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In 2025, HBO streaming service Max has found success by looking to the past. The Pitt channeled medical procedurals like ER, the real-time formula of 24, and the power of weekly episode drops — a godsend in the binge release era — to become a hot-button show. Now, the '70s-set Duster roars into action to deliver more classic TV vibes, including a Lost team-up between star Josh Holloway and series co-creator J.J. Abrams.
SEE ALSO: Summer TV preview: All the TV shows you need to know, and where to stream themDuster creators Abrams and LaToya Morgan shaped the entire series around Holloway, and it's obvious to see why. He's crackling with enough charisma to jumpstart a car, boasting the kind of magnetic screen presence that a lesser show would just coast on. Thankfully, Duster isn't content to drift by on the (considerable) power of Holloway alone. Instead, it builds out a gritty, groovy, odd-couple crime caper that's already looking to stake its claim as the most fun show of the summer.
What's Duster about? Rachel Hilson in "Duster." Credit: James Van Evers / MaxHolloway may have been the focal point for Duster's creation, but he's not the first character we meet. That honor falls to new FBI agent Nina Hayes (Rachel Hilson), the first Black woman to work for the bureau. Tenacious, bright, yet undermined at every opportunity by her white male coworkers, Nina has fought tooth and nail to get where she is. She's fought even harder to be assigned to a particular case: taking down the Phoenix-based crime syndicate run by Ezra "Sax" Saxton (Keith David). It's among the toughest cases the FBI has ever faced, to the point that the Arizona office has branded it cursed. But Nina has two things that no one else who's worked the case before has had: a personal vendetta against Sax and a man on the inside.
That man is none other than Jim Ellis (Holloway), Sax's trusted driver. He may deal in beatdowns and the occasional organ trafficking, but he's got a heart of gold. Look no further than his tender relationship with his "niece" — who's really his daughter — Luna (Adriana Aluna Martinez). Due to the nature of his work, Jim keeps up the "uncle" guise for both Luna and her mother Izzy's (Camille Guaty) sakes, but there's no denying the love he has for either of them.
For Jim, Sax is also as good as family, so he doesn't turn on him lightly. However, Nina has evidence that points to Sax harming Jim's family in the same way he harmed Nina's. That evidence leads to an uneasy alliance between the two, and the pair set out to take down the most notorious man in Arizona.
Duster is a rip-roaring '70s thrill ride. Josh Holloway and Rachel Hilson in "Duster." Credit: Ursula Coyote / MaxOf course, the investigation never goes quite as planned. From undercover operations to run-ins with a crooked cop (Donal Logue), Jim and Nina often find themselves in hot water. Watching them improvise their way out of danger is a blast, which Abrams and Morgan accentuate with loving '70s references and aesthetics.
Bell bottoms and retro musical stings abound in Duster, as do uber-stylish car chases and fisticuffs. There's a sense of playfulness to each of Duster's action set pieces. The series relishes the squeal of tires on the road and the cartoonish thwack of a landed punch. Sometimes even real cartoons come into play, like an inspired Looney Tunes spoof. Elsewhere, the credits sequence is a Hot Wheels-flavored joyride. Throw in characters with nicknames like "Sunglasses" and "Enrique the Blade," and you're looking at nostalgic fun, pure and simple.
SEE ALSO: 'Murderbot' review: Alexander Skarsgård leads a charming adaptation of a sci-fi favoriteBut even amid all this fun, Duster finds time to get serious. The series examines the discrimination and microaggressions Nina faces at the FBI. She finds an ally in her half-Navajo partner Awan (Asivak Koostachin), who is similarly othered and dismissed by coworkers. The two bond over the mistreatment they face, as well as the pressure they feel as representatives of their communities in the FBI. On the flip side, they also discuss the disapproval they face from family about joining an organization rooted in racism.
While this more serious subject matter occasionally clashes with the rest of Duster's freewheeling fun, it's impossible to make a show about a Black woman working in the FBI without it. These character beats are essential to fleshing out both Nina and Awan, and with Awan's family disagreements in particular, it feels like Duster is already playing the long game and thinking about stories for future seasons.
Josh Holloway and Rachel Hilson are a killer TV duo. Rachel Hilson and Josh Holloway in "Duster." Credit: James Van Evers / MaxDuster boasts an exceptional ensemble cast, from David's perfectly sinister turn as Sax to Koostachin's sweetly nerdy Awan. Anchoring it all is the dynamite duo that is Holloway and Hilson.
Despite their dueling backgrounds as an FBI agent and a criminal, Nina and Jim share some fascinating parallels, like deceased family members with connections to Sax, or a tendency to break the rules in order to get the answers they need. Similarly, Holloway and Hilson's performances complement each other to a tee. He's more of a charmer, all megawatt smiles and easygoing cool — even in the middle of a fight! She's more of a go-getter, unshakeable and unwilling to take no for an answer. Together, they're electric.
Nina and Jim's burgeoning friendship is just one of Duster's many delights, along with its unwavering stylishness and twisty conspiracy. Even with the occasional bump in the road, Duster is nothing less than an absolute joyride.
Duster premieres May at 9 p.m. ET on Max, with new episodes streaming weekly.
Few things illustrate how fame comes full circle in the internet age quite like the TikTok resurgence of Katy Perry’s 2009 ballad "Thinking of You."
Initially, the trend emerged as a satirical commentary on Perry's distinctive vocal delivery, characterized by exaggerated enunciation and emotive facial expressions, which many found ripe for parody. Users on the platform mimicked her performance, amplifying its theatricality for comedic effect. (And let's be real: Perry isn't the first pop star to sing their vowels in cursive.)
However, as the trend gained momentum, a shift occurred. What began as jest gradually transformed into a genuine appreciation for the song's emotional depth and Perry's songwriting. TikTokkers began to recognize the raw vulnerability embedded in the track, leading to heartfelt covers and tributes that celebrated its sincerity.
This evolution underscores a broader cultural tendency to revisit and reassess past works, often through the lens of nostalgia and newfound understanding.
Perry, for her part, has acknowledged the trend, though not exactly embraced it. During a performance on her Lifetimes Tour, she briefly sang an exaggerated snippet of "Thinking of You" before abruptly pivoting to another song, quipping, "I don't sing like that." It was a moment that felt more like brushing off the joke than leaning into it, hinting at possible irritation beneath the surface. Rather than capitalize on the trend’s momentum, Perry kept her distance. Yet there’s a self-awareness in this restraint, reflecting the complexities of navigating critique and nostalgia in an era when pop stardom is often memed and mocked.
Still, the song’s resurrection isn’t happening in a vacuum. It lands amid renewed scrutiny of Perry’s career choices: her ongoing work with disgraced producer Dr. Luke, her involvement in a much-derided Blue Origin spaceflight, and a broader debate over her place in pop’s ever-shifting hierarchy. To some, she’s a relic. To others, she's a misunderstood powerhouse ready for reappraisal.
Perry addressed the mounting online criticism at her show in Chicago, telling the rapturous crowd, "I thought I was the most hated person on the internet...But I think that’s false."
This complex dynamic, where hate and scrutiny coexist with newfound appreciation, is at the heart of what it means to be a pop star in 2025. The TikTok trend surrounding "Thinking of You" exemplifies this tension: While Perry faces ongoing criticism for her choices, her music is also experiencing a renaissance, proving that pop stardom today thrives on both irony and sincerity.
That’s what makes this TikTok trend more than just nostalgia. It’s a chaotic, crowdsourced re-evaluation of Perry’s legacy. It suggests that, despite the fluctuating tides of public opinion, Perry's artistic contributions and maximalist approach to pop continue to resonate with audiences, offering a sense of continuity in an industry often fixated on the new and the now.
