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Throughout its first season, Dune: Prophecy has hit us with a potent combination of space politicking and sci-fi strangeness, with everything from prophetic visions to magnificent sandworms on the table. In its Season 1 finale, Dune: Prophecy brings all this together for a revelatory conclusion, answering some of our biggest questions from the season, while raising others that will be explored in Season 2.

SEE ALSO: 'Dune: Prophecy' review: The Bene Gesserit shine in this sci-fi showstopper

From revelations about the Omnius Plague to game-changing flashbacks, let's break down Dune: Prophecy's Season 1 finale, "The High-Handed Enemy."

Flashbacks reveal that Tula is Demond Hart's mother — and why she gave him away. Olivia Williams in "Dune: Prophecy." Credit: Attila Szvacsek/HBO

Episode 5 of Dune: Prophecy revealed the true reason behind Desmond Hart's (Travis Fimmel) hatred of the Sisterhood. His mother was a Sister, yet she gave him away. Turns out, his mother was none other than Tula Harkonenn (played by Olivia Williams in the present and Emma Canning in the past). That means his father is the late Orry Atreides (Milo Callaghan), killed by Tula's own hand.

In a flashback, Tula discloses her pregnancy to her sister Valya (played Emily Watson in the present and Jessica Barden in the past), who is supportive of her decision to keep the baby. She becomes even more supportive after a trip to Mother Superior Raquella's (Cathy Tyson) breeding index, which shows that a cross between the Atreides and Harkonnen lines would result in a child with extraordinary potential. (Paul Atreides says hi from 10,000 years in the future.)

However, Tula has some misgivings about Valya's desire to mold and shape her son into a powerful figure from birth. Without Valya's knowledge, she swaps her newborn baby with the stillborn child of a laborer on Wallach IX. She hopes that in getting her son away from the Sisterhood, he can make his own path. But how could she have predicted that path would have led him right back to the Sisterhood with vengeance in his heart?

Featured Video For You The 'Dune' imagery that inspired 'Dune: Prophecy' More flashbacks show Valya's bloody rise to power, leading to chaos on present-day Wallach IX. Jessica Barden in "Dune: Prophecy." Credit: Attila Szvacsek/HBO

"The High-Handed Enemy" remains in the past for more major reveals. In the aftermath of Valya's murder of Sister Dorotea (Camilla Beeput), she, Tula, Kasha (Yerin Ha), and Francesca (Charithra Chandran) confront Dorotea's disciples in order to assume total control of the Sisterhood. They offer them a choice: Follow Dorotea's path into death, or follow Valya into the future of the order. When the Sisters don't choose right away, Valya, Kasha, Francesca, and a hesitant Tula use the Voice to compel them. Most slit their own throats. Only Sister Avila (Barbara Marten) sides with Valya.

The incident would have been lost to history, if it wasn't for Sister Lila (Chloe Lea) in the present. After undergoing the Agony in episode 2, Lila has become unstable, with her ancestors possessing her body for hours at a time. In episode 5, that ancestor was Raquella. Thanks to her, Tula was able to understand that the cause for present-day Kasha's (Jihae) death was something similar Omnius Plague, a bioweapon used by thinking machines in the Butlerian Jihad that was long thought to be gone.

SEE ALSO: 'Dune: Prophecy' fixes one of my biggest beefs with 'Dune: Part Two'

But in episode 6, a new ancestor grabs hold of Lila. Sister Dorotea takes control and uncovers the mass grave of her old followers, proving to the current acolytes that the entire Sisterhood was built on blood. Dorotea-as-Lila then leads the acolytes to Raquella's thinking machine Anirul. She destroys it, possibly taking the breeding index with it.

That's where Dune: Prophecy leaves things on Wallach IX, with the acolytes disillusioned and ready to destroy everything Valya and Tula have built. But since those two are off-planet, they'll just have wait until Season 2 to learn about the consequences of their actions.

Salusa Secundus falls into disarray. Jodhi May in "Dune: Prophecy." Credit: Courtesy of HBO

Wallach IX isn't the only planet in the Imperium where all hell is breaking loose. On Salusa Secundus, Empress Natalya (Jodhi May) arrests her own daughter Ynez (Sarah-Sofie Boussnina) for trying to break Kieran Atreides (Chris Mason) out of his suspensor cell. Since Ynez is Valya's strongest prospect for having a Sister on the throne, she decides to intervene, getting herself arrested on purpose in order to free Ynez. With the help of the Voice and Sister Theodosia's (Jade Anouka) shapeshifting abilities — which she received as a result of genetic experimentation by the Tleilaxu — Valya, Ynez, and Kieran escape. Theodosia stays behind and disguises herself as a wounded soldier. She almost kills Desmond with the element of surprise, but he wounds her and plans to have her imprisoned. Next season, expect to learn more about her role as a Face Dancer, and the mysterious Tleilaxu who made her this way.

SEE ALSO: 'Dune: Prophecy': Why isn't the Sisterhood called the Bene Gesserit?

Things continue to fall apart for Emperor Javicco Corrino (Mark Strong). He learns that the Sisterhood has been steering his life from the very beginning, sending Sister Francesca (played in the present by Tabu) to imprint on him in his youth and setting up his match with Natalya. Now that he is no longer useful to the Sisterhood, Valya sends Francesca to kill him with the poisoned gom jabbar needle. But Javicco chooses to grab hold of what little agency remains to him and dies by suicide instead. As Francesca grieves, Natalya uses the gom jabbar to kill her.

With Javicco gone and any trace of the Sisterhood's council removed from the palace, the Imperium presumably falls to Natalya's control. But remember, Javicco made his and Francesca's son Constantine (Josh Heuston) the commander of his fleet in episode 5, meaning that Season 2 could see him fighting Natalya for control.

