star $999.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Best new Lego sets as of August 2025Lego Jack-O'-Lantern Pickup Truck The farmer figurine nails the balance of fear and excitement known by every Halloween fan. Credit: Lego

The correct day to start celebrating Halloween season is Sept. 1, but as someone who absolutely loves Halloween, I will allow Aug. 1. This quaint Jack-O'-Lantern set (with a pumpkin you can open!) nails the vibe for adorable Halloween bookshelf decor for under $20.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Jack-O'-Lantern Pickup Truck $14.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Arcade Machine The perfect desk accessory. Credit: Lego

What is the point of being a gamer if not collecting adorable accessories through which to channel your passion? I guess actually playing games, but when your eyes need a break from your screen, building this mini arcade machine could do. The 468-piece set opens up to a mini gaming room for the included minifigure.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Arcade Machine $39.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Halloween Wreath Credit: Lego

Between the bats, spiders, pumpkins, and ghosts, the only Halloween heavy hitter missing on this wreath is a skeleton (though it does feature bones). While this wouldn't be the best outdoor option, Lego's Halloween Wreath comes with a string for easy hanging in your home, making it a great option for getting in the spooky spirit.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Halloween Wreath $39.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego 'Mario Kart' Piranha Plant Power-Up Pursuit Switch 2 owners aren't the only ones who get to enjoy new Mario Kart content. Credit: Lego

Don't quite have the funds to get your hands on the new Mario Kart game just yet? This set requires no Switch 2 to enjoy, featuring Koopa Troopa, Toadette, the Tanooki Kart and Cat Cruiser, and of course, a piranha plant you can attach to either kart.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Mario Kart Piranha Plant Power-Up Pursuit $49.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Botanicals Mini Bonsai Trees Look at the serenity of these tiny Lego trees! Credit: Lego

Lego Botanicals fans: we did it. We finally got a set of bonsai trees that don't have any flowers or leaves actually made up of tiny pink frogs. (No shade to the frog fans, it's just a little unnerving for some of us!).

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Botanicals Mini Bonsai Trees $64.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Botanicals Hibiscus A perfect addition for a Lego Botanical garden. Credit: Lego

If there's a Lego Botanicals flower set that isn't gorgeous, I've yet to come across it, and the Hibiscus set is certainly no exception. The 660-piece life-size flower set comes with posable petals in a pretty lilac shade, making it an excellent accent piece.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Botanicals Hibiscus $69.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego One Piece Battle at Arlong Park Credit: Lego

The Arlong Park arc of One Piece is what some fans consider the real hook — no small feat considering the original anime is over 1,000 episodes long (and still ongoing). Luffy's rubber powers get a fun feature in the arm-lengthening pieces, and a tap to the top of the pagoda causes it to explode in a nod to the show's unforgettable fight scenes.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego 'One Piece' Battle at Arlong Park $79.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now Lego Nike Dunk x Lego Who knew a Lego sneaker would look this good? Credit: Lego

There's a Lego collab for everyone, including Nike and basketball fans. This 1,180 set comes with a couple of tricks up its sleeve (or down its shoe?), in the form of a storage compartment in the sneaker (where you can drop the minifig or extra shoe lace colors to swap later) and the ability to spin the basketball. That's a slam dunk of a fun set.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Nike Dunk x Lego $99.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Star Wars Wicket the Ewok What's more stunning decor, the Botanicals Hibiscus or Wicket the Ewok? Credit: Lego

Ewoks are the most adorable creature in the Star Wars universe, argue with the wall. While I think Lego could've made real magic with a life size Ewok set, this 1,010 piece that stands around nine inches tall is pretty adorable, too. And true to canon, he comes equipped with a spear and a little treat.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego 'Star Wars' Wicket the Ewok $129.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Marvel Spider-Man vs. Oscorp Display some of Spider-Man's most iconic heroes and villains in your living room. Credit: Lego

