Mashable

I had a Pokémon card addiction back in 1999.

I used to get £10 a month pocket money from my grandmother and, more often than not, that crisp note would be immediately exchanged for four crinkly blue and silver booster packs that I'd rip straight open. I paid £10 once for a shiny Charizard card to complete the Base set. It's still sat in the binder I placed it in a quarter of a century ago.

Pokémon has been in and out of my life ever since. It made a major comeback in 2016 when Pokémon Go launched, and then again more recently when my young son discovered the TV show. I often watch it with him. I don't recognise all the Pokémon, but I'm pleased to see Ash hasn't aged a day.

Then, a few weeks back, my son came home with some Pokémon cards. They were in a small pack that came free with a magazine. I recognised a couple of the newer ones, Rowlet and Dedenne, along with a Seel I remembered from back in the day. The nostalgia hit me hard, so I decided to buy some boosters that we could open together.

SEE ALSO: 'Pokémon Pokopia' is the cozy escape the internet needed

I fired up Amazon, thinking that would be the quickest way to find some — only to be slightly confused when I saw the site's yellow "Buy" button had been replaced with a button reading "Request an Invite". I clicked it, dug into exactly what it meant, and soon discovered Pokémon card collecting in 2026 is a very, very different hobby to what it was in the late nineties.

Amazon's "Request an Invite" option shows up instead of the "Buy" button for Pokémon cards. Credit: Amazon

The short version? It's currently extremely hard to buy Pokémon card packs for retail price. This probably won't come as a surprise to present-day collectors, but for someone who hasn't bought any since my teenage years, it was unexpected. I managed it in the end, but it took me two weeks, multiple supermarket visits, online lotteries, and a final stroke of luck.

The frustrating quest to find Pokémon cards in stores

Amazon's "Request an Invite" system essentially enters you into a lottery. A couple of times a week invites are sent out, enabling some lucky customers to buy the cards they requested (in two weeks I received no invites). Once I realised the process might be a slow one, I turned my attention to other IRL retailers. Pokemon Trading Card Game has an official site listing stores, and I learned through Reddit's r/PokemonDealsUK sub (I live in the UK) that other people were having some success in supermarkets like Sainsbury's, Tesco, Morrisons and ASDA.

Over the course of about a week I visited 10 of these stores, varying from small Tesco Express shops to Sainbury's superstores. On some days I visited stores that people on Reddit were specifically flagging as having received fresh stock. The shelves were always empty. Every single time, without fail, the Pokémon card section in the toy aisle would look sad and abandoned.

A few times I asked staff about stock, and the answer always came back as some variation of the following: "We don't get them in very often. And when we do, one person normally just buys the whole box."

Featured Video For You Josh Johnson’s formula for the perfect comedy special Why are Pokémon cards so hard to buy at retail prices?

The answer, as I learned, is pretty simple: Demand currently outstrips supply. The price people are willing to pay for Pokémon cards is higher than retail price.

I found this out by looking on second hand markets like eBay and Vinted, where packs and boxes of Pokémon cards are frequently sold for far more than the £4-£5 per 10-card booster pack you can buy in the shops. Some sets, like January's very popular Ascended Heroes, are actually selling for around double the retail price. The rarest cards in that set, like the Mega Gengar Ex Special Illustration Rare, go for over £1,000.

"We're seeing the people that would buy trainers and stuff, to flip for profit, now coming over to Pokémon to do the same thing."

Suddenly, the reason why one person might be going into a store and buying up the entire stock started to make more sense: They're immediately in profit. Pokémon cards now, perhaps more than ever, have become a business.

As part of my research, I reached out to Asmodee and Smiths News, two of the UK's main Pokémon card distributors, as well as three major supermarket chains. Tesco had no on-the-record comment, but acknowledged the high demand while advising that its Express stores will be stocking the new Chaos Rising set and are expecting regular deliveries. Asmodee had no comment. At the time of writing, none of the others have responded (Mashable will update this article if we do hear back).

So how do you actually get Pokémon cards?

As I eventually found out, it is possible to buy Pokémon cards at retail price. It just takes a bit of time and luck. My search quickly took me from Reddit to the OakLabs Poké Alerts Discord server, which a moderator of r/PokemonDealsUK has set up to try and help buyers find stock. So far it's been the most useful resource out there. There are stock alert pings, people sharing successful finds in the wild, and links to lotteries (like the Amazon one) run by other independent shops. Although stock still sells quickly, the Discord is full of people who've managed to beat the odds and buy the packs they want.

My first bit of luck, however, came from somewhere a bit more traditional: a local card shop in South West England. Bath TCG came up when I searched for places to buy cards near me, and I gave them a call without really expecting much. I was pleasantly surprised. They told me that they'd have stock of the new set, Chaos Rising, in for release day, and because they limit pack purchases to two per customer, they were expecting to have enough for everyone.

I headed down for the launch and found that the system worked. As promised, rather than an empty shelf, the card packs were ready and waiting. I was finally able to pick some up.

Success at last! Credit: Sam Haysom

Before I left, I caught up with 35-year-old store owner, Ben Thyer, who described the current boom as a "perfect storm" created by a rise in Pokémon card streamers, flashy celebrity headlines like Logan Paul's $16 million Pikachu Illustrator record auction, and the fact that 2026 is the 30th anniversary of the card game.

"We're seeing the people that would buy trainers and stuff, to flip for profit, now coming over to Pokémon to do the same thing," Thyer told me. "It used to be you could buy Pokémon, everyone would buy it to open and enjoy, some people would keep it sealed but the return would be in four, five, six years. Currently, because of how the market is and how sparse it is, the return is instant."