The cure for the Omnius Plague is basically the Litany Against Fear. Olivia Williams in "Dune: Prophecy." Credit: Attila Szvacsek/HBO

At the very start of the "The Heavy-Handed Enemy," Tula and Sister Nazir (Karima McAdams) research the mysterious bioweapon that killed Kasha, Pruwet Richese (Charlie Hodson-Prior), and members of the Landsraad. How could Kasha have withstood this virus for so long, while Pruwet and those in the Landsraad died after very little exposure to Desmond?

Turns out, Kasha had a "unique ability to live in the face of fear," and that kept the virus at bay for a time. Nazir and Tula realize that the virus feeds on fear, explaining the nightmares of the sandworm and those glowing blue eyes that the Sisters have been having. Nazir attempts to create an antiviral by transmuting the virus within herself — similarly to how Sisters alter poison when they undergo the Agony — but fails.

However, when Valya is exposed to the virus in her confrontation with Desmond at the end of the episode, she's able to make it through thanks to help from Tula. "You have to let go of your fears," Tula tells her as Valya fights through a vision of the death of their brother Griffin.

She continues: "All the fear. All the pain. You can't run from it. You can't fight it. You have to let it pass through you."

SEE ALSO: Space babies and time jumps: How 'Dune: Part Two' handles the challenge of Alia Atreides

Sound familiar? The emphasis on withstanding fear here calls to mind the Litany Against Fear in Frank Herbert's original Dune novels, which Lady Jessica and Paul both call upon to center themselves in dire times.

"I must not fear," the Litany goes. "Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past, I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain."

Tula's words to Valya sound like a precursor to the Litany, something we'll no doubt see take form in Season 2 of Dune: Prophecy. But in Season 1, they work just as well. In her vision, Valya stands and allows the fear to pass through her. She witnesses the sandworm nightmare that has horrified so many of her fellow Sisters, but she also sees beyond it, learning what those monstrous blue eyes have been all this time.

What were the blue eyes in Dune: Prophecy? Travis Fimmel in "Dune: Prophecy." Credit: Attila Szvacsek/HBO

As Valya sees, the nightmare that's plagued her Sisters isn't just a nightmare: It's what Desmond Hart experienced after the sandworm attack on Arrakis. When he awoke, he came face to face with a large machine, the blue lights of which are the eyes from the nightmare.

In a gnarly sequence shot from Desmond's point of view, we watch as the machine pulls one of Desmond's eyes from its socket and implants his optic nerve with what must be the nanobots that transmitted the virus. A mysterious figure watches the procedure from a nearby window flooded with golden light, suggesting whoever carried out this operation was stationed on Arrakis.

With that knowledge in mind, it's off to Arrakis for Valya, Ynez, and Kieran, who hope to find the truth behind their hidden enemy. Meanwhile, Tula stays behind in the hopes of saving Desmond from the pain the machines have caused him. But after a silent reunion, Desmond calls for Tula's arrest. At least she'll have Theodosia to keep her company.

So after that jam-packed finale, the biggest question remains: Who is the hidden enemy who mobilized Desmond against the Imperium and the Sisterhood?

Whoever it is would have to have access to thinking machines, and no qualms about using them. There are a few possibilities from the Dune novels we could look at. First up is the Richese family, who played a prominent part in Dune: Prophecy's first episodes. As longtime makers of thinking machines, they're clearly more lax about possessing and using them, even though they're outlawed. However, why would the Richeses use Desmond to kill and maim members of their own family? Could we be looking at a splinter faction within the family?

Another more likely possibility is the Ixians, inhabitants of the planet Ix who continued to manufacture thinking machines. Dune's "Terminology of the Imperium" section describes Ix as having "escaped the more severe effects of the Butlerian Jihad" alongside House Richese. Now, it's "supreme in machine culture." With that in mind, it's very likely that Dune: Prophecy could be setting up Ix as the next big enemy the Sisterhood and Imperium will face. After all, it's another important faction from Herbert's universe, so why not get it on the board for Season 2?

Season 1 of Dune: Prophecy is now streaming on Max.

Connections is the latest New York Times word game 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's The Mini crossword answers for December 23 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: Words that sound the same

• Green: Neck openings in clothing

• Blue: Represents #1000

• Purple: Super things

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

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

• Yellow: Homophones

• Green: Necklines

• Blue: Ways to Express 1,000

• Purple: Super___

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 #561 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Homophones: EWE, U, YEW, YOU

• Necklines: BOAT, CREW, SCOOP, V

• Ways to Express 1,000: GRAND, K, M, THOU

• Super___: 8, BOWL, GLUE, TUESDAY

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 December 23

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

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

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

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

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 today: Hints and answers for December 23 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's The Mini crossword answers for December 23 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A place to sweat.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There is one reoccurring letter.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter S.

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...

SAUNA.

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 23

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.

If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for December 23 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 23 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Pass the eggnog

These words are things you might taste during the holiday season.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

Words are commonly consumed, like eggnog, during the holidays.

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 HolidayFlavor.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for December 23

• Cranberry

• Gingerbread

• Cocoa

• Peppermint

• HolidayFlavor

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.

In today’s digital landscape, anyone can be targeted by cybercriminals . With so much of our lives now happening online, from social connections to schoolwork, having a robust cybersecurity plan is no longer optional—it’s essential.

Whether you’re just starting to think about your family’s online safety or looking for a refresher on best practices, cybersecurity is a marathon, not a sprint. We’ve put together this detailed guide to creating the best cybersecurity plan tailored to your family’s needs.

Why cybersecurity matters for families

Cybersecurity breaches can result in devastating consequences for families. A cyber attack could cost your family not only money but also an immense amount of time, feelings of insecurity and emotional stress. Protecting your family is about ensuring their safety and resilience in the digital age, and it’s something that is difficult to do on your own without the right tools. Here are the sorts of threats you need to keep in mind:

Common cyber threats

• Phishing Attacks: Fraudulent emails or messages designed to steal sensitive information.