This Spider-Man set packs in the heavy hitters from the beloved series: Spider-Man, Miles Morales, Norman Osborn, the Green Goblin, and Venom — just to name a few of the minifigures found among the 808 pieces that make up this set. The city model features Miles Morales' apartment, the Oscorp building, and Venom's apartment, giving you plenty of opportunities for staging the perfect Spider-Man scene.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Marvel Spider-Man vs. Oscorp $139.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Icons Shelby Cobra 427 S/C From afar, this set almost doesn't look like Legos. Credit: Lego

Early buyers of the Shelby Cobra 427 S/C set are impressed: the attention to detail paid to the design makes the car look great from afar and up close. The working steering wheel is a nice touch, alongside Caroll Shelly's signature on the glovebox.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Icons Shelby Cobra 427 S/C $159.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Star Wars AT-ST Walker A room isn't complete without a good statement piece. Credit: Lego

If you missed out on the Lego AT-AT set before it was discontinued (and fair — it was $849.99), this AT-ST set is much more reasonably priced at $199.99, and it doesn't require quite as much shelf space, making it overall a much more practical option. And it's still just as iconic to the Star Wars universe.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars AT-ST Walker $199.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now Lego Architecture Neuschwanstein Castle From the Alps to your living room. Credit: Lego

Lego's architecture line depicts some of the most famous structures from around the globe, from Notre Dame in Paris to the Himeji Castle in Japan. For this latest release, Lego brings us to the impressive Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany. It requires you build through 3,455 pieces, but it looks like the view is well worth it.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Architecture Neuschwanstein Castle $279.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now Lego One Piece The Baratie Floating Restaurant Display this set on a repurposed trunk and you've got yourself a vibe. Credit: Lego

That's right — we have two iconic One Piece scenes on our list. With 3,402 pieces for building this set, you'll create the floating restaurant with detailed rooms where you can place 10 included characters and wanted posters.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego 'One Piece' The Baratie Floating Restaurant $329.99 at Amazon
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I was 14 when I saw Les Misérables on Broadway, and it blew my mind. The production, with its spinning stage and massive ensemble, expanded my understanding of what live theater could be. And in a Broadway season arguably overstuffed with stage interpretations of beloved movies, like Beaches, Dog Day Afternoon, The Rocky Horror Show, and Titanique, it was The Lost Boys: A New Musical that took me back to that feeling of being a child in awe of the magic of live theater.

Based on the grubby cult horror film from Joel Schumacher, this musical offers the familiar story of a family of three looking to start a new life in the beachside town of Santa Carla, California. There's just one obstacle to a single mom and her teen sons having a happy ending: a roving pack of motorcycle-riding teen vampires. 

The movie is a messy blend of bloody horror, earnest drama, goofball comedy, and camp — including an inexplicably buff, shirtless, and greased-up saxophone player. So, my expectations for the stage show were that it would be self-mocking, like the irreverent fun of the Celine Dion jukebox musical parody Titanique. However, The Lost Boys: A New Musical has more in common with Little Shop of Horrors, which gets name-dropped in a cheeky moment of self-awareness. 

The book by Chris Hoch and David Hornsby (Mythic Quest) fleshes out the narratives for all three family members, and the sexy mullet-sporting vampire named David. From there, the tonal shifts of the movie remain, but original songs from the band The Rescues help smooth the transition from one emotion to the next, so that each can hit with a rousing intensity. 

Make no mistake: The Lost Boys: A New Musical rocks. 

The Lost Boys: A New Musical is an astounding production.  Maria Wirries and LJ Benet play Star and Michael in "The Lost Boys: A New Musical." Credit: Matthew Murphy

Cheers to director Michael Arden (Queen of Versailles), who masterfully unfolds the world of Santa Clara one flashlight swipe at a time. 

As the audience files in, the view of the stage is blocked by an opaque black scrim. Then, "1987" is projected upon it in white light. The show begins with a stage so dark that we can see little of the set aside from a small, boxy television sitting downstage, playing footage of President Ronald Reagan bloviating on family values. A police officer enters from a doorway high up from the stage, indicating a second story to the setting. He is viewable only as a silhouette. He calls out into the dark, and his flashlight sweeps across the room, revealing details of a rusted factory's interior with each urgent movement. 

