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Elon Musk’s social media company has continued to accept payments for subscriptions from entities barred from doing business in the U.S., a nonprofit found.

SAVE $700: As of May 15, the EcoFlow Delta 2 Max portable power station is on sale for $999 at Amazon. That's 41% off its list price of $1,699.

Opens in a new window Credit: EF ECOFLOW EF EcoFlow Delta 2 Max $999 at Amazon
$1,699 Save $700 Get Deal

Warmer weather is here and if camping is on your travel to-do list this summer, a portable power station is worth having around. As of may 15, you can save big on a few different models at various retailers. Amazon has quite a few on sale right now, including a great discount on the EcoFlow Delta 2 Max portable power station.

The EcoFlow Delta 2 Max has received a 41% discount at Amazon that's dropped its price from $1,699 to $999. Keep in mind that this marked as a limited-time deal. So if it's caught your eye, you'll want to act fast to pick it up at this price.

SEE ALSO: Jackery's monster power station is over $500 off right now

This power station comes packed with 15 outlets to keep a variety of items charged, including six AC outlets, two USB-C 100W, two USB-A 18W, two USB-A 12W, two DC5521 output ports, and one car outlet port. It also offers solar charging, which is especially convenient if you're taking it on an outdoor adventure this year.

This limited-time deal may not last for long. Don't miss out on 41% off the EcoFlow Delta 2 Max at Amazon.

This isn't the only portable power station deal that's crossed our radar recently. At the moment you can also save on the Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 and Explorer 100 Plus Mini Power Station bundle and the Jackery Solar Generator Explorer 500 at Amazon.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Roku Ultra 4K Ultimate Streaming Player (2024 Release) — $79.99 (List Price $99.99)

• Beats Pill Bluetooth Speaker — $99.95 (List Price $149.00)

• Roborock Qrevo Master Robot Vacuum and Mop — $799.98 (List Price $1599.99)

• Peloton Bike — $1,145.00 (List Price $1445.00)

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)

YouTube will now show ads at the "peak" moment of videos, in a move right out of cliffhanger TV territory.

Announced Wednesday during the company's Upfront presentation, Peak Points is a new feature that uses Google's Gemini AI to identify "the most meaningful, or 'peak,' moments" to drop ads into YouTube videos.

SEE ALSO: YouTube is testing AI Overviews in search results

The idea behind the feature is YouTube connecting brands with the spot in videos "where audiences are the most engaged" and in doing so, allow creators to make more money from ads. These will likely be the most emotional, dramatic, and interesting parts of videos, identified by Gemini by crunching user viewing data. Hilariously, YouTube's blog post uses the example of a marriage proposal video, highlighting a "targeted moment" right before a suggested ad window. Can't wait for an ad right after that teary "yes."

It's not a surprising move, by any means, considering YouTube's dominance in the streaming market and its reliance on advertising as company and creator revenue. The platform has consistently bested industry leaders like Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+ as the top-watched streaming service on TVs globally. YouTube also takes the crown for livestreaming, with YouTube Live dominating competitors TikTok and Twitch.

And where there's audience, there's marketing.

SAVE $330: As of May 15, the Jackery Solar Generator Explorer 500 is on sale for $469 at Amazon. That's 41% off its list price of $799.

Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery Solar Generator Explorer 500 $469 at Amazon
$799 Save $330 Get Deal

If you're planning some camping trips or outdoor excursions this summer, a portable power station can be a helpful investment. And with so many discounts available at the moment, there's no better time to buy one.

One of our favorite deals at the moment is over at Amazon, where you can score 41% off the Jackery Solar Generator Explorer 500. This discount has dropped the price of the Jackery Solar Generator Explorer 500 from $799 to $469, allowing you to save $330. It's currently listed as a limited-time deal, so it may not stay at this price for long. Act fast to pick it up at this discounted price.

