Blogroll

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

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

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 looking for sci-fi shenanigans, fierce drag personas, nail-biting horror, a film starring the dynamic Katy O'Brian, or a new game show, we're here for you.

— Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor

12. What's in the Box?

I can't be the only one who reads that title in a strained Brad Pitt voice, right? Well, this show is not a Se7en spinoff. Instead, Neil Patrick Harris turns into a game show host for this Netflix offering, where teams of two compete in trivia rounds to win the contents of enormous gold boxes.

Per the trailer, "Eight pairs of contestants will work with and against each other across an entire season." How do you mean? Well, there's a white elephant twist. You play for a box not knowing what's inside. But once you win and open it, then like this yuletide gift-giving game, it's possible to steal it through a "prize fight." And all this leads to the "Super Box," worth a quarter of a million dollars. This sounds more stressful than being on the phone with a sin-obsessed serial killer played by Kevin Spacey. But your mileage may vary. — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor

Starring: Neil Patrick Harris

How to watch: What's in the Box? debuts on Netflix on Dec. 17.

11. The Running Man

So you walked, didn't run, to see The Running Man in cinemas? Well, now you can watch it at home, with Edgar Wright's Stephen King adaptation getting a digital release this week. Think Glen Powell running for his life from a keen-eyed group of Hunters in a dystopian future where such a situation is primetime entertainment. Think Colman Domingo dropping lines like "my bouche was not amused" as the high-maintenance host of the titular program. Think a storyline way closer to King's 1982 paperback than the Arnold Schwarzenegger film of the '80s.

Unfortunately, don't think this will be the best movie you watch this week. As Mashable entertainment editor Kristy Puchko writes in her review, "In the end, The Running Man is a sloppy collage of violence, action, and cheap jokes that is far more style than substance." Unexpectedly, however, the film has a connection to...Pennywise? — Shannon Connellan, UK Editor

Starring: Glen Powell, Katy O'Brian, William H. Macy, Lee Pace, Michael Cera, Emilia Jones, Daniel Ezra, Jayme Lawson, Sean Hayes, Colman Domingo, and Josh Brolin

How to watch: The Running Man is now available to rent/buy on digital.

12. Now You See Me: Now You Don't

The third instalment of the Now You See Me film series reunites the Horsemen, while bringing a new trio of clever illusionists into the mix. Altogether — while squabbling and showing off increasingly outrageous magic tricks — they set out to topple a diamond industrialist (Rosamund Pike) who launders money for all arrays of bad guy.

Admittedly, I've never been all that awed by this franchise. In my review of this sequel, I wrote, "Frankly, the star power of this movie alone might be enough for Now You See Me fans hungry for more hijinks and hilarity. That this sequel does nothing all that new or even surprising might not be a glitch, but a feature. Why challenge an audience when you can wrap them within the warm certainty that no matter how twisted economic equality is making the world for everyday men and Horsemen, a scrappy group of clever individuals can pull together to save the day." — K.P.

Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco, Isla Fisher, Justice Smith, Dominic Sessa, Ariana Greenblatt, Lizzy Caplan, Rosamund Pike, and Morgan Freeman

How to watch: Now You See Me: Now You Don't is now available to rent/buy on digital.

11. Megadoc

Francis Ford Coppola's Megalopolis is one of the most fascinating film flops of the past few years. It truly has everything: a decades-in-the-making backstory, Roman chariot races, a satellite crash, Aubrey Plaza as Wow Platinum, and Adam Driver's earworm-level delivery of the line, "Go back to the club." To learn more about how this bonkers film came to be, check out Megadoc, a fly-on-the-wall look at Coppola's creative process. Featuring behind-the-scenes footage, interviews with the director and his cast, and even footage from table reads dating back to 2001, this is a must-watch for any Megalopolis devotee. — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter

Starring: Francis Ford Coppola, Eleanor Coppola, and Talia Shire

How to watch: Megadoc is now streaming on the Criterion Channel.

10. My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman, Season 6

David Letterman is back with more interviews from his Netflix talk show, My Next Guest Needs No Introduction. With Season 6, the host welcomes Sinners star Michael B. Jordan, YouTuber Mr. Beast, and Zootopia 2's Jason Bateman, for one-on-one interviews. Some of the conversation happened before a live theater audience. Some had a more private setting with a more casual vibe. Of course, no matter the setting, Letterman does it like no other. — K.P.

Starring: David Letterman, Michael B. Jordan, Mr. Beast, and Jason Bateman

How to watch: My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman Season 6 is now streaming on Netflix.

9. Counting Crows: Have You Seen Me Lately?

In the '90s, Counting Crows had a meteoric rise with their debut album August and Everything After, then hit the sophomore slump hard with Recovering the Satellites. It wasn't so much about the quality of one record from another, and more about how a dreadlocked Adam Duritz became a household name overnight, then a punchline in the blink of an eye.

Documentarian Amy Scott looks back at this time for the band, with a keen eye on Duritz, who riled Saturday Night Live producers, thrilled fans, and battled mental illness all at once. Interviews with he and his bandmate give the doc a Behind the Music feel, while interviews with friends and colleagues — like Mary-Louise Parker and Cyndi Lauper — give a fuller context to the cost of fame. As someone who owned both albums, it's an interesting doc to me, but frustratingly superficial. Though Scott claims Counting Crows is one of the most polarizing bands of an era, she only glancingly touches on why, before giving Duritz and his friends to defend themselves or offer vague apologies. But whether or not either is deserved is unclear when the doc itself refuses to engage in actual critiques, instead leaning on kooky commentary from roast-master comedian Jeffrey Ross. — K.P.

Starring: Adam Duritz, Steve Kerr, Cyndi Lauper, Chris Martin, Mary-Louise Parker, David Wild, and Jeffrey Ross

How to watch: Counting Crows: Have You Seen Me Lately? debuts on HBO and HBO Max on Dec. 18 at 9:00 p.m. ET.

