Mashable

AI-generated videos already proliferate on the internet — and now brands are getting in on it. Coca-Cola "reinvented" an old-school holiday-time ad using artificial intelligence, and to say it's not exactly filling social media with good tidings of comfort and joy would be an understatement.

The video is a new spin on Coke's "Holidays Are Coming" ad from the 1990s. The original ad features a fleet of Coke trucks decked out in Christmas lights, spreading the holiday spirit as they drive through a snowy town. A namesake song soundtracks the ad, proclaiming, "'Tis the season, it's always the real thing."

SEE ALSO: Will Bluesky train gen AI with your posts? The X rival addressed concerns.

The ad has been reproduced before, such as this one from the UK and Ireland in 2020. This year, however, the company used AI to create a new version of "Holidays Are Coming":

The concept is the same: Coke trucks come to town to bring the magic of the holiday season. These ads include generated animals, including polar bears, a famous Coke holiday symbol in their own right. Multiple versions of the AI-generated ad appear to exist.

The ad is what you might come to expect from an AI-generated video: an unnatural sheen to everything, and features and movements looking slightly off. People online immediately expressed their dislike of the ad:

"This looks like a poor imitation of the typical Coca-Cola Xmas commercial," X user Brenden Gallagher wrote:

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"i feel like im watching the death of art and our planet unfold in front of my eyes and no one irl seems to care [sic]," wrote X user @MoistyJc:

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"With this creepy AI spot, Coca-Cola can no longer claim 'It's always the real thing,'" wrote James Vargas-Maclean on X, calling for a Coke boycott:

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Despite playing under shots of AI-generated Coke bottles, the song does still proclaim, "It's always the real thing."

TL;DR: A lifetime subscription to the AdGuard Family Plan is on sale for just £15.03 (reg. £63.39) — protect your family's online experience across up to nine devices.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdGuard Software AdGuard Family Plan: Lifetime Subscription £15.03 at the Mashable Shop
£63.39 Save £48.36 Get Deal

Online safety has never been more important, especially when it comes to protecting our families. As children spend more time online for both education and entertainment, the need for a reliable solution to safeguard them from the pitfalls of the web has become paramount.

AdGuard is a powerful tool designed to provide peace of mind for parents while offering a seamless browsing experience for the entire family. A lifetime subscription to the AdGuard Family Plan covers up to nine devices and is on sale for just £15.03 (reg. £63.39). That's 76% off.

With its advanced ad-blocking module, AdGuard eliminates the constant barrage of annoying banners, intrusive pop-ups, and disruptive video ads that clutter your browsing experience. But AdGuard goes beyond just blocking ads; it also shields your family from harmful malware and phishing websites, acting as a fortress for your digital life.

For parents, AdGuard’s parental control feature is a game-changer. It allows you to restrict access to inappropriate and adult content, so your children can explore the internet in a safe and secure environment. Whether they are doing schoolwork or watching videos, you can rest easier knowing that they are more protected from the dangers lurking online.

It's designed to work across all your devices, from smartphones to tablets, covering both Android and iOS operating systems. And this lifetime subscription includes continuous updates and new features.

Jump on this chance to protect your entire family for life with the AdGuard Family Plan for just £15.03 (reg. £63.39) through Nov. 17 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

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The long-awaited fight between influencer Jake Paul and legendary boxer Mike Tyson is over, and Paul has been declared the winner.

The Paul-Tyson fight

Paul won the fight via unanimous decision by the judges, CNN reported, with round scores of 80-72, 79-73, and 79-73 in favor of Paul. The New York Post called the fight a "snoozer," however, criticizing both streaming issues on Netflix (where the fight was shown live) and Tyson fighting despite being past his prime.

Multiple reports state that Netflix experienced problems during the live event, with watchers complaining of buffering issues and poor image quality.

On X, viewers also commented on Tyson's age, making jokes that 27-year-old Paul committed "elder abuse" against the 58-year-old, who hasn't been in the ring professionally in 19 years according to CNN:

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How much did Jake Paul and Mike Tyson make from the fight?

According to both CBS News and USAToday, Tyson reportedly earned an estimated $20 million from the fight, while Paul reportedly earned double, $40 million. "I'm here to make $40 million and knock out a legend," he said at a press conference in August.

Despite pre-fight showboating, Paul seemed to be a gracious winner. "Mike Tyson, it's such an honor," he said after the fight. "He's the greatest to ever do it. He's the GOAT."

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Despite the "underwhelming" fight, as The Athletic stated, Tyson hinted that he might fight Jake's younger brother Paul, who's currently 29.

A mini moon that will bid farewell to Earth soon may in fact be a small hunk of the big moon — the one that has loomed far longer in the sky than humans have roamed the planet.

A follow-up study has taken a closer look at the bus-sized space rock to better understand what it's made of, how fast it's spinning, and where it's traveling. A team of researchers says the mini moon is something in between an S-type asteroid, made of silicates and metal, and a V-type like Vesta, the second-largest object in the main asteroid belt. 

Though the results were not conclusive, they suggest the mini moon, officially referred to as 2024 PT5, has a lunar origin, closely matching powder collected by the Soviet Union's robotic Luna 24 mission in 1976, followed by samples from NASA's Apollo 12 mission in 1969. Both of those specimens came from maria, dark shadowy-looking lunar regions of ancient hardened lava flows. 