Unlike many retailers, Bath TCG counters this with a tiered system. Players of the game are in Tier 1, loyal customers — who've already made several purchases — are in Tier 2, and everyone else is in Tier 3. All booster packs are limited to a certain number per customer, depending on the tier they fall into. Seals on booster boxes are broken to discourage resellers. All of this means that the stock doesn't immediately vanish when the doors open, and there are enough packs for everyone.

Seals are broken by staff to put off resellers. Credit: Sam Haysom

When I asked Thyer why distributors aren't simply supplying more cards to meet demand, he said that they are. But demand also means more retailers are ordering from distributors, including stores like Hobbycraft and The Entertainer that didn't used to sell Pokémon cards. This means the likes of Bath TCG aren't able to get any additional stock, despite stock levels in the UK being higher overall.

And as for whether or not this stock scarcity situation will change anytime soon? Thyer wasn't too hopeful.

"This is like a cyclical thing that we see sort of every three to four years, but it normally lasts six to nine months and it's not that intense," he said. "It's not really showing any signs of slowing down at the moment."

Too many AdultFriendFinder users restrict themselves to the more conventional aspects of this otherwise unconventional dating site. They create a profile, search through singles, and maybe browse a webcam or two. But the real meat of the site isn't actually in the one-on-one interactions; it's in the larger community, which exists in the forums, monthly contests, blogs and, perhaps most importantly, the Sex Stories section.

While you can obviously just browse these stories casually, the on-site culture actually encourages greater interaction than that, and many an AFF connection has been made by two adults bonding over their shared love of erotic fiction. 

Here's how you can use their literotica section to not only vet your next sexting partner but actually initiate the conversation. Full disclaimer: while you can absolutely enjoy aspects of the Sex Stories section without a paid membership, getting the most out of it and actually converting your literary admiration into a one-on-one chat will require a site subscription.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdultFriendFinder AdultFriendFinder   Learn More Read the stories and find what resonates with you

AFF's Sex Stories section boasts more than a dozen distinct categories or genres, ranging from "first time" experiences to group sex scenes, fetish exploration and even stories with fantasy or sci-fi elements. The more creative writers even try their hand at erotic novels and poetry, and since a lot of effort has been put into these creations, the least you can do is read the stories in full and save those you like.

SEE ALSO: 3 common hookup app profile mistakes: Keep this off your AdultFriendFinder profile

While even free users can save individual stories, only paid members can follow story writers, but if you discover that one particular author keeps catching your interest, following their work is a good way to indicate your interest. 

Leave a comment

What author doesn't appreciate positive feedback? If a story resonates with you, you can interact with it in one of two ways: by leaving a comment or by using the like button to indicate your approval. Because of the site's laidback culture, it's completely common for authors to respond to comments, so put some thought into what you say, shouting out specific aspects of the story or how it was written. Many a private sexting conversation began in the public comment section of an AFF story.

While free AFF users are able to both comment and like stories, paid members unlock even greater emoji reactions, including more salacious and flirty reactions, which helps you take your flirting game up a notch. 

Consider writing your own story

If you're having trouble getting storywriters to respond to you or if you just can't find a piece that really resonates with your needs, it might be time to take up the (digital) pen yourself. If you have a way with words, you can accrue a large following on the site, and even earn badges for your heightened on-site participation.

SEE ALSO: 3 AdultFriendFinder red flags — how to avoid scams on AFF

Best of all, by becoming the writer rather than the reader, you'll put yourself in the position of being able to select which comments (and therefore which commentators) catch your attention. 

Use the #tags feature

While every story written has to be placed into a specific category, each story can also contain multiple tags, and these are a lot more varied and a lot more specific than the story categories. Current "top tags" include #feet, #sub, #teasing and #watching, for example.

If you're looking for a particular type of sexting conversation, or if you have very specific turn-ons, the tag feature is the fastest way to find a like-minded person to explore with in a private conversation. 

By our estimation, Dropout is the best destination online for groundbreaking comedy. But if you're new to Dropout, it might be dizzying to decide where to dive in.

This subscription streaming platform is best-known for its hilarious game shows like Make Some Noise and Game Changer, as well as the tabletop role-playing game series Dimension 20, the kooky talk show parody Very Important People, and the daffy cooking competition series Gastronauts. But with so many seasons, guests, and shows, where to begin? 

Mashable's here to help. Around here, we're big fans of Dropout, but we're also aware that just leaping into these shows with the latest eps could be confusing with no context. So, we asked our own Dropout subscribers where they'd recommend you start watching — not just which shows, but which episodes. 

Here's a rundown on all you need to know to get into Dropout. 

Dimension 20

What's the show's deal?: Launched in 2018, this was one of Dropout's first series. Created by Brennan Lee Mulligan, it began with "Fantasy High," a campaign in which a band of comedians gathered around a table, playing a home-brewed version of Dungeons & Dragons set in a suburban high school straight out of a John Hughes movie. 

This series works kind of like an anthology, with successive seasons featuring new characters in settings like Game of Thrones meets Candyland, a magical New York City, or a high-flying steampunk adventure. Episodes of Dimension 20 regularly run over two hours long, with seasons ranging from four to 20 episodes. So, jumping in at the latest episode would be all kinds of bewildering, especially as some campaigns stretch across non-consecutive seasons. 

Suggested starting point: Dungeons & Drag Queens, Season 1, Episode 1, "Queens on a Quest"

Why you should watch: Technically, this is the 18th season of Dimension 20. But trust us, it's the easiest entry point — in part because it's full of first-time players who all happen to be hilarious drag queens. 