SEE ALSO: The EcoFlow Delta 2 portable power station is back down to its lowest price ever

With its compact size and carrying handle, the Jackery Solar Generator Explorer 500 is a breeze to pack up and take on your outdoor adventures. It features one AC outlet (110V 500W 1000W Peak), three USB-A ports, two DC ports, and one car port. And with the SolarSaga 100W Solar Panel, you can keep it charged up for your journeys with the help of the sun.

Don't miss out on this limited-time deal on the Jackery Solar Generator Explorer 500 at Amazon.

Looking for more portable power station deals? The hefty Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 power station is also discounted right now at Amazon, as is the Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 and Explorer 100 Plus Mini Power Station bundle.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Roku Ultra 4K Ultimate Streaming Player (2024 Release) — $79.99 (List Price $99.99)

• Beats Pill Bluetooth Speaker — $99.95 (List Price $149.00)

• Roborock Qrevo Master Robot Vacuum and Mop — $799.98 (List Price $1599.99)

• Peloton Bike — $1,145.00 (List Price $1445.00)

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)

Apple is building most of its devices in China. The company has been doing so for decades due to cheaper labor costs, supply chain infrastructure, and manufacturing expertise that's unmatched in any other country in the world. When the Trump administration recently imposed massive tariffs on China, Apple's reaction was to shift some of the production to India — a process that was already underway when the tariffs happened.

But Donald Trump is having none of that. Speaking to the media on Thursday, the U.S. president expressed his dissatisfaction with Apple's decision to move iPhone production to India.

"I had a little problem with Tim Cook yesterday. I said to him, 'You're my friend, I've treated you very good. You’re coming here with $500 billion, but now I hear you’re building all over India. I don’t want you building in India,'" Trump said.

SEE ALSO: Apple might increase iPhone prices this fall

Read it in Trump's voice for added effect: "I said to Tim, I said, 'Tim look, we've treated you really good, we put up with all the plants that you built in China for years, now you got build us. We’re not interested in you building in India, India can take care of themselves (...) we want you to build here,'" Trump said.

With an offer like that, how can Cook refuse? Well, he'll probably have to, given that it's impractical, extremely expensive, and currently near-impossible to build the iPhone in the U.S. at the volumes that Apple requires.

Trump did say that Apple will be upping its production in the U.S., but offered no details.

Apple has previously said it would invest $500 billion in the U.S. over the next four years, which includes a new factory in Houston, Texas, where it will manufacture servers.

Watching celebrities interact with insects always has the potential to be kind of fun, and kind of fun is exactly what The Tonight Show video above is.

In the clip Salma Hayek joins Jimmy Fallon and science podcast Ologies host Alie Ward to look at some interesting bugs, from glow-in-the-dark emperor scorpions to a cat-eye mantis that Hayek is impressively comfortable hosting on her head.

Avoid this one if you're squeamish.

BEST STREAMING DEAL: Until May 30, get a 12-month subscription to Peacock for $24.99 with the coupon code SPRINGSAVINGS. That's 69% off the normal annual price of $79.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock (12-Month Subscription) $24.99 at Peacock
$79.99 Save $55 Get Deal

The streaming scene is being dominated by price hikes and password sharing crackdowns, leaving users frustrated. That's why we jump on any sort of streaming deal. And in this case, we're talking about a significant saving on a top service.

Through May 30, get a 12-month subscription to Peacock for $24.99 with the coupon code SPRINGSAVINGS. That's 69% off the normal annual price of $79.99, or a saving of over $50 per year.

SEE ALSO: What's new to streaming this week? (May 16, 2025)

This special offer excludes current paying subscribers. After the promotional period comes to an end, you will be charged $79.99 (or the then-current retail price) until you cancel. There's no pressure to pay full price though, because you can cancel anytime.

Peacock is the exclusive home of Universal Pictures (and Focus Features) films like Wicked, Conclave, and Nosferatu. Subscribers also get access to NBC shows like The Office, New Girl, and Yellowstone, plus reality TV favorites like Poker Face and Mrs. Davis. It's a comprehensive service that could be all yours for about $2 per month. That's a small price to pay for all that content.