The paper, whose authors include the two astronomers who discovered the mini moon in August, proposes that 2024 PT5 may have emerged from craters formed during the past 1 million years or so. The manuscript is under peer review for publication in Astronomy & Astrophysics Letters. 

SEE ALSO: NASA finds Earth's moon didn't need hundreds of years to form. Try hours. This is the trajectory of 2024 PT5 around Earth, from 25 years before to 25 years after the current epoch, according to the latest study. Credit: Carlos de la Fuente Marcos / Raúl de la Fuente Marcos graphic

Asteroid 2024 PT5, which is making a complete spin every hour, has flown partially around Earth since Sept. 29 and will make its departure on Nov. 25, according to the manuscript. Since its arrival, the visitor has caused a nerd maelstrom, with many people arguing that calling such a small, Johnny-come-lately rock a moon is a misnomer. Even celebrity space communicator Neil deGrasse Tyson weighed in on the controversy, calling the mini-moon label "click bait." 

Despite that debate, Carlos de la Fuente Marcos, one of the discoverers based at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid in Spain, is comfortable with the term, citing literature to support its usage in his papers. 

"What we have here is a typical example of using different scientific criteria," he told Mashable. "It is a temporarily captured satellite of Earth, call it a mini moon if you like."

What is clear is that asteroids are influenced by Earth's gravity in this way fairly often, and the vast majority fly by without completing a full trip. Most are suspected to come from the so-called Arjuna asteroid belt, a group of rocks concentrated near Earth that was discovered in the early 1990s. 

These asteroids complete one revolution around the sun every year, and the Earth and moon actually travel through the middle of that belt, de la Fuente Marcos said. In fact, rock captures from the group may be so probable that this specific object may become a mini moon again in the future.

But compared to mini moons of the recent past, 2024 PT5 is a short-timer. In July 2006, a visitor dubbed RH120 stayed in orbit around Earth for a year before getting flung out in July 2007. Astronomers believe one that left in May 2020 could have been sweeping around the planet for several years. 

An Apollo 12 astronaut holds a container of lunar soil on the moon on Nov. 24, 1969. Credit: NASA Marshall Space Flight Center

Despite their frequency, mini-moon episodes should not be scoffed at as ordinary, said Antonio Maudes, CEO of Light Bridges, which manages several robotic telescopes in Spain's Canary Islands. His company's Two-meter Twin Telescope provided observational data for the research team. 

"You will probably not find more interesting objects than these ones in the solar system because they are so close to Earth, and they will come back," he told Mashable. "That's cool."

The company is developing a project in Spain dedicated to monitoring cislunar space, the region around Earth and the moon. Its purpose is to increase astronomers' statistical understanding of mini moons' origins, orbits, materials, and rotational speeds. Such information is not just helpful for looking out for potentially hazardous rocks that could smash into Earth. Maudes thinks it could be useful for commercial exploits, too.  

"Call it a mini moon if you like."

Venture capitalists have been buzzing for some time about a burgeoning industry of space-mining for valuable minerals. The Arjuna asteroids are much closer than those in the main asteroid belt, between Mars and Jupiter, perhaps making them more practical destinations. Adolfo Nemirovsky, a physicist and adviser to Light Bridges, likens these nearby asteroids to Home Depot — relatively convenient places for picking up materials to build moon bases and supply space missions. 

The Two-meter Twin Telescope in the Canary Islands provided observational data of the mini moon to researchers. Credit: Light Bridges

Although 2024 PT5 is on its way out now, many astronomers are grateful that it opened the public's eyes to the reality that a lot of stuff is whizzing around the world all the time. 

"You feel that it's an empty space between here and the moon, and there is nothing there — it's not at all like that," Maudes said. "There are a lot of different forces at play here."

NASA plans to observe 2024 PT5 with the Goldstone Solar System Radar in California in January 2025. At that point, the object will be very distant — about five times farther than the moon, roughly 239,000 miles away — before continuing on its trajectory around the sun.

Even the balmy tropics may have once been crushed by colossal masses of ice.

A severe ice age dominated Earth, some 720 to 635 million years ago, well before dinosaurs stalked the land. But it's uncertain if the entire world froze over during the glaciations of this long-lived, extreme episode, dubbed "Snowball Earth." Now, new evidence from Colorado, an area that once was located in the tropics, suggests mighty glaciers sprawled over even Earth's warmest regions.

"This study presents the first physical evidence that Snowball Earth reached the heart of continents at the equator," Liam Courtney-Davies, a geologist at CU Boulder who led the new research, said in a statement. The research was recently published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, a leading science journal.

SEE ALSO: The first images of Earth are chilling

A dramatic decrease in greenhouse gases that trap heat on the globe — notably carbon dioxide — may have triggered the slide into a frozen orb. Previous research has suggested that even though Earth's average temperature dropped well below freezing, some of the ocean surface and land resisted turning to or getting blanketed in thick, hard ice.

But evidence in the lofty Colorado mountains points to heavy ice in the tropics.