With Mulligan's guidance as Game Master, RuPaul's Drag Race stars Monét X Change, Alaska Thunderfuck, Bob the Drag Queen, and Jujubee created fierce fantasy heroines joining forces in the magical realm of Kelvorda. Together, this quartet sets forth on a quest of spells, battles, and family secrets. Ever adaptable to his players and their wild imaginations, Mulligan helps these questing queens build an adventure that's studded with bonkers pop culture references, outrageous turns, and side-splitting humor.

Plus, at just four episodes, Dungeons & Drag Queens is an easy commitment. 

What to watch next: If you love this season, you can dive into Dungeons & Drag Queens Season 2 for more. However, once you've learned how Dimension 20 rolls, you can scroll through Dropout to find which adventure — or cast of comedians — you'd like to see play next. Or if you're more inclined to board games, check out Parlor Room, hosted by Becca Scott. 

Game Changer 

What's the show's deal?: Dimension 20 and Game Changer are Dropout's most popular shows. And where the former is all about collaborative play, the latter is a competitive game show, where the game itself changes each week. 

Hosted by Dropout CEO Sam Reich, Game Changer sometimes does a unique parody of known shows like Shark Tank, The Bachelor, Survivor, or Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Other times, the game revolves around a strange prop, like a giant foam mouth or a roulette wheel full of improvisational prompts. As Reich explains at the start of each episode, "The only way to learn is by playing. The only way to win is by learning." 

Now, this might sound like you can jump in anywhere for a good time. Actually, we'd advise against that, because while Season 7 of Game Changer offers some of the platform's most hilarious and heart-warming moments, they won't make sense without some context. 

Suggested starting point: Season 1, episode 2, "Make Some Noise"

Why you should watch: Sometimes a Game Changer concept becomes so popular that it gets a spin-off series, like Dirty Laundry and Crowd Control. This episode, which features Josh Ruben, Zac Oyama. and Brennan Lee Mulligan — three comedians with a deep arsenal of silly sounds and voices — not only inspired improvisational game show Make Some Noise, but also cemented their reputation as the "Noise Boys." 

This episode is a great intro to Game Changer, as well as to Make Some Noise. You don't need to know a single thing going in to enjoy the jokes. (And you can totally jump into any Make Some Noise ep from here.) 

What to watch next: To get a sense of the mischievousness of Reich in his role as Game Changer host, we'd recommend the "Sam Says" episodes (Season 4, episode 1; Season 5, episode 1; and Season 6, episode 3). It's like Simons Says, but diabolical. And after these, you can properly appreciate Season 7, episode 1, "One Year," featuring Sam Says 3's trio of contestants, Vic Michaelis, Jacob Wysocki, and Lou Wilson, reunited for a series of wild missions. Be warned: This episode will have you scream laughing. Alert your neighbors accordingly. 

Once you've gotten familiar with Game Changer, it's easy to slide into its spin-offs, or other game shows, like the playfully pedantic Um, Actually... and the daffy cooking competition Gastronauts.

Very Important People

What's the show's deal?: Vic Michaelis plays a comical version of themselves in this interview show, which offers a unique opportunity to improv comedians. As Michaelis explains at the top of each episode, a guest blindly submits themselves to a team of professional makeup artists and costumers, who will give them a radical makeover with no clues what it will be. Once they're fully done up, they get to look into a mirror, at which point they must craft a character who will be Vic's guest on their talk show. 

Zombies, aliens, living dolls, witches, worms, wrestlers, and demons have all sat down for an interview. But where should you start? 

Suggested starting point: Season 1, Episode 1, "Princess Emily"

Why you should watch: The debut episode of Very Important People is genuinely a superb place to start. Actress Anna Garcia is transformed into a demanding pop princess from "right in the smack of the dab" of Europe. Her all-over accent and Eurotrash attitude is at once outrageous and weirdly believable. Like, one might think she's not a comedy character but an actual Eurovision contender. (Okay. Me. I thought that based on a promo clip on TikTok.) 

What to watch next: You can certainly leap around to the characters or comedians who most entice you. But our picks for must-see VIP include mental health advocate Tommy Shriggly (Season 1, episode 6), doomsday prepper Pig #2 (Season 1, Episode 10), boy made of rocks Zeke Aaron McKinley (Season 2, episode 1), and randy ambassador Boris Tarshkokan (Season 3, episode 2). 

Now a warning: You will start quoting weird snippets of these interviews, like "my mom hates me because I'm rocks" and "we sucked each other down and talked about our parents." It's just what happens. 

Dimension 20: On a Bus

What's the show's deal?: This one is a deeper cut. But if watching hours of table top role playing seems too much for you, you can still enjoy this two-part parody of all things Dimension 20. 

Created by comedian Katie Marovitch, Dimension 20: On a Bus began as a short spoof of the popular franchise, in which she would purposely annoy Mulligan and his professional colleagues in Game Mastery, Aabria Iyengar, Jasmine Bhullar, and Matthew Mercer. 

Suggested starting point: Season 1 is a five-minute video. So you can marathon Season 1 and Season 2 in about an hour. 

Why you should watch: This began as a bit on the Game Changer episode "Fool's Gold." But the resulting video became such a hit on social media that for April Fool's Day 2026, Dropout released a "Season 2" — which is a full 55-minute-long episode of Marovitch playing the fool to perfection as Mulligan and the others battle to make any sense of her mayhem. It's wildly funny, whether or not you know what a "crit" or "home-brew hack" is. 

What to watch next: For fuller context, you can also check out the Game Changer ep or our interview with Marovitch. 

Demi Adejuyigbe: Is Going to Do One (1) Backflip

What's the show's deal?: Dropout also offers stand-up comedy specials, and this is my personal favorite. Demi Adejuyigbe's humor is a mix of cerebral and silly, but with a thread of vulnerability that transforms this special from straightforward stand-up to something stranger and more rewarding. And yes, that involves his promise to do a backflip. 

Why you should watch: Through a masterfully calibrated show, Adejuyigbe plays with audience expectation for punchlines and even his big promised climax. You'll laugh plenty at his audacious observations and clever turns. But by the end, this comedy special is about a performer revealing his failings and fears. Beyond being profound, Demi Adejuyigbe: Is Going to Do One (1) Backflip becomes a solid example of what makes Dropout special. The sensibility of this subscription service combines subversive comedy and goofy gags with a deeply embedded humanity. So, it's not just cheap laughs but rich wonder that's hitting here. 

What to watch next: Smarty Pants, Season 1, Episode 1

Hosted by Rekha Shankar, this Dropout show seems born from the trend of PowerPoint nights, where folks create slide shows about a personal passion to amuse or annoy their friends. A gaggle of comedians come together to hear out deeply silly speeches about rollercoasters, theater kids, and cryptids. But if you like Adejuyigbe's special, you must see his presentation, "Which Cartoon Characters Are Invited to the Cookout?"

If 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.

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

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 hint

Handled.

SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answer

DEALT

Hurdle Word 2 hint

3D.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for May 23, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

CUBIC

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Household task.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for May 23 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for May 23, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

CHORE

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Colorful flower.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

PANSY

Final Hurdle hint

One of the five senses.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

TASTE

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

Tonight marks the First Quarter Moon, when roughly half of the Moon’s visible face is illuminated.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Saturday, May 23, the Moon phase is First Quarter. Tonight, 48% of the moon will be be lit up, according to NASA's Daily Moon Guide.

Tonight, with just your naked eye you'll be able to spot the Mares Crisium, Tranquillitatis, and Fecunditatis. If you have binoculars you'll also be able to catch a glimpse of the Endymion and Posidonius Craters, and finally, a telescope will reveal the Apollo 11, 16, and 17 landing spots.

When is the next Full Moon?

There are two Full Moons in May, with the next due to take place on May 31.

What are Moon phases?

According to NASA, the Moon takes around 29.5 days to orbit Earth completely, passing through eight phases during that time. While the same side of the Moon always faces Earth, the way sunlight hits its surface changes throughout its orbit, creating the familiar full, half, and crescent appearances we see in the night sky. Altogether, the lunar cycle consists of eight main phases:

New Moon - The Moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter - Half of the Moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-Moon.

Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.

Full Moon - The whole face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible.

Waning Gibbous - The Moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)

Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-Moon, but now the left side is lit.

Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

TL;DR: Live stream Leinster vs. Bordeaux Bègles in the Champions Cup final for free on ITVX. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

On paper, the Champions Cup final is going to be absolutely electric.

Leinster are meeting Bordeaux Bègles at the San Mamès Stadium. Bordeaux Bègles are looking to defend their title. Leinster are aiming to win this competition for the fifth time. It's going to be a fascinating battle between two teams laded with star names. Expect huge performances from the likes of Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Dan Sheehan in front of a passionate stadium.

If you want to watch Leinster vs. Bordeaux Bègles in the Champions Cup final for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Leinster vs. Bordeaux Bègles?

Leinster vs. Bordeaux Bègles in the Champions Cup final kicks off at 9:45 a.m. ET on May 23. This fixture takes place at the San Mamès Stadium.

How to watch Leinster vs. Bordeaux Bègles for free

Leinster vs. Bordeaux Bègles in the Champions Cup final is available to live stream for free on ITVX.

ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock ITVX to stream the Champions Cup final for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Leinster vs. Bordeaux Bègles for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit ITVX

5. Watch Leinster vs. Bordeaux Bègles for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Leinster vs. Bordeaux Bègles without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream the Champions Cup final before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream 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 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Watch Leinster vs. Bordeaux Bègles in the Champions Cup final for free with ExpressVPN.

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.

It's 2026 and times are good for low-effort consumers. Yes, you can get pretty much anything you want by just tapping and swiping of your smartphone: Your shopping, your favourite takeaway, your high-ticket tech, even — our personal favourite — a hot date. And why shouldn't you? Online dating is nothing new. Apps and websites have dominated the dating world for the best part of 20 years. In fact, some sites go all the way back to the mid-1990s. But things are constantly evolving in the world of app-based dating.

According to our favourite sex-perts at Lovehoney — the progressive sex toy brand that sells everything from lingerie to lubricants and dildos — we're living in horny-but-wholesome times. Lovehoney has named 2026 "The Year of Pleasure."

That doesn’t mean quick-and-easy pleasure from one-night stands and flings. It may come as some surprise, but research says that one-night stands are on the out. Would-be daters are now cruising for "purposeful pleasure" and "meaningful connections." That means hookups with substance — flings that mean something. Yes, we're still hooking up, but we're getting more selective about who we hookup with and why. So, it's important to get the right dating app because each app offers something a little different. And you need the right tools to find the right date.

To help you get started, we’ve looked at the top apps and taken advice from sex and relationship experts.