As Rolling Stone's Tomás Mier wrote, "The campy antics mocked online...have always been central to Perry’s persona from the start."
"Thinking of You" might’ve once been written off as a melodramatic B-side. Now, it’s a reminder of the big, bold sincerity pop once wore on its sleeve, and the kind of emotional directness we’re finally ready to feel again.
For Perry, this resurgence not only reaffirms her place in the cultural zeitgeist, it also proves that even pop's most theatrical moments can find new life in an era hungry for both irony and authenticity. Now, if only she’d lean into it the way she used to.
TL;DR: New members can join Sam’s Club for just $20 (normally $50) and enjoy a full year of big savings, member perks, and access to premium products.
TikTok tried to convince us that Erewhon Market is the most luxurious place to get groceries, but we’d argue that Sam’s Club takes the cake. It might not have ridiculously expensive berries, but you can get multiple errands done under one roof and skip the checkout line if you download their app.
The only downside is that, like a real club, you have to be a member to get inside the door. If you want in just in time for summer savings, you can save $20 with this Sam’s Club membership offer and get one year for $20 (reg. $50).
VIP savings and shopping perks insideSam’s Club members usually have a hard time leaving without the entire store in their carts, since they can shop for everything from fresh and frozen groceries to electronics and furniture in one place. You won’t have to hop between multiple stores to get everything on your list anymore. That’s so last year.
Plus, with bulk-sized goods, you probably won’t have to make as many trips to Sam’s Club as you would with your regular store—that is, if you can handle staying away.
If your cart is full to the brim and the line looks long, there’s no need to stand and wait. With Scan and Go™ on the Sam’s Club app, you can scan your items, show your digital receipt on your way out (everyone has to do this), and be on your way.
Members of Sam’s Club also rave about savings on gas, so don’t forget to fill up your tank on the way home. The club also has a tire and battery center if your car needs more than fuel.
Speaking of members only, you’ll get even more discounts on hotels, car rentals, live events, movies, and more. We think you’ll earn back that $20 membership fee in no time with how much you’re saving on, well, everything.
Don’t miss out on this Sam’s Club membership offer to start the season off on the right foot—get one year for just $20 (reg. $50) for a limited time.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: Sam's Club 1-Year Sam's Club Membership with Auto-Renew $20TL;DR: Upgrade car with a 9″ wireless display that works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and it’s only $79.99 (reg. $179).
Your car doesn’t need to be fresh off the lot to feel modern. If your car’s dashboard feels stuck in the past, this 9″ Wireless Car Display can help bring it into the present. And it’s on sale for just $79.99 (reg. $179) for a limited time.
A car display that’s easy to installWith its 1024×600 FHD touchscreen, this sleek device offers a crisp, immersive display for navigation, entertainment, and more. Whether you’re commuting in traffic or heading out on a road trip, this car display offers a seamless blend of safety, tech, and convenience.
With Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, you can access your favorite apps, maps, and music hands-free. Siri or Google Assistant lets you stay focused on the road while managing calls, texts, and playlists with simple voice commands.
The display also features a mirror link function, allowing you to sync your phone’s video apps. This feature is ideal for keeping passengers entertained during long drives.
Safety is a key focus of this display. The intelligent GPS navigation syncs in real time with your phone, offering reliable directions and eliminating the need for a separate device. Its adjustable brightness gives you clear visibility in any lighting condition, day or night. Additionally, the built-in stereo output supports Bluetooth, AUX, and FM transmission, so you have multiple ways to enjoy audio.
Installation is made to be as easy as plugging it into your car’s cigarette lighter, which means it’s compatible with nearly any vehicle. No expensive visits to the shop or complicated setups — just instant tech gratification. And with support for a reversing camera and 1080p playback, this display is a functional game-changer for modern drivers.
Enjoy a smarter, safer, and more enjoyable driving experience for the price of one dinner out.
Get a 9″ Wireless Display featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility for just $79.99 (reg. $179).
Stock is limited.
StackSocial prices subject to change
Opens in a new window Credit: StackCommerce 9" Wireless Car Display with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Compatibility & Phone Mirroring $79.99TL;DR: Get a fresh perspective with these Double Barrel 720p Digital Night Vision Binoculars, now just $119.99 (reg. $297.99).
We don’t have to let nocturnal animals have all the fun. These Double Barrel 720p Digital Night Vision Binoculars let you see in the dark thanks to infrared light, and right now you can score a deep discount, over $170 off, and grab them for only $119.99.
Get ready to see in the dark with these binocularsWhether you’re heading out hiking, hunting, or settling in for a camping trip, you’ll want to bring along these Double Barrel 720p Digital Night Vision Binoculars. They work by emitting infrared light that can illuminate things that would otherwise be invisible to the human eye in the dark, and you can see everything easily on the 3W infrared illuminator LED widescreen display.
In addition to helping you stay safe while scanning for predators in the dark, you can also get a closer look at anything interesting thanks to a 4x zoom feature. See something hard to believe? Don’t worry, you can take a photo or record a video of it.
Though these are great at letting you see in the dark, you can also use them in the daytime. And that photo feature makes them a great candidate for any outdoor adventure.
Capture memories and see in the dark with these Double Barrel 720p Digital Night Vision Binoculars, now only $119.99 (reg. $297.99).
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: Stacksocial Double Barrel 720p Digital Night Vision Binoculars $119.99TL;DR: Give your PC an upgrade with a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows for just $49.97 ($219.99) through June 1.
Ready to give your PC a good refresh? Microsoft Office Professional 2021 gives your device a serious makeover, outfitting it with eight different apps to help you tackle both personal and professional tasks. You can now secure your own lifetime license for just $50 — less than $7 an app — until June 1.
Get helpful apps for less than $7 eachWhether you’re using your computer for work, school, or play, Microsoft Office Professional 2021 provides apps to help you get things done. It’s filled with old favorites, like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, and newer staples like Access, Teams, OneNote, and Publisher.
This deal provides a lifetime license for your Windows device, and you only have to pay once, unlike Microsoft 365, which locks you into endless subscription fees.
Speaking of more updated versions of Microsoft Office, rest assured that even though this is the 2021 edition, it has some perks over its successors. In addition to avoiding ongoing costs, you’ll also enjoy familiar interfaces without AI integrations. And you don’t have to rely on the cloud to tackle work; once you have apps downloaded, you can work offline.
Before buying, make sure your PC is updated to Windows 10 or 11, and it’s recommended that you have 1GB of RAM free.
Secure your own lifetime license to Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows for just $49.97 ($219.99) through June 1.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License $49.97Looking 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 one!
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 this week and ranked them from worst to best — or least worth your time to most watchable. Whether you're craving a classic fairy tale, sci-fi thrills, character-driven drama, or the hottest musical acts out of Europe (and beyond), we've got something just for you.
Here's what's new on streaming, from worst to best.
10. Bad ThoughtsComedian Tom Segura already has five stand-up specials on Netflix, but his latest project for the streamer is a little bit different. Bad Thoughts, a six-episode series that he wrote, directed, and stars in, is a comedy which sees Segura playing everything from a violently dissatisfied coffee shop customer to a hitman making a terrible mistake. The throughline that ties the show together? The idea of intrusive thoughts suddenly become reality. — Sam Haysom, Deputy UK Editor
Starring: Tom Segura, Daniella Pineda, Robert Iler, Shea Whigham, Christina Pazsitzky, Kirk Fox, Ryan Sickler, Bobby Lee, Malin Barr, and Sarah Burns
How to watch: Bad Thoughts debuts on Netflix May 13.