The telltale rocks are called Tava sandstone, which are exposed in the Rocky Mountains. As you might have guessed, sandstone started out as sand on the surface, but is compacted together by different activities, such as grains in rivers becoming buried by layers and layers of silt. In this case, the researchers say the Tava sandstone resembles the type of features found underneath ice sheets, like those in present-day Antarctica.

To see if heavy glaciers may have compacted this once-tropical sandstone (shown below), the researchers dated the mineral veins that crossed through the sandstone. They shot these ancient, rusted minerals with a laser, which discharged uranium, a common radioactive element in Earth's crust. Crucially, uranium naturally decays at a constant rate, providing a dating technique and a good idea of when something formed.

Orangish Tava sandstone exposed atop the Rocky Mountains. Credit: Christine Siddoway / CU Boulder The dark reddish-brown bands are the layers of Tava sandstone researchers say were crushed under heavy glaciers during Snowball Earth. Credit: Liam Courtney-Davies / CU Boulder

The result? The uranium dating lines up with the period of Snowball Earth, hundreds of millions of years ago.

This is a compelling find, suggesting great glaciers compressed a once tropical Colorado. But this is just one surveyed area. More surveys are needed to truly grasp the extent of this vast ice cover on Earth. 

"We want to get the word out so that others try and find these features and help us build a more complete picture of Snowball Earth,” Courtney-Davies said.

Eventually, the extreme ice age ended, perhaps stoked by a massive asteroid strike that blew a plethora of heat trapping gasses into the atmosphere, melting the ice and forcing weighty glaciers to retreat. Earth's crust continues to reveal our planet's wild ride over billions of years — a ride that continues today on Earth's ever-moving surface.

Online dating as a gay man has its share of horror stories. It's also a rite of passage dating back to the Craigslist m4m era. It's a high-risk, high-reward activity.

For members of the LGBTQ+ community, online dating presents a unique set of challenges, which can sour the experience. Ghosting and catfishing are still common, but you might also find people asking unnecessary questions about your past, straight guys who shouldn't be in your feed, and even some not-so-subtle fetishization. Not exactly the butterflies-in-your-stomach feeling we're all after, right?

Yet, despite the BS, the best gay dating apps have helped millions of men make meaningful connections.

SEE ALSO: I got stood up. I refuse to let dating app culture break my spirit.

According to the Pew Research Center, about one-quarter of LGBTQ+ adults say they met their match through online dating. The problem? Not all dating apps are created equal, especially for LGBTQ+ users.

What is the best gay dating app right now?

We can't talk about the gay dating scene in the 21st century without talking about Grindr, the undisputed king of gay dating mobile apps. However, there are a lot of other options, especially if you want to make a genuine connection.

"Grindr is a tried and true app that many queer men gravitate toward to find partners or for relationships that require lesser commitment, so it’s easy to point to it as the #1 app," Michelle Herzog, LMFT, AASECT-certified sex therapist, tells Mashable. "However, like Tinder, it’s gained a reputation as a hookup app — but that doesn’t mean there still aren’t men looking for long-term commitments, either." Lately, Grindr users have been complaining about a buggier app experience and free features going behind paywalls. So, even if you don't quit Grindr for good, it might be time to test other gay dating apps.

SEE ALSO: Cuffing season 2024 trends: Politics, open relationships, and more

The most popular dating apps have a lot to offer, and that's where you'll find the most queer users. Keeping Tinder on the back burner isn't just a straight people thing (especially for guys in less-populated areas where apps like Scruff offer slim pickings). Plus, mainstream apps deserve credit for trying to create a more inclusive atmosphere. OkCupid gets kudos for embracing change and making inclusivity a core part of its compatibility scoring. You can also try niche gay dating sites if you tend to like a certain type of man, but in general, the more popular apps offer the greatest chance of success — it's a numbers game.

Whether you're looking for something serious, a hookup, something that stays strictly online, or an altogether different definition of connection, there's an ideal queer dating app out there for you. So, here's a breakdown of the best dating apps for gay men to help you find your perfect match.

TL;DR: The NanoPhone packs essential smartphone features into a tiny, portable design for 50% off at $99.97 (reg. $199) for only one more day.

Opens in a new window Credit: Mutant Design Lab NanoPhone - A Miniaturized Smartphone Packed with Mega Features! $99.97
$199.99 Save $100.02 Get Deal

Sick of lugging around a phone that’s practically the size of a tablet? If you’re someone who values portability without sacrificing functionality, then the NanoPhone could be exactly what you need.

This little powerhouse — on sale at the unbeatable price of $99.97 with free shipping — includes the smartphone features you need into a device so compact, it could practically disappear in your pocket.

Despite its small size, which is literally the size of a credit card, the NanoPhone doesn’t skimp on the essentials. It comes equipped with a clear, responsive touchscreen that makes navigation a breeze, whether you're scrolling through your contacts or browsing the web. The intuitive interface is designed to keep things simple, so you can easily manage calls, texts, and apps without the bulk of a standard smartphone.

The NanoPhone also includes a built-in camera, perfect for capturing those on-the-go moments when you don’t have your full-size device handy. Plus, it supports Bluetooth connectivity, so you can pair it with wireless headphones or a smartwatch for a seamless experience.