8. The Boulet Brothers’ Holiday of Horrors

The Boulet Brothers have built an empire of drag horror with their competition show Dragula. Now, they bring their unique brand of glamor, horror, and filth to a tried-and-true entertainment staple: the holiday special. The Boulet Brothers' Holiday of Horrors is a scripted anthology series of four frightening holiday tales from horror heavy hitters. In addition to the Boulet Brothers themselves, these heavy hitters include David Dastmalchian (Murderbot, Late Night with the Devil), Akela Cooper (Malignant, M3GAN), and Kate Siegel (The Fall of the House of Usher, V/H/S/Beyond). So sit back for a dose of holiday horror, and be sure to pile on an extra blanket: These stories promise to be chilling. — B.E.

Starring: Dracmorda Boulet, Swanthula Boulet, and David Dastmalchian

How to watch: The Boulet Brothers’ Holiday of Horrors now on Shudder.

7. Him

The NFL and horror collide in Him, a football-focused fright fest produced by Jordan Peele and directed by Justin Tipping. Him introduces rising star quarterback Cameron Cade (Tyriq Withers), who gets the chance to train with his idol Isaiah White (Marlon Wayans). However, Isaiah's methods are stranger — and bloodier! — than anything Cam has been through before. How much is he really willing to sacrifice to become the GOAT?

Despite the prestige that comes with Peele's involvement, Him was a critical and box office disappointment. However, according to Mashable Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko, the film is in no way irredeemable, boasting great performances from Withers and Wayans, as well as some surreal scares courtesy of Tipping. Where Him fumbles the ball, however, is its ending. In her review, she writes, "In its final minutes, Tipping's tale pivots to something more concrete, gorier, and less daring. That ending, though twisted and thrilling, doesn't feel earned. So, in the end, Him falls short of astounding." — B.E.

Starring: Marlon Wayans, Tyriq Withers, Julia Fox, Tim Heidecker, and Jim Jefferies

How to watch: Him is now streaming on Peacock.

6. The Creep Tapes, Season 2

The found footage franchise starring (and co-created by) Mark Duplass stalks on with The Creep Tapes Season 2.

Wild to think it was a decade ago when director Patrick Brice first collaborated with Duplass on a screenplay for the found-footage psychological horror thriller Creep. Since, then the story of the serial killer (played by Duplass), who lures video camera-carrying victims in with promises, has only grown gnarlier. Creep 2 led to this spin-off series, where each episode reveals a new victim doomed to film their own demise. — K.P

Starring: Mark Duplass, David Dastmalchian, Chris Donlon, Diego Jodef, Desean Terry, Alec Bewkes, Robert Longstreet, Linas Philips, Taylor Garron, Timm Sharp, Jody Lambert, and Katie Aselton (who is Duplass's real-life wife!)

How to watch: The Creep Tapes Season 2 debuts on Shudder Dec. 19.

5. Emily in Paris, Season 5

Emily in Paris? More like Emily in Rome, as Darren Star's Netflix series says buongiorno to a new European capital for Season 5. Lily Collins returns as American expat and marketing queen Emily Cooper, who has been deployed to run Agence Grateau's Rome chapter by her boss, Sylvie (Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu). What lessons did France teach Emily that she can bring to la dolce vita in Italy? Expect handsome Venetian gondoliers, Roman Holiday-style Vespa rides, and jaw-dropping fashion as always. — S.C.

Starring: Lily Collins, Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, Ashley Park, Lucas Bravo, Samuel Arnold, Bruno Gouery, Camille Razat, William Abadie, and Lucien Laviscount

How to watch: Emily in Paris Season 5 debuts on Netflix on Dec. 18.

4. Chevalier

This 2023 release is woefully underseen, though it offers a stirring look into the life of Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, a Black and French 18th-century multi-hyphenate who was a violinist, a composer, a conductor, and a fencer.

Kelvin Harrison Jr. stars as Joseph, who faced racism, bullying, discrimination, and envy throughout his life. His is a story of Black Excellence, artistic passion, and forbidden love. Whether you love period piece romance, overlooked histories, or great drama, you'll want to discover Chevalier. — K.P.

Starring: Kelvin Harrison Jr., Samara Weaving, Lucy Boynton, Marton Csokas, Alex Fitzalan, Minnie Driver, and Ronkẹ Adékoluẹjo

How to watch: Chevalier is now streaming on Disney+.

3. Queens of the Dead

Tina Romero struts in the footsteps of her late father, George A. Romero, by creating a zombie movie that pays tribute to his Night of the Living Dead movies, but through a determinedly comedic and queer lens.

Queens of the Dead follows the hilarious mayhem that breaks out when a zombie contagion hits Bushwick's queer night club scene. Katy O'Brian headlines as a party promoter who's given her blood sweat and tears to build a safe space to dance, flirt, and revel. But when an undead drag queen hits the dance floor, her life is also on the line. Offering a mindful and wilfully silly array of queer archetypes, Queens of the Dead is a movie by queer horror fans for queer horror fans. Or as I put in my review, "Drenched in neon, steeped in attitude, and radiant with queer joy, this movie is beyond fine; it's fierce, funny, and fabulous." — K.P.

SEE ALSO: 'Queens of the Dead' director Tina Romero reveals why Santa scares her more

Starring: Katy O'Brian, Jaquel Spivey, Riki Lindhome, Jack Haven, Cheyenne Jackson, and Margaret Cho

How to watch: Queens of the Dead comes to Shudder on Dec. 19.

2. It Was Just an Accident

This week, check out one of the most critically acclaimed international films of 2025, as Iranian director Jafar Panahi's It Was Just an Accident comes to digital. Winner of the Palme d'Or at this year's Cannes Film Festival, and nominated for four Golden Globes, it's sure to be a major awards season contender this year, and for good reason. This tale of former political prisoners trying to get revenge on the man they believe to be their former torturer is equal parts darkly funny and scathing critique of authoritarianism.