9. Snow White (2025)Disney reimagines its groundbreaking animated classic Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs as a live-action adventure with Snow White. West Side Story's Rachel Zegler stars as the eponymous Disney princess, who in this version does more than run, clean, bite a bad apple, and wait for a prince to rescue her. Screenwriter Erin Cressida Wilson turns Snow White into a resilient people's princess, who uses her voice not only to sing but to protest the wicked policies of her stepmother, the Evil Queen (Gal Gadot).
Directed by Marc Webb, the movie has some lovely elements, like Snow White's blossoming romance with a Robin Hood-like thief (Andrew Burnap). But then there's the bizarre casting choices, like making the seven dwarves creepy CGI creatures and expecting Gadot to bring epic diva attitude to her royal role. In my review for Mashable, I wrote, "For a movie that I expected to be achingly predictable, Disney's Snow White is both surprising and entertaining. Zegler is stellar as Snow White, and Burnap is terrific as her challenging beau. The dwarfs are a nightmare, and Gadot is insubstantial, but the charms of the colorful production design, the details of the CGI forest animals, and the richly enchanting costumes lure us into a fantasy world that's familiar but offers new discoveries to be uncovered. New songs give fresh verve to this antique tale. So in the end, Disney's Snow White is a magical cinematic experience." — Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko
Starring: Rachel Zegler, Andrew Burnap, and Gal Gadot
How to watch: Snow White is now available for rental or purchase on Prime Video.
8. The UninvitedYou're on the star-studded list for The Uninvited, writer-director Nadia Conners' film that follows a night of old flames and crumbling careers. Within their Hollywood home, former theatre actor Rose (Elizabeth Reaser) and her Hollywood agent husband Sammy (Walton Goggins) are throwing a soiree for the latter to schmooze potential new clients. These include Sammy's current number-one star Gerald (Rufus Sewell), glamorous ingénue Delia (Eva De Dominici), and silk-shirted A-lister Lucien (Pedro Pascal) — who just happens to be Rose's big-time ex. Suddenly, an unexpected elderly guest (Lois Smith) arrives on their doorstep; she seems to have a connection to the house, and she might just be the neutral onlooker this social event needs.
As I wrote in my review, "Set over the course of one eventful party, The Uninvited functions much like a play — kind of like what its characters, A-list actors coming together for a garden party, used to perform together back when they were coming up. It's a three-act ticking time bomb in which everything could unravel at any minute." — Shannon Connellan, UK Editor
Starring: Pedro Pascal, Lois Smith, Elizabeth Reaser, Walton Goggins, Eva De Dominici, and Rufus Sewell
How to watch: The Uninvited is available for rent or purchase on VOD, starting May 16.
7. Love, Death, + Robots, Volume 4Tim Miller's unique and bizarre anthology series returns for its fourth season, bringing its usual mix of sci-fi, comedy, and horror, and combining all that with an impressive cast. MrBeast, John Oliver, Amy Sedaris, Chris Parnell, Kevin Hart, John Boyega, Brett Goldstein, Rhys Darby, Niecy Nash-Betts, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers are just some of the new additions. The trailer teases everything from talking cats and a horde of giant babies to deals with the devil and gladiatorial dinosaur battles. It's going to be chaotic. — S.H.
Starring: MrBeast, John Oliver, Amy Sedaris, Chris Parnell, Kevin Hart, John Boyega, Brett Goldstein, Rhys Darby, Niecy Nash-Betts, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers
How to watch: Love, Death, + Robots Volume 4 debuts on Netflix May 15.
6. MurderbotKiller robots are no stranger to TV and film, but you've never met one quite like Murderbot (Alexander Skarsgård). The lead of Apple TV+'s Murderbot — based on Martha Wells' Murderbot Diaries — is a non-stop snark machine. While it maintains a stoic exterior for its security duties, its interior monologue relentlessly dunks on the "asshole" humans around it. And sure, Murderbot could kill every human it meets, but it would rather binge thousands of hours of its favorite shows. However, when its new crew of humans annoyingly tries to treat Murderbot like an equal, it must confront new challenges like feelings and attachment. Oh, and aliens.
SEE ALSO: 'Murderbot' review: Alexander Skarsgård leads a charming adaptation of a sci-fi favoriteFans of The Murderbot Diaries can breathe easy: Murderbot is a solid adaptation of Wells' work that leans hard into both Murderbot's sarcasm and its social anxiety. As I wrote in my review, "Anchored by a wonderfully awkward turn from Skarsgård and an instantly likable ensemble, Murderbot is pure sci-fi fun, even if its slight story occasionally stretches too thin." — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter
Starring: Alexander Skarsgård, David Dastmalchian, Noma Dumezweni, Sabrina Wu, Tattiawna Jones, Akshay Khanna, and Tamara Podemski
How to watch: Murderbot premieres May 16 on Apple TV+.
5. The Wedding Banquet (2025)"Remaking Ang Lee's award-winning 1993 queer rom-com The Wedding Banquet is no mean feat, but Fire Island's Andrew Ahn makes a masterclass of it," wrote Mashable's Shannon Connellan in her review of The Wedding Banquet.
The winsome comedy follows four friends, who make up two gay couples with unique troubles that could be solved through a proposed "lavender marriage." Lee (Lily Gladstone) and Angela (Kelly Marie Tran) are lesbians seeking to have a baby through IVF, which is emotionally and financially draining. Chris (Bowen Yang) and Min (Han Gi-Chan) are deeply in love, but any time talk of commitment comes up, Chris panics. So when Min is getting pressure from his old-fashioned grandmother to marry or move back to Korea, he proposes... to Angela. The idea is that their fake wedding can get her money for the IVF and him time to stay in the U.S. with Chris. But despite their best-laid wedding plans, things get wild.
"The Wedding Banquet is a triumph of a romantic comedy," Connellan declared. "A smart and heartfelt update on Lee's '90s classic that explores the pressures of balancing cultural tradition with LGBTQ identity. Ahn's film leaves ample space for these wonderful characters to mess up, say the wrong thing, and figure out their next steps, all with the support and love of each other. Please let me marry this film." — K.P.
Starring: Bowen Yang, Lily Gladstone, Kelly Marie Tran, Han Gi-chan, Joan Chen, and Youn Yuh-jung
How to watch: The Wedding Banquet is available for rent or purchase on Prime Video.
4. Duster, Season 1In the mood for a '70s thrill ride? Then check out Duster, from J.J. Abrams and LaToya Morgan, which reunites Abrams with Lost star Josh Holloway. Here, Holloway plays Jim Ellis, the charismatic getaway driver for notorious crime syndicate head Ezra Saxton (Keith David). When Jim agrees to be an informant for FBI agent Nina Hayes (Rachel Hilson) — the first Black woman in the FBI — the two embark on a rip-roaring investigation. Expect car chases, undercover identities, and a whole lot of groovy '70s vibes.
SEE ALSO: 'Duster' review: J.J. Abrams' '70s crime thriller is so fun it should be illegalStylish as hell, and boasting two great leads in Holloway and Hilson, Duster is already gearing up to be one of summer's most fun shows. As I wrote in my review, "There's a sense of playfulness to each of Duster's action set pieces. The series relishes the squeal of tires on the road and the cartoonish thwack of a landed punch. Sometimes even real cartoons come into play, like an inspired Looney Tunes spoof. Elsewhere, the credits sequence is a Hot Wheels-flavored joy ride. Throw in characters with nicknames like 'Sunglasses' and 'Enrique the Blade,' and you're looking at retro fun, pure and simple." — B.E.