Battery life won’t be an issue, either. The NanoPhone is designed to last throughout your day, whether you’re making calls, streaming music, or checking your emails. And with expandable storage, you can carry all your essential apps, photos, and files without compromise.

Whether you’re hitting the gym, going for a run, or just want to travel light, the NanoPhone is a practical solution that could fit your lifestyle. Small in size and big on features, it's ready to go wherever life takes you.

For a limited time, you can get the NanoPhone miniaturized smartphone on sale at its lowest price ever: $99.97 (reg. $199) with free shipping while supplies last. This offer ends tomorrow, November 17, at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Get a lifetime license for Windows 11 Pro on your PC for just $17.97 (reg. $199) through November 21 or until codes sell out — only 75 are available.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Windows 11 Pro: Lifetime license $17.97
$199.00 Save $181.03 Get Deal

Did you hear? Microsoft gave their latest and greatest operating system, Windows 11 Pro, an all-new 2024 feature update — enhancing Copilot, speeding up the platform code, and improving phone integrations. If you’ve been holding off on upgrading, now might be the time.

Through Nov. 21, you can upgrade to Windows 11 Pro for its lowest price ever: $17.97 (reg. $199.99). We only have 75 codes available at this price, so act fast if you’re interested. Each code can upgrade two PCs.

What’s inside Microsoft’s best OS to date

Many people upgrade simply to get the new user design. Windows 11 looks much more futuristic than other versions, with new app icons, rounded corners, and a centered bottom taskbar. It almost looks like macOS.

You also get Copilot, the AI-powered assistant, fully integrated. This AI uses a custom version of GPT-4, so it’s like getting the paid version of ChatGPT included on your PC for answering questions or getting help with basic tasks. It can even summarize web pages or change computer settings for you.

Unique features not found on the Home version

You’re getting Windows 11 Pro, not Windows 11 Home, which is free for most users. This means you get extra features:

• BitLocker device encryption: Keeps your data safe by encrypting your drive, so your files stay private if your device is lost or stolen.

• Remote desktop access: Access your PC from anywhere, letting you work remotely on files and software.

• Azure AD: Securely manage app and file access across devices.

• Hyper-V: Run virtual machines to test software safely without affecting your main system.

Install Windows 11 Pro for $17.97 before this price drop ends on November 21 at 11:59 p.m. PT (reg. $199.99). Codes might sell out sooner.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Through November 21, get Microsoft Office 2019 for Windows for only $26.97 — a lifetime license with no recurring fees.

If your PC needs a fresh Microsoft Office download, think twice before just grabbing the newest version. Surprisingly, Microsoft Office 2019 includes more apps — and comes at a much more affordable price. If you don’t need the latest app layouts or AI integrations, this is the version for you.

Grab Microsoft Office 2019 on sale for $26.97 through November 21 (reg. $229). We only have 75 codes left at this price, so hurry if you don’t want to miss out.

What’s Included

This one-time purchase allows you to download these apps for unlimited use: 

• Word

• Excel

• PowerPoint

• Outlook

• OneNote

• Publisher

• Access

Even though Microsoft Office 2024 is $249.99, it only comes with five apps — and you’ll pay an extra $100 for Outlook alone. So, if you’re looking for the cheapest way to get Office apps on your PC, this older version is the way to go.

It’s also far more cost-effective than getting Microsoft 365, the subscription-based version of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and your favorite Office apps. Just pay once and use the apps as long as your PC lives.

With Office 2019, you own it for life — no surprises, no price hikes, just reliable software that works.

Download Microsoft Office 2019 for $26.97 until November 21 at 11:59 p.m. PT with no coupon needed, at least until we sell out of codes (reg. $229).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows $26.97
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TL;DR: Save bigtime on this refurbished 13.3" MacBook Air for $249.97 (reg. $999) and enjoy fast, simple performance from a lightweight laptop.

• 13.3-inch display with 1440x900 resolution, providing clear visuals for work and play

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• Includes a 12-hour battery life, great for all-day productivity without frequent charging

• Refurbished (grade "A") with minimal to no cosmetic imperfections but fully functional and reliable

Gift this refurbished 2017 silver Apple MacBook Air on sale for just $249.97 for a limited time and stay productive wherever you go.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air 13.3" (2017) 1.8GHz i5 8GB RAM 128GB SSD Silver (Refurbished) $249.97
$999.00 Save $749.03 Get Deal

TL;DR: This portable Apple Watch charger with a built-in USB-C cord for charging smartphones is 57% off while supplies last.

Opens in a new window Credit: VistaShops Apple Watch 1200mAh Portable Wireless Charger $29.99
$69.95 Save $39.96 Get Deal

You're always on the go, and you need an Apple Watch charger that can keep up with you.

Grab a portable Apple Watch charger with a built-in USB-C cord for charging smartphones on sale for just $29.99 (reg. $69.95). That's 57%.

What you get with your Apple Watch charger:

• Wireless Apple Watch charging: Pop your dead smartwatch on for a quick power boost

• Built-in USB-C cable: Plug in your iPhone 15 or newer or Android for an emergency power-up

• 1,200mAh battery capacity: Provides multiple charges for your watch or 20% of an iPhone battery in a pinch

• Portable size: Measuring only three by three inches, it fits in your pocket or bag, and it has a loop for attaching to keyrings

• Easy recharging: Use the built-in USB-A connector to tap into a wall outlet or laptop

Apple Watch travel chargers make excellent holiday gifts at just $29.99 (reg. $69.95). 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Some of the main modules of the International Space Station are nearly a quarter-century old. "That's considered classic for a car," said Bennett Maruca, an astronomer and physicist at the University of Delaware.