Save over $50 on Peacock with the coupon code SPRINGSAVINGS.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Roku Ultra 4K Ultimate Streaming Player (2024 Release) — $79.99 (List Price $99.99)

• Beats Pill Bluetooth Speaker — $99.95 (List Price $149.00)

• Roborock Qrevo Master Robot Vacuum and Mop — $799.98 (List Price $1599.99)

• Peloton Bike — $1,145.00 (List Price $1445.00)

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)

RJK Jr. has made headlines for many gross and disturbing things, so the U.S. health secretary's recent decision to take his grandkids swimming in a sewage-infested creek didn't come as a major shock to The Daily Show.

"At this point it's like RFK Jr. is going out of his way to be gross," says host Jordan Klepper in the clip above. "Does he just go on Google Maps and search 'Disgusting things near me'?"

RFK Jr. posted the pictures himself on X, describing a Mother's Day hike that included a swim in Rock Creek — a place where swimming and wading are not allowed due to high bacteria levels, per the National Park Service website.

"These pictures are so wild, the fact that he went swimming in jeans is the most normal part of this story," says Klepper.

SAVE $200: As of May 15, the Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 and Explorer 100 Plus Mini Power Station are discounted to $1,399 at Amazon. That's down from their list price of $1,599 after clipping the $200 coupon on the store page.

Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 + Jackery Explorer 100 Plus Mini $1,399 at Amazon
$1,599 Save $200 Get Deal

Summer is right around the corner, and if you're planning some outdoor adventures it's helpful to have a little extra power boost at your side. If you're looking to pick up a portable power station, there are thankfully some great deals available at the moment. This includes a discount on the Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 and Explorer 100 Plus Mini Power Station bundle at Amazon.

The Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 and Explorer 100 Plus Mini Power Station bundle has a $200 coupon on the store page that has dropped its price down to $1,399 when clipped.

SEE ALSO: The EcoFlow Delta 2 portable power station is back down to its lowest price ever

The Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 features three AC ports that deliver a total output of 2200W and a 2042Wh capacity. Whether you want it for your home or camping outside, this power station is sure to give you a major boost. On the other hand, the Explorer 100 Plus mini power station has a much more compact size that's perfect for taking on the go.

Stock up on extra power this summer with this great deal on the Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 and Explorer 100 Plus Mini Power Station bundle at Amazon.

If you don't need the bundle, the Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 is on sale on its own.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Roku Ultra 4K Ultimate Streaming Player (2024 Release) — $79.99 (List Price $99.99)

• Beats Pill Bluetooth Speaker — $99.95 (List Price $149.00)

• Roborock Qrevo Master Robot Vacuum and Mop — $799.98 (List Price $1599.99)

• Peloton Bike — $1,145.00 (List Price $1445.00)

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)

Looking for a Michelin-starred restaurant? Now, you can do it directly in Apple Maps, which now includes Michelin Guide recommendations and reviews — albeit only in the U.S. for the time being.

On Wednesday, the company announced new Apple Maps features, including the ability to search for Michelin-starred, Green Star, and Bib Gourmand restaurants, as well as Michelin Key hotels. If you search for restaurants in Maps, for example, you'll be able to turn on the Michelin Distinctions filter, and when looking at a restaurant location's page in Maps, you'll see Michelin Guide stars if the restaurant has them.

Apple says rankings and insights from restaurant recommendation website The Infatuation and golf publisher Golf Digest are also coming soon, along with other expert sources.

SEE ALSO: Oura Ring vs Apple Watch: Which health and sleep tracker is right for you?

Unfortunately, all of this currently works only in the U.S., though Apple says support for other regions is coming "in the future."

Credit: Apple

In a separate announcement, Apple also said it has launched a custom Detailed City Experience in Monaco, leading up to the Formula 1 race that will take place on May 25 (with practice starting on May 23, and qualifiers on May 24). It's also a promotional tie-in to the Apple-produced film F1 The Movie which hits cinemas on June 27.