Starring: Josh Holloway, Rachel Hilson, Keith David, Sydney Elisabeth, Greg Grunberg, Camille Guaty, Asivak Koostachin, Adriana Aluna Martinez, and Benjamin Charles Watson
How to watch: Duster premieres on HBO Max May 15, with new episodes weekly.
3. Hard TruthsOne of the most critically heralded dramas of 2024, Hard Truths centers on the deeply unpleasant Pansy Deacon (Marianne Jean-Baptiste), a British wife and mother who finds just about everything vexing. Written and directed by Mike Leigh, Hard Truths is a movie that focuses on character more than plot. As such, audiences begin to understand Pansy, not so much despite her ornery exterior, but through her family, including her husband, son, sister, and nieces. Together they knit a family connection of love and trauma, which gives context and empathy to even Pansy's wildest diatribes.
In his review for Mashable, Siddhant Adlakha proclaimed, "Hard Truths becomes a complex showreel for humanity at its most bitter and pained, with characters forced to turn inward and at least recognize (if not introspect and improve upon) the worst corners of themselves. Through long, unbroken close-ups and scenes of familial interaction in which tensions subtly build, Leigh's stark naturalism is brought slowly and fiercely to the fore by an accomplished actress at the height of her power, and at the height of her vulnerability. Scene by scene, she slowly chips away at Pansy's armor until all that's left is sinew, blood, and bone, leaving her exposed to the world in all its cruelty and kindness and indifference. It’s harrowing to watch, but Jean-Baptiste makes it impossible to look away." — K.P.
Starring: Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Michele Austin, David Webber, Tuwaine Barrett, Ani Nelson, Sophia Brown, and Jonathan Livingstone
How to watch: Hard Truths is now streaming on Paramount+.
2. OvercompensatingYou might know Benito Skinner from his viral sketches, where he sends up pop cultural figures like the Kardashians, Lana Del Rey, and more. Now, the comedian makes the jump to TV with the semi-autobiographical Overcompensating, which he created, executive produced, and stars in.
Skinner plays Benny, a closeted high school football star embarking on his freshman year of college. He develops a fierce friendship with outsider Carmen (Wally Baram), and together, the two try to find out who they really are in a world where seemingly everyone is hiding their true selves in order to seem cool.
A poignant portrait of a pivotal period in young adults' lives, Overcompensating is also drop-dead hilarious. Heightened characters, killer pop culture references, and perfect comedic pacing make Overcompensating one of the strongest comedies of the year so far. As if that weren't enough, it boasts a stellar roster of guest stars, including Kyle MacLachlan, Bowen Yang, and Charli XCX (playing herself in a deliciously unhinged cameo). As I wrote in my review, "Raunchy yet thoughtful, this is an immediately assured coming-of-age story bursting with laughs and comedic stars on the rise. Enroll early at Yates and experience it for yourself." — B.E.
Starring: Benito Skinner, Wally Baram, Mary Beth Barone, Adam DiMarco, and Rish Shah
How to watch: Overcompensating begins streaming on Prime Video on May 15.
1. Eurovision Song Contest 2025Eurovision Song Contest is an annual global event that pulls together songwriters and singers to create a TV live event that can be copied, but never rivaled. (And we say that as lovers of Will Ferrell's Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, and as some of the few who gave American Song Contest a shot!)
SEE ALSO: How to watch the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest online for freeThe 69th Eurovision Song Contest will be held at St. Jakobshalle in Basel, Switzerland, in honor of last year's winner, Nemo and "The Code." The name of the game is writing and performing an original song. Countries across Europe (and beyond) compete, first in national contests, then through three nights of internationally televised semi-finals and finales. Past winners include the likes of ABBA, Celine Dion, and bearded drag queen Conchita Wurst. But even those who don't take the top prize can drive audiences wild, like Subwoolfer, the mysterious band of neon-yellow masked singers who in 2022 sang the epic "Give That Wolf A Banana."
37 competitors are primed to perform this year, and the fun has already begun, as the first semi-final happened on May 13. But good news, American viewers can catch up and watch the rest of the events live on Peacock. — K.P.
How to watch: Eurovision Song Contest 2025 can be streamed on Peacock.
Aden Wang never set out to become a content creator — he was just cleaning his house. But with a camera rolling and a knack for aesthetics, his routine chores quickly turned into polished videos that now reach hundreds of thousands of viewers.
By day, Wang is a data-driven user experience designer. Off the clock, he creates home-focused content for Instagram and TikTok, where he’s built a combined following of more than half a million. He favors Instagram Reels, where over 429,000 followers tune in for his satisfying cleaning montages and design tips. On TikTok, more than 92,500 fans follow his creative process.
Wang’s videos are powered by his passion for home life — and supported by his wife and their dog. We spoke with him over Zoom about growing his audience, the nitty-gritty of his editing workflow, and how he balances a full-time career with a thriving side hustle in digital creativity.
Aden Wang's Creator Playbook Credit: WAITING FOR ART Mashable: How do you find inspiration or ideas for your content?Aden Wang: My inspiration mainly comes from my life. I do a lot of stuff at home because I work from home most of the time. I have a dog, and I have a wife. I do the majority of the housework — so the DIY projects, the cleaning, the cooking, and the furniture rearrangement. I have a lot of stuff to do during the day. My inspiration is basically just documenting my life. Hopefully, some part of my life is inspiring to other people. I basically just record whatever [my] daily activity is. So, for example, if today I have a new package come in that I really love, I would just record unboxing and set it up in my home. Or if I have a weekly cleaning project, then I would just record the entire cleaning process.
I have to do the work anyway, so I might as well record it. I find ways to record it from different angles. I get inspiration from other creators as well, how they use transitions and different camera angles to make the video more fun and engaging. So, just trying to make the daily tour a bit more interesting to people. That's the main goal.
You must be constantly full of ideas, then.To be honest, my mind and my brain work like multiple people. So I have a mind that's thinking about my full-time job. But my full-time job is basically a skillset that once you acquire, you don't have to worry about it. You just have to find a problem and solve it. That's it. So that's my product design job. Another mind is the creator mind, constantly seeking new ideas. For example, what DIY project should I do next?
So while I'm having a meeting at my full-time job, I think about the next DIY project. Where should I drill? Where should I add a shelf to make this space a little bit more functional? And then another mind is looking at my furniture, because my furniture is actually right on the left side of my screen. Whenever I'm having a meeting, when I pivot to the left side, I see my furniture. I'll think about how I can make the space even better. My mind's constantly thinking about new ideas. That's how my mind works.
View this post on Instagram Do you ever experience burnout? And what do you do when you feel that?The only burnout I feel is when working with brands because when working with brands, you have specific criteria, guidelines, and dos and don'ts. You are not doing what you love anymore. You're just following guidelines, but using your home to incorporate your content into their content. That's the only time I feel stressed out.
What was your first viral video or post, and how did it change your approach to content creation?Originally, I was posting images because Instagram was an image-focused platform. And then they switched to a video-focused platform. So when Reels started, I tried a few different videos, and my first viral video was rearranging my home; a top-down bird's eye view of my living room. I was recording a time-lapse of me moving my furniture around and changing the entire living room for a layout. And that video got a million views. That was the first time that I ever got that many impressions on one piece of content.
How long did it take for you to get there?When I first started, I never strived for that. I would just record whatever I felt. I didn't think too much, to be honest. Now, I think about it, I want things to get viral. But before, when I first started, I didn't even care.