The film hits even harder considering Panahi's life story. The Iranian regime has arrested Panahi in the past and even banned him from making films, meaning he shot several films in secret. While It Was Just an Accident is his first film following the lifting of the ban, he still shot it covertly. Such secrecy amplifies the film's tension, and Panahi certainly pulls no punches in one of the best films of the year. — B.E.

Starring: Vahid Mobaserri, Mariam Afshari, and Ebrahim Azizi

How to watch: It Was Just an Accident is now available to rent/buy on digital.

Best of Streaming this week: Fallout, Season 2

Wastelanders, it's time to set your Spotify listening age to 87, as Prime Video's adaptation of post-apocalyptic game franchise Fallout is back with a second season. Of course, we're in for more Easter eggs, needle drops, and details from the Bethesda games the series is based on. As Mashable's Belen Edwards writes in her review, "Season 1 already did an admirable job of building out the world of Fallout, from its retro-futuristic vaults to the ruins of Shady Sands. In Season 2, though, it goes for broke, with stellar results."

SEE ALSO: What tech would the 'Fallout' cast steal from the show?

But Edwards also notes the show as "more relevant than ever," as the show "stages an ideological showdown against the backdrop of an increasingly bizarro — and immaculately realized — nuclear apocalypse." — S.C.

Starring: Ella Purnell, Walton Goggins, Aaron Moten, Kyle MacLachlan, Frances Turner, and Moisés Arias

How to watch: The first episode of Fallout Season 2 is now streaming on Prime Video, with new episodes Wednesdays.

(*) denotes a blurb came from a prior list.

SAVE $70: As of Dec. 18, the JBL Tune 770NC headphones are still marked down to their lowest-ever price of $79.95 at Amazon. This is $70 off their list price of $149.95.

Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Tune 770NC Adaptive Noise Cancelling Headphones $79.95 at Amazon
$149.95 Save $70.00   Get Deal

If 2026 is looking like a big year of travel for you, it's worth having reliable headphones on-hand to keep you busy during long journeys. Thankfully, now is a great time to buy with plenty of discounts available, especially at Amazon. The JBL Tune 770NC headphones are ones that have crossed our radar at the retailer, as they're currently sitting at their lowest-ever price of $79.95.

This is a huge 47% discount off the JBL Tune 770NC's usual price of $149.95, which is well worth making a move on while they're still on sale. And if you're hoping to get them as a Christmas gift this year, Amazon even has a notice on their sale page that says they'll arrive before the holiday. You'll have some time to wrap them up.

SEE ALSO: The 60+ best Christmas gifts for 2025: Find unique gift ideas you'd never think of on your own

The JBL Tune 770NC headphones are built to keep you busy on a long journey. They feature Adaptive Noise Cancelling, which is helpful if you want to tune out the sounds of people around you to stay focused on the music, podcast, or audiobook you're listening to. And for when you'd prefer to hear the world around you instead, they have an Ambient Aware feature that lets you hear what's going on in your surroundings while listening.

They boast great sound quality that's made all the better by JBL Pure Bass Sound. They likely won't stay on sale at this price for long, so act fast to save on the JBL Tune 770NC headphones while they're still discounted at Amazon.

If you're getting last-minute shopping done, check out our breakdown of the 65 best tech gifts of the year for even more recommendations worth gifting during the holidays.

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you seek holistic solutions.

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.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for December 18, 2025 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 18, 2025 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Natural remedies

The words are related to medicine.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe nature's medicine.

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 Immune Boosters.

NYT Strands word list for December 18

• Immune Boosters

• Garlic

• Elderberry

• Turmeric

• Honey

• Lemon

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 should be easy to solve if you're a sports fanatic.

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.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 18, 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 December 18, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A similar sport to football.

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 R.

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...

RUGBY

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 December 18, 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.

Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalogue.

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 December 18, 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 December 18, 2025 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Dec. 18 Pips

Equal (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 4-5, placed vertically; 4-3, placed vertically.

Greater Than (5): Everything in this light blue space must be greater than 5. The answer is 6-3, placed horizontally.

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 6-3, placed horizontally; 2-2, placed horizontally.

Number (9): Everything in this space must add up to 9. The answer is 4-3, placed vertically; 6-6, placed vertically.

Greater Than (5): Everything in this space must be greater than 5. The answer is 6-6, placed vertically.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for Dec. 18 Pips

Greater Than (4): Everything in this red space must be greater than 4. The answer is 6-3, placed vertically.

Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 3-3, placed vertically; 2-0, placed horizontally.

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 1-6, placed vertically; 1-4, placed vertically; 1-5, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 1-5, placed horizontally.

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

Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 1-4, placed vertically; 4-3, placed horizontally.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for Dec. 18 Pips

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

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

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

Greater Than (2): Everything in this space must be greater than 2. The answer is 2-4, placed vertically.

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

Not Equal: Everything in this space must be different. The answer is 4-4, placed horizontally; 5-5, placed vertically; 3-3, placed horizontally; 2-2, placed horizontally; 1-6, placed vertically; 0-1, placed horizontally.

Equal (3): Everything in this purple space must be equal to 3. The answer is 3-3, placed horizontally; 0-3, placed vertically; 5-3, placed horizontally.

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

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 5-3, placed horizontally.

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

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

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

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

Equal (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 3-4, placed vertically; 4-6, placed horiontally.

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

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 3-1, 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.

Samsung Galaxy XR, a collaboration between Samsung and Google to take on the likes of the Apple Vision Pro, is the first Android XR headset. It serves as a showcase for an upcoming ecosystem of devices, and it happens to be easy to recommend to anyone interested in trying their hand at spatial computing, assuming they set aside a budget comparable to a high-end PC.

SAVE $80: As of Dec. 18, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ tablet has dropped to $139.99 at Amazon. This is $80 off its list price of $219.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ Tablet $139.99 at Amazon
$219.99 Save $80   Get Deal

Christmas is coming up next week, and if you're in a hurry to find some last-minute gifts, Amazon is a great place to look. The retailer has a wide variety of deals available right now, with some that can even be delivered to you before the holiday. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ tablet is among that selection, as it's both on sale and will arrive just in time to wrap it.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ is currently marked down to $139.99 at Amazon, which is also just a few dollars away from its lowest-ever price of $134.95. Usually it's listed for $219.99, so this deal saves you $80 overall. The sale page states that it will arrive before Christmas, which is great news for last-minute shoppers.