So it's little surprise one of the earliest chambers, attached in 2000, has sprung a problematic leak. The leak is in Russia's Zvezda service module, an area connecting the module to a docking port, and it was first detected five years ago. But the rate of leakage has increased in 2024, and in April, NASA revealed it had reached the highest level yet, at three times the leakage observed in 2019. In a recent Inspector General's report, the space agency labeled these cracks and leaks a "top safety risk."

The leaking hull has earned understandable scrutiny from both NASA and the Russian space agency. "NASA and Roscosmos continue to evaluate onboard and ground test data with the primary goal of identifying the root cause, gaining a better understanding of the risk to station operations, and implementing repairs," a spokesperson from Johnson Space Center told Mashable.

SEE ALSO: NASA scientist viewed first Voyager images. What he saw gave him chills. "That's considered classic for a car."

The problem exemplifies how NASA is contending with aging but critical space infrastructure: The orbiting laboratory, with a living area larger than a six-bedroom house, is the agency's only way to learn about health impacts to astronauts, develop or test life support systems for future missions, and advance a plethora of space technologies. NASA wants to keep it running until 2030 — but doing so will require constant surveillance and, literally, patching.

"It's an old station, and it has done some amazing things," Don Platt, an associate professor of space systems at Florida Tech, told Mashable.

An image from 2000 showing the early stages of the International Space Station. The Zvezda service module is the module on the left. Credit: NASA Contending with the space station's leak

The space station is actually designed to leak — a little.

That's because it has eight ports for spacecraft, meaning eight hatches that must open and close. So a negligible level of leaking was always expected, because no seal, however tight, is perfect. The only way to eliminate any leakage and preserve finite air would be to weld the openings shut. "But that would be a pretty useless space station," Maruca told Mashable.

The increased leakage rate, however, could be coming from cracks in different parts of the Zvezda service module. Space station personnel are sleuthing for potential culprits. "Cosmonauts aboard the space station have performed inspections of the module’s interior surfaces with an instrument that can detect even the most minor surface blemishes," NASA's spokesperson said, adding "There are several areas of interest identified subject to future Roscosmos inspections." Already, the Russian agency has applied sealant to some cracks, leading to some leak reduction, and for years a Zvezda tunnel hatch has been kept closed as much as possible between dockings, sealing off that section to reduce leakage. (The space agencies do not currently agree on the potential causes of the leak, according to NASA’s ISS Advisory Committee.)

These present leaks are microscopic, which is why NASA has concluded they're not an immediate risk to the structural integrity of the station, nor to astronauts. Unlike in some Hollywood depictions, a small hole in a space station or airplane wall won't result in a rapid and dramatic depressurization event. The air pressure aboard the station is 14.7 psia (pounds per square inch absolute), which is not nearly enough pressure on a small hole (even as wide as an inch across) to, for example, suck a person out of the station and into the vacuum of space.

But valuable, finite air is still being lost. Fortunately, the station orbits Earth, so it's regularly resupplied with oxygen, water, food, clothing, and beyond. The space station's current air loss is similar to the stubborn, but fixable, slow leak we've all experienced in our car tires. "It's a slow leak that allows you to get to the gas station in time," Platt said. "It's not the big hole you get when you run over a sharp piece of metal on a highway."

(Though a crewed deep space mission wouldn't have the luxury of resupply. "If this was a vehicle on its way to Mars, that would be a real problem," he noted.)

A graphic from the NASA Office of Inspector General report showing details about the increased leak rate from the International Space Station. Credit: NASA OIG Emergency oxygen tanks aboard the International Space Station. Credit: ESA / NASA

The space station isn't just resupplied with oxygen tanks, it also makes oxygen. Using the station's Urine Processor Assembly, astronauts reclaim 87 percent of the water in urine, which in turn is used to create oxygen and drinking water. As astronauts like to say, "Yesterday's coffee becomes tomorrow's coffee." A process called "electrolysis" — which uses an electric current to separate oxygen and hydrogen in water — then recycles oxygen aboard the station. (What's more, space station oxygen is even produced from exhaled carbon dioxide.)

What if, however, the current leaks in the Zvezda module grow dangerous, and cannot be repaired? The station is composed of different capsules that can be isolated. "Much like a submarine, you can close off sections of it," Platt said.

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We'll see how these problematic leaks play out in the coming year, and beyond. The aging space station is vulnerable to a host of potential issues, such as orbital debris (which has previously forced the station to move), 1.5 million lines of software code operating on 44 computers, and generally old parts. NASA, Roscosmos, and the astronauts aboard all have good reason to fix this known problem — and ensure it doesn't become worse.

"You always need to have a high level of vigilance when you're flying in space," Platt said.