Be sure to check these out in Dark Mode as well. Credit: Apple

The feature includes custom-designed, 3D landmarks across Monaco, including Casino de Monte-Carlo, Fairmont Monte Carlo, Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, Yacht Club de Monaco, and the F1 Paddock Club. Other features of note are additional details for road markings, land cover, trees, and public routes, and a windshield view for drivers. As for the race itself, the track will be highlighted in Maps, with 3D representations of locations such as grandstands, footbridges, and the finish line.

SAVE $19: As of May 15, the Apple AirTag four-pack bundle is on sale for $79.98 at Amazon. This deal saves you 19% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTag (4-Pack) $79.98 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $20.01 Get Deal

The Apple AirTag is back on sale at Amazon, so now's your chance to stock up. These clever tracking devices can be attached to almost anything: keys, luggage, passports, and anything else you find yourself losing often. And as of May 15, this Apple AirTag four-pack is reduced to just $79.98, saving you $19.02 on list price.

They couldn't be any easier to use either. Just attach the AirTag to your item of choice and track it in the Find My app. It even has a small built-in speaker, so you can trigger a sound from the Find My app on your Apple device, making it easier to find the AirTag if it's nearby but out of sight.

SEE ALSO: Oura Ring vs Apple Watch: Which health and sleep tracker is right for you?

The battery life is solid, too. According to Apple, all AirTags are designed to have a one-year battery life if used regularly. They use a standard CR2032 coin cell battery, which is user-replaceable. When the battery is running low, you’ll receive a notification on your iPhone, giving you plenty of time to replace it. So with this four-back bundle, you'll always have active tracking.

Grab this great deal at Amazon before it runs out.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Roku Ultra 4K Ultimate Streaming Player (2024 Release) — $79.99 (List Price $99.99)

• Beats Pill Bluetooth Speaker — $99.95 (List Price $149.00)

• Roborock Qrevo Master Robot Vacuum and Mop — $799.98 (List Price $1599.99)

• Peloton Bike — $1,145.00 (List Price $1445.00)

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)

A federal judge created a path for app makers like Spotify and Patreon to avoid paying Apple hefty commissions. Is this a win for consumers? It’s complicated.

SAVE $132: As of May 15, the Apple iPad (10th Gen) is on sale for $367 at Amazon. That's a 26% saving on the original price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad (10th Gen) $367 at Amazon
$499 Save $132 Get Deal

Looking for a new tablet? You'll love this latest Amazon deal on the Apple iPad (10th Gen). As of May 15, this model is reduced by 26% to just $367. This deal is specific to the WiFi-only 256GB option in blue. If that's not your color, don't worry; there are different discounts available in other colorways.

The Apple iPad (10th Gen) boasts a sleek, modern design, perfect for work or entertainment on the go. It has a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display and the A14 Bionic chip that delivers super powerful performance for multitasking, whether you're browsing, gaming, or working.

SEE ALSO: Oura Ring vs Apple Watch: Which health and sleep tracker is right for you?

The battery life is seriously impressive and will keep you going all day. I've used this iPad model for a year, and the battery life never fails to impress. If you're someone on the go a lot, this is the model for you.

And the cameras are impressive, too. The 12MP Ultra Wide front camera is ideal for video calls and keeps you centered, so you always look your best. The back camera is also 12MP and can shoot in 4K video.

Head to Amazon to grab this great deal.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Roku Ultra 4K Ultimate Streaming Player (2024 Release) — $79.99 (List Price $99.99)

• Beats Pill Bluetooth Speaker — $99.95 (List Price $149.00)

• Roborock Qrevo Master Robot Vacuum and Mop — $799.98 (List Price $1599.99)

• Peloton Bike — $1,145.00 (List Price $1445.00)

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)

Air quality is something I didn't pay any attention to for most of my life. While most of the U.S. thinks my hometown of Seattle has grey, rainy weather year-round, we actually have incredible summers. But lately we’ve run into a new and very unwelcome event — smoke season. Sometime between July and September, wildfire smoke from Canada or Eastern Washington makes its way into the city, covering us in a thick haze that makes the sky look apocalyptic. While I truly love the smell of campfire, inhaling that smoky air 24/7 is really unhealthy.