SEE ALSO: The 71 absolute best stocking stuffers for 2025

If you've been looking for a new tablet to take into 2026 that can tackle everyday tasks, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ can help. It features a slim design with an 11-inch display for viewing and scrolling, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 processor, and quad speakers powered by Dolby Atmos for listening to music or watching videos. This particular model comes with 64GB of storage as well, so there's plenty of space for your apps.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ is only on sale for a limited time, so act fast to grab it and have it in time for Christmas.

Looking for similar items to pick up right now? Our roundup of the 65 best tech gifts of the year features plenty of options we think are worth your time and money for the holidays.

SAVE OVER $100: As of Dec. 18, the Anker Solix C1000 is on sale for $371.45 at Amazon. That's a 32% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Solix C1000 $371.45 at Amazon
$549.99 Save $178.54   Get Deal

Winter weather often brings a higher risk of storms and unexpected power outages, and that's when having a dependable backup power source can really help. A portable power station can help keep essentials like freezers or laptops running when the power goes out. If you're thinking about adding something to your setup, there's a deal at Amazon on the Anker Solix C1000.

As of Dec. 18, this model is down to $371.45, a saving of $178.54. You can also choose between bundle options that include solar panels or water-resistant storage bags, with many of these options also reduced.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

This power station delivers up to 2,000W of output across 10 ports (with a 3,000W peak) and a 1,024Wh capacity, so it's powerful enough to run multiple devices at once. It also uses Anker's HyperFlash technology to fully recharge in around 49 minutes from mains power, or around 1.8 hours with compatible solar panels.

The unit is also a lot smaller and lighter than many comparable models, so it's easy to carry around different parts of the house, or even a great companion for a camping vacation or road trip. And it's built to last for many years, with a battery designed to retain at least 80% capacity after 4,000 cycles.

You can find this Anker power station deal at Amazon. Get it before the price returns to normal.

SAVE $20: As of Dec. 18, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K is on sale for $29.99 at Amazon. That's a 40% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Roku Roku Streaming Stick 4K $29.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $20.00   Get Deal

The Roku Streaming Stick 4K is back on sale at Amazon, and just in time for Christmas. This is a stellar streaming device, especially if you're a fan of the Roku OS. As of Dec. 18, this model is now just $29.99, saving you $20 on list price.

This little stick makes 4K streaming so much easier. As soon as it is set up, you'll have easy access to all the top apps (like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and more) as well as many live channels. All of this will be available straight on your home screen, keeping things nice and organized, and making it fast and easy to pick up your shows where you left off.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

And the set up couldn't be simpler. This streaming stick just needs to be plugged into your TVs HDMI port as well as a wall socket for power. And that's all you need to do. It also comes with a remote that will now control both the streaming stick and your TV, including the power and volume.

The remote gives you voice control too. This lets you search through multiple platforms at once, or even ask it to look up any pressing questions ("where else have you seen that actor before?").

Find this streaming stick deal at Amazon now.

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easier if you like golf.

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: Same state

• Green: Horse-centric

• Blue: Competitors

• Purple: Same abbreviation

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: A Wisconsin athlete

• Green: Equestrian sports

• Blue: Golfers in this year's Ryder's Cup

• Purple: What "T" might mean

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 #451 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• A Wisconsin athlete - BADGER, BREWER, BUCK, PACKER

• Equestrian sports - POLO, RODEO, STEEPLECHASE, THOROUGHBRED

• Golfers in this year's Ryder Cup - ENGLISH, FLEETWOOD, HENLEY, ROSE

• What "T" might mean - SHORT-SLEEVE SHIRT, TACKLE, TECHNICAL FOUL, TIMEOUT

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 the latest Connections.

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT game

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025:

AcrossFaux ___ (misstep)

• The answer is Pas.

Folder for unfinished emails

• The answer is Drafts.

Low-quality, machine-generated content, informally

• The answer is AI Slop.

Field of plants

• The answer is Botany.

Had a bite

• The answer is Ate.

DownSmall yellow bowties, say

• The answer is Pasta

Black piano key next to G

• The answer is A Flat.

Piece of equipment in curling

• The answer is Stone.

Faddish dance move of the mid-2010s

• The answer is Dab.

___ de Janeiro

• The answer is Rio.

Costume that might include a black trench coat and sunglasses

• The answer is Spy.

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

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

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to the latest Mini Crossword.

TL;DR: Live stream the 2025-26 Ashes series for free on 7plus. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Cricket fans have been treated to some truly special events this year. We've been dazzled by the Asia Cup, gripped by India's tour of England, and the ICC Champions Trophy produced some thrilling moments that we'll remember for a long time. But for now, it's time to forget all about that and focus on arguably the biggest contest on the stacked schedule: the 2025-26 Ashes series.

It really doesn't get much bigger than a five-Test showdown between bitter rivals England and Australia. England have not won a single Test in Australia since the 2010-11 series. They lost 5-0 in the 2013-14 series and then suffered back-to-back 4-0 defeats in 2017-18 and 2021-22. Can they turn things around and secure a rare win Down Under? It's not looking likely.

If you want to watch the 2025-26 Ashes series for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

What is The Ashes?

The Ashes is a Test cricket series contested biennially between England and Australia. There have been 73 Ashes series in total. Australia have won 34 and retained six times from draws. England have won 32 and retained once from a draw.

Australia are the holders of the Ashes after winning in 2021–22 and retaining after drawing in 2023.

When is the 2025-26 Ashes?