Don't let it go to your head, but everybody wants you — more specifically, your browsing data. Personal information about the links you click on and the sites you visit is highly valuable to third parties, including your internet service provider (ISP) and Google, who may want to share or monetize it. Certain government and law enforcement agencies are also eager to peek at your activity online for their own surveillance purposes, as horny Texans learned earlier this year.

One way to reclaim some of your digital privacy is by getting a virtual private network, or VPN, a service that creates an encrypted connection between your device and one of the VPN provider's private, remote servers before spitting it out onto the open web. In plain English, a VPN lets you browse the internet without being tracked.

Why do you need a VPN?

Even the best VPNs can't make you totally anonymous on the web — the providers themselves can still see what you're doing while you're using their servers. But they can secure your personal info and hide your true IP address from prying eyes on the outside. The most trustworthy VPN providers operate transparently and abide by independently verified no-logs policies to prove that they don't collect or store user data in this process.

SEE ALSO: The best free VPN

While not its primary purpose, a VPN's ability to conceal your real IP address also makes it useful for spoofing your location. This will allow you to bypass geo-restrictions on content that's not available in your country or region. If you're someone in the U.S. who wants access to a streaming service like BBC iPlayer or ITVX, for example, a VPN can make it happen.

What is the No. 1 best VPN?

After testing (and retesting) some of the most popular VPN providers on multiple platforms, TunnelBear is the new alpha — my new top pick for most people. Its simple, adorable app supports split tunneling and unlimited simultaneous connections, and it offers a limited free tier. It's also doing some admirable work on the transparency front: Its privacy policy is plainly written, and it issues regular security audits and transparency reports that anyone can read. (Overall, its track record is spotless.)

For users who want a more feature-rich VPN service, NordVPN is the one I recommend. It has a widespread server network that successfully unblocks regional content — hello, Love Island UK fans — and supports up to 10 simultaneous connections. Its nice-looking app includes multi-hop, among other specialty server types, and users can upgrade their plans with tons of extra security fixings (like an ad/tracker blocker and a data breach scanner). NordVPN submits its no-log policy to regular third-party audits, though you need an account to read them, and it recently started issuing transparency reports. It does have one notable blemish on its reputation due to its handling of a server breath several years ago, but it seems to be heading in a positive direction from a trustworthiness standpoint.

ExpressVPN and CyberGhost VPN are both honorable mentions for unblocking geo-restricted content and location spoofing, though I wouldn't necessarily recommend either of them for long-term use for reasons I get into below.

What I'm testing next

I recently tried the free version of Proton VPN on Windows and think it's a very strong contender for a future addition to this list: Its business model revolves around transparency and digital safety, and its free tier has no data limits. I'll make a final call after trying the paid version of it and more of its apps.

Read on for Mashable's guide to the best VPN services of 2024. FYI: Prices for most VPN providers' long-term plans change frequently. The rates listed here were accurate at the time of publication.

Most of your devices may come with a built-in speaker, but it's hard to imagine the scenario where it's not worth investing in a Bluetooth speaker, too.

SEE ALSO: The 10 best Bluetooth speaker deals ahead of Black Friday

It's likely no surprise to you that an external speaker offers a significant bump in your audio quality, whether you pick up a budget option or decide to invest in a higher-end speaker. Black Friday season is an especially good time to pick up a Bluetooth speaker, with retailers marking down options at nearly every price point.

That said, there are a lot of options to choose from, with picks that are meant for taking on the go while others might be better suited to setting the vibe while you're entertaining over the holidays.

Testing the JBL Charge 5 side by side with the Charge 3. Credit: RJ Andersen / Mashable Mashable reviewed the Sonos Move 2 after its release in 2023. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

Plus, it's overwhelming to sift through pages and pages of deals, especially when you're not sure what's actually a good markdown. So, to help you along during your research phase, our shopping experts tested and gathered the best speaker picks from brands like Bose, Sonos, and JBL so you know what to keep an eye on this Black Friday season. And to make your shopping extra easy, we've offered some intel on the best prices to look out for on Bluetooth speakers, all based on years of collective knowledge of covering Black Friday sales.

SEE ALSO: Just announced: Amazon finally dropped its Black Friday sale dates

Below, you'll find our top six picks for the best Bluetooth speakers in 2024 (along with that buying advice): Our favorites include mini sound systems you can clip onto your backpack, waterproof party speakers, and smart speakers for backyard hang sessions.

The Amazon Echo was first released in 2015 and has come a long way since. The brand’s line-up is expansive and includes a variety of Echos. Do you want to be able to video call your family with Echo Show 10's sleek swivel screen? Maximize affordability with the Echo Pop? Or upgrade your kids' rooms with an Echo device just for kids?

Smart speakers like Amazon's Echo family of products are a great starting point if you’re looking to get a smarter home because they're affordable and easy to use. Beyond just playing music, they can help you find your next binge-watch, read the news, and adjust room settings.

A common dilemma many shoppers face is "to Echo or to Echo Dot?" The Echo (Fourth Generation) and Echo Dot (Fifth Generation) are very similar at first glance. Given that the latest Dot was released in 2022 and the 4th Gen Echo came out two years before that, there are obvious technical upgrades in the Dot that don't exist in its bulkier predecessor.