Air purifiers with HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filtration are the go-to when dealing with wildfire smoke. They capture elements that negatively impact indoor air quality, like smoke, pollen, dust, and even viruses. Since I deal with seasonal allergies and I live in an area prone to wildfire smoke, air purifiers are all over my house now. But I didn’t want a huge model in my bedroom, so when Shark came out with the NeverChange Compact Pro, I needed to test it out. It’s adorable and comes in really fun colorways, but is it actually worth the $180 price tag?

How does the Shark NeverChange Compact Pro work?

The Shark NeverChange Compact Pro is designed to be used in rooms that are 250 square feet in size or less. Shark uses a multi-level filtration system that includes an initial screen, meant to capture large stuff like hair, dust bunnies, or lint. You can easily wipe or vacuum that screen clean, which means none of that stuff is clogging up the more important HEPA filter. That filter uses three layers of protection: an outer layer catches larger air particles like pollen and dander, behind that is a carbon filter that helps clean the air of smells from cooking or from pets, and lastly is the ever-important HEPA filtration itself, which is where super-fine particles like smoke and viruses get stuck.

Power, display information, brightness, and fan speed are all controls on top of the air purifier. Shark's Odor Neutralizer Technology dial sits at the top. Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable

The NeverChange part of the name refers to the filter, since Shark says you might be able to go five years before getting a new filter. Keep in mind that that number comes from testing the air purifier for 12 hours of operation each day on the maximum fan speed, so your mileage will probably vary. As of May 2025, a new Shark PetPro HEPA Filter, which is what the NeverChange Compact Pro comes equipped with, sells for $49.99 on Shark’s website.

A round of applause for the design

Let’s be honest — air purifiers are not the prettiest decor to add to a room, but I genuinely think the Shark NeverChange Compact Pro is adorable. It looks like a cute little robot that sits on your bedside or your desk, keeping the air clean and healthy. And we have to talk about the colorway options because you’re not stuck with a neutral white option here (although that’s the model I tested). Shark makes this model in a calming lilac, a really pretty light pink called quartz, and the truly magnificent honeydew. Not only do I find these colors awesome, but I imagine kids would love them too. Getting your choice of colors in an air purifier that isn’t black, white, or grey is unusual, and it’s one of the things I love most about the Shark Compact Pro.

The LCD display is also a strong contender for my absolutely favorite part of the Shark air purifier. I’m a numbers person, which means that I don’t love that most air purifiers work on a simple color system (blue is clean air, yellow/orange is questionable, and red is bad). Instead of this, the Shark’s LCD displays the brand’s CleanSense IQ, which gives a percentage reading of clean air. You can also toggle this to display PM 1.0, PM 2.5, or PM 10 (these are air particle measurements). And, as is my preference at bedtime, you can adjust the brightness of this display or turn it off entirely.

The Shark NeverChange Compact Pro's HEPA filter gets placed inside while the purifier is upside down, which locks into place with the bottom. Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable

The display is super useful for knowing when to open some windows to clear out bacon smoke or when to close windows in the summer wildfires. The adjustable fan speed has five settings, or you can go with the auto mode, which hands the brains over to the purifier to adjust as needed. If air quality sticks at 100 percent, the Shark will turn the fan off and hang out in eco mode until it feels the air quality dips into a level that needs filtration. 

The Shark NeverChange Compact Pro also gets high marks when it comes to a quiet operation. Of course, on the max speed setting, you clearly hear a fan sound, but on a low setting, it’s barely noticeable and a welcomed white noise in many situations. This makes it extra ideal for a bedroom, nursery, or office. When I slept with the Shark on my nightstand with the LCD display off, I had to double-check if the air purifier was even still on — the noise was that unnoticeable.