As our eyes adjust to the darkness, we see the cop is not alone. A stalking figure floats down from the rafters. This is David (Ali Louis Bourzgui), who appears with grace of an angel and the bloodlust of a demon. 

He descends on the cop and pulls him up into the sky, feeding on his neck high above the stage. Then the stage lights flash, and we are blinded. Just like that, the scene has changed. The scrim's projection light tells us we're in Phoenix, Arizona. Where there were moments before an abandoned factory and a fresh kill, there's now Michael Emerson (LJ Benet) revving his motorcycle. 

From here, we'll meet his nerdy younger brother, Sam (Benjamin Pajak), and his patient mom, Lucy (Shoshana Bean), as they hurriedly pack up to move away from an abusive father and husband. 

This is a smart change from the original film, which had the father as a non-entity. Here, he's the first monster this trio has faced, which they sing about in the show's first song, "No More Monsters." But this violent drunk also becomes a future possibility that Michael fears repeating. So as he gets pulled into David's blood-sucking gang, his fear is not just of becoming a vampire but of becoming a vicious brute like his dad. 

The book and music also beautifully build out Sam and Lucy. For the former, the musical leans into the queer undertones of the movie, making Sam's journey one of realizing a side of himself he'd been hesitant to recognize with "Superpower." For Lucy, she not only has a budding romance but also reflects on how her past as a hippie brought her back to her hometown in the rousing "Wild."

Shortly after the family arrives at Santa Clara, they each find their own pockets of its boardwalk life. Lucy meets Max (Paul Alexander Nolan) the friendly owner of the local video rental store. Sam tumbles into a comic book shop, where he meets the Frog brothers (Jennifer Duka and Miguel Gil), who warn him of the town's dark side as "Murder Capital of the World." 

Michael plunges into that dark side, led by a bohemian beauty named Star (Maria Wirries), who performs onstage with a leather-strapped rock band led by the seductive David. "Have to Have You," he croons with the thrilling sensuality of '80s hair bands, locking us to a time and mood that Kiefer Sutherland made intoxicating decades before. 

Ali Louis Bourzgui is spellbinding as The Lost Boys' David.  Ali Louis Bourzgui and Dean Maupin as David and Paul in "The Lost Boys: A New Musical." Credit: Matthew Murphy

Sporting black leather, a bleached blonde mullet, sharp fangs, and a sharper smile, Bourzgui oozes sex appeal and menace. There's a whiff of Kiefer in his approach, as he plays David as a vampire who clearly relishes his power. There's an edge of camp to his portrayal, as he endlessly poses, whether strutting on stage or flying high above it. 

This David is knowingly performative, projecting an image of killer cool and absolute freedom. But in private moments with Star — and later, Michael — an edge of his vulnerabilities creeps through the cracks, making him not softer but more volatile. (Echoes of The Vampire Lestat!) 

While Michael is undoubtedly the lead of The Lost Boys, Bourzgui is its star. Benet gives an earnest and angst-filled performance that brings rich depths to the tortured teen. But Bourzgui becomes more than an actor or a singer on that stage. He becomes a rock star, a magician, and a god.

The mesmerizing grace with which he flows from floor to ceiling, swimming through the air on wires as if he can truly fly, is breathtaking. I know there are wires there; sometimes I can even see them. But the effect is so sublime that I believe in David and his powers with utter abandon. 

When Bourzgui is on stage, it's hard to look away from him, his presence is so completely captivating. And his uncanny bravado helps ground the show's sillier scenes, pulled directly from the movie. 

You might assume the motorcycle race won't make it to the stage. And the scene where they drop from the train tracks? How do you do that in a theatrical production? The Lost Boys will show you how. 

The Lost Boys: A New Musical is better than Schumacher's movie.  Shoshana Bean is Lucy Emerson in "The Lost Boys: A New Musical." Credit: Matthew Murphy

A masterful employment of lights helps turn the stage into a bumpy, dark road, perfect for reckless racing. Fog machines and wires allow for a recreation of the train tracks scene that isn't remotely hokey, as it was in the movie. Instead, when Michael, who has fed on David's blood, dares to let go, his fall is transcendent, creating a live stunt that feels impossible even as you watch it. 