But more importantly, when is a good shop to these devices? Yes, they're affordable, the Echo starts at $99.99 and the Dot $49.99, however, you don't need to — and shouldn't — buy them full price. During Black Friday, you'll find Echos at their lowest prices ever — we've seen the Echo Dot go as low as $22.99. If you're looking for deals, we're tracking them all Black Friday season.

SEE ALSO: Amazon Prime Day vs. Black Friday: When are the deals better?

The Echo (Fourth Generation) and Echo Dot (Fifth Generation) fall in the middle of the Echo line-up. The Echo Show, is at the top of the range, with its motion-tracking screen, while the Echo Pop is even smaller and more budget-friendly than the Dot.

Bad at making uninformed choices? Same here. To help you out, we compared these smart speakers side by side. Here’s everything you need to know if you’re deciding between the Echo and the Echo Dot.

Good things come in colorful packages. Credit: Stacia Datskovska / Mashable Difference between Echo and Echo DotAmazon Echo smart speaker review (4th Gen) Amazon Echo (4th Gen) $99.99 at Amazon
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The Echo weighs 34.2 ounces and its dimensions are 5.7 x 5.7 x 5.2 inches. On its round exterior, you'll find an action button, volume buttons, a mic-off button, a light-up ring, a power port, and a 3.5-millimeter audio output. With three distinct color options currently available at Amazon, this under-$100 device is sure to fit your home decor seamlessly.

Setting up the Echo is also seamless and you can use it within minutes. Indeed, the only things inside the package are the device itself, a power adapter, and two guides. The setup guide is highly visual, which is always a perk. To begin, you have to download the Alexa app and sign in. No, you don't need to have a Prime account to use an Amazon smart device (though its range of possibilities surely increases for those of us who are Prime members). Plug in the included power adapter into the Echo and then plug the Echo into a wall outlet. The light ring on the Echo will turn blue when it’s on and then orange when Alexa greets you. Next, connect the Echo to your home WiFi network. The Alexa app will then walk you through the rest of the setup process, including customizing your "wake word," mastering the pronunciation of your name, allowing access to phone contacts, and more.

SEE ALSO: These are the best Echo devices to gain hands-free control of your smart home, and more

Once all that is ready, you're good to go. Give your newest smart home companion a warm welcome: After all, it will be your go-to from now on for blasting music, waking you up in the morning, providing news and weather reports, calling loved ones, and so much more.

Amazon Echo Dot smart speaker review (5th Gen) Echo Dot (5th Gen, 2022 release) $49.99 at Amazon
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The Echo Dot takes smart living to a new level. Though this device is two years newer than the aforementioned Echo (4th Gen), it's actually $50 cheaper.

The Echo Dot weighs 10.7 ounces, a third of the size of the Echo, and its dimensions are 3.9 x 3.9 x 3.5 inches. This baby can easily fit on countertops, shelves, or nightstands. Similar to the Echo, it boasts an action button, a microphone-off button, volume controls, a light ring, and a power port. It pretty much comes with the same color options as the bigger Echo, except for its deep sea blue shade being slightly darker than the Echo's twilight blue shade. Potayto, potahto.

Setup is also a breeze with the Echo Dot. First, plug it into a wall outlet and open the Alexa app to start setup. (You’ll need to download the Alexa app on your smartphone beforehand.) Once you open the app, select “devices” and then select the “+” icon. Follow the on-screen instructions from that point on and personalize the device to your liking.

What you get when you order an Amazon Echo Dot. Credit: Stacia Datskovska / Mashable Smarter, easier living featuresEcho

The Amazon Echo functions as your personal butler and best friend. Since it's a smart speaker that connects to the Alexa Voice Service, you use it to do everything from playing the latest hits to purchasing some kitchen staples to killing your boredom with a round of Jeopardy! Advanced sound technology helps the Echo immediately respond to you and recognize your voice. In fact, during the setup process on the Alexa app, Echo learns your voice's cadences and pitch by making you repeat some sample prompts. Impressive.

You can tell Alexa exactly what to put on your grocery list and manage the items on your Alexa app. Credit: Screenshot: Amazon

Prompt response: Beamforming technology, noise-cancelation, and seven microphones will enable the Echo to hear you from your nearby location. Just speak the wake word and say commands like “Alexa, find an Amazon Music playlist,” or “Alexa, call Dad” for immediate assistance. Something to note: Your speaker does not by any means have to be called Alexa. Other fun options include Echo, Ziggy, or Santa. Referring to your device as that last option unlocks a whole new Ho-Ho-Ho personality for it. Another thing to note: Amazon is getting better about accessibility, in the form of Adaptive Listening. This feature, when enabled, essentially gives you more time to finish speaking — Alexa's way of accommodating speech patterns like stuttering.

Beats master: Of course the Echo can play music, but it’s more than a basic speaker. It comes with Dolby premium sound that fills a whole room — with deep bass and clear high notes alike. If you have two Echo devices in one room, you can actually tell one of them to "play music everywhere," which will amplify sound to even higher levels and make for an actual at-home clubbing experience. Word of caution, however — Alexa didn't cooperate with me, strangely, when I tried to test out this feature. For those of us who are highly picky about music streaming services, Amazon lets you set default options which you can change at any time. Do you want Alexa to pick music from Apple Music but podcasts from Spotify? No problem, there's an option for that.