At what point did you realize you could turn your content into a full-time career and generate income from it?When I reached about 50,000 followers. That's when brands started reaching out and asking, "Hey, how much money do you charge for [a] video? How much money do you charge for an image ad?" That's when I started getting gifts as well. And that's when I started seeing the monetization potential with my platform, even though I don't really care about that part of the income. I have a full-time job, but it's nice to have an extra income so my wife and I can go enjoy our lives out there and go travel and buy stuff I like, which is nice. But when I really started was after I started with my current agency. That's when everything really boomed.
Because they have the resources to help me out and also help me manage my contracts, all I have to worry about is content creation. That's all I need to care about. So that helps a lot. Before, I had to manage the emails and communications, everything. With a full-time job, I don't have time for those things. Last year was the year that I actually felt like I was actually making money from this thing.
Can you break down how you make money?As a creator [on Instagram], I don't really make money from the platform. You're not YouTube; it's Instagram. Instagram doesn't pay you an ad revenue share like YouTubers. They have ad revenue from the platform, but Instagram is nothing. My creator income is based on brand deals and partnerships.
View this post on Instagram Can you sort of walk me through your workflow from ideation to publishing a post?I have two routes. One route is serendipitous creation, where I don't really think about making anything, but something strikes me, just like a light-bulb moment. When I have something, I need to do it immediately, so I shut my laptop and set up my tripod. It might take me about an hour to shoot everything because I already have the concept in my mind — I just need to execute it.
After I shoot everything, I have all the content on my iPhone. I plug it into my laptop [to transfer the footage]. I start a folder and open up my editing software. I use Final Cut Pro most of the time, but sometimes I also use Adobe Premiere Pro, depending on the project. So open up the stuff, throw everything in, and start rough trimming. You don't have to go so precise because I leave the precise framing after I add music.
The first thing I do is throw everything into the timeline and then start removing the unnecessary stuff. You have that rough timeline. And then, now, the fun part: Open up your Instagram, go to the real tab, and then find music.
And then you start listening to each one of the songs in your headphones while playing the timeline on your editor, so you get a sense of which song will be best to fit that specific content. I try to aim for the trending music because the trending music helps to increase impressions and discovery, and people like that. But if I can't find any nice matching music that's trending, I just use regular music. After I find music, I go to YouTube, find that exact music, and I download that file and drag it into a timeline.
That's when I start beat matching. I try to match a specific beat. That's one of the reasons my content is pleasing to watch, with the music and everything. Also, I keep the background noise from the original clip, so it feels like you are doing it as well. You are in that environment. But then, have something in the background music to help elevate the mood. I trim it down to less than one minute, because I don't like to make my videos longer than one minute. I keep everything shorter.
So after trimming, I go through it one more time. Now, it is the color editing process.
View this post on InstagramSo you add an adjustment layer. You tweak the shadow, you tweak the highlight, you tweak the saturation. Because my home is vibrant and there's a lot of color in here, I tend to tune up the saturation a little bit to make it more vibrant and happy, like mood boosting. And then, after adjusting the color, is when I start adding text overlays. I notice a lot of people don't add text overlays, just leave the video as is. But I like to start with an introduction [that says] what I'm gonna do.
They're given a chance to consider. Throughout the video, I add the titles of each gadget and the chapters. Sometimes, I also add some of my personal feelings, what I'm thinking about, and the clips to make it more engaging, like having a conversation with the audience. So, after adding all the text overlays, I go through that one more time and then export it.
After I export it, the funny thing is, I don't really use the music from the Instagram composer. I import the exact file that I exported. I choose the same music, but I dial the [volume of] the original music down to one. So basically, you don't have that music playing in the background. The audio is actually the track that I exported from my video, because that way, I'll be able to keep the beats accurate.
After that is adding captions, changing the Reels cover, tagging the people that you like to tag, and then adding the geotag. And then hit publish. So that's the entire workflow. That's the serendipitous creation that was talking about.
But sometimes when I have a specific thing that I need to do, it might be in my head for a year. Because if it's a big project, I need the courage to do it. I also need to carve out the entire afternoon to do a big project. So I don't always have time. For a [DIY project], you might make a mistake or have to reshoot something. That takes time to fix. Of course, I didn't show that. I just want to show people how easy it is, but actually it's not easy.
Does editing take a similar amount of time for both of these?Editing is actually fast. Editing is easier than the shooting itself. Because when you shoot, you have to constantly check your footage right after, even just one second. You run up to the stairs, that one clip you need to run back down, go back to your iPhone, check the footage to see how it looks, if the pace that you're running up is too fast or too slow, you, if you need to adjust that, if you need to reshoot. And then also the angles. So I have to redo the exact same thing over again to just get the right clip. So that takes a lot of time.
Which platforms do you think have been most crucial in growing your audience and connecting with people online?It's definitely Instagram. My manager encouraged me to cross-post it to all other platforms like YouTube Shorts and TikTok, so I've been doing that. And TikTok is now steadily growing. I started a year ago, and now it's almost to 100,000, but I don't really manage it. I don't engage with anyone there. I just cross-post whatever I post on Instagram. So that is doing pretty well because that's a separate source of income. Some friends don't have the money to pay your audience base on Instagram, right? But they do have the budget to pay for your TikTok follower base. So you still get something instead of nothing. So it is good to have multiple platforms to monetize. But I'm primarily focusing on Instagram because I only have so much energy and resources to focus on one platform.
View this post on Instagram What advice would you give someone who's starting out in content creation today, looking to build a community similar to yours?A lot of people think content creation makes a lot of money, so they quit their job and focus on it. I don't recommend that. I definitely recommend sticking with a job and having content creation as a side gig because, for me, I need the two things to balance me out. I can't just focus on one thing at a time. When I burn out on one side, I rely on the other side to help me destress. I recommend having something to balance it out to keep your scale even. Don't rely on content creation for a living because that's not real. And if you only focus on content creation, you will only get more stressed, and your life is going to get more miserable.
I just recommend people go easy and find their niche. Really create content that you like, not just copying other people and trying to go viral, but really find their unique perspective. You can start from your hobby. Whatever you're doing as a hobby, you could turn that into your creator opportunity. That's your content.
"Hey, is this you?"
Bunni gets these DMs often — random alerts from strangers flagging phony profiles mimicking her online. As an OnlyFans creator, she’s learned to live with the exhausting, infuriating cycle of impersonation that comes with the territory. Five years in, she knows the drill.
But this time felt different. The account in question hit too close. The photo? No doubt, it’s her shirt, her tattoos, her room. Everything checks out, but that is not her face.
A reverse deepfakeWhat’s happening to Bunni is one of the more unusual — and unsettling — evolutions of deepfake abuse. Deepfakes, typically AI-generated or AI-manipulated media, are most commonly associated with non-consensual porn involving celebrities, where a person’s face is convincingly grafted onto someone else’s body. This form of image-based sexual exploitation is designed to humiliate and exploit, and it spreads quickly across porn sites and social platforms. One of the most prominent hubs for this kind of content, Mr. Deepfake, recently shut down after a key service provider terminated support, cutting off access to its infrastructure.
The shutdown happened a week after Congress passed the "Take It Down Act," a bill requiring platforms to remove deepfake and revenge porn content within 48 hours of a takedown request. The legislation, expected to be signed into law by President Donald Trump, is part of a broader push to regulate AI-generated abuse.
But Bunni’s case complicates the conversation. This isn’t a matter of her face being pasted into explicit content — she’s already an OnlyFans creator. Instead, her photos were digitally altered to erase her identity, repackaged under a different name, and used to build an entirely new persona.
Chasing an AI catfisher — Bunni's situationIn February, Bunni posted a video to Instagram. The video showed a surreal side-by-side: the real Bunni pointing at a picture from a Reddit post that barely resembled her. The fake image had been meticulously scrubbed of many of her defining features — the facial piercings gone, her dark hair lightened, her expression softened. In their place was a face engineered for anonymity: big green eyes, smooth skin, and sanitized alt-girl aesthetics.