Arden's production marries light, sound, sets, and blocking to a miraculous effect, using not just the stage but the whole of that big box to tell this story to its fullest. The Lost Boys operates not only on the X and Z axis of the stage, but on Y as well, through the wire work and a three-story set design that constantly shifts with details and company. 

The supporting cast comes out as cheery surfers and roller skaters, seemingly plucked from Barbie. Then they resurface as studded punks, with sneers and safety pins. Next they're old-school vampires, comically draped in long capes, then superheroes in brightly colored unitards. Seamlessly, they switch roles in costume and physicality, building out the world of Santa Clara with every appearance. 

Arden thoughtfully places his cast in every scene, like a master illusionist. With the towering canvas at the Palace Theatre, he strategically uses blocking to draw our eye to one corner, where David is lit to glisten, his bared abs looking chiseled by marble in the pale blue light. Meanwhile, Michael is upstage, preparing for flight. When he takes off, your eyes snap to him, and the next stunt or jump scare is already in the works in another spot. 

Where Sam's arc builds out some Goonies-style fun with brave kids getting in over their heads, Michael and David's story becomes an increasingly terrifying adventure. Arden manages surprises and scares by how he throws David's voice around the theater. He uses darkness to allow for horrid surprise entrances, and pyrotechnics to make some of the flashiest slays really pop. The audience (myself included) shouted and cheered at such displays, as if we were at a rock show. And indeed, we are! 

Much as Alan Menken and Howard Ashman did with Roger Corman's Little Shop of Horrors, Hornsby, Hoch, The Rescues, and Arden have taken an odd horror movie and expanded it into a wildly entertaining, rich stage musical. The production design alone is worth the cost of admission. But Arden's cast brings breathtaking spirit to the show. 

Wirries belts out love ballads and the rousing "War" with an unfettered passion. Bean is a Broadway diva in full as she lets loose with "Wild." The supporting cast of Frogs and vamps (Brian Flores, Sean Grandillo, and Dean Maupin) radiates attitude for comic relief and stinging suspense, respectively. Nolan neatly handles the creepy nuance of Max, while Benet and Pajak burst forth as bickering brothers.

But above all, you won't want to miss Bourzgui as David. In originating the musical role on Broadway, he had big leather boots to fill, thanks to Kiefer Sutherland. Yet, he makes David his own with every smirk, threat, and song. His performance, paired with the ambitious and excellent production design, has me not only in awe, but also desperate to go again. 

The Lost Boys: A New Musical is now on Broadway. 

SAVE $500: The DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo is on sale for $1,099 at Amazon. That's $500 off the list price of $1,599.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo $1,099 at Amazon
$1,599 Save $500   Get Deal

What's going to happen to the drone market in 2026? Due to legislative pressure on DJI imports in the U.S., there is so much uncertainty at the moment. We expected stock issues by now, but we're actually seeing strong discounts on some of the best drones in the DJI range.

The DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo is on sale for $1,099 at Amazon. That's $500 off and close to the record-low price.

SEE ALSO: DJI launches the Mic Mini 2. But there's a catch.

The DJI Mini 5 Pro offers a huge 1-inch CMOS sensor, so whether you’re shooting 50MP stills or 4K/120fps slow-motion, the dynamic range more than delivers. The DJI Mini 5 Pro also makes use of forward-facing LiDAR that powers the new Nightscape Omnidirectional Sensing, meaning it can dodge branches, power lines, and buildings even when you don't have eyes on your drone.

This popular drone offers 42GB of internal storage, meaning you can actually capture a full session of 4K footage without needing an external card as backup. That can have a massive impact for content creators.

Save $500 on the DJI Mini 5 Pro this weekend.

TL;DR: Score the iPhone 17 for free when you switch to T-Mobile and bring your number on an Experience Beyond or Better Value plan.

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Earlier this year we got new iPhones, MacBooks, and iPads. That was quite a rush, but what are we all supposed to do until the next launch? We can't sit around and wait until the long-awaited foldable iPhone arrives in late 2026.