• Ransomware: Malicious software that locks your files until a ransom is paid.

• Data Breaches: Unauthorised access to personal data like names, addresses, and payment information.

• Online Scams: Fake websites and offers targeting unsuspecting users.

• Identity Theft: Misuse of your personal information for financial gain.

Understanding these threats is the first step in building an effective cybersecurity strategy for your family.

Key security practices to keep in mind

The Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) has developed core mitigation strategies to help protect against cyberattacks. These include:

1. Patch Applications and Operating Systems: Regular updates help keep your devices secure.
2. Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Add an extra layer of security to your accounts.
3. Restrict Administrative Privileges: Limit who can make major changes to devices.
4. Back Up Data: Ensure important family documents and memories are safe.

If this list feels overwhelming, don’t worry. Even simple steps, like using strong passwords and being cautious online, make a big difference.

Building a robust cybersecurity plan for your family

1. Assess Your Risk
Start by identifying what needs protection. For families, this might include:

• Personal Data: Names, addresses, and financial information.

• Digital Memories: Photos, videos, and important documents.

• Devices: Smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smart home gadgets.

2. Implement Strong Access Controls
Restrict access to sensitive data based on roles and responsibilities within your family. Consider:

• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Require additional verification steps beyond a password.

• Role-Based Access Control: Teach kids appropriate internet use based on their age.

• Regular Password Updates: Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts.

3. Secure Your Home Network
Your home network is the backbone of your family’s cybersecurity. Protect it by:

• Using Strong Wi-Fi Passwords: Ensure your router uses WPA3 encryption.

• Setting Up Firewalls: Add an extra layer of protection.

• Using a VPN: Help encrypt your internet connections, especially for remote work and school activities.

4. Stay Up to Date

Outdated software and systems are prime targets for cyberattacks. Regularly update:

• Operating Systems: Apply security patches as they become available.

• Applications: Keep all software on your family’s devices current.

• Antivirus Programs: Help combat new threats with the latest antivirus software.

5. Educate Your Family
Human error is a leading cause of cybersecurity breaches. Conduct regular discussions to educate your family about:

• Recognising phishing attempts.

• Practising secure browsing habits.

• Handling personal data responsibly.

A culture of awareness reduces the likelihood of accidental breaches. PCMag is a good place to start here, as we report on top level changes around security systems, trends, and high profile data breaches. For a curated collection of short articles focused on personal security, a great resource is the Norton 360 Blog.

6. Back Up Your Data
Frequent backups will help protect against data loss during ransomware attacks or hardware failures. For a simple memory device, follow the 3-2-1 Rule:

• Keep 3 copies of your data.

• Store it on 2 different mediums (e.g., cloud and external drives).

• Maintain 1 offsite backup.

To be extra safe, ensure backups are encrypted and tested for recovery.

Investing in the best tools

Helping safeguard your family requires a comprehensive cybersecurity plan and the right tools. A robust security suite, like Norton 360, helps provide real-time threat protection, a VPN, password management, dark web monitoring, and more. Such tools make managing your family’s cybersecurity much easier.

For 2025, PCMag Australia recommends Norton 360 Premium. As a simple solution for 5 devices, Norton 360 Premium helps provide Real-Time Threat Protection, a Secure VPN, a Password Manager, Dark Web Monitoring, Cloud Backup for Windows PC, and more. Norton 360 Premium regularly performs well in our in-house lab testing, and comes from Norton - a 56 time winner of PCMag’s Editors’ Choice.

By assessing risks, using the best tools, educating your family, and staying informed, you can help protect your loved ones from evolving threats. Remember, cybersecurity is not a one-time effort but an ongoing commitment to digital safety. Information is king, and having the right software makes things much more manageable. For more information on Norton 360, check out their website, or our complete PCMag review of Editors Choice Winner Norton 360 Deluxe here.

"Seven hours of RedZone football starts here."

That’s how Scott Hanson opened Sunday’s broadcast, with his usual upbeat energy — but this time, with a twinge of irony. Why? Because last week (and again this week), the NFL’s RedZone channel — long celebrated for its uninterrupted, ad-free blitz of touchdowns and drama — broke its sacred covenant: it ran commercials.

Naturally, fans are losing it.

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When the Dec. 15 broadcast featured ads, an NFL spokesperson told Awful Announcing it was just a “test.” Hanson even threw out an apology for claiming the broadcast would remain commercial-free, which, spoiler, it wasn’t. Fans hoped it was a one-off. A hiccup. A blip.

But then came Sunday. And yeah, those ads were back.

For those unfamiliar, NFL RedZone offers a fast-paced, all-access look at every touchdown and pivotal moment across the league, stripping away the downtime and fluff typical of most game broadcasts. It has earned a devoted fanbase precisely because it prioritizes constant action.

That’s what makes the sudden presence of commercials feel like such a betrayal to its audience. The shift, subtle as it may seem, represents a breach of what made RedZone unique. X (formerly known as Twitter) has been flooded with backlash, with fans accusing the NFL of putting profits over the integrity of the service.

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While the NFL has yet to confirm whether this is a permanent change, fans shouldn't hold their breath for a return to commercial-free football.

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Martin Short celebrated his fifth time hosting Saturday Night Live with a monologue brimming with musical holiday cheer.

The Only Murders in the Building star kicked things off with a conventional monologue, roasting everything from Cybertrucks to his co-star Steve Martin.

SEE ALSO: Colin Jost and Michael Che's 2024 'SNL' Christmas joke swap is their most brutal yet

"He would have been here tonight, but he had a conflict with me not wanting him to be here," Short said. "And besides, it's rehearsal week for The Masked Singer."

But when SNL's cast members beg Short to cure their holiday anxieties, the host is all too happy to oblige — in song, of course. He bursts into a parody of "We Need a Little Christmas," telling the audience they "need a new prescription" to get through the holiday season.

Come for Short's boundless energy and singing, stay for him throwing a child off of Santa's lap and roasting Lorne Michaels. ("You smell wonderful, I didn't know Jack Daniels made cologne.") Plus, after a week of fighting with Jimmy Fallon, the pair reconcile with a passionate makeout session. It's a Christmas miracle!

Ever since Dec. 2018, Saturday Night Live Weekend Update anchors Colin Jost and Michael Che have celebrated Christmas with a new tradition. The two swap jokes live on-air, reading jokes their co-anchor has written that they've never seen until now.

SEE ALSO: Martin Short roasts Jimmy Fallon, John Mulaney, and more in 'SNL' Five-Timers Club cold open

Basically, it's an excuse for Jost and Che to make the other say some wildly offensive things, and to end the year, the pair reach new heights. Nothing is off the table, from slavery reparations to allegations against rappers Sean "Diddy" Combs and Jay-Z. But Che takes things to a nuclear level by making Jost joke about his marriage to Scarlett Johansson (Fly Me to the Moon) while she's in the studio.

That's right: Johansson, who made a cameo in the episode's Five-Timers Club cold open, was watching live. And SNL made sure to catch all her reactions to Jost's jokes from Che. You just have to see it to believe it.

Martin Short, welcome to the Saturday Night Live Five-Timers Club!

The Only Murders in the Building star and former SNL cast member celebrated his fifth time hosting in style, with Tom Hanks himself welcoming him into the lauded Five-Timers Club. Also present were Paul Rudd, Tina Fey, Alec Baldwin (who's hosted a whopping 17 times), Kristen Wiig, Emma Stone, Melissa McCarthy, John Mulaney, and Scarlett Johansson, who shut her husband (Weekend Update co-anchor Colin Jost) out of the club.

SEE ALSO: Martin Short storms off set in 'SNL' promo

Jimmy Fallon was also on hand to give Short his Five-Timers Club jacket, and if you thought Short was done roasting him after his guest spot on his show this past week, then you'd be mistaken.

"I can only stay for a little bit, and then I have to go and host another game show and laugh at my own jokes," Fallon said upon entering.

"Well, at least someone's laughing," Short replied.

SEE ALSO: 'Only Murders in the Building' Season 4 finale: Wait, what about those loose ends from Season 1?

Fallon wasn't the only victim of Short's jabs, though. He also roasted Mulaney after he made mention of their short-lived 2014 sitcom Mulaney.

"But you came back strong!" Short said. "Then you crashed and burned. And then you came back strong, and we're all so curious what will happen next."

Not even Short's absent partner-in-crime Steve Martin was spared. As Hanks gives Short the night's signature cocktail, a "MartyTini", he remarks it's often paired with a "Steve MarTini."

"I bet it's even better on its own," Short says while taking a sip.

Don't worry, though: Members of the Five-Timers Club dish Short's roasts back to him. To see more playful insults and learn about some intriguing romantic relationships within the Club, check out the full clip above.

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

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

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

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Sunday, December 22, 2024:

AcrossLongtime first name in the House of Representatives

• The answer is Nancy.

Word that aptly fills in these blanks: S_ rano's p formnce

• The answer is Opera.

Bad thing to go up without a paddle

• The answer is Creek.

Assistant

• The answer is Aide.

Toilet paper layer

• The answer is Ply.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 22, 2024 Down"For real!," in popular slang

• The answer is No cap.

When Tax Day is

• The answer is April.

Requiring a lot of attention

• The answer is Needy.

Indigenous people of Canada

• The answer is Cree.

Beast also known as a "grunting ox"

• The answer is Yak.

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

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

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

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

Connections: Sports Edition is a new version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

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

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

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

Tweet may have been deleted

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.

Tweet may have been deleted

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's The Mini crossword answers for December 22 Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Lengths a horse would run

• Green: Teams in the cheese state

• Blue: Basketball announcers

• Purple: Teams located in a capital

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

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

• Yellow: Distances in horse racing

• Green: Wisconsin teams

• Blue: NBA broadcasters

• Purple: Teams that play in world capitals

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections Sports Edition #90 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Distances in horse racing - FURLONG, LENGTH, MILE, NOSE

• Wisconsin teams - BADGERS, BUCKS, BREWERS, PACKERS

• NBA broadcasters - BREEN, BURKE, EAGLE, HARLAN

• Teams that play in world capitals - NATIONALS, REAL MADRID, SENATORS, TOTTENHAM

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

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

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

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

TL;DR: Live stream Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Commanders on YouTube TV or Sling TV.

Get ready for a game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders during NFL Week 16. The Eagles are winning big in the NFC East, with a 12-2 record that puts them way ahead in their division. The Commanders sit right below them with a 9-5 record, keeping them in the run in a competitive NFC East.

The Eagles have only lost two games this season. They beat the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, Dec. 15 with a final score of 14-27. That same day, the Commanders beat the New Orleans Saints by just one point, leaving a final score of 20-19. Although the Eagles are ahead, the Commanders still have a good chance of taking the win this Sunday.

When is Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Commanders?

The Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Commanders takes place at 1 p.m. ET on Dec. 22. The two teams will face off at Northwest Stadium in Washington, DC.

The game will air on FOX, where Joe Davis is expected to do the play-by-play. Greg Olsen will join him in the booth and Pam Oliver will report from the sidelines.

How to stream Eagles vs. Commanders?

We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for Eagles vs. Commanders:

Most live sport: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get Deal

The Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Commanders is available to live stream via YouTube TV or the NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV (not to mention other NFL fixtures).

YouTube TV's base plan is $49.99 per month for two months for new subscribers ($72.99 per month regularly). The base plan includes over 100 live TV channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, Fox Sports 1, and the NFL Network.

The NFL Sunday Ticket is an add-on for $209 per year, or four non-cancellable payments of $52.99. Sunday Ticket provides access to all NFL games, including out-of-market games and split-screen viewing.

Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling TV Sports Plan Get Deal

Sling TV offers its Orange & Blue package of 48 channels at $55 per month that would serve your needs for locally available NFL games. Sign up to enjoy a first-month discounted rate of $27.50.

Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.

How to watch Eagles vs. Commanders from anywhere in the world

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

Live stream Eagles vs. Commanders from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Sign in to your favorite streaming service

5. Watch Eagles vs. Commanders from anywhere in the world

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

• Servers in 105 countries including the U.S.

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

TL;DR: Grab Microsoft Office 2021 at just $59.97 (reg. $219.99) and enjoy lifetime access to essential productivity tools.

For a limited time, Mashable readers can get a lifetime device license to MS Office 2021 for Windows. (An Apple version is also available, and also on sale.)

What's included with this Mashable Shop deal?

• Lifetime license for Microsoft Office Professional 2021 — pay once and access it forever

• Includes must-have apps: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, Teams, and Publisher

• Compatible with Windows — ideal for professional and personal projects

• Streamline your workflow with trusted tools for creating documents, managing data, and organizing emails

• Instant download with a product key for quick and easy setup

• No recurring costs — a single payment secures access to essential Office apps

Say goodbye to subscriptions — don’t miss this deal and get a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows for $59.97.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License $59.97
$219.99 Save $160.02 Get Deal

TL;DR: Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows is on sale for just $32.97 (reg. $229) for a limited time.

Looking for a useful last-minute gift? Whether it’s for a colleague, a loved one, or even yourself, Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 is a thoughtful, practical choice that can jumpstart productivity in the new year.

Available for just $32.97 (reg. $229), this one-time purchase offers lifetime access to Microsoft’s suite of tools, making it a budget-friendly alternative to costly subscriptions like Office 365.

While it’s not the newest version on the market, Office 2019 is a powerhouse of professional tools. It is ideal for those using Windows 10 or Windows Server 2019. For cost-conscious users who don’t need cloud-based features, it delivers all the essentials without recurring fees.

It’s an especially valuable option for freelancers, small business owners, and IT professionals who prioritize simplicity and offline functionality. You’ll get a lifetime license for one Windows PC, giving you full access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, and Access.

Whether you’re managing a budget, creating stunning presentations, writing that novel, or keeping your email organized, this suite is designed to enhance productivity and efficiency.

Subscriptions can add up fast. With Office 2019, you pay once and own it forever. If you just want the basics, this version is a cost-effective option. Plus, it’s ideal for those who work in areas with unreliable internet or frequently travel, thanks to its full offline functionality.

Empower your favorite professional — or yourself — with the tools to make 2025 the most productive year yet.

Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows is on sale for just $32.97 (reg. $229) for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows $32.97
$229.00 Save $196.03 Get Deal

TL;DR: The KeySmart SmartCard is a sleek, smart tracker that works with the Apple Find My network — get it for just $34.99 plus free shipping.

If you've ever had to dig through your couch cushions or retrace your steps in a panic because you lost your wallet — again — you might want to snatch up this product. The KeySmart SmartCard takes the stress out of keeping track of your essentials.

With cutting-edge technology that works seamlessly with the Apple Find My network, this ultra-slim tracker is the ideal solution for anyone who values convenience and reliability. And it's on sale for just $34.99 with free shipping for a limited time.

At less than 2mm thick, the KeySmart SmartCard fits perfectly into your wallet, ID badge holder, or any spot where traditional, bulky trackers just don’t make sense. Its streamlined design doesn’t sacrifice functionality; instead, it unlocks powerful tracking features that ensure you’ll never lose sight of your most important items again.

Imagine if an AirTag could fit into your wallet without adding any bulk? This smart card offers all the tracking capabilities you love but in a form factor that’s as easy to carry as a credit card. It’s a smart option for tight spaces like wallets, where even a little bulk can make a big difference. It even has a lanyard slot to easily carry work or school IDs. 

It provides multiple ways to locate your items. Whether it’s nearby or miles away, the app leverages Apple’s global network of devices to pinpoint your card’s location. Left it behind at the coffee shop? Lost Mode means you’ll get a notification on your phone, CarPlay, or even your AirPods, so you’ll know exactly where to retrieve it.

With an IPX8 waterproof rating, it can handle being submerged in water for up to an hour. Its rechargeable battery lasts up to five months on a single charge, and when it’s time to power up, just drop it on any Qi-enabled wireless charger with no special cables required.

Order the KeySmart SmartCard for just $34.99 with free shipping.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: KeySmart KeySmart® SmartCard - Thinnest Card Tracker & Works with Apple Find My $34.99 at the Mashable Shop
$39.99 Save $5.00 Get Deal

TL;DR: The Focais: Meet One voice-to-text recorder gadget uses AI to transcribe and summarize meetings and lectures. Mashable readers can get it for 32% off with free shipping while supplies last.

Taking notes in a fast-paced meeting or class lecture is tough — and annoying. You try your hardest to stay engaged, but you’re stuck writing everything down, hoping nothing important slips by. By the end, all you have is an unhelpful transcript of the conversation.

Instead, this AI audio recorder could capture every spoken word, basically taking your notes for you, and summarize all the key points. Save 32% on this time-saver while supplies last; pay just $99.99 (reg. $149) and enjoy free shipping, too.

It could change the way you work or study

How is this smart voice recorder any different than just taking videos of meetings or classes on your phone? Here’s exactly why:

• It only records when it detects sound to save memory and battery

• AI enhances voice clarity while minimizing background noise

• OpenAI’s Whisper transcribes voices into text with 98% accuracy, including timestamps

• AI automatically summarizes conversations 

• You can also get AI translations in over 120 languages

Sure, you could record that hour-long lecture on your phone, upload it to ChatGPT, and see if you get a decent transcript to summarize. Or, you could just hit record on this gadget and have it all done automatically.

Listen to your recordings and view the transcripts and summaries on the iOS and Android app. You’ll also be able to easily share files with anyone — if you’re feeling generous. 

Take one of these meeting and lecture recording tools home for $99.99 with free shipping (reg. $149) before they’re sold out.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Focais Focais: Meet One - Voice-Activated AI-Powered Recorder $99.99
$149.00 Save $49.01 Get Deal

TL;DR: For $47.99 through the end of the day, this 512GB dual-USB flash drive delivers fast transfer speeds and device compatibility with USB-C and USB-A connectors.

When you’ve got tons of files to manage — whether for work, school, or personal projects — a basic flash drive might not cut it. Enter this 512GB dual-USB storage drive that’s designed to handle hefty file transfers while being incredibly user-friendly. With both USB-C and USB-A connectors, it’s perfect for switching between devices like Android phones, Macs, and PCs without needing any extra gear. And thanks to USB 3.2 tech, it’s seriously fast, so you can spend less time waiting and more time working.

Priced at $47.99 for one more day only, this storage drive does more than just hold files — it’s built to make your life easier. With its high-speed transfer capabilities, it’s great for moving big video files, data sets, or tons of lecture notes in a snap.

Its dual compatibility with USB-C and USB-A means you can plug it into almost any device without needing extra adapters. It’s a breeze for students working on group projects or anyone who frequently switches between different tech setups. Plus, backing up your work is a no-brainer — you’ve got 512GB of space, which is enough to store up to 100,000 files, keeping your documents safe and sound.

Compact, fast, waterproof, and incredibly simple to use, this flash drive is a no-brainer for students, professionals, or anyone who needs reliable storage.

Grab this Dual USB-C and USB-A 512GB High-Speed Flash Drive on sale for $47.99 (reg. $69.99) until tonight, Dec. 22, at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: UGR Tech Dual USB-C + USB-A 3.2 High Speed Flash Drive (512GB) $47.99
$69.99 Save $22.00 Get Deal

Perhaps one day streaming platforms will quit studying our behaviors with their stalker-ish algorithms and give us what we actually need: a list of every damn short movie that's streaming. Searching for a movie based on genre? An actor? A mood? I'm sorry, but that's a luxury few can afford. Runtime is the first deciding factor, my friends.

Until then, at least I'm not out of a job to provide that list for you. If you're on limited time, or you simply can't find the energy to commit to a long-ass movie, you've come to the right place. Hulu has a great mix of movies that fit under the 100-minute mark. In that amount of time you can get a good laugh from some comedies, get scared out of your mind from a range of excellent horror movies, or cry over some touching documentaries.

1. Good Luck to You, Leo Grande

In Good Luck to You, Leo Grande, Emma Thompson plays a retired school teacher and widow who's never had an orgasm in her life. Actually, she's never slept with anyone but her late husband, and the two didn't explore much beyond basic missionary sex. On a whim she decides to hire a sex worker to help her explore the sex life she never got to have. Over the course of three hotel meetings, Thompson's Nancy and the much younger, incredibly handsome Leo Grande (Daryl McCormack) split their time making their way through Nancy's sex wish list (yes, she hilariously makes a list), and also talking. They have intimate conversations about Nancy's dissatisfaction with her family and how she feels about her aging body, while Leo opens up about his family trauma. Good Luck to You, Leo Grande impressively manages to be very funny while juggling more emotional moments with its thoughtful examination of sex work.

How to watch: Good Luck to You, Leo Grande is streaming on Hulu.

2. Pig Credit: Neon

Nicolas Cage Loses His Pet Pig sounds like the perfect offbeat set up for a classic addition to the Batshit Nic Cage Universe. But instead of the meltdown king going typically off the wall, Cage delivers one of his most gentle, subtle, and heartfelt performances as a reclusive mushroom hunter in the Oregon wilderness. After his truffle pig is kidnapped by some big business city folks, Cage’s Rob heads into the bustling Portland restaurant scene to find her, revealing his true identity and past wounds along the way. 

Michael Sarnoski’s Pig continually upends expectations, not only of the big and loud emotional eruptions we’ve come to anticipate from Cage, but also of the revenge genre. This could easily be a flashy vengeance thriller oozing with blood and menace, but instead Pig finds the value in quiet emotional exchanges and opts for human empathy over violence. It’s a slow film about love and grief, and one that honors the power of food and memory. If you’re the type of person who cries over episodes of Chef’s Table, this movie’s for you.

How to watch: Pig is now streaming on Hulu.

3. Fire of Love Credit: National Geographic

Who would've thought that a movie about volcanoes could make you weep? That's Fire of Love, a documentary about two volcanologists and their unstoppable love, both for each other and for exploring the mysteries of those giant, terrifying fissures in the earth. The Oscar-nominated National Geographic film tells the emotional story of Katia and Maurice Krafft, two of the most renowned and most scientifically important volcanologists who are to thank for much of what we know about volcanoes today. 

Katia and Maurice were a husband-and-wife couple who loved nothing more than descending into the depths of the most dangerous active volcanoes across the world with cameras in hand, all in hopes of learning more to help save lives before the next eruption. Much of Fire of Love is made up of the real footage the two captured themselves. Watching such close-up shots of hot flowing magma and gusts of ash is absolutely jaw-dropping. Fire of Love is ultimately a love story, one between a man, a woman, and those natural, fatal wonders of the earth.