The real Bunni points at a fake photograph. Credit: Screenshot from Instgram user @bunnii_squared Original photo of Bunni from Instagram Credit: Screenshot from Instgram user @bunnii_squaredThe Reddit profile, now deleted but partially resurrected via the Wayback Machine, presented “Sofía”: a self-proclaimed 19-year-old from Spain with an “alt style” and a love of rock music, who was “open to meeting new people.” Bunni is 25 and lives in the UK. She is not, and has never been, Sofía.
The fake Reddit profile for “Sofía,” a fabricated persona claiming to be a 19-year-old from Spain. Credit: Screenshot from Wayback Machine“I’m so used to my content being stolen,” Bunni told Mashable. “It kind of just happens. But this was like — such a completely different way of doing it that I’ve not had happen to me before. It was just, like, really weird.”
It gets weirder. The Sofía account, which first popped up in October 2023, started off innocently enough, posting to feel-good forums like r/Awww. But soon, it migrated to more niche — and more disconcerting — subreddits like r/teenagers, r/teenagersbutbetter, and r/teenagersbuthot. The latter two, offshoots of the main subreddit, exist in an irony-pilled gray zone with more than 200,000 combined members.
Screenshot showing the “Sofía 🖤🎀🌙” account posting in subreddits r/teenagersbuthot and r/TeenagersButBetter, making casual and book-related posts to appear authentic. Credit: Screenshot from Wayback MachineUsing edited selfies lifted from Bunni’s socials, the account posted under the guise of seeking fashion advice, approval, and even photos of her pets.
"Do my outfits look weird?" one caption asked under a photo of Bunni trying on jeans in a fitting room.
"I bought those jeans," Bunni recalled. "What do you mean?"
But the game wasn’t just about playing dress-up. The Sofía persona also posted in r/FaceRatings and r/amiuglyBrutallyHonest, subreddits where users rate strangers’ attractiveness with brutal candor. The likely motive is more than likely building credibility and validation.
Credit: Screenshot from Wayback MachineThe final stage of the impersonation edged toward adult content. In the last archived snapshot of the account, “Sofía” had begun posting in subreddits like r/Selfie — a standard selfie forum where NSFW images are prohibited, but links to OnlyFans accounts in user profiles are allowed — and r/PunkGirls, a far more explicit space featuring a mix of amateur and professional alt-porn. One Sofía post in r/PunkGirls read: “[F19] finally posting sexy pics in Reddit, should I keep posting?” Another followed with: “[F19] As you all wanted to see me posting more.”
The account used altered photos of Bunni and posed as a 19-year-old seeking validation through sexually suggestive posts. Credit: Screenshot from Wayback MachineThe last post from the account was in an r/AskReddit thread describing the weirdest sexual experience they've ever had.
Another comment blurring the line between persona-building and sexual baiting, helping the impersonator appear more real while engaging in attention-farming behavior. Credit: Screenshot from Wayback MachineBunni surmised that the endgame was likely a scam targeting men, tricking them into buying nudes, potentially lifted from her own OnlyFans. The profile itself did not post links to outside platforms like Snapchat or OnlyFans, but she suspects the real activity happened in private messages.
“What I imagine they’ve done is they’ll be posting in SFW subreddits, using SFW pictures, and then messaging people that interact with them and being like, ‘Oh, do you want to buy my content’ — but it’s my content with the face replaced,” she said.
Fortunately for Bunni, after reaching out to moderators on r/teenagers, the impersonator's account was removed for violating Reddit's terms of service. But the incident raises a larger, murkier question: How often do incidents like this — involving digitally altered identities designed to evade detection — actually occur?
Popular-but-not-famous creators are the perfect targetsIn typical cases of stolen content, imposters might repost images under Bunni’s name or under a fake name, which catfishers do. But this version was more sophisticated. By altering her face — removing piercings, changing eye shape, subtly shifting features — the impersonator appeared to be taking steps to avoid being identified by followers, friends, or even reverse image searches. It wasn’t just identity theft. It was identity obfuscation.
Reddit’s Transparency Report from the second half of 2024 paints a partial picture. The platform removed 249,684 instances of non-consensual intimate media and just 87 cases flagged specifically as impersonation. But that data only reflects removals by Reddit’s central trust and safety team. It doesn’t include content removed by subreddit moderators — unpaid volunteers who enforce their own community-specific rules. Mods from r/teenagers and r/amiugly, two of the subreddits where "Sofía" had been active, said they couldn’t recall a similar incident. Neither keep formal records of takedowns nor reasons for removal.
Reddit declined to comment when Mashable reached out regarding this story.
If Trump signs the "Take It Down Act" into law, platforms will soon be required to remove nonconsensual intimate imagery within 48 hours.
It’s not hard to see why creators like Bunni would be the ideal target for an impersonator like this. As an OnlyFans creator with a multi-year presence on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Reddit, Bunni has amassed a vast archive of publicly available images — a goldmine for anyone looking to curate a fake persona with minimal effort. And because she exists in the mid-tier strata of OnlyFans creators — popular, but not internet-famous — the odds of a casual Reddit user recognizing her are low. For scammers, catfishers, and trolls, that sweet spot of visibility-without-virality makes her the perfect mark: familiar enough to seem real, obscure enough to stay undetected.
More troubling is the legal ambiguity surrounding this kind of impersonation. According to Julian Safarian, a California-based attorney who represents online content creators, likenesses are protected under U.S. copyright law, and potentially even more so under California’s evolving deepfake regulations.
“It gets complicated when a creator’s likeness is modified,” Safarian explained. “But if a reasonable person can still recognize the original individual, or if the underlying content is clearly identifiable as theirs, there may still be grounds for legal action.”
Because a Reddit user recognized the edited photos as Bunni’s, Safarian says she could potentially bring a case under California law, where Reddit is headquartered.
But Bunni says the cost of pursuing justice simply outweighs the benefits.
“I did get some comments like, ‘Oh, you should take legal action,’” she said. “But I don’t feel like it’s really worth it. The amount you pay for legal action is just ridiculous, and you probably wouldn’t really get anywhere anyway, to be honest.”
AI impersonation isn't going awayWhile this may seem like an isolated incident — a lone troll with time, access to AI photo tools, and poor intentions — the growing accessibility of AI-powered editing tools suggests otherwise. A quick search for “AI face swap” yields a long list of drag-and-drop platforms capable of convincingly altering faces in seconds — no advanced skills required.
“I can't imagine I'm the first, and I'm definitely not the last, because this whole AI thing is kind of blowing out of proportion,” Bunni said. “So I can't imagine it's going to slow down.”
Ironically, the fallout didn’t hurt her financially. If anything, Bunni said, the video she posted exposing the impersonation actually boosted her visibility. But that visibility came with its own cost — waves of victim-blaming and condescending commentary.
“It’s shitty guys that are just on Instagram that are like, ‘You put this stuff out there, this is what you get, it’s all your fault,’” she said. “A lot of people don't understand that you own the rights to your own face.”
Have a story to share about a scam or security breach that impacted you? Tell us about it. Email submissions@mashable.com with the subject line "Safety Net" or use this form. Someone from Mashable will get in touch.
UPDATE: May. 15, 2025, 5:00 a.m. EDT Due to volatility in laptop pricing from tariffs, some of these laptops may be priced slightly higher than $500.
When shopping for a laptop on a tight budget — like, under-$500 tight — you'll want to pay close attention to what you're buying.