No, we should be using this time to scout the best deals on Apple's latest lineup.

And there's some good news for anyone looking to upgrade to the Apple iPhone 17: For a limited time, you can claim the iPhone 17 for free when you switch to T-Mobile and bring your number on an Experience Beyond or Better Value plan. You can also switch to almost any T-Mobile plan and get a free iPhone 17e. Neither of these offers requires a trade-in.

T-Mobile will charge taxes on these deals and a $35 device connection fee, but that's pretty much always the case with these "free" deals. It's a small price to pay for a brand-new mobile.

SEE ALSO: iOS 27 could finally bring AI photo-editing to your iPhone

The iPhone 17 is the first base model built to handle Apple’s most advanced AI features. In Mashable's review, Stan Schroeder said it's an "excellent phone that matches the iPhone Pro models in many ways that matter." Content creators will also be pleased to read that the camera is "almost as good as the one on the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max."

Score the Apple iPhone 17 for free with T-Mobile this weekend.

TL;DR: Upgrade your AI workflow with a lifetime subscription to 1min.AI’s Advanced Business Plan, now just $79.97 (reg. $540) until May 10.

Opens in a new window Credit: 1minAI 1min.AI Advanced Business Plan Lifetime Subscription $79.97
$540 Save $460.03   Get Deal

Most AI models spit out one answer. There’s one problem with this — you don’t know if it’s the best option unless you run it through multiple models, which takes a whole lot of time. That’s where 1min.AI shines, letting you put your prompt in one place and see answers from dozens of AI models.

Right now, you can streamline your AI workflow with a lifetime subscription to 1min.AI Advanced Business Plan for only $79.97 (reg. $540) through May 10.

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Imagine seeing results from dozens of popular AI models in one window, with no tab-hopping or copying and pasting required. That’s what 1min.AI offers — a one-stop-shop for all your AI needs.

With 1min.AI, you can see responses from major AI models like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Grok, Mistral, and more, all in one spot.

Compare them all and easily find the best answer. You can get help with coding, video editing, image generation, answering simple questions, and much more. Just always give things a human once-over, because edits might be required.

Not only does 1min.AI let you consolidate your AI workflow, but it also saves you money in the long run. This lifetime subscription allows you to pay once and avoid not only monthly subscription fees, but also the cost of accessing multiple models.

Your lifetime subscription to the 1min.AI Advanced Business Plan provides an unlimited prompt library, unlimited storage, unlimited brand voice options, and weekly updates. You’ll also receive 4 million credits a month.

Wondering what you can do with those credits? You can use them to write 1,112,500 words, research up to 5,933 SEO keywords, generate up to 1,186 images, or create up to 37 videos per month. If you need more, you can earn them for free by using the app, leaving a review, or referring your friends.

Lock in major savings with a lifetime subscription to 1min.AI’s Advanced Business Plan for only $79.97 through May 10.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Bring home this Apple MacBook Pro for only $429.97 (reg. $1,999) now through May 10, while supplies last.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Macbook Pro 2020 (Refurbished) $429.97
$1,999 Save $1,569.03   Get Deal

If you’re in the market for a premium laptop, but you don’t exactly have the budget to match, you may want to act fast on this next deal. Right now, a MacBook Pro, Apple’s most powerful and portable device, can be yours for just $429.97 (reg. $1,999) until May 10.

When your workload doesn’t slow down, the MacBook Pro is ready to keep up. This Apple device is known for its seamless performance and incredible power, and this model delivers all that and more for a fraction of the usual price.

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Equipped with a 10th Gen Intel Core i5 processor and 2GHz base speed, this MacBook can handle all your multitasking needs. And if you require a little extra power, it also has Turbo Boost up to 3.8GHz.

If you do a lot of video editing or coding, you can take advantage of the 16GB of RAM. You’ll also have 1TB of SSD storage to work with, so you can save important files locally and download your favorite apps with plenty of space to spare.

This MacBook Pro has a 13.3-inch Retina Display that offers bright colors and stunning detail in 2560×1600 native resolution. You’ll also enjoy enhanced visuals thanks to Intel Iris Plus Graphics.