The Shark NeverChange Compact Pro compared to the size of my 14-inch Asus Zenbook laptop. Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable

The Compact Pro is lightweight, coming in at just under 4.5 pounds, which makes it super easy to take from room to room. Moving it from the office to the bedroom at night is no problem, but I wish there were a carrying handle or a slot on the back to get a secure grip on the purifier.

The Shark air purifier also neutralizes odors

Shark equipped the Compact Pro with the brand’s Odor Neutralizer Technology which “releases a fresh scent,” and can help cut down on pet or cooking smells. This is done via a cartridge that sits on the top of the purifier, and you can adjust the dial to choose your desired scent intensity. 

I’m not a candle girly, and I don’t like air fresheners, so this is not the feature for me. I didn’t find the scent to be off-putting and my family members didn’t mind the scent, but I followed Shark’s guidelines for using the purifier without the scent and removed the cartridge from the dial. But if you’re one to use air fresheners in your house, this feature certainly adds some bang to your buck.

Shark NeverChange Compact Pro vs. Shark NeverChange Max

Shark’s lineup of NeverChange air purifiers includes several models at the time of writing this review — the Compact Pro is the smallest, and the Max is the largest. While the Compact Pro is meant for small spaces, the Max can filter air in areas that reach a massive 1,400 square feet. This makes the Max a much better option if you’re aiming to clean the air in your dining room, kitchen, and living room. It can also be optimal if you live in a studio apartment. The NeverChange Compact Pro really shines in a small office or a bedroom, not the whole house.

The Shark NeverChange Compact Pro (left) compared to the Shark NeverChange Max (right). Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable

In terms of bang for your buck, the NeverChange Max offers the best deal. At full price, the Max costs $329.99 to clean an area of 1,400 square feet. That works out to under 25 cents per square foot. That’s a much better price per square foot compared to the Compact Pro, which costs $179.99 to cover 250 square feet — that works out to about 70 cents per square foot.

Even though the Max offers a better value, the Compact Pro is still desirable if you only need to purify the air in a small room or you sleep with the bedroom door closed, cutting it off from other air purifiers. Plus, the Max only comes in white, which means you have to go with the Compact Pro to get that lilac colorway.

Is the Shark NeverChange Compact Pro worth the price?

The price to value ratio of the Shark Compact Pro depends on your desires. Air purifiers with HEPA filtration can be a lot less expensive, but I find the CleanSense IQ to be worth the premium price since it gives me a real-time reading of my indoor air quality in numbers instead of a color display. The overall look and colorway options are also huge benefits, and it makes the air purifier fit into the category of function and fun decor instead of just function. Plus, the long-lasting HEPA filter might wind up saving you big time when it comes to filter replacements.

There’s also the health factor when deciding if you need an air purifier. For me, breathing in clean air is an investment in my future self and overall well-being, especially when dealing with wildfire smoke. I think it’s well worth the price, especially if you can find it on sale.

At full price, the Shark NeverChange Compact Pro comes in at $179.99 in all colorways. If the filter does actually last you the full five years, that works out to under $40 per year, which feels reasonable for clean air.

Shark NeverChange Compact Pro air purifier $179.99 at Amazon
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"What the fuck am I fucking doing here?"

So screams singer Charli XCX in episode 4 of Overcompensating, where she plays herself in one of the show's buzziest cameos. She's about to play a concert at the fictional Yates University, trapped in a dingy cement green room that has no doubt been host to a number of theater kid hookups.

SEE ALSO: 'Overcompensating' review: Benito Skinner's college comedy is a raunchy, thoughtful laugh riot

To answer Charli XCX's own question, what she's doing here is absolutely tearing the roof off. Her appearance in Overcompensating is short, yet memorable. So memorable, in fact, that I've been unable to get her delivery of "Do you think I want to play fucking 'Boom Clap' in a fucking college?" out of my head since I heard it in Overcompensating's very first teaser.

Charli XCX's heightened portrayal of herself is the latest in a long line of celebrities poking fun at themselves in cameos. (See: the entirety of The Studio.) Here, she teases everything from the ubiquity of "Boom Clap," one of her breakout hits, to her party girl image. ("No cocaine?" she asks her student liaison Grace, played by Mary Beth Barone.)