How to watch: Fire of Love is streaming on Hulu.

4. Ready or Not

Shortly after Grace (Samara Weaving) marries Alex (Mark O'Brien), she's invited to her new husband's family mansion to play a board game. It's their way of welcoming her into the family, they say. The Le Domas family is disgustingly rich from their game company, so it seems pretty normal when they all play a game of hide-and-seek. Harmless, right? That is, until Grace witnesses her sister-in-law shoot the maid in the face with a shotgun, thinking she was aiming at Grace. As it turns out, this little game night was just an excuse for the family to kill Grace, and now she has to play hide-and-seek to literally save her life as each relative hunts her down with weapons in hand.

Ready or Not is a fun horror comedy with just the right mix of grisly violence — there's guns, crossbows, and even an axe — dark humor, and nail-biting suspense. Even better, our main villains are a bunch of obnoxious, entitled rich people. Who doesn't love to root against them?

How to watch: Ready or Not is streaming on Hulu.

5. Burn After Reading

We won’t argue about the best Coen brothers comedies (or an even messier debate, the best Coen brothers films), but hopefully the sanest of us can agree that Burn After Reading ranks high up there. What’s not to love about a series of zany misadventures about a group of idiots and pricks who all think they’re enmeshed in a high-stakes crime thriller? If only someone could let them in on the joke.

SEE ALSO: Every single Coen brothers movie, ranked from 'Blood Simple' to 'Drive-Away Dolls'

When two gym trainers (a beautifully stupid Brad Pitt and a perfect Frances McDormand) discover a burned CD from an ex-CIA analyst (John Malkovich), they think they’ve landed on a gold mine of secret government info (they haven’t). Chaos and absurdity ensures, from sex to murder to Russian spies and more sex. It’s as dark as black comedy comes, and it’s a damn delight.

How to watch: Burn After Reading is now streaming on Hulu.

6. Changing the Game Credit: Hulu

If you’ve seen the wave of anti-trans laws in the news (and these heinous bans go far beyond the sports arena), you know trans and nonbinary youth are under attack more than ever in this country. Changing the Game is a GLAAD award-winning doc that beautifully personalizes the situation young trans athletes are facing. Michael Barnett’s film spotlights three high schoolers — wrestler Mack, track star Andraya, and skier Sarah — their love of their game, their activism to be able to play it on their proper teams, and the relentless harassment and discrimination they encounter. This doc isn’t just important for broader audiences to better understand the attacks on trans youth right now, but it’s an invitation into the personal lives of three young people who are fearlessly trying to live and are fighting to build a new path for the many kids that follow.

How to watch: Changing the Game is now streaming on Hulu.

7. Night of the Living Dead

It's hard to overstate the importance of a film like Night of the Living Dead. Not only is it one hell of a great horror movie, but it also birthed the modern zombie subgenre, changed the game for independent filmmaking, and gave us the first horror movie with a Black lead. 

In George A. Romero's 1968 classic, a group of people are forced to hide out in an old farmhouse when reanimated corpses suddenly begin crawling up from the earth. Duane Jones plays our hero Ben, the only Black man in the group of white folks fighting off the ghouls. Jones' casting and character were incredibly controversial for the late '60s, and have even made an impact on the film world today, notably influencing Jordan Peele for Get Out. Though made on a small budget with limited practical special effects (like chocolate syrup for blood), Night of the Living Dead is just as unsettling and haunting to watch today.

How to watch: Night of the Living Dead is streaming on Hulu.

8. Crush Credit: Hulu

The most refreshing thing about Hulu’s latest queer rom-com is that all the characters are super queer. This isn’t a coming-out story about the one queer girl at her high school, or the shy lesbian who’s secretly crushing on the cool unattainable straight girl — relatable, yes, but we’ve done it. In Crush, Rowan Blanchard’s very-out Paige strolls through her high school hallways as her best friends point out at least five potential date options. A fictional world full of multiple out and proud queer teens? What a concept!

Crush follows a playful (if predictable) love triangle in which Paige desperately tries to lock down her longtime crush Gabriella, the popular girl (guess what, she’s queer!), while drumming up a sweet connection with Gabi’s twin sister, an introverted bi skater girl type. The flirting is a little elementary at times, but the short-and-sweet Crush excels at showing young queer people being themselves and getting a sappy love story to call their own.

How to watch: Crush is now streaming on Hulu.

9. Minding the Gap

On the surface, Minding the Gap is a movie about a group of skaters. But what the Oscar–nominated and Sundance–winning doc really does is tell an emotional story about three young traumatized men who find release, and a love for one another, through skateboarding. 

For 12 years, Bing Liu recorded himself and his best friends Keire and Zack as they skated across their town of Rockford, Illinois. At one point he decided to turn that camcorder footage into a documentary to tell each of their stories. Through casual interviews with his friends, each of them open up about their hardships and share stories of abuse from parents, experiences with racism, and struggling with alcoholism. It's an incredibly emotional journey, especially to get to witness three young men show such vulnerability in between grinding rails and goofing off around town.

How to watch: Minding the Gap is streaming on Hulu.

10. The Strangers

Few things are as terrifying as going on a romantic getaway to a cabin deep in the woods, suddenly hearing a loud knock at the door, and answering it to find a strange woman standing there. That's just the beginning of the nightmare for Kristen (Liv Tyler) and James (Scott Speedman) in The Strangers. 

At first there's just more knocks at the door from a woman and then a man, both asking for someone who doesn't live there. Then Kristen notices a person wearing a creepy mask hovering in the driveway watching her. The Strangers is pretty much every terrible home invasion fear you've ever had realized, and the entire 85 minutes of it will have you anxious and swearing you'll never stay in a remote cabin again.

How to watch: The Strangers is streaming on Hulu.

11. The Stroll Credit: Jeffrey M. Levine / HBO

In The Stroll, directors Kristen Lovell and Zackary Drucker tell the stories of Black and Latina trans sex workers who worked New York City's Meatpacking District from the 1970s up through the early 2000s. The area, known as The Stroll, was where many trans folks worked to survive, where they experienced constant violence and harassment from the NYPD, and where they forged lifelong bonds of sisterhood. The documentary mixes interviews, playful animated sequences, and some rarely seen archival footage of queer and trans folks in Manhattan in the '70s and '80s. A film like The Stroll is special not only for how it frames sex work and trans lives through the lens of people with those lived experiences, but also for how it documents and preserves a slice of history that would otherwise be misrepresented or left untold.

How to watch: The Stroll is streaming on Hulu.

12. Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion

Before social media, high school reunions were the one way to show off to all your old flames, bullies, and unrequited crushes just how cool, confident, and sexy you've become since your teenage years. That's what best friends Romy (Mira Sorvino) and Michelle (Lisa Kudrow) do in what's arguably one of the top comedies of the '90s. The only thing is, it's all a lie.

Romy and Michelle haven't become the successful business women they once dreamed to be. When their 10-year reunion is approaching, they come up with a fake story to impress their old classmates: claiming that they invented Post-its (again, much more realistic before the days of Instagram and LinkedIn). Romy and Michelle remains such a beloved cult classic for how hilarious Sorvino and Kudrow are together, and for capturing just how traumatic high school can be.

How to watch: Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion is streaming on Hulu.

UPDATE: Dec. 13, 2024, 2:24 p.m. EST This list was first published on June 3, 2022. It has since been updated to reflect current streaming offerings.

Kindle users might just be the most passionate sect of BookTok, coming up with hacks to maximize the device's potential — through page turners or Stuff Your Kindle Day events. And we get it, they're the best e-readers out there. In October of 2024, Amazon released a new line-up of Kindles that improved upon the previous generation that we already loved.

I've tested the Kindle Paperwhite, and spoiler alert, I do think it's a better value than the Signature Edition. However, the SE isn't without its merits. Let's get into the Signature Edition and if you should buy it.

It has all the perks of the Paperwhite and more It's nearly impossible to tell the difference between the Kindle Paperwhite and Paperwhite Signature Edition. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The Kindle Paperwhite and Paperwhite Signature Edition are essentially the same device, the Signature Edition just has the addition of a few special features. You can read all the in-depth details about why we like the Paperwhite in my review, but here's the TL;DR.

The 2024 Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is lightning fast. In comparison to the 2021 edition, the difference is noticeable, not hesitating when flipping through pages. However, the biggest improvement comes when switching between books in your library, as it zips through tasks.

With a 7-inch screen, the SE got a slight size increase, while the resolution of 300 ppi and maximum brightness of 94 nits remain the same between generations. That being said, the display on this generation looks higher contrast, making it sharper and easier to read. Plus it remains waterproof, perfect for taking along to the bathtub, beach, or pool.

Not to mention it comes with 32GB of storage. If you're thinking in terms of phones or tablets, that amount of storage might seem small but keep in mind that 32GB has the potential to hold up to 32,000 e-books.

You get all of these great features in both the Kindle Paperwhite and Paperwhite Signature Edition, so what makes the SE unique?

The Paperwhite vs. Signature Edition: What does $40 extra get you?

The Paperwhite Signature Edition has several added features that come with its $40 increase in price. For $199.99, it comes with an ad-free lock screen, 32GB of storage, auto-adjusting brightness, and wireless charging. Plus it comes in metallic versions of the Kindle Paperwhite's black, jade, and raspberry.

The Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition offers a more vibrant twist on jade. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Among the added features, the lock screen is the biggest draw. On a standard Kindle, ads pop up on the lock screen, forcing Amazon's recommendations on you. Not necessarily a dealbreaker but still plenty annoying. So the Signature Edition does away with the ads, freeing you from the chains of capitalism (sort of). However, this does come with one catch. The ad-free lock screen tends to unlock easily when tossing it into a bag since there's no 'swipe to unlock' mechanism that the ad-enabled devices have. So if you're going to get the Signature Edition, make sure to get a case with a cover.

In terms of the other features, I didn't think they were anything to write home about. The auto-adjusting brightness didn't work consistently, even when I went from reading next to a lamp to turning off the lights, the auto-adjustment didn't kick in and I always had to manually turn the brightness down. The wireless charging while nice, didn't feel like the most necessary addition since you need to charge the device every three months. Plus, with most devices using USB-C these days, I'm never in short supply of chargers.

Magsafe chargers even work on the Paperwhite Signature Edition. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Now let's address the 32GB in the room. For an e-reader, that is an exorbitant amount of storage. It's double the amount of the standard Kindle Paperwhite, and again, 32,000 books worth of storage. That is a lot of books. Is that much necessary? In my professional opinion, no, especially when you can remove downloaded books from your device, and redownload from the Kindle cloud at any time. So if you think you need all that storage, you probably don't, and it's not worth splurging an extra $40 on it.

Is the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition worth it? Is 32GB worth the $200 price tag? We're unconvinced. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

For the average user, I don't think the Signature Edition is a worthy upgrade. The Kindle Paperwhite is far better bang for your buck, packed with everything you need for the ultimate reading experience. It might be worth the splurge if you do have storage concerns — maybe you've maxed out on 16GB on previous Kindle models. Otherwise, 16GB will be fine. And if you're really put off by lock screen ads, then the Signature Edition is going to be your preferred device.

However, if you are going to swing for the Amazon Kindle Signature Edition, look for it on sale. During Black Friday 2024, the Signature Edition was down to $154.99, cheaper than the listing price of the standard Paperwhite.

Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (2024 model) $199.99 at Amazon
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