Your eyes will appreciate True Tone Technology, Apple’s signature feature that adjusts your screen to improve visibility and reduce eye strain. This MacBook Pro also has a Magic Keyboard with a Touch Bar, so you can type comfortably with quick access to shortcuts at the top.

This model also boasts a 10-hour battery life on a full charge, and there are four Thunderbolt 3 USB-C ports for easy connectivity.

You’re saving over $1,500 on this device thanks to its Grade A refurbished rating. That means it will arrive in near-mint condition, with minimal to no scuffing, while you snag the deep discount.

Act fast to get your own Apple MacBook Pro for $429.97 while supplies last.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Microsoft Office 2024 Home and Business includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote with a one-time license, now $99.97 (reg. $249.99).

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$249.99 Save $160.02   Get Deal

There’s a good chance you use Microsoft Office more often than you realize — possibly more than some of your go-to apps. There’s also a good chance you’ve been paying for it just as consistently. This Microsoft Office 2024 Home and Business lifetime license offers a one-time alternative, now on sale for $99.97 (reg. $249.99).

For a set of apps you open this frequently, paying month after month can start to feel a bit unnecessary — especially when a one-time license is an option. This version includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote, which covers most of what people actually use on a day-to-day basis. It doesn’t come with Teams, but it does integrate with it, so you can still jump into chats, share files, and sit through meetings as needed.

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Office 2024 doesn’t offer drastic differences, but instead builds on what’s already familiar with some useful upgrades along the way. Performance has been improved, particularly in Excel, where handling large datasets and multiple workbooks feels smoother. PowerPoint now supports recording presentations with voice narration and video, including live camera input, which can be useful for remote work or presentations.

Word also gets a few AI-assisted features, like suggestions for completing sentences and generating content based on context. Across the suite, AI tools can help with formatting, summarizing text, translating content, and pulling out key information.

All in all, this bundle offers the same set of tools most people are familiar with, just with a few updates that make everyday tasks a bit easier.

Originally $249.99, you can get Microsoft Office 2024 Home and Business for Mac or PC for $99.97 for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

So, you want to explore kink but you're not sure where to begin. Finding a dating app that's kink-friendly and full of likeminded kinksters is hugely important, and regular dating apps might not cut it on that front. So, how do you find your people?

Perhaps you have a foot fetish, or you're into spanking or BDSM. Maybe you have no idea what you might be into but want to find a safe, non-judgmental space to explore your options and go on a journey of sexual self-discovery. 

Well, we've got good news for you: thanks to the magic of the internet, there are at least two places purpose-built for you to let your freak flag fly: AdultFriendFinder and FetLife. Spend even a few minutes on either site and you'll see they have a lot in common, from the abundance of nudity to the kink-friendly design of the interface and search functions. 

Another major point of commonality between the two sites is the user demographics. Though both skew male, the major standout difference is age — the average user on FetLife in 25 and AdultFriendFinder users tend to be in their 30s. That having been said, both sites boast a very wide range of genders, sexual orientations, ages, and kink communities, so it's safe to say there's something for everyone here. 

But while both sites are designed to accommodate sex-positive communities, they don't operate in the same way, and you may find one suits your needs and goals better than the other. Here are the major differences in how AFF and FetLife cater to kinksters:

Opens in a new window Credit: AdultFriendFinder AdultFriendFinder   Learn More Opens in a new window Credit: FetLife FetLife   Learn More Where AdultFriendFinder excelsFaster connections

FetLife is great and very popular, but it also takes time to build a following, earn credibility, and be taken seriously on the site. In fact, while you can message strangers, the culture of the site discourages it, and it's common for unsolicited messages to go ignored. On AdultFriendFinder, on the other hand, the opposite rule reigns. In fact, it's much more like a traditional dating site, in the sense that connecting with strangers online is closer to the site's purpose, whereas FetLife is more of a social media website for building local kink communities. 

And in addition to the one-on-one aspect, AdultFriendFinder also hosts live webcam shows and community discussion forums, offering users multiple different ways to connect and connect quickly.  