SEE ALSO: What's new to streaming this week? (May 16, 2025)

There's a meta hilarity to Charli XCX's college appearance in the show. Overcompensating was filmed over the summer and fall of 2024, aka brat summer, aka the new peak of Charli XCX's critical and commercial success. It's almost impossible to imagine her playing another college campus now — and even if she did, you can bet "Boom Clap" wouldn't be on the set list.

It is here, though, serving as comedic percussion to the vomit and diarrhea attacks suffered by Yates students Benny (series creator Benito Skinner) and Carmen (Wally Baram). The song really can't catch a break!

Also on the Yates set list are "I Love It" and "Boys," the perfect soundtrack to Benny's panicking over his crush on friend Miles (Rish Shah). Adding to Benny's panic is none other than Charli XCX herself, who, in a nightmare sequence, leads the crowd in a chant of "Benny likes boys!" She delivers each cheer with a wicked gleam in her eye, culminating in a scream and mean girl smile so deliciously unhinged and committed you'll wish she'd stick around for more of the series.

Still, less is more when it comes to the celebrity cameo, and the concert isn't the only dose of Charli XCX Overcompensating gives us. She also serves as an executive producer and the show's executive music producer, delivering a synth-y soundtrack that would often feel right at home at a club (but that also comes with a fair dash of yearning). And of course, her songs feature heavily, including such bangers as "claws" and the currently trending "party 4 u." (Fingers crossed that brat songs pop up in Season 2.)

On top of her worldwide pop domination, Charli XCX is pivoting to more acting roles, including in upcoming films like Gregg Araki's I Want Your Sex, Julia Jackman's 100 Nights of Hero, and Daniel Goldhaber's remake of Faces of Death. She's also launched her own production company, Studio365, which will be producing films like A24 and Aidan Zamiri's The Moment, as well as the next film from Audition director Takashi Miike. (Charli XCX will also star in both.) And if her brief cameo in Overcompensating is any indication of what's to come, consider me ready and waiting for Charli XCX's acting era.

Overcompensating is now streaming on Prime Video.

College is often touted as the time when you can figure out "who you really are." But what happens when you spend that time lying — to yourself, to your family, to your friends?

That's the crux of Prime Video and A24's Overcompensating, an excellent college comedy where everyone is lying or overdoing it in order to fit in.

SEE ALSO: Summer TV preview: All the TV shows you need to know, and where to stream them What's Overcompensating about? Benito Skinner, Wally Baram, and Holmes in "Overcompensating." Credit: Jackie Brown / Prime

Take Benny, played by series creator and internet comedian Benito Skinner. As a high school football star and homecoming king, Benny's pre-college years were defined by all-American popularity. But when he arrives at Yates University, he's realizing that he's gay — and that he's not quite ready to be open about that part of himself yet. Instead, he's taken under the wing of his sister Grace's (Mary Beth Barone) bro-y boyfriend Peter (Adam DiMarco), who ushers him into a fratty secret society whose members live and die by "no homo."

Is Benny doomed to remain in the box of heteronormative frat boy? Or will he take advantage of college in order to figure himself out?

SEE ALSO: 'Duster' review: J.J. Abrams' '70s crime thriller is so fun it should be illegal

Ironically, it's an attempt to maintain his facade of straightness that leads to the possibility of reinvention. Peter stresses that Benny has to have sex on the first night of college, otherwise he's DOA socially. Elsewhere on campus, shy outsider Carmen (Wally Baram) is feeling the pressure too, especially after her high school boyfriend broke things off. She and Benny find each other, and while their attempt at hooking up is disastrous to say the least, it's the start of a friendship where they can both be their authentic selves — even if they often present inauthentic fronts to the rest of Yates.