The 2025-26 Ashes series takes place in Australia between November 2025 and January 2026. The full schedule is as follows:

• Test 1 (Optus Stadium) — Nov. 21-25

• Test 2 (The Gabba) — Dec. 4-8

• Test 3 (Adelaide Oval) — Dec. 17-21

• Test 4 (MCG) — Dec. 26-30

• Test 5 (SCG) — Jan. 4-8

The good news for fans is that every Test match is available to live stream without spending anything.

How to watch the 2025-26 Ashes for free

The 2025-26 Ashes series is available to live stream for free on 7plus.

7plus is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can unblock 7plus from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2025-26 Ashes by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit 7plus

5. Watch the 2025-26 Ashes for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can live stream the 2025-26 Ashes series before recovering your investment. If you want to retain permanent access to the best free streaming sites from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for 7plus?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on 7plus, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Australia

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream the 2025-26 Ashes series for free with ExpressVPN.

SAVE $80: As of Dec. 18, the Fitbit Versa 4 is on sale for $119.95 at Amazon. That's a 40% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Versa 4 $119.95 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $80.00   Get Deal

If you're looking for a great fitness tracker deal ahead of Christmas, check out this latest Amazon deal on the Fitbit Versa 4. Currently at its lowest-ever price, you can save $80 on this model when you purchase the pink sand or waterfall blue options.

The Fitbit Versa 4 is an everyday fitness watch designed to help you stay motivated. It's one of my favorite Fitbits, mostly because of its stylish design and tracking functionality. It reads your body signals to give you cues on when to push yourself or take a rest, and it'll show you real-time stats during workouts. And whether you enjoy running, walking, swimming, Pilates, or more, this Fitbit comes with plenty of exercise modes.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

Other standout features include built-in GPS, all-day activity tracking, and continuous heart-rate monitoring, plus it’s water resistant up to 50 meters. Sleep tracking is a big plus on this watch too, providing you with a sleep score, stages, smart wake alarms, and tools to help you build better habits over time.

It also impresses as a lifestyle watch, covering the basics like on-wrist calls, texts, and notifications, stress tracking, guided breathing, SpO2 monitoring, and menstrual health tracking.

Pick up this Fitbit deal from Amazon before Christmas.

SAVE $80: As of Dec. 18, the 40-inch Roku Smart TV is on sale for $149.99 at Amazon. That's a 35% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Roku 40-inch Roku Smart TV $149.99 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $80   Get Deal

There's just a week until the big day, and if you're an Amazon Prime member, chances are you still have time for parcels to arrive before Christmas. Whether you need a great gift for someone, or you're looking to upgrade your own setup, right now there's a deal on the 40-inch Roku Smart TV that's definitely worth checking out.

As of Dec. 18, this TV is down to only $149.99. That's an $80 saving and it's the lowest it has ever been priced. You can also purchase the 32-inch model on sale, down from $179.99 to $139.99.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

With a Roku TV, you're getting an interface that's simple to navigate and puts popular streaming apps, live TV, and free movies and shows all together in one place. As well as streaming platforms, you'll also have access to over 500 free Roku channels.

The picture quality is amazing too, with the 40-inch Full HD display giving you a bright, clear picture suited to spaces like bedrooms or kitchens, with Roku Smart Picture adjusting settings automatically. You can even adjust the home screen to your own preferences. Simply move apps around to how you like them, or even have your favorite TV channel front and center.

It also supports voice control through Roku Voice, Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant, and includes a voice remote for easily searching through apps.

Pick up this Roku deal at Amazon now.

Jimmy Kimmel spent a big chunk of his Wednesday monologue mocking Donald Trump's new White House plaques, but he also saved time to respond to Texas senator Ted Cruz calling him "unfunny."

The comment took place at a Senate hearing to question FCC chairman Brendan Carr over threats he made to Kimmel's network ABC earlier in the year that led to Kimmel being briefly suspended. Cruz was one of the few Republicans to say he doesn't think it's appropriate for politicians to pressure the FCC — but he did also go on to make his feelings about Kimmel very clear.

"Jimmy Kimble [sic] is angry, overtly partisan, and profoundly unfunny," Cruz said.

"Jimmy Kimble!" responds the host in the clip above. "I have to say, profoundly unfunny hurts my feelings. I would never say he isn't funny. I think he's very funny. It was funny when he jetted off to Cancun during that snowstorm."

Sydney Jo's artistic process is right out of a Nancy Meyers movie.

She's obsessed with film and TV, from the classic sitcoms to Jersey Shore to Quentin Tarantino. She watches TikTok videos and listens to podcasts, and consumes any media she can get her hands on like a glutton. 

You might know Sydney Jo, aka @thatgirlsydjo, for her TikTok project, The Group Chat, which she wrote on her Notes app during her commute to work. Now, she's quit that job and is writing full-time (although she doesn't actually consider herself a writer).

SEE ALSO: What to expect from the inaugural U.S. TikTok Awards

The creator, who has 329,000 followers on Instagram and 1.7 million followers on TikTok, was nominated for Rising Star of the Year at the 2025 TikTok Awards. In the weeks leading up to the awards, we caught up with her to talk about imposter syndrome, learning to write screenplays, and trusting her creative instincts.

She was nominated for Rising Star of the Year at the 2025 TikTok Awards. Credit: Ian Moore / Mashable Composite; Dia Dipasupil / WireImage / Getty Could you tell me a bit about The Group Chat?

I was working in antique and estate jewelry, which I loved. I would travel a lot and go to Vegas and Miami, and all these different places to have trade shows and find new jewelry to buy. And I really loved having a skill outside of entertainment, but I started to feel really depressed. I feel that anyone who is creative will know; it's as if even if you love your day job, you can feel really depressed when you start to get into this 9-to-5 routine. And I just felt like I wasn't doing anything that was satisfying that part of me.

Because I was spending so much time traveling, and even just commuting to work, I would write these scripts and think, "Maybe one day, it'll be something." And I had this script, this idea for The Group Chat, which initially was just character descriptions. It wasn't even any dialogue or anything like that. It was just me really fleshing out these characters and their history and how this portrayal of female friendships in mainstream entertainment is so, "You have to be best friends and know everything about each other and be inseparable and if you do have a fight it's it's like a huge deal it's a season finale that these people are fighting that never fight" and that's just so not how it is, especially if you have a big friend group and there's so many different personalities. 

Everyone has their friends who talk too much about work, talk too much about their boyfriend, want to bring their boyfriend everywhere, there's a lot of drama around weddings, and I was like, "I want to tell that sort of story in a gimmicky way for TikTok, but in a way that also feels truthful."

Did you always intend for it to be a TikTok series?

I write a lot of scripts. I'm not a writer, and I never thought I'd make a TV show, but it's something I've always done. I don't release my songs, but I've always written songs. I have books and books of songs that I have never released or recorded. 

I have random movie ideas in my Notes all the time. When I thought I could do it for TikTok, I had to almost change it because it was a little bit more serious when I first wrote it. For TikTok, it has to be a little bit gimmicky and a little fun, and it has to be short. So I ended up changing it for TikTok.

Then it just really took on a life of its own. There are now two entirely different things. 

Now that we're working on making an actual TV show out of it, I'm going back to more of what I originally wrote.

It's so interesting that you say that you're not a writer because I think you so clearly are, and I think your audience so clearly engages with your content in a way that you would engage with the script writer's content. When do you think you will feel like you are one?

I'm starting to feel it. It's not as if I had a hidden talent or something. I just always was a singer. And so, everything I did in my entire life was always about my voice. My voice was strong, and that was what I always focused on. I always wanted to be a singer.

It is almost like when you know something's there, and then one day, it really comes to the forefront of your brain, and you see it. I have always known that I enjoy doing this. And now it's like, "Wow, I am good at writing." 

Even little things, like I always write my friends' text messages for them when they're flirting with a boy or fighting with a boy. I'm always the one who writes that text in Notes and then sends it to them, and they send it. So it was always there. 

But now I'm doing the show and learning how to actually write a screenplay. I wrote the pilot of this show literally in my Notes app, and they were like, "This is great, but like you have to format it." Now I'm starting to learn how to actually perform the little stage directions, actions, and character pieces that are all in the script. And I've gotten to read a lot of amazing pilots for shows that I grew up loving, like How I Met Your Mother. I've gotten to see some of those. And now I'm starting to feel like a [writer], but I don't know if I'll ever really [get there]. I didn't have the training. So I'll always feel a little bit like I'm an imposter.

Imposter syndrome is incredibly tough to overcome. Are you writing all of the scripts in your Notes app?

Yeah, and I think that that's been such an incredible lesson because I think part of the block is like when I was a theater major, there were writing majors and people in the film school that were different from the acting school. And I always thought, "My God, those people, they have the tools, and they know what to do." 

And [writing this project] has been a lesson of like, if you really have a good idea and you are meant to do it, then it'll just happen. You don't need to have all of these professional things. The idea is the idea and all that stuff can come later… What I've been told by other people is that there's almost a charm to the fact that it wasn't overproduced to begin with. It really just did come organically.

How are you holding space for both the TV show and the TikTok show?

It's not easy. I will get confused sometimes when I'm working on the TikTok [show] and I'm like, "But Maddie and Emily are fighting." And then I'm like, "Wait, no, that's like in the show." I go back and forth, and I get a little confused, but they are so different. 

And I will say the show has really turned into [something new]. It's not about The Group Chat. It's really more about the friendships, the drama, the comedy, and everything that comes from the dynamics between the characters. Whereas on TikTok, it really is about a group chat. 

After it really started blowing up on TikTok, did that change your approach to content creation?

In many ways, it has allowed me to create and not think so much about it. There's so much that comes from having permission, and it shouldn't be that way. But once you gain permission from your audience, they truly appreciate what you're doing. Now, I'll post something that will get millions of views, and some things that I post get 10,000 views. And before I might have taken those videos down. 

But this has really changed my approach. It's no longer about the specific content. Because I think when I was doing trends that would blow up, it's like, "Well, I hopped onto this trend right away. It blew up because it's a trend." And I didn't really feel like it had anything to do with me. But now with people following the group chat, how much it's changed and evolved and not every episode is texting and it and I've really developed the characters and people still love it and has such a loyal fan base, I think that has given me the confidence to be like, "OK, it's not just the content, it is me. People will like what I put out. And it doesn't always have to be the group chat. And it doesn't always have to be a trend. And there will always be people who follow me just because they like me for whatever reason." 

And it does make it a lot easier to just have creative flow. However, I will say that it is challenging to be so immersed in The Group Chat because it's such a demanding writing and filming experience, and to come up with new ideas, as my mind is so focused. So I am still finding the balance.

You have your TV show, your TikTok show, and your other content. Where do you find your inspiration?

It's different for [them all]. For the TV show, I'm like such a cinema nerd. And so everything is coming from things that I've watched. I have inspiration from everything, like the classic sitcoms — How I Met Your Mother and Friends, and Sex and the City — all the way to Death Proof by Quentin Tarantino. And that's a crazy thing to say, but there is a scene in the pilot where I was inspired when I watched the scene of them sitting in the diner in Death Proof in the beginning.

So it really comes from everywhere. For the TikTok specifically, because the TikTok really homes in on that feeling of like how connected the group chat makes you, and this feel-good moment of like when you find a common ally, and there's some crazy thing going on, and you can text someone else on the side and be like, oh my God, this is insane. It's almost like watching a movie on your own phone. And that really came from Jersey Shore: The Reunion.

OK...

But when I started to change it for TikTok, I was on a plane and catching up on the Jersey Shore reunion. I had been a little behind, but it was the episode where Mike "The Situation" gets out of jail, and they're all at a vacation house together. And they all received this text at the same time, as the group chat that had been inactive was replaced by a new one without him. So now he's back, and he lights up this group chat that hasn't been touched in months. And they're all running around the house, freaking out. And I was like, "I think that's what it is."

These characters that I've written and this concept that I have, that's the feeling that I'm trying to hone in on. This can be a unifying experience, whether it's having a common enemy or a common ally. I think everyone reaches this flow state in a group chat where everyone's responding, and there are all these jokes, and then people are sending gifs of the joke, and you're like sitting there giggling to yourself.

I'm really charmed by this idea of you writing this series on planes on your phone. Have you worked on other projects in the same way?

Yes, I have some that I haven't released yet, and I have other ideas that I think could be turned into movies or shows, as well as other concepts for TikTok. There are things that I have written on my commute. One of the biggest things I did was a "Swifties at 3 a.m. series" that I [wrote] on the train. I [had to] do the actual research like a real Swiftie. I had to go into her songs and be like, "She says this word at this timestamp, and it's 312, and take the 12 and minus the four." But I had to make the math make sense. So, I was really doing all that on my commute. 

What are you reading and watching and listening to right now?

Right now, I'm rewatching The Bear, and that's actually a way of doing research for the TV show. One of the things I really love about The Bear is the way they have conversations, which feel so organic. Sometimes with dialogue, even in really great movies and TV shows, it just is so scripted, but the way that they like to interrupt each other, and there's literally a line written in the script where they go, "What? Sorry." It's the tiniest thing, but that is how a real conversation happens. So definitely that. 

And then I am addicted to Tell Me Lies. I've watched both seasons through like probably four times. I'm always watching it. I listen to Emma Chamberlain's podcast a lot because I feel like she has a really great take on how to manage, avoid burnout, and navigate everything. And she was one of the original creators in the digital space that came from YouTube when there wasn't really a path for that… I listen to a lot of podcasts. I really try to listen and be proactive. 

I know that burnout is a real thing, and I don't feel it yet, but I'm aware that I could, so I'll try to do everything I can to avoid it. I'll consume anything. 

I'm thinking about the show you're writing, your experience with the group chat, and your general content creation. How often are you posting? Are you batching content? 

That third area is the area that I'm still working on the most because The Group Chat takes a long time to write, and then it takes anywhere from four-to-six hours to film, depending on what I'm filming, how many characters are in it, [and] how intense the hair and makeup styles are. So it is hard to find room.

And then brand deals. When I do a brand deal, it has to be done as usual, three-to-four weeks before the post date. 

So it is hard to find time for the random content to throw in. But I have taken the pressure off myself to feel like I have to post all the time. I think I used to feel like if I'm not posting every day, what am I doing? And if I go three days without posting, people are not gonna care, and they're gonna lose interest, and I'm failing at it.

It's not realistic, given the current situation. And I don't have a massive team. I don't have an assistant. I don't have people helping me film. It is still just me. I try to convey [that] to my audience and it seems like they really do resonate with and understand. I really have the best fan base, and even negative comments that I get are always constructed out of the love of the group chat. 

Yeah, which platforms do you feel like are most crucial in growing your audience so far?

Definitely TikTok. I love posting on Instagram, and I think Instagram Stories are a way for me to have more one-on-one interactions with my audience and really be able to respond to them and hear them. I'll do a lot of questions. 

But TikTok is one of the best things to come out of this generation, this last decade, because the fact that eight months ago, I was working a nine-to-five, daydreaming when I'm having a bad day, that maybe my life could be what it is now. And in just eight months, I'm already working on making a TV show, which, if you had just written a TV show, it would take you years to pitch that, to get someone to believe in it, to get anyone to back it, to fund it. And now, because it has already been proven and guinea pig-tested online, I wasn't. 

I didn't seek out making this TV show. I was getting offers. People were coming to me like, "Hey, I really think this would be a great show." And I was like, "My God, me too. I just didn't think anyone else would think that. 

And it shows the community and the power that is in TikTok and the really like dedicated community that it's created, that all these people are coming out with cookbooks and reality shows and TV shows and clothing lines just [from] having a TikTok audience. You can do it for yourself. You don't have to wait for someone else to give you the opportunity. And I think that's so amazing.

It's hard enough to see a meteorite strike on Earth: Most of the bits of space debris that survive entry into the atmosphere plunge into the ocean, which covers about 70 percent of the planet. 

So imagine how rare it is to spot one from 240,000 miles away. That's what Andrew Marshall-Lee, a doctoral student at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium in the United Kingdom, did last week. He captured the fleeting flash of light from the crash on the moon with the 17-inch Armagh Robotic Telescope on Dec. 12. Though it's not yet clear where on the lunar surface it hit, Marshall-Lee believes it might be northeast of the circular-shaped Langrenus crater.

The video, featured below, shows the tiny spark, a fraction of a second long, blink amid the shadow from the sun. Though the observatory is still investigating the event, the most likely origin of the meteorite is the Geminid meteor shower.

"On that night, I just went to check the scope to make sure everything was working, and I saw it happen with my own eyes," Marshall-Lee told Mashable. "I don’t think I could put a number on how lucky I was."

SEE ALSO: Scientists suspect this scorched alien planet with a sunlike star has air

Here on Earth, about 73,000 pounds of meteor material rain down every day. 

The moon also gets pummeled by tons of rock and dust, but without air to shield it or slow down these meteoroids. That means even tiny pebbles can crash with enormous energy. Astronomers want to better understand how hard and often they hit. Knowing will help scientists predict risks to astronauts and spacecraft, especially any lunar outposts built there in the future. 

A rock no bigger than a golf ball could have caused the recent lunar impact, according to the observatory. At an ultra-high speed, estimated at roughly 78,000 mph, the meteorite could have left a sizable mark. NASA estimates that a 10-pound meteoroid could blast out a crater over 30-feet wide while throwing 165,000 pounds of moondust and debris.  

The above video is courtesy of Andrew Marshall-Lee and the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium.

Even on Earth, with its thick protective atmosphere, small meteoroids can cause immense destruction. An asteroid of 100 to 170 feet across could level a small city, according to NASA. In 2013, a 60-feet meteor actually did come crashing down over Chelyabinsk, Russia, injuring some 1,600 people. 

Though a golf ball-sized rock on the moon would be impossible to see from Earth, its kinetic energy rapidly converts into heat and light when it hits the surface. That strike then vaporizes some of the lunar material, which is the source of the flash of light.

This research is crucial for scientists whose work focuses on how to defend Earth from catastrophic collisions. After all, no one wants people to get wiped out like the dinosaurs 66 million years ago. 

But because large meteors are less plentiful, it's challenging to get enough data about their impacts. The moon, on the other hand, provides an enormous target area for watching and observing these rocks, even if they are rare occurrences. Daichi Fujii, a Japanese astronomer who observed two lunar impact flashes in November, said even as he's continuously monitored the moon for the past five years, he has still only recorded one flash for every few dozen hours.

A man watches the Geminid meteor shower over Brimham Rocks in North Yorkshire, England, on Dec. 15, 2020. Credit: Danny Lawson / PA Images / Getty Images

Marshall-Lee had recorded about 50 hours this year before capturing the event. The challenge is that there aren't that many observation days. The moon needs to be less than half full so that it doesn't outshine the dark side.

The new video is believed to be the first lunar impact flash recorded from Ireland. That's a feat, considering Northern Ireland doesn't get true "astronomical night" during summer months. In winter, cloud cover prevents a clear view more than 70 percent of the time.

Usually, Marshall-Lee would review the recordings later for any possible lunar impacts. The fact that he caught this one in the act gave him a mix of joy and excitement, followed by trepidation. He had to make sure his eyes weren't just playing tricks on him at 3 a.m.

"To get the needed good conditions lined up with the peak of the Geminid shower is really quite a stroke of luck," he said.

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

The college football action continues with bowl season, as the Arkansas Razorbacks tussle with the Missouri State Bears in the Xbox Bowl.

This marks the Bears' first bowl game in their first season at Football Bowl Subdivision level — and they've had an impressive debut season with a 7-5 record. There's a great underdog story here just waiting to happen.

Arkansas, however, will be determined to win their second consecutive bowl, after beating Texas Tech to win the Liberty Bowl last year. And at 6-6, a win here will make it another winning season for the Razorbacks. They're sure to come out fighting.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

Indeed, along with other bowl game action in the college postseason, this Xbox Bowl clash is not something to miss. And if you do want to watch Arkansas vs. Missouri for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Arkansas vs. Missouri?

Arkansas vs. Missouri takes place at 9 p.m. ET on Dec. 18. This game takes place at the Ford Center in Frisco, Texas.

Arkansas vs. Missouri is broadcast on ESPN2.

How to watch college football in 2025/26

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

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

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

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

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

Channels: Fox, FS1, FS2, Big Ten Network

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to watch Arkansas vs. Missouri from anywhere in the world

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

Live stream Arkansas vs. Missouri from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Sign in to your favorite streaming service

5. Watch Arkansas vs. Missouri from anywhere in the world

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

• Servers in 105 countries including the U.S.

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

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

TL;DR: A near-mint 2019 MacBook Pro with Retina display, Touch Bar, quad-core performance, and all-day battery life is now only $359.97 — ideal for everyday performance without overspending.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Macbook Pro 2019 (Refurbished) $359.97
$1,499 Save $1,139.03   Get Deal

Anyone in the market for a dependable everyday computer — something to handle online shopping, bill-paying, email, video calls, or work — this Grade A refurbished Apple MacBook Pro (2019) is worth a serious look.

At just $359.97 (reg. $1,499), it delivers the kind of performance and build quality Apple is known for, but at a price that makes upgrading far easier to justify.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

This model brings together speed and simplicity: a 2.4GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD keep your apps responsive and boot times fast. Whether you’re managing documents, streaming shows, or juggling a handful of browser tabs, this Apple machine is built to keep up.

The 13.3-inch Retina display is another perk. True Tone technology adjusts to your working environment for a more natural viewing, while wide color (P3) support gives everything — from spreadsheets to Disney+ — a noticeable visual boost.

The Touch Bar with Touch ID adds quick shortcuts and secure fingerprint login. You also get four Thunderbolt 3 ports for flexible charging and accessories, a Force Touch trackpad, and a backlit keyboard that’s easy to work on day or night. With up to 10 hours of battery life, it’s built to last through a full day of use.

Because it’s a Grade A refurbished device, it arrives in near-mint condition with minimal cosmetic wear. In other words, you’re getting premium hardware without the premium price tag — and a laptop that still fits today’s everyday needs beautifully.

This like-new MacBook Pro is on sale for just $359.97 (reg. $1,499) for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Take your cybersecurity more seriously in 2026 with this 5-year subscription to AdGuard VPN, on sale now for $49.99 (reg. $359.40).

Opens in a new window Credit: AdGuard AdGuard VPN: 5-Yr Subscription $49.99
$359.40 Save $309.41   Get Deal

Looking for a good New Year’s resolution? How about making cybersecurity a priority in 2026? If you’re looking for a simple way to make a big impact, it may be time to invest in a VPN. AdGuard is user-friendly, while still ensuring your online activities stay private.

Right now, you can secure a five-year subscription to AdGuard VPN for just $49.99 (reg. $359.40) — only $10 a year — for a limited time.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

If you’re ready to take your cybersecurity up a notch, a VPN is essential. AdGuard VPN helps your data stay safe and keeps your online activities private, no matter where you go. Think of it as your own encrypted gateway to the internet.

AdGuard has more than 70 locations to choose from, so you can access geographically restricted content or just keep your real location under wraps. An advanced security protocol ensures you enjoy a faster, safer VPN connection no matter where you connect, so you can browse, stream, and download with peace of mind.

Aside from keeping your online activities private, AdGuard has a zero-logging policy, so your personal data is never collected. And this 5-year subscription allows you to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously — from smartphones to tablets to computers — so you can enjoy security on all your devices.

Secure a five-year subscription to AdGuard VPN now for just $49.99 (reg. $359.40).

StackSocial prices subject to change.