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Home security systems are expensive and often come with ongoing costs, but smart home technology has never been more affordable or accessible. Though pricey alarm systems still have their place, I figured I could use sensors and automations to throw something together on the cheap.

Emily Blunt isn't just a run-of-the-mill guest on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, because The Smashing Machine star and the host are actually old friends. Blunt and her husband John Krasinski used to live opposite the Kimmels, and the families have even been on vacation together.

In the clip above, Blunt brings up a memorable moment from one of those holidays, where Kimmel battled sea sickness on a fishing trip — a memory that was perfectly captured in a haunting photo taken by Kimmel's wife Molly.

"I do remember you were still valiantly trying to fish in that state," says Blunt after the photo has been shown. "So you'd go and collapse, and then someone would yell, 'Fish on!' and you'd sort of slither out there, try to catch one and then sort of slither back and collapse again."

We're into October, which means that the Orionid meteor shower—one of the few astronomical displays that can be reliably observed in both hemispheres—is happening right now. It offers many bright, fast meteors with long-lasting trains, so you won't want to miss it.

The NYT Connections puzzle today shouldn't be hard to solve if you're a pet owner.

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

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's 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?

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

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

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

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

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

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: NYT Pips hints, answers for September 2, 2025 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Said to a pet

• Green: Equitable

• Blue: Positioned

• Purple: Popular kids' movies

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

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

• Yellow: Dog commands

• Green: Deserved

• Blue: Situated

• Purple: Best animated feature Oscar winners

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 #844 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Dog commands: COME, DOWN, HEEL, STAY

• Deserved: DUE, FAIR, JUST, RIGHT

• Situated: LEFT, PLACED, PUT, SET

• Best animated feature Oscar winners: BRAVE, FLOW, FROZEN, UP

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for September 29, 2025

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

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 today's Connections.

Today's NYT Strands hints could be easily damaged.

Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

Today's NYT Strands puzzle should be easy to solve, provided that you're extremely careful.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for September 29, 2025 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for September 29, 2025 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: The slightest touch...

The words are related to airiness.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe flimsy things.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Handle With Care.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for October 2

• Fragile

• Delicate

• Dainty

• Handle With Care

• Gossamer

• Wispy

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and 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 today's Strands.

Today's Wordle answer is difficult to measure in terms of difficulty, but perhaps can be measured in other ways.

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

Today's NYT Wordle puzzle shouldn't be difficult to solve if you're good with measurements.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for September 29, 2025 Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for September 29, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

An object's thickness.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter W.

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

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

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

WIDTH

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for September 2, 2025

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

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 today's Wordle.

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will challenge your knowledge of a popular winter sport.

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. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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

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

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

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

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: Seeing ghosts

• Green: Needs these for a new contract

• Blue: Ballparks

• Purple: Could be a QB

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

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

• Yellow: Game wear

• Green: Said during curling

• Blue: Boys of summer

• Purple: New shoes/places

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 #374 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Game wear - JERSEY, KIT, SWEATER, UNIFORM

• Said during curling - BONSPIEL, BROOM, SHEET, STONE

• Boys of summer - BETTS, FREEMAN, PAGES, SNELL

• New shoes/places - BALANCE, ENGLAND, ORLEANS, YORK

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 today's Connections.

Happy Thursday and welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalogue.

Today's games feature difficulty levels that dial up the challenge quickly, but we have all the tips you need to navigate them.

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

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

How to play Pips

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for October 1, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for October 1, 2025 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Oct. 2 Pips

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

Not Equal: Everything in this space must be different. The answer is 0-2, placed horizontally; 4-2, placed horizontally; 5-1, placed vertically.

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

Equal (3): Everything in this green space must be equal to 3. The answer is 3-3, placed horizontally.

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

Number (12): Everything in this space must add to 12. The answer is 1-6, placed horizontally.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for Oct. 2 Pips

Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 5-3, placed horizontally.

Not Equal: Everything in this space must be different. The answer is 5-3, placed horizontally; 0-2, placed vertically; 4-1, placed horizontally.

Number (1): Everything in this space must add to 1. The answer is 4-1, placed horizontally.

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

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

Hard difficulty hints, answers for Oct. 2 Pips

Number (4): Everything in this space must add to 4. The answer is 4-3, placed horizontally.

Number (3): Everything in this orange space must add to 3. The answer is 1-2, placed vertically; 5-2, placed vertically.

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

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

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 2-3, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 4-5, placed vertically.

Equal (5): Everything in this red space must be equal to 5. The answer is 5-2, placed vertically; 4-5, placed vertically; 5-5, placed vertically.

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

Less Than (3): Everything in this purple space must be less than 3. The answer is 4-2, placed vertically.

Equal (3): Everything in this red space must be equal to 3. The answer is 2-3, placed horizontally; 3-3, placed vertically; 3-1, placed horizontally.

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

Number (1): Everything in this dark blue space must add to 1. The answer is 0-0, placed vertically; 1-1, placed vertically.

Number (1): Everything in this purple space must add to 1. The answer is 1-1, placed vertically.

Number (12): Everything in this space must add to 12. The answer is 4-6, placed vertically; 6-1, placed horizontally.

Less Than (2): Everything in this purple space must be less than 2. The answer is 3-2, placed horizontally.

Less Than (4): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 6-1, placed horizontally.

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

SAVE $40: As of Oct. 2, the Fire TV Cube is on sale at Amazon for $99.99. This is 29%, or $40, off its list price of $139.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Cube $99.99 at Amazon
$139.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal

There have been some great discounts already popping up on Amazon's own devices before its October Prime Day sale event kicks off. If you've had the company's streaming devices on your radar to buy, quite a few are on sale right now. This includes the Fire TV Cube, which has dropped below $100 ahead of Prime Big Deal Days.

The Fire TV Cube is currently on sale for $99.99 at Amazon, a 29% price drop from its retail price of $139.99. This is a worthwhile discount to jump on before the official sale event kicks off next week on Oct. 7, and the device itself is a worthy pick-up for those looking for a streaming device upgrade.

SEE ALSO: How to sign up for Amazon Prime ahead of Prime Big Deal Days

If you want to make sure you get a high-quality picture to enjoy what's available on streaming services, the Fire TV Cube supports 4K Ultra HD resolution alongside supporting Dolby Vision and HDR so you can take in every pop of color and detail that comes across your screen. It also supports Dolby Atmos audio, so you can feel fully immersed with excellent sound quality, too.

And with Wi-Fi 6E support, you'll get smooth streaming quality as well to enjoy your favorite shows and movies. A deal like this may not last long, though, so grab the Fire TV Cube for $99.99 while it's still available at Amazon.

There are plenty more early Prime Big Deal Days discounts to check out right now, too. Have a look at our roundup of 30+ early deals to shop now to see what else is available.

SAVE $50: As of Oct. 2, the Garmin Lily 2 Active is on sale at Amazon for $249.99 ahead of Prime Big Deal Days. This is 17%, or $50, off its list price of $299.99 and a return to its best price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin Lily 2 Active $249.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $50 Get Deal

The Prime Big Deal Days sale event may not start until Oct. 7 at Amazon, but lucky shoppers can already score some sweet early deals at the retailer. Already there's a wide variety of items available to shop through, including some smartwatch and fitness tracker deals. For those looking to pick one up to stay on top of their health and fitness goals, the sleek Garmin Lily 2 Active is discounted at Amazon right now.

Normally the Garmin Lily 2 Active comes with a retail price of $299.99, but right now it's available for $249.99. This 17% discount also marks a return to its lowest-ever price, according to price tracker camelcamelcamel, so it's worth it to jump on now while the deal is still live.

SEE ALSO: How to sign up for Amazon Prime ahead of Prime Big Deal Days

If you don't want to have a bulky smartwatch or fitness tracker on your wrist, the Garmin Lily 2 Active offers a bit more of a stylish design for wearing around. With up to nine days of battery life, it also comes with plenty of features to help you out throughout the day, including a sleep score, respiration tracking, all-day stress tracking, heart rate monitoring, and more.

For active individuals, it even has step counting, details on calories burned, intensity minutes, and a built-in GPS so you can stay on top of your fitness goals. This deal may not last long, though, so be quick to pick up the Garmin Lily 2 Active back at its best price at Amazon.

Looking for even more early Prime Big Deal Days deals to check out? Have a look at our breakdown of 30+ early deals to shop now to see even more discounts available at Amazon.

SAVE $705: As of Oct. 2, the Ecovacs Deebot T30S is on sale for $394.99. That's a 64% savings on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ecovacs Ecovacs Deebot T30S $394.99 at Amazon
$1,099.99 Save $705 Get Deal

Prime Day is a great excuse to purchase the big-ticket items you've been thinking about for months. And if a robot vacuum is something you've been considering for a while, this early Prime Day deal is the one to convince you.

As of Oct.2, the Ecovacs Deebot T30S is currently reduced by a whopping $705. That's a savings of 64%, and it's lowest-ever price.

And this robot vacuum really takes cleaning to a whole other level. It has an 11,000Pa suction power that ensures all carpets and floors are completely spotless. It mops too, and thanks to TruEdge mopping, it gets right into corners with 1mm precision, so there won't be any awkward corners left uncleaned.

Hair tangles are no problem either, so don't worry if you have pets. The ZeroTangle tech keeps the brush clear and maintenance low. Another bonus for pet owners, it has real-time video and capabilities. So if you're away from home, just use your robot vacuum to check in on your furry friend.

Navigation is a breeze, too. This model has AIVI 3D obstacle avoidance and TrueMapping 2.0 navigation, so it cleans efficiently without getting stuck or bumping into furniture. You can even control it easily with just your voice, Apple Watch, smartphone widgets, or Alexa.

The 6,400mAh battery means you'll get up to 180 minutes of cleaning in one go. When it runs out of battery, it will redock and charge itself before picking back up where you left off.

Get this great robot vacuum deal from Amazon now.

SAVE $100: As of Oct. 2, the Garmin Instinct is on sale for $199.99 at Amazon. That's a 33% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin Instinct $199.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $100 Get Deal

There are some fantastic early Prime Day deals already live at Amazon, and the latest to catch our eye is this discount on the Garmin Instinct. Currently priced at $199.99 (as of Oct. 2), this fitness tracker is now at its lowest-ever price. That, plus a $100 discount, sounds like a win to us. This price is for the Instinct E model with the 45mm screen.

This is a stellar fitness tracker, especially for endurance athletes. And it can cope with just about anything. It's water-rated to 10 ATM and tough enough to handle heat, shock, and just about anything else thanks to MIL-STD-810 engineering.

Stats-wise, this watch gives a deep look at your health with wrist-based heart rate, advanced sleep tracking, and Pulse Ox features. For the outdoors, it’s got a 3-axis compass, barometric altimeter, and multi-GNSS support to help you navigate with confidence. Ideal for trail runners, hikers, or anyone who likes to explore remotely.

Like most Garmin watches, when connected to your phone, you can get wrist notifications, calls, and messages.

Get this Garmin deal from the Amazon website now.

SAVE $80: As of Oct. 2, the Fire TV 2 Series is on sale for $169.99 at Amazon. That's a 32% savings on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Fire TV 2 Series $169.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $80 Get Deal

TV deals are just some of the great bargains we can expect to see as Prime Big Deal Days officially kicks off Oct. 7. But if you're in need of an upgrade sooner rather than later, you don't need to wait for the official event; Amazon has already dropped an early Prime Day discount on the Fire TV 2 Series.

As of Oct. 2, you can save $80 at the new price of $169.99. This is for the 40-inch model without an additional protection plan. Not only is this a great early deal, but it's also the cheapest this TV has been all year.

This TV gives you a sharp HD 1080p picture with HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Digital Audio, so movies and shows are super high quality. It has Fire TV built in, which means you’ve got all your streaming apps in one place and easily accessible. If you have more than one Fire TV in your home, you can also benefit from seamless connection. Move from room to room and pick up right where you left off.

And like most Amazon products, this TV has Alexa built in. Just hold the button on the remote and ask Alexa to find a show, check sports scores, or even manage your smart home devices.

Get this great TV deal from the Amazon website now.

Something odd has happened to Apple’s iPhone lineup. For years, the company’s “Pro” iPhones were not only the most capable phones bearing an Apple logo, but also the most desirable.

Now, with the introduction of iPhone Air, the iPhone 17 Pro Max feels different. It’s still the best phone Apple sells, and possibly the best phone you can buy, period. But the iPhone Air’s slim profile and feather-light weight have, in a way, exposed the iPhone 17 Pro Max as the pickup truck you use for work, rather than the sports car Apple wants it to be. (And like your work truck, it's also prone to scratching.)

I’ve spent about a week with the new iPhone 17 Pro Max (Apple also sent me the iPhone 17 Pro, but I'm still fully testing that one), and I was thrilled with the phone’s long battery life, excellent cameras, and, simply, the fact that this is the iPhone that has it all. It’s the right phone for me, the tech nerd. But I can’t escape the fact that the iPhone Air is, well, prettier.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max: Price and specs Is it me, or should the Apple logo be a little higher? Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

The new Apple iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max have a new chip, larger battery, improved cameras, and more storage — a pretty thorough set of improvements across the board. The difference between the two phones are only in size, weight, and battery life, which is rated as lasting roughly 20% longer on the Pro Max. Oh, and you can only get the iPhone 17 Pro Max with 2TB of storage space; the iPhone 17 Pro only goes up to 1TB.

Here are the key specs for the iPhone 17 Pro Max:

• Display: 6.9-inch, Super Retina XDR display with 120Hz refresh rate

• Design: Aluminum unibody with Ceramic Shield on front and back

• Rear cameras: 48 megapixel triple rear camera array with 8x optical-quality zoom

• Front camera: 18-megapixel selfie camera

• Processor: Apple A19 Pro chip with a 6-core CPU, 6-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine

• Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB

• Battery life: Up to 39 hours of video playback (33 hours for the iPhone 17 Pro)

• Fast charging: Up to 50 percent of charge in 20 minutes with a 40W adapter or higher

• Software: iOS 26

• Special features: 3,000 nit brightness, vapor chamber cooling system

As for the price, I don't have a lot of good news. The iPhone 17 Pro starts at $1,099, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max starts at $1,199, both a hundred bucks more than last year's Pro models. At least the Pro now starts with 256GB of storage instead of only 128GB.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max: Design and display Apple's wallpapers game hasn't been great lately, but iOS 26 offers deep customization options, so you can create your own perfect look. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

The new Pro models have an entirely new design compared to the previous models. The body is made of aluminum instead of titanium, forgoing some glamour but shedding weight and improving thermal conductivity. The edges of the phone are now pleasantly soft to the touch, and the side buttons are all in the right place, except for the Camera Control button, which I kept pressing by accident until I fully disabled it from the Settings (the Camera Control button was introduced with the previous model; I didn’t like it then, either).

The three-piece camera system is now placed on an elongated plateau on the back, with a rectangular surface area below, which has a slightly lighter color than the rest of the phone.

The TechWoven case has a techy look that fits the new Pro models well. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

The way this all ties together depends a lot on the color. The funky orange is an eye-catcher, and it fits the new design well, even giving it a sort of a heavy machinery feel. Apple sent me a Pro Max in Deep Blue, and the Pro in Silver, and I’m not crazy about either. The Silver accentuates the lighter surface area on the back too much, and it looks like something should be there but isn’t. Deep Blue is more subdued and quite nice in itself, but I still didn’t mind placing it in the new TechWoven case which covers the odd rectangle on the back.

A quick word on TechWoven: I like it. It feels like a more robust take on FineWoven and that’s exactly what was required, given FineWoven’s propensity to wear down rapidly after a few months of use. The aesthetic fits the Pro models, though it’s not ideal for the gentle figure of the iPhone Air. There’s a reason why a lot of people choose the green TechWoven case with the orange iPhone 17 Pro; it looks like something that came out of a video game.

A word of warning: As many users have noticed, the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro max are prone to scratching, so don't forget to invest in an iPhone 17 Pro Max case.

I'm not crazy about the Camera Control button, but I dig the smooth edges and overall feel of the aluminum body. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

The 6.9-inch display hasn’t changed much from the previous generation, but it’s now more resistant to cracks and scratches, thanks to the new Ceramic Shield 2. It also has higher peak brightness (3,000 vs. 2,000 nits on the previous model) and anti-reflective coating, which do make a noticeable difference in sunlight.

No matter what you think of the design, there’s no question that the iPhone 17 Pro Max is a big, heavy phone (this is particularly apparent if you’ve ever held the iPhone Air). With the TechWoven case on and my Apple Wallet magnetically attached to the back, this thing is a unit. While I do think a case is a good idea, I’ll probably ditch it try my luck without it, because the added heft was just too much for me.

The iPhone 17 Pro phones look like brutes next to the elegant iPhone Air. Credit: CNET Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max: Performance and AI

My daily driver prior to switching to the 17 Pro Max was Apple’s “affordable” model, the iPhone 16e. Even though these phones are separated by just one generation of Apple silicon, the iPhone 17 Pro Max felt a lot faster and a lot smoother, thanks to the new, A19 chip inside, and the 120Hz ProMotion display. The battery lasted longer, the cameras were vastly better; frankly, it was night and day. Don’t let anyone tell you that phones don’t improve much these days; it’s not true.

You can spec the Pro with up to 2TB of storage, which I think makes sense exclusively for video creators. I’ve tested the variant with 1TB, but I could easily make do with half as much.

Unsurprisingly, GeekBench results place this phone at the top of the heap. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

When Apple introduced iOS 26 and its new Liquid Glass user interface, I installed the first developer beta and was instantly worried that this new look slows down the phone too much. I’m happy to say that Apple managed to polish this to the point that I’ve experienced no obvious slowdowns with the latest version of iOS 26 installed on the iPhone 17 Pro Max. I love the look, and I love the fact that you can customize it to be as “liquidy” as you prefer. Even when I turned on all of the visual pizzaz, the phone was still very fast.

Everyday tasks such as texting, browsing, and watching videos won’t really push this phone to the limit. But playing a game for several hours will run the chips inside hot. This is why Apple added a vapor chamber cooling system to the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max which - combined with the aluminum case - should make the phone a lot cooler while gaming. My game of choice on a phone is PUBG, and after an hour of (very smooth) gaming, the iPhone did get slightly hot, but never to the point that it became a problem.

I've liquified the UI to the max and the phone was still very fast. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Apple's take on AI is still not the best. Siri is supposed to be smarter (mostly through integration with OpenAI's ChatGPT), but ask about something more complex than the weather and you'll often get the old "I didn't get that, could you try again" response.

Other features such as Image Playground are neat, but a far cry from the stuff you can do with freely (or cheaply) available tools online.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max: The cameras are amazing

The triple 48-megapixel camera system on this phone is the best I’ve ever tried. The main sensor captures rich and detailed photos. Low light photography is so good that you can snap a shot in near-total darkness and get a photo that looks like it was taken during the day.

Colors are accurate, the photo is sharp and detailed. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Zoom is particularly good, and it’s not just a parlor trick. If you snap a photo at 1x and zoom in digitally, you won’t be nowhere near the amount of detail that you can get with 2x, 4x, or 8x zoom. On the flip side, the photo quality is quite consistent up to 4x zoom, and even at 8x zoom (which lowers the photo resolution to 12 megapixels) the quality is pretty great. This means that you should use the zoom feature on this phone, and use it often.

Left: Incredibly sharp and detailed at 2x magnification. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable Right: At 8x zoom, the photo is a little blurrier and the pixel count is lower. But it's still pretty amazing given how far I was from the subject. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

But perhaps the best thing about this camera system is how seamlessly it all ties together. Most new Android phones have all these capabilities (and more) on paper, but you’ll get mixed results from photo to photo. On the iPhone 17 Pro Max, most of the time you can just snap photos and not worry about time of day or the zoom level you’re using, it all ends up looking great.

This photo was taken right after sundown, but it looks a lot brighter than that. The blurriness in the details and some noise when zoomed in reveals that the sensor was scrambling to get more light. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

The only slightly disappointing element of the rear camera is the ultra-wide sensor, despite the fact that it also has a 48-megapixel resolution. If you go wide, the image will flatten, you’ll lose focus and a considerable amount of detail. It’s still a decent ultra-wide photo, but you should use the main sensor whenever possible.

Left: At 1x, you can zoom in and read the sign on the building. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable Right: At 0.5x, the ultra-wide image is a lot blurrier, and lots of details are lost. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Videos are equally great. Online, you’ll find videos showcasing the power of the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s camera by zooming in at musicians from far away until you almost get a decent first-row view. The fact that you can get a steady video like this the low-light environment of a concert is incredibly impressive. I've done a similar demonstration in daylight, going from max zoom to 1x magnification; check it out below.

Via Giphy

Selfies are pretty great, with Apple adding a new, very cool trick of being able to switch from portrait to landscape. Very useful when taking selfies of a group.

Look, a landscape selfie! Pity I have no friends to take selfies with :(. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max: Battery life

Battery life was hard to test because it lasted way longer than I expected. In my first couple of days of usage, I kept forgetting about charging, simply because the phone always had enough battery life left. Then I started logging the data, and the phone regularly had about 50% charge after a full day’s use.

Coming up from iPhone 16e, which already has excellent battery life, this is a big improvement. It’s a phone that I can forget to charge twice and still have some juice left on the third day. In fact, I don’t think I need more battery life than what the iPhone 17 Pro Max offers. Sure, more is always better, but this is finally a phone that will last you through that three-leg, two-continent flight you take once in a lifetime.

It also charges fast. Apple says you can get a 50% charge in about 20 minutes with a fast charger. I’ve charged it using my MacBook’s charger and got from 10 to 60% in 25 minutes.

Is the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max worth it? The new iPhone 17 Pro Max is great, but it's big and heavy. Perhaps the smaller Pro model is a better choice for most people. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

The 17 Pro Max is the best iPhone, period. It has a large, beautiful display, excellent cameras, and long battery life. If you can afford it, buy it.

The only potential drawbacks worth considering are the size and the weight. It’s a big, heavy phone, and if you slap on a case (which, again, you probably should), it’s going to be even heavier. The iPhone 17 Pro has almost exactly the same specs, but it’s smaller and lighter, making it a better fit for some people. As for the iPhone Air, it’s the slimmest, nicest-looking, sexiest phone in the new lineup, but its camera system is leagues behind the one on the Pro models.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max $1,199.99 at T-Mobile
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TL;DR: Stop fumbling with cables — this wireless adapter adds CarPlay, Android Auto, YouTube, and Netflix to your car for $79.97.

If your daily drive feels a little too routine, this gadget might be the upgrade you’ve been waiting for. The Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Wireless Adapter takes your in-car experience to the next level. No wires, no fuss — just smooth connections and built-in entertainment options to keep you (and your passengers) happy.

It runs on Qualcomm’s QCM2290 chipset with Android 11.0 for fast, reliable performance. Translation: whether you’re running CarPlay, Android Auto, or kicking back with apps like YouTube and Netflix, everything feels seamless. And with 16GB of built-in storage, plus TF card support (card not included), you can even keep offline videos ready for the road.

Why it’s a smart buy:

• Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto – Ditch the cable and enjoy hands-free navigation, calls, and apps.

• Streaming support – Watch YouTube, Netflix, and more (ideal for passengers, not while driving).

• Rock-solid connectivity – Dual Bluetooth and 2.4G/5G Wi-Fi for fast, stable performance.

• Broad compatibility – Works with 800+ car models from 2016 and up.

• Convenience built in – Includes a USB-A to USB-A Tee cable for flexible setup.

So, whether you’re tackling the morning commute or gearing up for a road trip, this adapter makes sure your car feels as connected and entertaining as your phone.

Get this Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Wireless Adapter while it’s on sale for $79.97 (MSRP $149.99) with free shipping through Oct. 12.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: StackCommerce Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Wireless Adapter with Streaming Service Support (2024 Edition) $79.97
$149.99 Save $70.02 Get Deal

TL;DR: AdGuard blocks ads, trackers, and unsafe sites on up to nine devices for life — get the Family Plan for just $15.97 (MSRP $169.99) with code FAMPLAN until October 12.

The internet can be a noisy, cluttered place — full of flashing banners, autoplay videos, and data-hungry trackers. The AdGuard Family Plan makes that chaos disappear. With lifetime access for up to nine devices, you can block intrusive ads, protect your privacy, and keep your kids safe online, all for just $15.97 when you use promo code FAMPLAN until October 12.

AdGuard does more than your average ad blocker. Its advanced filtering wipes out pop-ups, banners, and video ads, giving you faster, cleaner browsing across apps and websites. Behind the scenes, it shields your data from trackers and phishing attempts, so you’re not being watched or profiled while you scroll, shop, or stream. For families, AdGuard adds another layer of peace of mind — parental controls let you restrict adult or unsafe content, creating a safer digital space for kids to learn and play.

This subscription covers both desktop and mobile, with support for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, so everyone in the household can enjoy the benefits. And because it’s a lifetime license, you’ll get continuous updates and improvements without ever paying again. It’s not a VPN — it’s a powerful tool designed specifically for ad blocking, privacy, and security.

With strong reviews from Trustpilot, G2, and Capterra, AdGuard has proven itself as one of the most reliable ad-blocking and privacy tools on the market. It’s a simple, affordable way to take back control of your browsing experience and keep your family’s devices safe.

Get this lifetime subscription to an AdGuard Family Plan today for only $15.97 with code FAMPLAN through October 12.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdGuard AdGuard Family Plan: Lifetime Subscription $15.97
$169.99 Save $154.02 Get Deal

TL;DR: Enterprise-grade privacy and ad blocking that fits in your pocket — the Deeper Connect Mini is on sale now for $159.97 (reg. $219) during StackSocial’s Deal Days savings event.

When most people think about enterprise-level cybersecurity, they imagine bulky equipment, complicated installs, and maybe even monthly subscription fees. The Deeper Connect Mini throws all that out the window. You can grab it now for $159.97 (reg. $219) during StackSocial’s Deal Days event, which runs through October 12.

At just 0.8-inches high and less than half a pound, this sleek little box packs a seven-layer enterprise-grade firewall, decentralized VPN, ad-blocker, parental controls, and even a way to earn passive income by sharing bandwidth — all in a plug-and-play design.

Unlike traditional VPNs, the Deeper Connect Mini uses decentralized VPN (DPN) technology. That means no central servers watching your traffic, no single point of failure, and complete control over your encrypted data. It quietly runs in the background, giving you unrestricted access to the internet while shielding you from malware, phishing, and trackers.

Want fewer distractions? It blocks ads across all browsers (even YouTube). Need to protect your kids? One-click parental controls let you instantly filter dangerous content. And if you’re into the blockchain side of things, it can even mine a little passive income while you surf.

The best part is that there are no subscriptions. You pay once, plug it in, and enjoy worry-free browsing on up to all your home and travel devices.

StackSocial’s Deal Days wraps up on October 12 at 11:59 p.m. PT, so get the Deeper Connect Mini DPN and ad-blocker for $159.97 (reg. $219) while supplies last.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Deeper Connect Deeper Connect Air Portable Decentralized VPN Travel Router $159.97
$219 Save $59.03 Get Deal

Looking for something great to watch at home? Streaming subscribers are spoiled for choice between Hulu, Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, Apple TV+, Prime Video, Shudder, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. And that's before you even look at the vast libraries of movies and television programs within each streamer!

SEE ALSO: The 10 best TV shows of 2025 (so far), and where to stream them

Don't be overwhelmed or waste an hour scrolling through your services to determine what to watch. We've got your back, whatever your mood. Mashable offers watch guides for all of the above, broken down by genre: comedy, thriller, horror, documentary, and animation, among others. But if you're seeking something brand-new (or just new to streaming), we've got you covered there, too.

Mashable's entertainment team has scoured the streaming services to highlight the most buzzed-about releases of the week and ranked them from worst to best — or least worth your time to most watchable. Whether you're hankering to go back to school with Abbott Elementary, experience one of the most intense horror releases of the year, or dig into a fresh and scandalous new comedy, we've got something just for you.

15. Monster: The Ed Gein Story

In the latest of Ryan Murphy’s Monster series based on real murderers, Charlie Hunnam takes on 1950s Wisconsin serial killer and grave robber Ed Gein. Watching the trailer for this Netflix project seems like enough, as Hunnam promises to deliver an unsettling performance among Murphy’s characteristically shocking horror elements (based on Gein’s own). It's worth noting previous instalments of the Monster series have faced criticism for factual inaccuracy, especially the release on serial killer and cannibal Jeffrey Dahmer. — Shannon Connellan, UK Editor

Starring: Charlie Hunnam, Suzanna Son, Tom Hollander, Laurie Metcalf, Vicky Krieps, Olivia Williams, Joey Pollari, Tyler Jacob Moore, Charlie Hall, Will Brill, Mimi Kennedy, Robin Weigert, Lesley Manville, Addison Rae

How to watch: Monster: The Ed Gein Story premieres on Netflix Oct. 3.

14. Love Is Blind, Season 9

Love Is Blind has so many international iterations by this point, but the original U.S. series is back with a ninth season. The concept remains the same: Strangers looking for love enter an experiment in which they date in pods without seeing each other. If they want to meet IRL, they must propose, committing to further stages of the experiment like a holiday "pre-honeymoon period," moving in together, meeting the family, and getting hitched in the space of about six weeks. You'll start off vaguely interested and end up hooked — just like the experiment.* — S.C.

How to watch: Love Is Blind Season 9 premieres on Netflix Oct. 1.

13. The Lost Bus

Matthew McConaughey and America Ferrera lead The Lost Bus, a disaster film that delves into real events among the terror of the 2018 Camp Fire, California's deadliest wildfire. Directed by Paul Greengrass (the Bourne series, Captain Phillips, United 93), the Apple TV+ film follows the true story of school bus driver Kevin McKay (McConaughey), teacher Mary Ludwig (Ferrera), and a class of 22 children, caught amid the deadly flames.

But is the film itself worth the watch? As Mashable entertainment editor Kristy Puchko writes in her review, "What might have been a spectacle, channeling real-world heroism into the dynamic derring-do of an American action hero, instead becomes a rocky ride, taking turns into the maudlin one moment and the theatrically threatening the next. The result is a movie that is gripping, but only in gasps."* — S.C.

Starring: Matthew McConaughey, America Ferrera, Ashlie Atkinson, Yul Vazquez, and Spencer Watson

How to watch: The Lost Bus premieres on Apple TV+ Oct. 3.

12. The Murky Stream

Disney+'s Korean historical drama The Murky Stream transports you to Joseon, the 500-year-spanning dynasty which ran from the 14th to the 20th century and features in many a K-drama. The series premiered at this year's Busan International Film Festival in September and will (murkily) hit streaming this week.

Former SF9 member and K-drama star Rowoon (The King's Affection, Extraordinary You) leads the series as Si-yul, a young man trying to scrape together a living in the lawless ports along the murky Gyeonggang River. Also striving to make their mark are savvy and ambitious merchant Choi Eun (The Glory star Shin Ye-eun), and aspiring government official Jung Chun (former KNK member and Semantic Error star Park Seo-Ham). — S.C.

Starring: Rowoon, Shin Ye-eun, Park Seo-ham, Park Ji-hwan, Choi Gwi-hwa, and Jeon Bae-soo

How to watch: The Murky Stream is now streaming on Hulu and Disney+.

11. Fight or Flight

We're absolutely loving Josh Hartnett's repossession of his thriller faculties, with unsettling runs in Black Mirror, M. Night Shyamalan's Trap, and now, in lighter thrills mode, James Madigan's Fight or Flight. In the action film penned by Brooks McLaren and D. J. Cotrona, a bleach-blonde Hartnett plays Lucas Reyes, a man on a mission to track down a black hat hacker known as "The Ghost." Problem is, the target has a worldwide bounty on their head, and the plane they're suspected of being on is now full of contract killers eager for the gold — including Lucas. So, amid the plane bathroom punch-ups, he might need a little help from Bridgerton's Charithra Chandran as flight attendant Isha.* — S.C.

Starring: Josh Hartnett, Charithra Chandran, Marko Zaror, and Katee Sackhoff

How to watch: Fight or Flight is now streaming on Paramount+.

10. Hard Hat Riot

On May 8, 1970, while the war in Vietnam raged overseas, America was divided. Student protests broke out at college campuses across the nation, pleading for peace. In one such event at Kent State, the National Guard fatally shot four young people, spurring further activism. The student protesters outrage over the war irritated not only President Nixon but also the working class of New York City, whose resentments bubbled over into a violent clash called "the Hard Hat Riot."

Documentarian Marc Levin takes audiences back to this tumultuous time through archival footage and interviews with the "hardhats" (construction workers), students, and cops who were there. It's heartbreaking and infuriating to see how they reflect and regret, or just don't. Not only does this short and intense doc illustrate the class divide and political strategy that turned the tide for a Republican president facing growing protests, but it serves as a harrowing reminder of the lingering impact of this era. — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor

How to watch: Hard Hat Riot premiered on PBS on Sept. 30.

9. The Toxic Avenger

Get ready to enjoy the goriest, gloppiest superhero movie of the year from the comfort of your own home. A remake of Troma Entertainment's 1984 cult classic of the same name, The Toxic Avenger introduces down-on-his-luck janitor Winston Gooze (Peter Dinklage), who finds himself with super strength (and an unfortunate toxic makeover) following a chemical accident. Said accident leads Winston on a bloody rampage for justice and vengeance against the evil bigwigs running his town, played to exquisite evil perfection by the likes of Kevin Bacon and Elijah Wood. What follows is a madcap antidote to superhero fatigue, even if The Toxic Avenger still plays it safer than its predecessor.

As I wrote in my review out of 2023's Fantastic Fest, "Once The Toxic Avenger truly gets the ball rolling, you're in for the kind of sheer, stupid insanity you won't find in other major superhero IP. Let the blood and guts rain down — here, there's no such thing as overkill."* — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter

Starring: Peter Dinklage, Kevin Bacon, Elijah Wood.

How to watch: The Toxic Avenger is now available for rental or purchase on Prime Video.

8. Prime Minister

Jacinda Ardern's journey as New Zealand's 40th prime minister saw many landmark moments: youngest female government leader at 37, second elected government leader to give birth while in office, first New Zealand PM to march in a Pride parade, the move to ban all new offshore oil and gas exploration and plastic bags — the list goes on. But there's plenty between the major milestones, all of which directors Lindsay Utz and Michelle Walshe look into in their documentary Prime Minister.

Documenting Ardern's five-year tenure as prime minister, the film examines the public and private life of the world leader, including major events such as the 2019 Christchurch massacre, up until her resignation in 2023. — S.C.

How to watch: Prime Minister is streaming on HBO Max.

7. Tempest

A former diplomat plunges into the heart of an international conspiracy in Tempest, Disney+'s new K-drama that blends espionage, thrills, and romance. Korean star Jun Ji-hyun leads as ex-U.N. official Seo Munju, who discovers that a presidential candidate targeted with assassination has been accused of espionage associated with North Korea, among other state secrets. Getting dangerously close to the truth, she finds protection with mysterious mercenary Paik San-ho (Gang Dong-won). But this diplomatic storm goes all the way to the White House, people.

Tempest has some huge talent behind it; it's co-directed by Kim Hee-won (Vincenzo, Queen of Tears) and iconic martial arts director Heo Myeong-haeng, and written by Decision to Leave's Chung Seo-kyung. — S.C.

Starring: Jun Ji-hyun, Gang Dong-won, John Cho, Lee Mi-sook, Park Hae-joon, Christopher Gorham, Michael Gaston, and Spencer Garrett

How to watch: Tempest is streaming on Hulu.

6. The Naked Gun

One of the funniest movies of the year is now on streaming. The Lonely Island's Akiva Schaffer directs a star-studded cast led by Liam Neeson for a reboot that pays proper tribute to the comedy classic that came before.

Playing Frank Drebin Jr. (the son of Leslie Nielsen's iconic cop), Neeson brings his tough-guy grumpiness to outrageously silly punchlines, hilarious slapstick, and a sexy and strange romance with Pamela Anderson, who holds her own with a scat solo that is next-level loony. In my review for Mashable, I cheered, "The Naked Gun is back and as silly and stupid as ever. And I can’t think of higher praise than that."* — K.P.

Starring: Liam Neeson, Pamela Anderson, Paul Walter Hauser, Kevin Durand, Danny Huston, Dave Bautista, and Cody Rhodes

How to watch: The Naked Gun is now streaming on Paramount+.

5. Steve

Max Porter's novella Shy is adapted into a movie ensemble drama with Steve. Cillian Murphy stars as the eponymous teacher who's on a first-name basis with his students, rowdy teen boys who are seeking a second chance at a remote reform school in rural England.

As I wrote in my review out of TIFF, "Steve offers complicated portraits of the troubled youth in a reform school, and the grown-ups assigned to their care. The resulting film is an emotional roller coaster and a call to action, demanding its audience rethink their views of such schools and those within them."

It's a heartwarming film overall. But for potential trigger warnings on sensitive topics, please check out our full review. — K.P.

Starring: Cillian Murphy, Tracey Ullman, Jay Lycurgo, Simbi Ajikawo (Little Simz), and Emily Watson

How to watch: Steve debuts on Netflix on Oct. 3.

4. Honey Don't!

From Ethan Coen and Tricia Cooke, the dynamic duo that brought us Drive-Away Dolls, comes Honey Don't!, a crackling crime comedy about a small-town detective on a curious case involving a mysterious church. The Substance star Margaret Qualley headlines as private eye Honey O’Donahue.

In my review for Mashable, I cheered Coen and Cooke's sexy and silly crime comedy, writing, "Honey Don't! pulls from film noir inspirations, as do several previous Coen Bros movies… and hundreds of other movies before that. But this crusty California setting gives fresh air to tropes like the femme fatale or the double cross. Where Drive-Away Dolls dug into the rich Americana and queer culture to be found in road trip attractions and lesbian bars, Honey Don't! embraces a less-familiar clutch of gnarly characters, sunbaked and deranged." — K.P.

Starring: Margaret Qualley, Aubrey Plaza, Charlie Day, Billy Eichner, and Chris Evans 

How to watch: Honey Don't premieres on Peacock on Oct. 3.

3. Chad Powers

Glen Powell stars in Hulu's sports comedy Chad Powers, about disgraced college quarterback Russ Holliday who makes one last-ditch effort to play football again. He dons a face full of prosthetic makeup (and a bad wig) and takes the field as "Chad Powers," a goofy, folksy football prodigy. Chaos ensues as Russ attempts to juggle his dual identities… and maybe learns to be a better person along the way.

Despite its sporty premise and a healthy dose of jock bro humor, Chad Powers also proves a stealthy love letter to Hollywood prosthetics, adding surprising layers to the football-centric show. Powell shines in his dual role, cementing himself as not just a reliable leading man, but as a comedy star, too. As I wrote in my review, "It's a high-wire performance of duality, but Powell makes it look effortless."