In the highly competitive laptop market, you really do get what you pay for. That means it can be very dangerous to buy a cheap laptop just because it's inexpensive. Choose wrongly, and you'll be stuck with a slow, outdated computer that causes more problems than it solves. Mashable regularly tests budget-friendly laptops, but if $500 is your upper limit, even some of those models will be out of reach. Fortunately, we still highly recommend a handful of computers that will fit nicely into your budget.
Our advice? If you're buying a Chromebook, get a Chromebook Plus. Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable Gaming is still possible with a $500 budget. Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable A quick guide to laptop pricingYou can buy a cheap Chromebook for as little as $100, while our favorite gaming laptop will set you back over $3,000. And in our guide to the best laptops in general, you'll find machines that span a wide spectrum of prices. With $500 to spend, you'll be priced out of Ultrabooks, MacBooks, and most gaming laptops.
Typically, laptops fall into one of the following categories:
Chromebooks ($100 to $650): These computers have minimal storage and are designed to run mostly web applications. They're light, portable, and very affordable. Cloud-based gaming Chromebooks also offer an alternative to gaming laptops.
Budget laptops ($250 to $750): Even the best budget laptops won't have the most impressive specs, but they should have enough RAM and storage for everyday use at school or work.
MacBooks ($850 to $3,500): The best cheap MacBook (the M4 MacBook Air) will set you back $999 at full price (or $850 on sale), while a fully specced-out MacBook Pro can cost as much as $3,500.
Ultrabooks ($1,000 to $3,500): These high-end laptops have enough processing power to handle tasks like photo and video editing. They typically have a sleek and modern aesthetic, too. MacBooks also fall into this category.
We've put together a detailed guide to the best budget laptops for under $500, including some Chromebook picks. Check out all the contenders below.
Will tariffs affect laptop prices?The short answer: They already have.
President Donald Trump's tariff policy left major tech companies scrambling to import devices before the new levies took effect. Other companies like Nintendo and Razer delayed orders for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 and a new line of Razer Blade laptops. And Asus recently announced higher prices for select laptop models.
With tariff news coming hot and fast, we expect more price shakeups in the months ahead. Many laptops are manufactured in China, which President Trump slapped with a 145% tariff, and big-name laptop brands may have to increase their MSRPs. Don't panic, though — this is a developing situation, and we'll keep providing updates. In the meantime, expect some volatility in tech product pricing. And if you find a cheap laptop you like at a price you can afford, don't take that price for granted.
SAVE $50: As of May 15, the Beats Pill is on sale for $99.95 at Amazon. That's a saving of 33% on list price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Pill $99.95 at AmazonIf you're looking for a quality speaker at a great price, look no further than the Beats Pill. A powerhouse of sound and on sale — you can't really go wrong.
As of May 15, the Beats Pill is reduced to $99.95, saving you $50 on list price. This price is available in all colors offered by Amazon, but without the power adapter or AppleCare+.
SEE ALSO: My favorite Beats earbuds are at their lowest price in 2025Recently upgraded, the Beats Pill is the same speaker we've loved for years, but new and improved. It may seem like a small, unassuming device, but it's robust and packs a serious audio punch. This is thanks to the new, bigger, bespoke racetrack woofer displacing 90% more air volume, meaning you get a much deeper, fuller bass.
This speaker also has IP67 water resistance, so it's safe from accidental splashes, whether at the beach or a pool day. With the Beats Pill, you're safe. For portable listening, the new 24-hour battery life will keep you going all day long, and can even be used to charge your phone or other devices through a USB-C cable.
Head to Amazon to snag this deal.
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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 MashableHere are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Thursday, May 15, 2025:
AcrossDirection opposite of WSWThe answer is ENE.
The answer is Spew.
The answer is Where.
The answer is Weeds.
The answer is Easy.
The answer is Epees.
The answer is Nerdy.
The answer is Ewes.
The answer is Shea.
The answer is WWE.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of GamesAre you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Mini Crossword.
Connections: Sports Edition is a new 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.
Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categoriesWant a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Seen on the diamond
Green: Needed on the course
Blue: England's best
Purple: Texas teams
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Handle a baseball
Green: Found in a golf bag
Blue: Premier League team nicknames
Purple: Dallas ___
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 #234 is...
What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition todayHandle a baseball - CATCH, FIELD, GLOVE, SCOOP
Found in a golf bag - BALLS, CLUBS, TEES, TOWEL
Premier League team nicknames - BEES, CHERRIES, SAINTS, TRACTOR BOYS
Dallas ___ - COWBOYS, GOEDERT, MAVERICKS, STARS
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.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.
Valve has addressed Steam's security breach reported earlier this week, a leak which allegedly involved over 89 million user records. Fortunately, it apparently isn't as bad as it initially seemed.
In a post to the Steam News Hub on Wednesday, Valve acknowledged the issue but stressed that no user accounts for its popular video game distribution platform had actually been compromised.
"We have examined the leak sample and have determined this was NOT a breach of Steam systems," read the post (emphasis original).
SEE ALSO: 89 million Steam accounts reportedly leaked. Change your password now.While there was a leak, it apparently only included phone numbers and old, one-time text messages sent to them for two-factor authentication. These text messages expire 15 minutes after they're sent, so this archive of past authentication codes seems pretty useless to any bad actors who may access it.
"The leaked data did not associate the phone numbers with a Steam account, password information, payment information or other personal data," Valve continued (emphasis original).
"Old text messages cannot be used to breach the security of your Steam account, and whenever a code is used to change your Steam email or password using SMS, you will receive a confirmation via email and/or Steam secure messages."
This news is a significant relief to PC gamers, many of whom were alarmed by the news of Steam's security breach over the weekend. In a LinkedIn post on Sunday, cybersecurity firm Underdark had reported that over 89 million Steam user records were being offered for sale on a dark web forum.
Stating that they had analysed a sample of the data provided by the seller, Underdark claimed that it contained two-factor authentication text messaging records routed through Twilio. The cloud communications company offers products such as two-factor authentication software, and lists Shopify and Stripe among its clients.
However, Twilio denied any involvement in the Steam breach after investigating the incident. "There is no evidence to suggest that Twilio was breached," a Twilio spokesperson said in a statement to Bleeping Computer. "We have reviewed a sampling of the data found online, and see no indication that this data was obtained from Twilio."
What's more, Valve apparently doesn't even use Twilio. A Valve spokesperson reportedly told independent games journalist @MellowOnline1 on Tuesday that the company doesn't utilise Twilio's services at all.
Still, regardless of how it occurred or how harmless it may ultimately turn out to be, it's clear that there has been a breach. Valve is continuing to investigate the source of the leak, "which is compounded by the fact that any SMS messages are unencrypted in transit, and routed through multiple providers on the way to your phone."
Considering the nature of this breach, Valve advises that changing your Steam password isn't necessary. Even so, it's still good general security hygiene to change your passwords every now and then.
If you're concerned about securing your Steam account, you can check your authorised devices and remove any you don't recognise. You can also set up the Steam Mobile Authenticator on the Steam Mobile App.
TL;DR: Put all your AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini Pro, and Leonardo.AI in one place with a lifetime subscription to 1minAI, an all-in-one AI app, on sale for just $39.99 (reg. $234).
Opens in a new window Credit: 1minAI 1minAI: Lifetime Subscription $39.99 at The Mashable ShopThe free version of some AI models like ChatGPT can get the job done, but if you want the good stuff, you should consider opting for a paid subscription.
1minAI consolidates many of the most popular AI models — like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Meta AI — into one platform where you can use them all seamlessly, whether you need to generate text, images, or even full videos. A lifetime subscription to 1minAI usually costs $234, but you can get one on sale now for $39.99.