What to know before you swipe

Before you start downloading apps, it’s good know just how to approach online dating. Our advice is to be 100 percent honest about who and what you’re up for. And maybe give a pass to the mainstream dating apps that are more about romance and happily ever afters (the likes of eharmony, in other words). The best hookup apps make chatting quick and easy (messaging, video calls, all that good stuff), and even the best free options will have features like profile verification to keep you safe.

Our main advice though is to stick to apps which are purpose-built for hookups, casual fun, and satisfying your kink (whatever that kink might be). It can be freeing, not to mention productive, to be open about specific desires. The ways in which we understand sex and relationships are changing all the time — just looking at fast-growing "heteroflexible" sexuality — and hookup apps allow you to explore curiosities with no judgement or social anxiety.

SEE ALSO: The best sexting apps for discreet NSFW chats

It doesn’t matter what you’re looking for, whether it's the chance to explore a new sexual frontier, a friends-with-benefits situation on the reg, or an old school one-night stand (the one-night stand might be going out of fashion, but it’s still hella fun as long as it’s safe and on your terms).

Whatever your desire, we’re here to help make it happen. This guide to the best hookups apps is based on Mashable’s own real-world testing, expert input, and general experience. We’ve broken down each of the best hookup apps available right now, with an option for every type of dater and every dating desire.

These are the best hookup apps for 2026.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you're a Sci-Fi fan.

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

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

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

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

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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.

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for May 23, 2026 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Salon styles

• Green: Available

• Blue: Comics

• Purple: Sci-Fi films

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Vote for your favorite creators today

Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Hairdos

• Green: More readily

• Blue: Marvel characters

• Purple: Words after "The" in "Star Wars" movie titles

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 #1077 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Hairdos: BEEHIVE, BOUFFANT, CHIGNON, POMPADOUR

• More readily: FIRST, PREFERABLY, RATHER, SOONER

• Marvel characters: DAREDEVIL, HAWKEYE, NIGHTCRAWLER, WOLVERINE

• Words after "The" in "Star Wars" movie titles: EMPIRE, FORCE, LAST, PHANTOM

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for May 23, 2026

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

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

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

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you can get by in the wild.

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for May 23, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Staying alive

The words are related to tools.

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Vote for your favorite creators today

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe outdoor necessities.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Survivalist.

NYT Strands word list for May 23

• Machete

• Flint

• Paracord

• Hatchet

• Survivalist

• Tarp

• Shovel

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

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

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you have a strong arm.

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for May 23, 2026 Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

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

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for May 23, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

To throw.

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Vote for your favorite creators today

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter C appears twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter C.

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

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

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

CHUCK

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints. Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

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

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

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

TL;DR: Lock in major savings on a lifetime license for Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows, now just $29.97 (reg. $219.99) until May 31.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License $29.97
$219.99 Save $190.02   Get Deal

Summer is almost here, which means longer days and even shorter attention spans. If you’re looking for tools to help you get things done despite all the distractions, this lifetime license to Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows gives you not just one, but eight.

Right now, you can secure this license for just $29.97 — less than $4 an app — until May 31.

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If you’ve been living without Microsoft Office, now is the perfect time to reintroduce yourself to these staples. This Microsoft Office Professional 2021 license equips your PC with eight powerful apps to help you get things done — with no subscription fees required.

This license includes both the old staples and new favorites. You’ll have Word for document creation, Excel for spreadsheet creation, PowerPoint for presentations, and Outlook for email management.

OneNote is included to help you upgrade your note-taking. There’s also Teams for staying connected, Publisher for designing professional documents, and Access for managing large databases.

You can download these apps right to your computer, so you don’t have to worry about cloud connectivity. You can also work offline in peace as needed.

Don’t be worried about the year of this edition — all the apps have been redesigned. A ribbon-based user interface even makes it easier to access features, tools, and customizations.

Make sure your device is running Windows 10 or 11 before purchasing.

Score major savings on this lifetime license for Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows, now only $29.97 through May 31.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

There are few sites that bring together more horny adults than AdultFriendFinder. The site is so kinky, so permissive of nudity, and so kink-friendly that it refuses to create an app for the Apple App Store, because that would force it to tone down its wild side to conform with Apple's app regulations. 

But with a major data breach in its past and a growing culture of online scams and sexploitation plaguing the internet, it's worth asking: is it safe to share nudes on AdultFriendFinder? And how does it compare to alternative sexting platforms like Snapchat and Confide? 

We took an honest look at AdultFriendFinder's pros and cons as a platform for exchanging nudes. Here's what you need to know:

Opens in a new window Credit: AdultFriendFinder AdultFriendFinder   Learn More Is AdultFriendFinder a safe site for exchanging nudes?Verified memberships help

While it's true that anyone can create an account on AdultFriendFinder in mere minutes, there is an added layer of security that helps build trust between strangers: profile verification. AFF uses a service called ConfirmID, which grants those who pass the process a verification checkmark, helping alert others that they are who they say they are.

To proceed, you'll need to upload a piece of government-issued identification (think a driver's license, passport or healthcare card) and then undergo a face scan using your webcam to confirm that you are the person in the ID card.

Where are the disappearing messages?

From Snapchat to the late, great Confide, disappearing messages (messages that self-delete after a set amount of time, not only from the chat logs but from the servers) have become a privacy staple. Unfortunately, AFF doesn't offer them, even as an optional feature.

That isn't entirely a bad thing, since the entire site is structured around helping you make connections or meet like-minded people, even if only virtually, and it's nice to have a record of your conversations to come back to, especially if you happen to be talking to multiple people (and trust us, you will be talking to multiple people). 

Private photo albums

One way AdultFriendFinder provides enhanced privacy features is through a tiered security system. Your public-facing profile is mostly hidden from non-paying members, for example, so even a bad actor will still have to pay the site money to be able to read your list of kinks or click through your profile photos. But there's another privacy layer AFF leverages: private photo albums.

The default photo album every account begins with is the "Profile Photos" album, but once you've populated that, you can opt to create a new album entirely, this time with distinct privacy settings. Your options include Everyone (another public-facing album), Friends (visible only to people who are your mutual friends on the site), and Only Me (self-explanatory). 

SEE ALSO: AdultFriendFinder vs. Tinder: Which subscription tier is right for you?

If you want to restrict access to your more naughty photos to only people you know or trust, take advantage of the Friends privacy setting and be very selective about who you share your albums with. 

Screenshot protection is lacking

One definite con of using AdultFriendFinder to exchange nudes is that there is no way to control what the other person does with them once you've sent or uploaded one. The site has no screenshot protection or blocking software; in fact, it's trivially easy to save photos from profiles or private albums. 

On the one hand, this creates privacy concerns, but on the other hand, it also forces users to be more selective about what they show and under what conditions. There's lots of nudity in profile photos and albums, for example, but it's almost always anonymous, collar-bone down stuff, and when you do come across someone on the site showing off their nudes and their face, the odds are good they're a professional webcam model. 

The final verdict

First, we have to acknowledge an important truth about the nature of the internet: there is no such thing as 100% safety. You can take every precaution you like, use only the safest and most trusted sites, but the simple fact remains that if you send a nude photo of yourself, you are taking a risk. There are software workarounds for screenshot shields and even the toughest, most up-to-date cybersecurity has a vulnerability that will, eventually, be exposed.

In other words, the safest way to protect yourself is not to send nudes at all, and the next safest option is to omit your face or any identifiable marks (tattoos, birthmarks) from your photos. 

However, if you are committed to taking the risk, and especially if taking the risk is part of the fun, AdultFriendFinder offers a reasonably safe platform for you to exchange nudes with a stranger, especially if you commit yourself to following a few simple rules.

• Only interact with other verified accounts. AdultFriendFinder's ConfirmID system isn't 100% foolproof, but it adds an extra layer of security that will deter 99% of casual scammers.

• Never send nudes with your face in them. There's nothing wrong with focusing on a body part, or framing the shot in such a way that nobody can see or recognize your face, and doing so gives you plausible deniability in the event that your nudes are leaked. 

• Keep identifying information off your profile. Don't tell people where you went to school or when you graduated; don't mention your place of employment or your favorite local restaurant or bowling alley. AdultFriendFinder affords its users more anonymity than regular dating sites, so take advantage of that fact. 

TL;DR: Live stream Bayern Munich vs. VfB Stuttgart in the DFB-Pokal final for free on ServusTV. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Bayern Munich have dominated the domestic season in Germany.

They might have come up short in their quest to secure another Champions League victory, but they comfortably won the Bundesliga and they're in the final of the DFB-Pokal. They face VfB Stuttgart in the showpiece event at the Olympiastadion, a team that finished fourth in the Bundesliga standings. It's not going to be easy for the champions.

If you want to watch Bayern Munich vs. VfB Stuttgart in the DFB-Pokal final from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Bayern Munich vs. VfB Stuttgart?

Bayern Munich vs. VfB Stuttgart in the DFB-Pokal final kicks off at 2 p.m. ET on May 23. This fixture takes place at the Olympiastadion.

How to watch Bayern Munich vs. VfB Stuttgart for free

Bayern Munich vs. VfB Stuttgart in the DFB-Pokal final is available to live stream for free on ServusTV.

ServusTV is geo-restricted to Austria, 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 Austria, meaning you can unblock ServusTV to live stream the DFB-Pokal for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Bayern Munich vs. VfB Stuttgart in the DFB-Pokal for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit ServusTV

5. Watch Bayern Munich vs. VfB Stuttgart for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the DFB-Pokal without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Bayern Munich vs. VfB Stuttgart in the DFB-Pokal final before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for ServusTV?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including Austria

• 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 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream Bayern Munich vs. VfB Stuttgart in the DFB-Pokal final for free with ExpressVPN.

As far as the many, many Tesla product recalls go, this is one of the more innocuous ones.

Reuters reported that the U.S. ​National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued a recall for 14,575 Tesla Model Y SUVs in the country due to the lack of proper signage on the vehicles. Specifically, there is supposed to be a sticker labeling how much weight a Model Y can safely carry, but the SUVs somehow made it to the streets without one. Tesla will take back the recalled Model Y vehicles and install those weight certification labels, per Reuters.

SEE ALSO: Someone drove a Tesla Cybertruck into a lake to test 'Wade Mode.' It didn't end well.

The justification here, obviously, is that people could potentially load up their Model Ys with too much stuff, leading to accidents. It should be noted, however, that there were no reported incidents directly attributable to the stickers' absence before this recall. It seems to have been merely a precautionary measure.

Tesla has been the subject of several product recalls several times in the past. Earlier this month, the NHTSA recalled more than 200,000 Tesla vehicles due to a glitch with their rearview cameras. A separate recall, also this month, affected Cybertrucks due to faulty construction with wheel rotors. Teslas have a bit of a reputation among gearheads for not always being the most tightly constructed vehicles, and stories like this probably don't help that reputation.

Every big iOS update from Apple inevitably phases out support for some older iPhone model. It sounds like the iPhone 11 might be next.

That's not 100 percent confirmed yet, but a leak from tech tipster Instant Digital on Weibo suggests it might be the case, according to 9to5mac. Instant Digital published a list of every iPhone model that will support iOS 27 when it launches later this year, and four models stood out for their absence:

• iPhone 11

• iPhone 11 Pro

• iPhone 11 Pro Max

• iPhone SE (second generation)

SEE ALSO: Apple TV to live broadcast MLS match shot entirely on iPhone 17 Pro

That means if you have any of those iPhones, you might not be able to keep current when iOS 27 launches, presumably alongside the iPhone 18. That doesn't mean your iPhone 11 will be totally useless or anything; Apple continues to support older OS revisions with minor security updates and whatnot. But if you want all the newest iOS features, you'll probably need a newer iPhone.

The good news is that Apple very recently launched the budget-minded iPhone 17e, which will stay current with software updates for years to come without breaking the bank. If you don't feel like upgrading to a flagship phone, that might be the way to go.

CNET’s Patrick Holland takes a closer look at Trump Mobile’s flagship phone during a live Q&A session. The discussion covers the device’s features, design, and overall experience while answering audience questions in real time.

Waymo's autonomous ride-share vehicles are becoming increasingly common across the United States, but they just became much less common in four southern U.S. cities.

Waymo has temporarily suspended service in Atlanta, San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas due to the risk of inclement weather, after at least one Waymo vehicle was spotted driving headfirst into a flooded street in Atlanta, according to TechCrunch. A photo of the incident circulated on social media, drawing attention to the issue that may have prompted the decision to suspend service as the company figures out how to fix it.

SEE ALSO: Can Waymo and Waze fix cities' potholes?

“Safety is Waymo’s top priority, both for our riders and everyone we share the road with. During a period of intense rain yesterday in Atlanta, an unoccupied Waymo vehicle encountered a flooded road and stopped,” Waymo said in a statement, per TechCrunch.

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

Waymo had actually issued a software update to its fleet (numbering nearly 4,000) last week to address this issue. Still, the photo of the vehicle rushing into flooded waters was taken after that. A local news report stated that the car had been stuck in the water for about an hour before being removed. Waymo is still working on a final fix to the problem, but until then, people in those four southern cities will need to find another way to get around that doesn't involve robot cars.

TL;DR: The 13-inch MacBook Air M5 is on sale for $949 in Amazon's Memorial Day sale. That's $150 off the list price and the record-low price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple MacBook Air M5 (13-Inch $999 at Amazon
$1,099 Save $100   Get Deal

We're doing our best to keep tabs on all the new Memorial Day deals dropping this weekend. It's a tough ask, because there are a lot. Between the deals on TVs, power stations, mattresses, and everything in-between, we can barely keep up.

But what we can always make time for is a deal on the latest MacBook Air, especially when that deal drops the price down to a record low.

The 13-inch MacBook Air M5 is on sale for $949 in Amazon's Memorial Day sale. That's $150 off the list price and the record-low price for this popular model. We can't guarantee anything at this point, but we don't expect this price to stick around for long. With Prime Day fast approaching, we wouldn't be surprised to see Amazon bump the price up to $999 (or more).

The MacBook Air M5 is a super portable laptop that delivers power in abundance. In Mashable's review of this popular machine, Mashable Tech Editor Timothy Werth said the new MacBook Air "takes everything good about the MacBook Air and adds the faster M5 chip." Werth adds that it's "incredible" but wishes it was "$200 cheaper."

This is where a deal comes in handy. This Memorial Day discount brings it down to a level that's hard to ignore.

Pick up the MacBook Air M5 for its best-ever price at Amazon.

What's black and white and fun all over? Spider-Noir, a new superhero series led by Nicolas Cage.

The show has its roots in 2018's Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, in which Cage voiced the Spider-Man variant known as Spider-Man Noir. Appearing in black and white and always accompanied by a rain-scented wind, Spider-Man Noir managed to steal scenes in a film already overflowing with goodness. A large part of that comes down to the casting of Cage, who commits wholeheartedly to Spider-Man Noir's over-the-top slangy dialogue. ("You gonna fight or you just bumping gums, you hard-boiled turtle-slapper?") That Cage's work is much-memed adds an extra layer of hilarity to the role, a wink to the audience that yes, the film got the Nicolas Cage to channel old-timey film detectives.

SEE ALSO: 2026 Summer TV preview: Every TV show you need to know about now

As much of a scene stealer as he is, Spider-Man Noir is only onscreen for about five and a half minutes of Into the Spider-Verse. With Spider-Noir, Cage gets to take this Spider-Man variant to new heights in a technically dazzling thrill ride. Sure, it's familiar — it's a Spider-Man story, and we've seen plenty of those! — but Spider-Noir manages to find a new lease on spidey life with its loving embrace of film noir.

What's Spider-Noir about? Nicolas Cage in "Spider-Noir." Credit: Prime

The superhero we meet in Spider-Noir is not the same one from Into the Spider-Verse. Cage plays Ben Reilly, a down-on-his-luck private investigator who once moonlighted as New York City's only hero, the Spider.

Like the Spider-Verse films, Spider-Noir knows we've seen enough Spider-Man origin stories to fill hundreds of comic books, so it wisely motors through the beats we're familiar with. In the first of the show's many stylish flairs, it overlays scenes from Ben's life on windows of a New York City skyscraper he's climbed, catching us up to speed on all things Spider. That includes him meeting, then losing, the love of his life, Ruby. Following her death, Ben hung up his mask and goggles for good.

SEE ALSO: 'The Boroughs' review: Stop what you're doing and watch retirees fight monsters in this fantastic sci-fi series

However, just because Ben's retired the Spider doesn't mean he won't wind up trapped in dangerous webs of others' making. And Spider-Noir presents a fascinating web indeed, one involving crime lord Silvermane (Brendan Gleeson), lounge singer Cat Hardy (Li Jun Li), and a rogue's gallery of superpowered men, including well-known Spider-Man villains like Flint Marko (Jack Huston), aka Sandman, and Lonnie Lincoln (Abraham Popoola), aka Tombstone.

Spider-Noir is a gorgeous love letter to film noir. Li Jun Li in "Spider-Noir." Credit: Prime

The way these threads converge isn't necessarily ground-breaking. Obviously, Ben will put on the mask and seek redemption, even if he doesn't think it's worth it. And obviously, the origins of these superpowered villains have ties to Ben's own genetic mutation. But the show's carefully calibrated style manages to make each familiar plot point feel like a new discovery.

Recent superhero shows have tried to set themselves apart by dabbling in genres beyond just "superhero." That's how you get gangster dramas like The Penguin, or a legal comedy like She-Hulk: Attorney at Law. But not since WandaVision has a show so thoroughly immersed itself in a different genre. Unlike WandaVision, Spider-Noir holds fast to its genre trappings throughout, and that steadfastness elevates it over every other superhero show's genre dabbling.

SEE ALSO: 'Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed' review: The power of Tatiana Maslany makes this thriller a must-watch

The visuals are the key here, starting with the show's unique presentation. Prime Video offers viewers the choice of watching in both black and white and color. While I recommend checking out the color version at least once to take in all the details on the show's costumes and set pieces, black and white is certainly the way to go here. Spider-Noir thrives in the contrast between light and dark, casting bold, inky shadows across city streets in pointed tribute to the film noir genre that inspired it. In a world where so many TV shows are underlit or visually flat, it's a joy to see a series take full advantage of lighting as a key way to build mood and atmosphere.

Elsewhere, Spider-Noir has a ball with stylistic staples of the film noir genre, from Dutch angles to a moody score, courtesy of Kris Bowers and Michael Dean Parsons. Don't think of Spider-Noir as being focused on style over substance, though. It's more style as substance, as the series engages seriously with film noir's thematic tropes. Ben is a classic world-weary antihero, while Li's enigmatic Cat falls squarely into the femme fatale archetype, going from crooner to double-crosser at the drop of a fedora.

Nicolas Cage was meant for Spider-Noir. Nicolas Cage in "Spider-Noir." Credit: Aaron Epstein / Prime

Film noir — and '30s-era films in general — are key to Spider-Noir because they're key to Ben as well. As he reveals to Cat, in the wake of his mutation, he was overcome with arachnid instincts. He had to go to the movies to relearn how to be human from the actors.

That gives Cage free reign to channel film noir's leading men, and he does it with gusto. In Ben's scenes with his closest confidants, like his secretary Janet (Karen Rodriguez) or his reporter friend Robbie (Lamorne Morris), he carries himself more naturally, with a tinge of grumpiness. Once he's out in the field, though, he dials up the hard-boiled detective to a solid 11. He slings quips like they're webs, alternating between charming and brooding his way out of danger.

Ben's bag of tricks also includes disguising himself. He poses as everything from a plumber to a doctor in his efforts to crack his case, and Cage embraces a new outlandish persona in each role. Viewers may be tempted to add these moments to their "Nicolas Cage losing his shit"-style compilations, but these moments, on top of being extra fun, do remain motivated by the needs of the show. Rarely does Spider-Noir unleash a Cage crash out for memes' sake. (Although the show does play up the meme-iness a little bit, like when Morris unleashes a surprisingly solid Cage impression in the perfect context.)

Cage's dedication to a role as strange as "film noir detective Spider-Man" especially shines through when Ben succumbs to his spider instincts. His physicality is both mesmerizing and bizarre, whether he's contorting himself in strange ways or just lying, twitching, on his bed. While his voice acting in Into the Spider-Verse is delightful, it's moments like this, where you see Cage embodying Ben's uncanny physical experience, that made me truly understand why this show exists.

Between Cage's performance and distinct styling, Spider-Noir proves that there's still ways to freshen up superhero shows. The key is just commitment.

All episodes of Spider-Noir premiere May 27 on Prime Video.

SAVE UP TO 40%: From May 22-25, take up to 40% off MasterClass courses and MasterClass Certificates in the Memorial Day sale.

Opens in a new window Credit: MasterClass MasterClass and MasterClass Certificates: Save up to 40%   Get Deal

For anyone who's looking to do a bit of life enrichment over the summer, MasterClass offers a great option. The platform is full of courses taught by industry pros that are sure to prove insightful. To celebrate Memorial Day, MasterClass has a great sale on tap.

Between May 22 and May 25, save up to 40% on MasterClass lessons and professional MasterClass Certificates.

From cooking courses to personal styling lessons, MasterClass has something everyone will find worthwhile. With lessons in science, technology, writing, music, health, and plenty more, the platform gives access to exceptional learning activities.

SEE ALSO: 40+ of the best Memorial Day deals — TVs, mattresses, headphones, and more on sale

MasterClass Certificates is designed to offer professional advancements through lessons that range from 15 to 20 hours. Taught by industry leaders, they're a great way to learn new in-demand skills that complement your career.

Whether you're looking to broaden your horizons or buy a class as a thoughtful graduation gift, jump on saving up to 40% off on MasterClass lessons this Memorial Day.