Starring: Glen Powell, Steve Zahn, Toby Huss, Perry Mattfeld, Clayne Crawford, Wynn Everett, Frankie A. Rodriguez, Colton Ryan, Keese Wilson, Xavier Mills, and Quentin Plair

How to watch: Chad Powers is now streaming on Hulu.

2. Bring Her Back

In 2023, filmmaking duo Danny Philippou and Michael Philippou awed critics and horror fans with their haunted hand hit Talk to Me. Now, they return with a gnarly psycho-biddy horror offering starring two-time Academy Award–nominee Sally Hawkins. The result is a nail-biting film that might have you gagging, covering your eyes, or experiencing some hard-won catharsis.

Featured Video For You Say More: Danny and Michael Philippou on 'Bring Her Back'

The Philippou brothers probe into grief once again, exploring how this unmooring feeling can make the world around us feel unreal, hostile, and strange. In Bring Her Back, Hawkins stars as a foster mom named Laura, who takes in young orphans like Oliver (Jonah Wren Phillips), and siblings Piper (Sora Wong) and Andy (Billy Barratt). But despite Laura's chipper demeanor, 17-year-old Andy realizes something is off in her remote forest home. But can he stop the hell that's coming?

In my review for Mashable, I wrote, "Bring Her Back is extraordinary. For those who found Talk to Me sensationally scary, this follow-up will thrill with its deeply deranged tale of heartache and body horror. But the Philippous went deeper, presenting a character-driven drama with flares of psycho-biddy and religious horror. That heady combination not only makes for a satisfyingly scary as hell movie, but also a profound one." — K.P.

Starring: Sally Hawkins, Billy Barratt, Sora Wong, Jonah Wren Phillips, and Sally-Anne Upton

How to watch: Bring Her Back debuts on HBO Max Oct. 3.

1. Abbott Elementary, Season 5

School is back in session at Abbott Elementary, the beloved sitcom from Emmy winner Quinta Brunson. Season 4 brought in a lot of change, further exploring the relationship between Janine (Brunson) and Gregory (Tyler James Williams), and also firing (and rehiring) Ava (Janelle James). What could possibly be in store for the staff at Abbott this season? Apparently a lot, as the description for the Season 5 premiere promises "new faces and big changes on the horizon." We can't wait to get back in the classroom to figure out what that could mean. — B.E.

Starring: Quinta Brunson, Tyler James Williams, Janelle James, Chris Perfetti, Lisa Ann Walter, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and William Stanford Davis

How to watch: Abbott Elementary Season 5 airs on ABC Oct. 1 before streaming on Hulu and Disney+ Oct. 2.

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

Dr. Jane Goodall DBE, prominent primatologist, conservationist, and humanitarian, has died. Announced by the Jane Goodall Institute on Wednesday, Goodall passed in her sleep at 91. Tributes have poured in on social media, with many remembering the activist for her pioneering research, unwavering compassion, and tireless efforts to protect our planet.

SEE ALSO: Jane Goodall’s golden rule about how to change the world

Born 1934 in London, England, Goodall's love of animals was initially sparked by Dr. Dolittle and Tarzan novels in her childhood. She began studying primates in her early 20s, travelling to Africa in pursuit of her passion for animals, and was taken under the wing of palaeontologist Dr. Louis Leakey. She thus became the first of the "Trimates," a group of three women who studied primates under Leakey's mentorship.

It was in 1960 that Goodall made a groundbreaking discovery, observing a chimpanzee use long blades of grass to collect and eat insects out of a mound. Until then, it had been widely accepted that the creation and use of tools was solely a human trait. 

"I had been told from school onwards that the best definition of a human being was man the tool-maker — yet I had just watched a chimp tool-maker in action," Goodall said 50 years later. "I remember that day as vividly as if it was yesterday."

Goodall's revelation famously led Leakey to declare, "Now we must redefine 'tool,' redefine 'man,' or accept chimpanzees as human."

Credit: CBS via Getty Images

In addition to tool use, Goodall also observed chimpanzees displaying personalities and emotions, traits which were also previously seen as exclusive to humans. This included behaviour such as hugging, kissing, fighting, and even using weapons. She further discovered that chimpanzees are omnivorous rather than vegetarian as was once believed. Goodall's discoveries had major repercussions, upending the scientific consensus at the time and eventually revolutionising the way the world understands both primates and humanity itself.

Though Goodall had not yet gotten a bachelor's degree, Leakey arranged for her to pursue a PhD in ethnology, earning her legitimacy in academic circles and helping further her research. Continuing her work, Goodall eventually established the Jane Goodall Institute in 1977. This non-profit organisation takes a holistic approach to conservation, not only protecting animals and their habitats, but educating people and supporting local communities.

Featured Video For You Jane Goodall’s golden rule about how to change the world

Goodall received numerous honours and awards for her work, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Templeton Prize, and Kyoto Prize. She was also appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire, as well as a United Nations Messenger of Peace.

Continuing her decades of work even up until her death, Goodall had been scheduled to speak in Los Angeles this Friday, still encouraging and inspiring others to care for the planet.

Goodall is survived by her sister Judy Waters, son Hugo Eric Louis van Lawick, and three grandchildren Merlin, Angel, and Nick.

"What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make," Goodall once said.

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Yesterday we shared five ways board members can orchestrate a successful CEO exit. But what about the person leaving the role? Exiting the CEO role isn’t just a logistical shift—it’s an emotional one. Even when the timing feels right, the final stretch can be emotional, stirring up feelings of lost identity and status. But handled […]

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