What can you do with 1minAI1minAI gives you one platform where you can access AI models like ChatGPT, Gemini, Meta AI, Mistral AI, and more. You don't just get the baseline version, either — 1minAI users can chat with GPT-4, GPT-4 Turbo, Gemini Pro 1.5, and Llama 2 or Llama 3.
Like a ton of other AI platforms, 1minAI has a limit to how much you can generate every month. Unlike other platforms, the limit is incredibly high. Here's what your lifetime subscription gets you every month.
First, you get a baseline of 1,000,000 credits per month. Then, every day you log in, you get an additional 15,000 free credits. These will roll over if you don't use them all, too.
In practice, those huge numbers mean you could generate up to 362,500 words, research nearly 2,000 SEO keywords, generate 386 images, upscale 241 images, remove 24 backgrounds, convert text to speech for over 120,000 characters, and generate up to 12 videos.
Your AI Swiss Army KnifePut all your go-to AI tools in one place. Get a lifetime subscription to 1minAI for $39.99.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
TL;DR: A wide range of online courses from MIT are available to take for free on edX.
It's not a secret, but it feels like it.
There's a massive bank of free online courses from some of the biggest educational institutions in the world sitting on edX. You can find free lessons on useful topics like AI, Python programming, investing, and so much more from famous schools like MIT.
There's a lot to consider, so we've got you started with a standout selection of free online courses from MIT. These are the best free online courses from MIT this month:
Data Analysis: Statistical Modeling and Computation in Applications
Financial Regulation: From the Global Financial Crisis to Fintech and the COVID Pandemic
Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Using Python
Leadership in Planning: How to Effectively Advance Great Urban Planning Initiatives
Machine Learning with Python: From Linear Models to Deep Learning
There's always a catch: These free courses do not come with a shareable certificate of completion or graded assignments/exams. But you can start learning at a pace that suits you, so there's really nothing stopping you from enrolling.
Find the best free online courses from MIT on edX.
Opens in a new window Credit: MIT MIT Online Courses Free at edX Get DealIf you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.
There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.
An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.
If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.
SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hintThe best of the best.
SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answerELITE
Hurdle Word 2 hintSmall eyes.
SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for May 15, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 AnswerBEADY
Hurdle Word 3 hintUsed to scoop food.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for May 15 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for May 15, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answerSPOON
Hurdle Word 4 hintNot an angel.
SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for May 15 Hurdle Word 4 answerDEVIL
Final Hurdle hintTo long for.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answerYEARN
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
TL;DR: Stream Espanyol vs. Barcelona in La Liga for free on ITVX. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Barcelona are on the cusp of winning La Liga, and they can confirm the title against their local rivals Espanyol. It doesn't get much sweeter than that for Hansi Flick's squad of young stars led by Lamine Yamal.
This feels like the start of something special for another generation of La Masia products.
If you want to watch Espanyol vs. Barcelona for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Espanyol vs. Barcelona?Espanyol vs. Barcelona kicks off at 3:30 p.m. ET on May 15. This fixture takes place at the RCDE Stadium.
How to watch Espanyol vs. Barcelona for freeEspanyol vs. Barcelona will be broadcast live on ITV4, with free live streaming available on ITVX.
ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK. This process makes it look like you're connecting from the UK, so you can access ITVX from anywhere in the world.
Unblock ITVX by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit ITVX
Stream Espanyol vs. Barcelona for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By making the most of these offers, you can gain access to ITVX without actually spending anything. This is not a long-term solution, but it gives you plenty of time to stream Espanyol vs. Barcelona in La Liga before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for ITVX?ExpressVPN is the best service for streaming live sport on ITVX, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including the UK
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A 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.
Stream Espanyol vs. Barcelona in La Liga for free with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Unblock Pornhub from Mississippi with a VPN. The best service for unblocking porn sites is ExpressVPN.
The online world is riddled with restrictions and blockades that stop you from navigating freely. Onlien restrictions are everywhere, even in the world of porn.
A number of U.S. states have introduced laws that require visitors to upload ID before accessing pornography sites. After this move, Pornhub banned visitors from those states from accessing their website. This ban is frustrating for users in places like Mississippi, but fortunately, there is a simple workaround.
If you want to unblock porn sites like Pornhub for free from Mississippi, we have all the information you need.
How to unblock Pornhub for free in MississippiVPNs are useful tools that can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other locations. This straightforward process bypasses geo-restrictions so you can access sites like Pornhub from anywhere in the world.
Unblock Pornhub by following these simple steps:
Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in a location that supports access to Pornhub
Visit Pornhub
The best VPNs for unblocking porn sites are not free, but most do offer free-trial peiods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock porn sites like Pornhub without actually spending anything. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you the opportunity to temporarily retain access to Pornhub before recovering your investment.
If you want to retain permanent access to sites like Pornhub, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for bypassing content restrictions is on sale for a limited time.
What is the best VPN for Pornhub?ExpressVPN is the top choice for unblocking porn sites like Pornhub, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries
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 streaming speeds free from throttling
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.
Unblock Pornhub for free in Mississippi with ExpressVPN.
This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.
The demands of everyday life are hard enough. But we can name two things that make everything even harder: A phone in desperate need of a charge and the tangled mess of wires that surround every power point. That’s why everyone needs a wireless charger — a handy device for boosting your phone (or smart device) without the hassle of wires.
But with smart devices pretty much taking over our lives, a wireless charger isn't just handy — it's an absolute necessity. We have phones, earbuds, fitness trackers, smartwatches, tablets.... they all need regular charging.
The good news is there's an excellent range of charging mats and stands available, usually designed to charge multiple devices at once. But where do you start? It’s hard enough choosing a smartphone, never mind a charger as well. That’s where we can help. Keep reading for some useful information and a selection of the best models.
What are wireless charging mats and stands?They’re pretty much as they sound. Wireless charging mats are literal mats, or little pads, that you can place your device onto. A stand will generally prop your device up. Charging mats are good for having on your desk or on a bedside table, so your phone or device is easily to hand. Wireless charging stands are especially good if you like to keep using your smartphone while it’s charging — because it’s upright — particularly if you're making video calls or streaming videos.
How does a wireless charger work?Wireless chargers are nifty little gadgets. They have copper coils that create an oscillating magnetic field. This transmits a charge to any compatible device in range. Essentially, you can charge your device without having to connect it.
Which devices work with wireless chargers?The short answer is smartphones, earbuds, and smartwatches. But which models? Most wireless chargers have universal compatibility, which is called “Qi certified”. Many of the most popular smart devices are Qi tech — Apple iPhones, the Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy phones and buds, and Google Pixel devices. We’ve listed the general devices covered by each charger below, but always be sure to double check specific model compatibility before you make a purchase.
What is MagSafe?This is a special piece of Apple tech. Not all chargers that use MagSafe technology are official Apple products (which is good news considering Apple prices), but it remains an Apple innovation. MagSafe chargers have magnets — hence the “Mag" — that pull the phone into the perfect position for fast, optimal charging of Apple devices.
How fast are wireless chargers?This is one area where some wireless chargers struggle. Often because they don’t come with an AC adapter (they may have a USB connection instead). For the fastest possible charging, invest in a decent adaptor too. If fast charging isn’t a priority, then it doesn't have to be a deal breaker.
What is the best wireless charging mat or stand?OK, so you’ve learned all there is to know about wireless charging. Now it’s time to make a decision. Only you can decide which charging mat or stand will suit you, but we’ve done some of the hard work by sifting through the available options and pulling together a list of the best products. Over to you to choose a charger.
These are the best wireless charging mats and stands for 2025.
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