Overcompensating is a hilarious and poignant tale of college coming-of-age. Benito Skinner and Wally Baram in "Overcompensating." Credit: Sabrina Lantos / Prime

There's always an extra layer of scrutiny on a project when it's led by a content creator making the jump from internet spaces to more "traditional" media like TV. How do the skills they've honed on the internet translate to other projects?

With Skinner and Overcompensating, that translation feels fairly seamless. If you're familiar with Skinner's online comedy sketches where he perfectly impersonates pop culture figures or comes up with hyper-specific characters, it'll come as no surprise that Overcompensating is a laugh riot. Pop culture zingers abound (naturally), as do heightened send-ups of campus life and frat culture. While not all of the gags are particularly new — like a film class full of men saying The Godfather is their favorite movie — it's the execution, often centered on Benny's social anxieties about fitting in, that keeps Overcompensating feeling fresh and funny.

SEE ALSO: What's new to streaming this week? (May 16, 2025)

Skinner has shown time and again that he can deliver hysterical narratives in just a few minutes, but with a half-hour comedy, he also proves he can nail longer-form laughs and character work. Look no further than the relationship between Benny and Carmen, which blossoms into a sweet, grounded friendship.

A greater runtime also offers up more chances for drama. Benny and Carmen may be fast friends, but the social pressures of college often get to them and prompt them (mostly Benny) to hurt or lie to one another. Each betrayal, even if it's something seemingly as small as lying about evening plans, will have you screaming at your screen. The same goes for the many, many social faux pas that happen over the course of the series. The second-hand embarrassment is off the charts — often because we've all been in similar situations.

All these embarrassing blunders boil down to one truth: Benny, Carmen, and frankly everyone around them are messes. They're flawed, selfish young adults coming into their own, trying to model themselves on blueprints that they think are right, but that really do them no favors. That's a core part of the college experience. For every moment of self-discovery, there are mistakes. Overcompensating relishes in these errors, allowing all its characters to screw up big time and live with the consequences — sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes hilarious, but always engrossing.

Overcompensating's cast is downright phenomenal. Kyle MacLachlan, Benito Skinner, and Connie Britton in "Overcompensating." Credit: Courtesy of Prime

Guiding us through the ups and downs of college life are Skinner, Baram, and the rest of Overcompensating's terrific ensemble. Skinner and Baram's chemistry is wonderfully natural, and it's thrilling to watch Skinner play a level of vulnerability you don't usually see in his sketches. Baram is the perfect blend of awkward and charming, and she also gracefully shoulders the challenge of Carmen's sadder family backstory. Elements of that backstory could turn to cliché, but Baram handles them with just the right amount of heart to make them land.

They're joined by DiMarco and Barone as disaster couple Peter and Grace. Barone, a frequent collaborator of Skinner's, delivers deadpan perfection as Grace, while still making clear the emotional turmoil that lurks below the surface. She's repressed herself just as much as Benny, tamping down her friends and interests in order to stay with Peter. She's a cautionary tale for her brother, even as she delivers one sniping comment after another. Meanwhile, DiMarco brings sleaze galore to Peter, whose fratty nastiness covers up anxieties about class and mental health. See, everyone in Overcompensating is hiding something — although Peter's turn from frat star to possibly redeemable guy is among the show's most abrupt.

The core cast gets support from a sprawling ensemble, from Rish Shah as Benny's heartthrob crush Miles to Holmes as Carmen's loose cannon roommate Hailee. Casting is particularly savvy across the board, mixing TV legends like Kyle MacLachlan and Connie Britton with current It Girls like Kaia Gerber and Charli XCX, playing herself in an unhinged, unforgettable cameo. But that's just the start of Overcompensating's considerable slate of guest stars, all of whom are game to play in the often surreal world of Yates.

Overcompensating may emphasize its characters' struggles with identity, but that's not a struggle the show itself shares. 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.

Overcompensating is now streaming on Prime Video.

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 them

Duster 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 / Max

Holloway 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 / Max

Of 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 favorite

But 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 / Max

Duster 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 inside

Sam’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 $20
$50 Save $30 Get Deal

TL;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 install

With 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 $79.99
$179.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal