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Best wireless earbud deal Best wireless earbud deal Apple AirPods Pro 2 $189.99 at Amazon (Save $59.01) Get Deal Best budget wireless earbud deal Soundcore by Anker P20i wireless earbuds $19.99 at Amazon (Save $20) Get Deal

Prime Big Deal Days is just two weeks away. That mouthful of an event is really just another Prime Day, this one landing on October 8 and 9 to be specific. While we still have lots of time before the event, we're on the early deals, looking to see what's available before everyone else gets in on the action.

We're on the headphone beat, seeking out early deals, especially on wireless earbuds. Unlike clunky, over-the-ear headphones, wireless earbuds give the freedom of movement so you don't get tied up while you're on the move or working out. However, even with wireless earbuds, you can enjoy the benefits of noise-cancellation. Here are the best early deals on wireless earbuds.

Best wireless earbud deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 2 $189.99 at Amazon
$249.00 Save $59.01 Get Deal Why we like it

For iOS users, AirPods are the ultimate wireless earbuds. Just cracking open the lid of the AirPods connects them to your iPhone. Ahead of Prime Big Deal Days, you can find savings on the Apple AirPod Pros. With sweat and water resistance, they make a fantastic pair of earbuds for working out. When I tested them in my bustling city neighborhood, I was in near-disbelief at how they shut out the world around me. If you need peace and quiet, you can't beat the Apple AirPod Pros, especially when they're on sale.

Ahead of October's Prime Day event, you can find the Apple AirPods Pro for just $189.99. That saves you $59.01 for 24% off.

More earbud deals

• Soundcore by Anker P30i Noise-cancelling Earbuds — $29.99 $49.99 (save $20 with on-page coupon)

• Soundcore by Anker A40 Earbuds — $50.15 $79.99 (save $29.84 with on-page coupon)

• Soundcore by Anker A40 Earbuds — $59 $79.99 (save $20.99)

• Google Pixel Buds A-Series Earbuds — $64 $99 (save $35)

• Sony WF-C700N Earbuds — $84.49 $119.99 (save $35.50)

• Apple AirPods 4 — $119 $129 (save $10)

• Apple AirPods 3 — $129.99 $169 (save $39.01)

• Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation — $169 $179 (save $10)

• Beats Powerbeats Earbuds — $199.95 $249.95 (save $50)

Best noise-cancelling headphone deals Best noise-cancelling headphone deal Beats Studio Pro $249.95 at Amazon (Save $100.04) Get Deal Best noise-cancelling earbud deal Apple AirPods Pro 2 $189.99 at Amazon (Save $59.01) Get Deal

Even if Amazon won't give us a break on their sales events, at least we can get a little peace with a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. On October 8 and 9, Amazon is running its now annual October event, Prime Big Deal Days. While we still have two weeks until the official start, the deals are trickling in. For the earlier and savvy shopper, there are deals to be had.

Currently, we've clocked early sales on noise-cancelling headphones. Fall is the ideal time to upgrade your headphones. Maybe over the summer yours took a hit during all the travels. Or you're on campus and realizing you need a pair to deal with a noisy roommate. Either way, we've got you covered on the best noise-cancelling headphones to shop now.

Best noise-cancelling headphone deals Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Studio Pro $249.95 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $100.04 Get Deal Why we like it

Before there were AirPods, there were Beats. Despite the former taking on immense popularity, Beats are still a really fantastic pair of headphones. If you're seeking out a pair of noise-cancelling headphones, the Beats Studio Pros are a fantastic option with long battery life and top-tier sound quality. Beats have the same easy connectivity that you get with AirPods, connecting to iOS systems just by turning on. However, they also connect to Android devices with the same swiftness, something that AirPods can't say.

The biggest knock Mashable's Alex Perry had to give the Beats Studio Pro headphones in his review, is the $349.99 price tag. Luckily, ahead of Prime Big Deal Days, they're $100.04 off, bringing the price down to $249.95. That's 29% savings before the October Prime Day even kicks off.

More noise-cancelling headphone deals

• Soundcore by Anker Life Q20 Headphones — $39.90 $59.99 (save $20.09)

• Sony WH-CH720N Headphones — $104.99 $149.99 (save $45)

• Sennheirser Accentum Headphones — $119.96 $149.95 (save $29.99)

• Beats Studio 3 Headphones — $159 $349.95 (save $190.95)

• Sennheiser Momentum 4 Headphones — $249.95 $379.95 (save $130)

• Sony WH-1000XM4 Headphones — $298 $348 (save $50)

• Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones — $348 $399.99 (save $51.99)

• Apple AirPods Max Headphones — $429 $549 (save $120)

Best noise-cancelling earbud deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 2 $189.99 at Amazon
$249.00 Save $59.01 Get Deal Why we like it

Until this past month, Apple AirPod Pros were the only earbuds in the brand's line-up to feature active noise cancellation. Despite the AirPods 4 entering the picture, the Pros are still the most sophisticated buds you can get from Apple. With sweat and water resistance, they're a great pair of headphones for working out. Plus you really can't beat their noise-cancellation. When I tested them, I was shocked at just how well they quieted the world of my busy neighborhood.

Ahead of October's Prime Day event, you can find the Apple AirPods Pro for just $189.99. That saves you $59.01 for 24% off.

More earbud deals

• Soundcore by Anker P30i Noise-cancelling Earbuds — $29.99 $49.99 (save $20 with on-page coupon)

• Soundcore by Anker A40 Earbuds — $50.15 $79.99 (save $29.84 with on-page coupon)

• Sony WF-C700N Earbuds — $84.49 $119.99 (save $35.50)

• Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation — $169 $179 (save $10)

While many of us associate summer with camping season, heading outdoors during the beautiful autumn months can be a joy. If your outdoor gear could use some upgrades, we're seeing some sweet sales during early Amazon Prime Big Deal Days offers. Here are some top values.

Best Prime Day outdoor deals Best overall deal Solo Stove Bonfire Essential Bundle 2.0 (silver) $279.99 at Amazon (save $145) Get Deal Best camping deal Coleman OneSource Rechargeable Built-In Pump Camp Shower Sprayer $118.30 at Amazon (save $46.69) Get Deal Best cooler deal Igloo BMX Hard Cooler (72-quarts, yellow) $129.99 at Amazon (save $40) Get Deal

We're still a few weeks away from the official start date of the Prime Big Deal Days event that starts on Oct. 8, but Amazon knows better than to make us wait. We've already spotted some great price drops on kitchen items, Fitbit fitness trackers, Echo devices, and many more at Amazon.

If you're shopping for outdoor gear this fall, Amazon has some sweet deals arranged ahead of the big sale. However, we expect to see some crop up as the kick-off date gets closer, so check back as we update this page with new deals. In the meantime, here are some of our favorite outdoor deals at Amazon today.

Best overall deal Opens in a new window Credit: Solo Stove Our pick: Solo Stove Bonfire Essential Bundle 2.0 (silver) $279.99 at Amazon
$424.99 Save $145.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Is it even camping if there isn't a campfire? Thanks to an early sale during Amazon's October Prime Day event, you can snag the Solo Stove Bonfire Essential Bundle 2.0 for just $279.99, a 34% discount off the list price at Solo Stove of $424.99 for the bundle. You'll want to grab the silver/stainless steel model to get this sale price.

Solo Stove focuses on providing a smokeless fire experience and the Bonfire 2.0 is ideal for four to six people to enjoy. The bundle also comes with a carrying case, stand, lid, heat deflector, and shield. It weighs about 22 pounds so you'll be able to enjoy it at home in the backyard this fall or while out on a weekend camping trip.

Best camping deal Opens in a new window Credit: Coleman Our pick: Coleman OneSource Rechargeable Built-In Pump Camp Shower Sprayer $118.30 at Amazon
$164.99 Save $46.69 Get Deal Why we like it

No matter how hard you try, camping inevitably leads to getting dirty. The dog ran into the biggest mud puddle around, the kids tracked sand from the beach into the tent, or you just ended up on a super hot hike. For whatever reason, having a quick way to rinse off can make a huge difference in camping comfort. The versatile Coleman OneSource Rechargeable Built-In Pump Camp Shower Sprayer might be your new camping bff, serving as both a rinse-off solution and a portable charger. The collapsible three-gallon basin attaches to a six-foot hose with nozzle so you can clean up when things get too dirty.

The rechargeable battery system can charge your phone or other devices when you're not using sprayer which makes the system a useful camping companion.

Best cooler deal Opens in a new window Credit: Igloo Our pick: Igloo BMX Hard Cooler (72-quarts, yellow) $129.99 at Amazon
$169.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal Why we like it

A good trip into the outdoors always comes with great meals. Keep everything nicely chilled with the 72-quart Igloo BMX Hard Cooler. In yellow, Amazon has the cooler discounted to just $129.99, a 24% discount off the list price of $169.99. With rubber T-latches on the lid, the cooler focuses on durability and functionality. Igloo included extra thick foam-insulated walls to keep your goodies cold for longer. Igloo mentions the 72-quart size can hold 101 12-ounce cans, so you'll be set for a long weekend away with the family in the great outdoors.

More outdoor deals at Amazon

• Coleman Portable Camping Chair — $31.43 $44.99 (save $13.65)

• Coleman Triton 2-Burner Propane Camping Stove — $59.99 $89.99 (save $30)

• Cuisinart Cleanburn Smokeless Fire Pit — $159.99 $229.99 (save $70)

It turns out that Apple keeps a handy list of laptops you should definitely upgrade from if you're still using one of them.

Apple updated its official master list of "obsolete" products this week, as spotted by 9to5Mac. Particularly of note is the Mac section of the list, which is now home to six MacBook laptops that weren't there before. According to Apple, these six MacBooks are now obsolete:

• 13-inch MacBook Air, early 2015

• 13-inch MacBook Pro, 2016

• 13-inch MacBook Pro, 2016

• 15-inch MacBook Pro, 2016

• 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro, early 2016

• 12-inch Retina MacBook, early 2016

SEE ALSO: The best MacBooks: Which Apple laptop should you buy in 2024?

It seems an explanation is needed on what Apple considers an “obsolete” product and how it makes the list. Put simply, if Apple stopped selling a product over seven years ago, it’s deemed obsolete. This means Apple will no longer provide repairs — and third-party repair services can’t order replacement parts either.

There's a separate "vintage" category for products that Apple stopped selling between five and seven years ago to indicate that repair parts might be limited, but are still possible.

Unfortunately, if your MacBook is on that list, it's definitely not possible (or at least not easy) to get a repair done at this point if it breaks. It may be time to upgrade.

He was once a backer of liberal causes. Then everyone seemed to turn on him. Now he wants to stay away from politics — if that’s possible.

Check out the best Amazon deals of the day as of Sept. 24: OUR TOP PICK Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 $69.99 at Amazon (save $30) Get Deal BEST SMARTHOME DEAL Limited Edition Disney Jack Skellington Echo Dot (5th gen) bundle $62.98 at Amazon (save $27) Get Deal BEST SSD DEAL Samsung T9 portable SSD (4TB) $299.99 at Amazon (save $250) Get Deal

The countdown is on for Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days. And, as usual, Amazon wastes no time at all dropping prices. Deals are slowly trickling in and we're keeping an eye out for the best ones to shop ahead of the big event.

Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day for Sept. 24, so you can start shopping a little early. If none of these catch your eye, check out our picks from yesterday, Sept. 23, and keep your eyes peeled for brand new selections each day this week.

Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Ultimate Ears Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 $69.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $30.00 Get Deal

It's rare that our top pick comes from the same brand two days in a row, but this new price drop was too good to pass up. The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4, a newer iteration of our favorite sub-$100 Bluetooth speaker, is down to just $69.99 at Amazon ahead of its October Prime Day sale. That's 30% off its usual price and its lowest price on record. The Wonderboom is tiny, but it's quite the powerhouse. We haven't tested the fourth generation speaker, but we did try its predecessor and found it had "excellent sound for its size and plenty of useful features that come in handy when you're taking it on the go." Its rugged design can endure drops from up to five feet or be submerged in water for up to 30 minutes. Plus, its battery life is pretty impressive at 14 hours. While it comes in a few different color options, only the black version is on sale for this ultra low price. The other colors will cost you $10 more.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon / Disney Limited Edition Disney Jack Skellington Echo Dot (5th gen) bundle $62.98 at Amazon
$89.98 Save $27.00 Get Deal

Halloween will be here before you know it. If you haven't started decorating, let this limited edition drop from Disney and Amazon be your incentive. When you bundle the Echo Dot (5th gen) with the new Jack Skellington shell from Disney, it'll only cost you $62.98 as opposed to $89.98. That's about $27 cheaper than purchasing both separately. The 5th gen Echo Dot sits atop your counter, desk, shelf, or bedside table and adds smart features to your daily life. Use it to receive reminders, save recipes, set timers, schedule tasks, talk to friends, listen to music, and more. The plastic Jack Skellington shell snaps on the outside of your Dot (without interfering with its features) and features a glowing grin (which comes from the light ring on your Echo Dot).

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung T9 portable SSD (4TB) $299.99 at Amazon
$549.99 Save $250.00 Get Deal

Stop deleting old content to make space for new content and grab yourself a portable SSD instead. The Samsung T9 portable SSD, which made PCMag's (also owned by Ziff Davis) Best of the Year list for 2023, is on sale for just $299.99 at Amazon ahead of Prime Big Deal Days. That's 45% off its usual cost and its lowest price since February. It offers a massive amount of space — 4TB to be exact — and "achieves blazing throughput speeds when connected to a compatible PC, making it a go-to external SSD for content creators," as the PCMag reviewer noted.

None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.

"Black Panther" director Ryan Coogler is back with the trailer for "Sinners", which stars Michael B. Jordan as twins returning to their hometown to fight evil.

Shudder has dropped its trailer for "V/H/S/BEYOND", the latest instalment in the found footage horror anthology, this time featuring segments from Kate Siegel and Justin Long.

If you're wondering how to delete your Telegram account, you're not alone.

Ridding yourself of the cloud-based instant messaging app isn't easy. Naturally, you'd think that you could delete your Telegram account by navigating to Settings, which would then lead you to a pathway that would help you escape Telegram's clutches.

However, it's a little more complicated than that.

Here's how to delete Telegram in just a few steps.

SEE ALSO: Telegram CEO arrested in investigation into criminal activity on platform How to delete Telegram account Total Time

• 5 min

What You Need

• A phone or desktop
• and patience

Step 1: Type in "my.telegram.org" into your browser

You can use your phone or desktop. Next, type in the number associated with the Telegram account under "Your Phone Number."

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Step 2: Type in your confirmation mode

The confirmation code will be sent to your telegram account, not your native text messaging system.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon

Step 3: Click on "Delete account"

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Step 4: Type in your number

Click on "Delete My Account." Keep in mind that you won't be able to re-sign up for Telegram for several days if you decide that you want a new account again. (It's not required for you to explain why you're leaving.)

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Step 5: Click on "Yes, delete my account"

You'll be presented with two options: "Yes, delete my account" and "Nope, I'll give it another try." Click on the former to delete your Telegram account. If you successfully deleted your Telegram account, you should see a banner that says, "Your account was successfully deleted from our system. Come back soon."

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Ahead of November’s election, Meta has de-emphasized political content on Facebook, Instagram and Threads and doesn’t want to talk about candidates or campaigns.

Apple TV+ has dropped its trailer for "Disclaimer", starring Cate Blanchett, Kevin Kline and Sacha Baron Cohen.

Spotify is doubling down on artificial intelligence. First, the music streaming service launched its AI DJ in 2023, and today, Sept. 24, it's bringing AI Playlists to Premium users in the U.S., Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand.

SEE ALSO: Here are the 5 songs of the summer, according to Spotify

The feature generates custom playlists based on niche prompts. It first became available for Premium users in the UK and Australia back in April 2024. The tool is still in beta and allows subscribers to choose from prompts or write their own. For example, if you're looking for the perfect Sunday morning cleaning playlist, then, theoretically, Spotify's AI should be able to generate one tailored to your tastes.

In a blog post the music streaming giant recommends subscribers stick to "genre," "mood" or "artist" prompts to generate the most successful playlists, but it stipulates that anything from movie characters to emojis can be used. Examples include, "Upbeat folk music for a scenic fall road trip," and "2000 era hype jams for the tailgate."

While some users might like not having to painstakingly curate their playlists, as Spotify leans further into AI, users stray further from their own unique taste. Instead of picking out the upbeat folk music that reminds you of fall memories or songs a trusted friend played for you, the AI Playlist tool encourages you to take a passive role in your listening, turning AI into a tastemaker.

SEE ALSO: Amazon Music Unlimited vs. Spotify Premium: A comparison

Previously, if you opted out of making your own playlist, you might search on the platform for a tailgate playlist made by another human user. Now, Spotify wants an algorithm to do it for you. While you can still opt to make your playlists or listen to other user-generated playlists, the more "personalization" features Spotify launches, the less intuitive that behavior becomes.

To try out AI Playlist navigate to "Your Library" in the bottom right corner of your screen. Then, select the "+" sign in the top right corner and tap "AI Playlist." That should open up the chat tool, and from there, type out your playlist prompt.

Jon Stewart has shared his thoughts on the growing war in the Middle East during Monday's "Daily Show" monologue.

One of OpenAI's official accounts just got hacked.

OpenAI Newsroom, "The official newsroom for OpenAI", shared the following scam post on X on Monday.

SEE ALSO: Sam Altman steps down as head of OpenAI's safety group

“We’re very happy to announce $OPEANAI [sic]: the gap between Al and blockchain technology,” it read. “All OpenAI users are eligible to claim a piece of $OPENAI’s initial supply. Holding $OPENAI will grant access to all of our future beta programs.”

Tweet may have been deleted

Oh dear. The post has now been deleted, but clicking it took people to a phishing website that asked them to connect their crypto wallet in order to claim the non-existent "$OPENAI" token, per Techcrunch. Usually a scam like this would result in victims' wallets being drained after they connect and sign a malicious transaction.

This isn't the first time OpenAI has fallen victim to hacks. The individual accounts of key employees, including CTO Mira Murati, chief scientist Jakub Pachocki, and researcher Jason Wei, have all previously been compromised and used to promote fake tokens.

Tweet may have been deleted

OpenAI itself was hacked in 2023, with the criminal allegedly making off with sensitive information obtained from an employee forum.

Mashable has reached out to OpenAI with additional questions and we will update this article if we hear back.

TL;DR: Grab these TREBLAB WX8 True Wireless Earbuds for only $24.99 — and enjoy all-day comfort and sound.

Dealing with tangled wires or earbuds that die mid-workout? Let’s be real — it’s time for a serious upgrade. Meet the TREBLAB WX8 True Wireless Earbuds, the ultimate sidekick for everything from running errands to crushing your gym session. These aren’t your average buds; they’re built for those of us who like to keep moving without the hassle, and they're available for only $24.99.

Whether you're catching up on podcasts or blasting your favorite playlist, the WX8 earbuds claim to deliver high-quality audio with just the right amount of bass. And they won’t quit on you either, with 7 hours of playtime and an extra 28 hours from the case. Plus, a quick 10-minute charge gets you an extra hour.

But here’s the real kicker — they’re waterproof. Yeah, whether you’re sweating through a HIIT class or caught in a downpour, the IPX8 rating means they can handle it. And taking calls? No awkward “can you hear me now?” moments — the built-in mic makes sure your voice is crystal-clear, no matter where you are.

In short, these 'buds aren’t just another pair of wireless buds — they’re your new go-to for staying connected and powered up.

For a limited time, get the TREBLAB WX8 True Wireless Earbuds on sale for $24.99 (reg. $29).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: TREBLAB Your new go-to earbuds for epic sound and sweat-proof workouts are only $25 $24.99
$29.97 Save $4.98 Get Deal

TL;DR: Keep your notes, tasks, and ideas organized across devices effortlessly with a lifetime subscription to SwipeNote for $69.

• Quickly capture and store notes, ideas, or reminders with a simple swipe on your phone or computer

• Sync notes in real-time across multiple devices — never lose an important thought whether you're on your phone, tablet, or laptop

• Search through your notes instantly with an intuitive search function that allows you to find what you need in seconds

• Customize your organization system with categories, tags, and favorites to keep everything neatly organized and easy to access

• Save and retrieve content from webpages, documents, or PDFs directly into SwipeNote for future reference

• Collaborate easily by sharing notes with colleagues or friends directly within the app

• Sleek and minimalist interface designed to keep your workflow distraction-free and focused

Get lifetime access to SwipeNote today for $69 and transform how you organize your notes and ideas.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: SwipeNote SwipeNote - Personal Plan: Lifetime Subscription $69.00
$432.00 Save $363.00 Get Deal

TL;DR: Get lifetime access to DeskSense AI Assistant for $49 (reg. $179) — your all-in-one tool for productivity and automation.

If you’re running a one-person show or managing a small business, you know how quickly tasks pile up. Enter DeskSense — an AI assistant that’s like your new best friend for staying on top of things — on sale for $49.

Whether you’re cranking out content, automating emails, or generating code snippets, DeskSense makes sure you’re not stuck doing everything manually. It’s like having a personal assistant, minus the random errands.

Designed for solopreneurs, content creators, and freelancers, DeskSense does the heavy lifting on tasks that eat up your time. Need a complex Excel formula but don’t feel like spending hours on Google? Done. Struggling to draft the perfect email response? Hand it over to DeskSense and get a professional reply in seconds. It’s even got your content creation covered, whether you’re brainstorming blog posts, crafting social media updates, or building out video scripts. Basically, it’s the multitasking assistant you didn’t know you needed.

With the Basic Plan, you get all the essential features: AI-powered text analysis, quick question-answering, and easy content saving. You can save your responses, tag them, or share them with just a click. And for those of you dabbling in coding, DeskSense can generate snippets and solutions faster than you can say “debug.”

Why struggle through tasks when DeskSense can speed things up?

For $49, you'll get lifetime access to a DeskSense AI Assistant Basic Plan to help keep your productivity game strong without the stress.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: DeskSense DeskSense AI Assistant - Basic Plan: Lifetime Subscription $49.00
$179.00 Save $130.00 Get Deal

TL;DR: Grab a refurbished MacBook Pro with 256GB SSD storage and a Touch Bar for $449.99 (reg. $1,499) — all the power without the premium price.

Ever thought about upgrading your laptop but didn’t want to fork over a fortune? No worries — this refurbished MacBook Pro from 2019 lets you dive into Apple’s powerhouse tech without the premium price tag, down 69% from $1,499 at just $449.99. It’s like getting a new MacBook, but your wallet won’t hate you for it.

At 13.3 inches, this MacBook Pro strikes the perfect balance between portability and performance. With a 2.4GHz Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM, you can crush through everything from Zoom meetings to video editing without breaking a sweat.

The 256GB SSD gives you lightning-fast storage, so you can load up your apps and files in a flash. Plus, the iconic Retina display makes your content pop, delivering vibrant colors and razor-sharp detail whether you're streaming or designing.

But what really sets it apart? The Touch Bar. Customize your shortcuts, streamline your workflow, and fly through tasks with just a tap or swipe. It’s like having your own personal assistant right on your keyboard.

Don't fret about the "refurbished" tag either — this MacBook has been thoroughly inspected and restored to work like new with an "A" grade, meaning there is very minimal to no signs of use. And with its Space Gray finish, it’s still as sleek as ever. Whether you’re a student, creative, or just need a reliable laptop, this MacBook Pro has the chops to handle it all.

Usually priced at $1,499, this refurbished 2019 13.3-inch MacBook Pro with a Touch Bar is on sale for $449.99 for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro 13.3" (2019) Touchbar - Space Gray (Refurbished) $449.99
$1,499.00 Save $1,049.01 Get Deal

Few rejoinders sting quite the way "touch grass" does. For those who aren't chronically online, the phrase essentially means you need to log off and go outside, but the deeper undercurrent is that you've lost touch with the real world and desperately need to reconnect to something tangible. It's "get real," minus the vintage appeal. Yet in Mel Eslyn's pilot for the YA drama Penelope, the concept of touching grass proves a wholesome jumping-off point for a modern teen's journey of self-discovery. 

Written and directed by Eslyn, who also created the under-sung sci-fi gem Biosphere, Penelope centers on a 16-year-old girl (Little Fires Everywhere's Megan Stott) who abruptly decides to log off of everything and wander into the wilderness. However, while Penelope is essentially looking to touch grass (and trees and bunnies), the show is bled free from the vitriol that typically accompanies such a stinging sentiment. Instead, Penelope relishes the wonder and freedom of cutting loose from cell phones and social media. 

SEE ALSO: 'Biosphere' spoiler-free review: The best 2023 movie you just might overlook Penelope is a cozy fantasy set in the real world. 

Though this is the story of a runaway fleeing from her family and all she knows, Penelope is not urgent with drama. There's no grim inciting incident that spurs its young heroine to strike out on her own. Instead, the pilot, which is premiering as part of Sundance's Episodic Pilot Showcase, begins with Penelope happily bopping around at a silent disco, where headphones allow the dancers to feel connected while not disturbing the animals of the surrounding forest. Penelope isn't like the others, though. While they are caught up in the music and each other, she makes eye contact with a wandering wolf. Just like that, she seems destined to depart her family's camping trip for parts unknown. 

The script from Eslyn and Mark Duplass (who co-wrote and starred in Biosphere) is scant in detail, purposefully sketching Penelope's backstory as one of a kid with loving parents who check in with her via text to remind her she's got SAT prep coming up. As she's played by Stott, Penelope doesn't seem burdened by tech or the pressures of her parents; she just seems bored by them. So, she goes on a "solo hike" that leads her to a shop to buy camping supplies. She turns off the "share location" option on her phone and hops onto a train car like a Mark Twain hero, giddy at her daring. 

SEE ALSO: Take back your time and attention with digital minimalism

Parents — or those of us who grew up in the Stranger Danger age— might flinch at her choices, as she hitchhikes, puts her trust in randos, and goes out of her way to make sure that her folks can't track her down. Much of it seems like a recipe on how to become the subject of a future 20/20 special report, but Eslyn isn't making a harrowing drama about isolation or teen homelessness. The could-be threats of the real world are softened by a color palette that is breezy and inviting, and the score, which reverberates with electronically filtered women's voices, feels like a synth-y siren luring Penelope forward. The strangers she meets in the first episode provide help and warm smiles or curt advice, but never a reason for fear. Penelope offers us all the dream of walking into the warm woods and not looking back. 

Megan Stott is pitch-perfect in Penelope's pilot episode.  Megan Stott and Austin Abrams play kindred spirits in "Penelope." Credit: Sundance

Where much of YA shows and movies are full of snarking Mean Girls or emotionally overwrought heroines, Penelope blooms from a place of quiet reflection. As its protagonist strikes out on her own, the show doesn't offer flowery speeches about her motivations. Instead, Stott's wide-eyed expressions communicate the wonder, curiosity, and excitement of each step of her journey. Deceptively simple cinematography lingers on her fingers as she reaches for camping supplies in a store, all on her own. The possibilities of the world are just at her fingertips! A sincere grin splashes across her apple cheeks as she overcomes a financial obstacle with a clever solution. Her physicality is alive but never anxious, like a kid waiting their turn at a diving board. And so, through her every motion, Stott urges us to dive in with Penelope. 

Still, as a grown-up watching the show, it's easy to slip into our concerns about the dangers we know lurk outside Penelope's dreamy tunnel vision. Perhaps we wonder what was so bad that she had to run away to begin with. The only concrete clue the pilot offers is a text that she doesn't send: "Mom… Was I a happy kid?" 

Implied here is that despite seeming to have it all — a phone, Apple Pay, loving parents who support her education and take her to things like silent discos — Penelope feels forlorn for some reason she can't put her finger on. So, she follows a trail back to nature to discover who she is outside of social media and societal expectations. Who might she be in the woods with herself as her only company?

We're invited to share in Penelope's awe and excitement as POV shots allow us to vicariously experience the thrill of literally hopping onto a speeding train, watching the world rush by. But there's still a distance between us and our eponymous heroine. 

Mel Eslyn gives Penelope her space. 

It's a thrill to watch a TV show that doesn't feel the need to spell everything out for you. (See also: True Detective: Night Country). Through her direction, Eslyn gives us access to Penelope's unspoken concerns and wishes, but she also allows the character some space for mystery. A scene where she walks into the woods and out of focus reminds us that this journey is hers, and we are witness only to what she allows us. When she takes a photo of nature on her phone but looks dismayed at the result, there's no dialogue explaining why. Later, a conversation with a traveling musician (Austin Abrams) gives us some clarity. 

Penelope asks gently why he's bothering touring at tiny coffee shops when Spotify exists. Why not "join this century"? As it turns out, his experience with online communities has also felt lacking. He explains that playing music live versus distributing it via the Internet is the difference between visiting a river and seeing a picture of a river. The difference is being there, a romance with the real that is undeniably beguiling through the eyes of these kindred spirits. 

Based on the first episode, it's hard to guess where Penelope might go next. Will this play like a road trip story, bringing the girl from one curious location to another? Will the focus shift away from Penelope and to her parents, who have been left behind to worry and wonder? Will it combine those could-be threads in order to allow fantasy clash with anxiety? I couldn't say, but I can't wait to find out. As pilots go, Penelope is absolutely enchanting. 

Penelope, all eight episodes, are now streaming on Netflix.

UPDATE: Sep. 23, 2024, 10:53 a.m. EDT Penelope was originally reviewed out of Sundance, January 22, 2024. The review has been updated to reflect the series streaming debut.

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.

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

This word means everything.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for September 24 Hurdle Word 1 answer

WHOLE

Hurdle Word 2 hint

A key skill for a thief.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for September 24 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

SNEAK

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Where babies come from according to children's stories.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for September 24 Hurdle Word 3 answer

STORK

Hurdle Word 4 hint

A TV show starring Zachary Levi.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for September 24 Hurdle Word 4 answer

CHUCK

Final Hurdle hint

These kinds of words are never spoken.

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TRUER

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