Better site interface

This one might be controversial, since the AFF site is notoriously dated, but FetLife's interface is downright confusing, a mix between Facebook and Instagram, with much more limited search functionality. While both sites will allow you to search by specific kinks (and both sites offer exhaustive lists of kink options), the search functionality and filter options on AdultFriendFinder are more comprehensive and more user-friendly.

This isn't an accident, by the way. FetLife deliberately disables search by age, gender and sexual orientation because, in their words, they are "a social network and not a dating site."

Live shows

FetLife allows users to host videos, but it doesn't have a dedicated, live webcam service. Some users do offer that, of course, but they do so on third-party sites, and usually behind a paywall. AFF, on the other hand, makes live streaming a significant part of their community experience, and allows you to search through the webcam shows based on the location of the streamer or the interest/topic of the show, which often revolves around a specific kink. 

SEE ALSO: 4 tips for using hookup apps discretely — advice for Feeld, Tinder, AdultFriendFinder, and Grindr

In other words, if you're content to watch, AFF delivers some excellent, kink-centric live action, and much of it is accessible without upgrading to a paid subscription.

Where FetLife excelsFree accounts have more freedom

The most noticeable difference between FetLife and AFF is how much more freedom is afforded to non-paying accounts. On AdultFriendFinder, profiles are locked behind a paywall, so only paying members can read bios, scroll through photos, or see a comprehensive list of kinks. FetLife, on the other hand, operates more like Instagram for kinksters, delivering large photos, comprehensive bios, and even a web of connections comparable to what you might see on Facebook, from friends and romantic partners to subs, doms and mentors, if applicable. 

Even more important, free FetLife users can contact each other in one-on-one messages without having to give up their credit card information, which definitely makes it easier to establish a personal connection.

One major limitation of free accounts is that they're prevented from watching videos, and because raunchy videos are a mainstay of many profiles, this is definitely a hindrance, but not an especially annoying one. 

The site promotes in-person events

Perhaps the biggest benefit of FetLife over AdultFriendFinder is the former is much more focused on real-life connections, whereas AdultFriendFinder seems content to let people play in the virtual world. 

The Events tab at the top of the FetLife banner allows you to see, at a glance, all of the nearby, kink-friendly events, from informal meet-and-greets to full-on costume and masquerade balls. Best of all, you can filter by sub-type (Party, Educational, Social, Conference/Festival, Sex Party) or just look for events that your FetLife friends are attending.

SEE ALSO: Hinge's latest feature makes date planning a little easier

These in-person events are such an important part of the FetLife experience, even when they're not officially affiliated with the website, that they should be considered integral to the site itself. In fact, it's pretty common to see people indicate, in their profiles, that they won't message or "friend" anyone that they haven't already met at an IRL event. 

Kink discovery

Because of its community emphasis and dedication to exploring sexuality in a safe, consensual and informed way, FetLife offers users not only the means to connect with others but also to better connect with themselves. There's the community-sourced Kinktionary, for example, a Wiki-like resource covering topical aspects of human sexuality from the ins and outs of gay culture to a comprehensive list of sex toys and their uses, as well as dedicated groups to not only explore kinks but also introduce people to the BDSM lifestyle (we recommend you check out the Novices & Newbies section if you're a first-time visitor). 

AdultFriendFinder isn't totally without these resources, but they're not as user-friendly or as accessible to total newcomers to the world of kink.

The bottom line

Both AFF and FetLife are premier destinations for internet kinksters, and you can't really go wrong with either. Both sites have large user bases, comprehensive kink-based spaces, and the kind of non-judgmental atmosphere that makes it easy to let loose.

That having been said, if you're looking for the fastest possible connection or are content to confine your kink to the digital world for the time being, AdultFriendFinder does a better job connecting people quickly. If, on the other hand, you want to integrate into your local kink community and maybe discover the underground nightclubs and VIP parties reserved only for the naughtiest of the naughty, FetLife will do right by you.

By trading wheels for helicopter blades, NASA is upping its game for the Dragonfly mission, a flying machine intended to explore Titan, an icy moon of Saturn. 

The team has started assembling the honeycomb panels for the aircraft's main body, completed a series of drop tests on the parachute system, and demonstrated that its compact chemistry lab can pick out tiny amounts of target molecules in test samples.

This NASA robot, expected to launch as early as 2028, is no space orbiter. Dragonfly will be an SUV-size, eight-rotor aircraft, designed specifically to navigate the hazy orange skies of Titan, a world larger than the planet Mercury. It will explore the alien landscape much like NASA's fleet of rovers, except Dragonfly will have a much faster way of getting from Point A to B. In the words of Back to the Future's Doc Brown: "Roads? Where we're going, we don't need roads." 

Titan, about 886 million miles from Earth, is the only moon in the solar system with a substantial atmosphere. But Titan's air is thick — about 1.5 times the pressure at Earth's sea level and roughly three times as dense, said Charles Malespin, who leads the team that built the hardware for analyzing Titan's samples. Because it is so cold in this alien world, gases like methane become liquids, and the atmosphere turns into a heavy blanket. Meanwhile, the moon has just one-seventh Earth's gravity.  

"That's why an octocopter is primed for that, because you could fly very easily through it," Malespin said. "We could cover a huge amount of terrain and explore a much larger area."

SEE ALSO: Mars did have complex carbon. A NASA rover found its hiding place.

Scientists see Titan as a kind of time machine for understanding how life begins. Its methane‑rich atmosphere constantly produces complex organic molecules that dust the icy surface, creating dunes and deposits of carbon‑based material. On early Earth, similar chemistry may have helped make the building blocks of life, but our planet's surface has since changed dramatically because of life and geology. 

Titan, by contrast, stays frozen and preserves that chemistry. By flying from dune fields to an ancient crater where water and organics could have mixed, researchers hope Dragonfly will allow them to study how simple ingredients evolve into more complex molecules. 

"There was a melt pool that may have lasted up to about 1,000 years. That is a lot of time for chemistry to happen between the organics that are depositing in it and the water," said Melissa Trainer, a planetary scientist and the lead for Dragonfly's DraMS instrument, a quasi-acronym for its mass spectrometer. "Who knows what we could make in a 1,000-year chemistry experiment?"

For a handful of reporters at Goddard Space Flight Center in April, NASA walked through how the $3.35 billion mission will drill into Titan's rock-hard ice, analyze samples with its built‑in chemistry lab, and then lift off again to explore a new spot. The device will use a carousel of 40 sample cups, tiny ovens, and a laser to study the Saturn moon's plentiful organic material.

It's the opposite of what the tiny drone Ingenuity, which went kaput two years ago, faced on Mars. There, the air is about 100 times thinner than Earth's. To lift itself, Ingenuity needed very long blades and a featherweight body, leaving hardly any wiggle room to carry instruments.

But for Dragonfly, engineers can exploit its larger body to stuff it full of tools. 

"If you had cardboard wings, you could fly just by pushing because the atmosphere is pretty much so thick there," Malespin said. 

NASA Dragonfly team members begin integrating the sample carousel into the DraMS mass spectrometer instrument. Credit: NASA / Mike Guinto

Mobility is the other key reason NASA built Dragonfly as an aircraft. Rovers like Curiosity and Perseverance on Mars move slowly, perhaps half a football field in a day. Dragonfly, on the other hand, could traverse miles.

Researchers will use the mission's measurements collected over three years to study prebiotic chemistry, the steps that occur on the way to making life. They are looking for familiar building blocks, such as amino acids, nucleobases, and fatty acids.

But one limitation for the mission is that Dragonfly can't explore Titan's lakes or seas of liquid methane and ethane at the north pole. Instead, the robot is built to explore an equatorial region of dunes. That's fine with the team, said deputy project scientist Shannon MacKenzie, because some of the materials scientists are looking for on Titan don't dissolve well in liquids anyway. 

"We want to go to the sand," MacKenzie said. "Those organic sand particles are probably the end result of a lot more of that chemistry than what we would be able to slurp up out of the lakes."

Awaiting those detections will take a great deal of patience for the team. The journey alone to get to Titan in the outer solar system will take nearly seven years.