Hands-free communication: If you need to message or call loved ones, the Echo has your back. You can use Alexa to communicate with people via phone or text on the Echo, without grabbing your smartphone. Plus, Alexa can also make household announcements across Amazon Echo devices at home, so your family knows if dinner is ready or guests are arriving. Use the Drop-In feature to connect to other Amazon Echo devices or the Announcement feature to record cute messages in your own voice (accompanied by a range of sound effect offerings, including dinner bell, kiss, trumpet, as well as, a bit alarmingly, toilet flush and fart).

Control smart devices: If you have other smart devices that work with Alexa, you can easily control them with Echo's Zigbee smart home hub. Just ask Alexa to dim the lights, adjust the room temperature, or turn on a compatible smart-plug-connected appliance. The best thing about this? You don’t have to press any buttons, and you can even engineer routines for yourself ahead of time to set these processes in motion at a certain time in your home.

The Echo can double as a night light Credit: Stacia Datskovska / Mashable Echo Dot

Making the smart living switch isn’t always budget-friendly, but the Echo Dot is affordable and provides great voice control features. These features aren't all that different from what you get with the Echo. The only true upgrades are new motion sensors that let you touch-control the device, the 1.73-inch front-firing speaker (versus a woofer and tweeters), and "Eero mesh network support so the Echo Dot can serve as a node for your Eero network if you use one," according to our sister site, PCMag. Use the Dot to receive reminders, save cookie recipes to your app for future reference, bask your room in a night light glow, communicate with friends and family, soothe yourself with some white noise, and beyond.

Listening companion: We’ve all tried the conventional speaker setup, which typically involves too many outlets and wires. Echo Dot offers the opposite experience for all your listening needs. You can use your voice to play music through streaming services, including Amazon Music, Apple Music, and Spotify. Plus, Audible and other media forms are available on the Echo Dot. Ask Alexa to find the perfect playlist or podcast, and you’ll have something to listen to when you cook in the kitchen, lounge on the couch, or work out in your living room. Another extra-cool feature? The Dot will start playing deep sleep music when it detects sounds of snoring — if you enable it to do so.

Task help: There are times we wish that we had a personal assistant for little things, including making lists and scheduling calendars. The Echo Dot helps make your everyday routine (and entertainment) more seamless with voice control. Try saying: "Alexa, set a timer for five minutes," "Alexa, play the Reuters news briefing," "Alexa, open my daily horoscope," or "Alexa, find my phone." The possibilities are endless. Be sure to reference the "more" tab on the Alexa app to browse through all of the Echo Dot's offerings.

Use the Dot to send messages to houseguests, remind you of tasks, and more! Credit: Screenshot: Amazon

Converse with and check in on loved ones: Like the Echo, the Echo Dot allows you to send messages, make phone calls, and use other Echo devices as intercoms. Enjoy hands-free communication with loved ones and make announcements via Drop-In to keep everyone in touch at home. If you have elderly parents at home, you can also take advantage of Alexa Together — Amazon's remote caregiving offering that does cost extra but allows you to connect compatible fall detection devices to the Echo Dot, see snapshots of your loved ones' daily interactions with Alexa, get 24/7 access to trained agents who can call 911 in case of an emergency, create gentle reminders such as "take your pills," and more.

Monitor your smart home environment: The Echo Dot also offers the option to monitor smart devices at home. If you have light bulbs, thermostats, or streaming media players that are compatible with Alexa, you can control their activity with the Echo Dot. Just speak to Alexa in your room of choice, and you can easily monitor lighting, temperature, and more with verbal commands. Also, if you enable sound detection routines, you can program a particular sound (dog barking, oven dinging, door opening) to trigger a certain Alexa Routine. This feature has an accessibility bonus since it can be used as a way to provide visual cues to those with hearing challenges. For instance, "if Alexa detects running water for a period of time... she can trigger the living room smart lights to flash on and off, serving as a visual reminder to shut off the faucet," as reported in USA Today.

Don't let the Dot's size fool you — it's mighty smart. Credit: Stacia Datskovska / Mashable Price and competitionEcho

At $99.99, the Echo is moderately priced, but it comes with benefits that go beyond other smart speakers. With its high-tech sound features, including Dolby audio, you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite beats at the right volume. When you’re entertaining guests, you can engage the multi-room music feature to turn your pad into a dance floor (adjusting bass settings accordingly). In addition to playing music, the Echo allows you to control smart devices and communicate with loved ones via voice control. It also comes with a skills range so extensive that it might take you months to try them all out.

The Echo comes with a one-year limited warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship. If you would like additional protection, you can buy an extended warranty separately at Amazon.

In terms of competition, the $99.99 Apple HomePod mini can be considered a pretty close match (at least price-wise). It's teeny compared to the Echo, though, and a larger/more advanced Apple smart speaker — the HomePod — will cost you $299 (see our full review of the Apple Homepod). While this competitor might be a better choice for Apple fans, due to its easy iOS compatibility, Siri isn't as smart or loyal of an assistant as Alexa in our opinion.

Echo Dot

For those on a technology budget, the 5th Gen Echo Dot delivers all the smart speaker benefits at a fraction of the price. At $49.99, it’s more affordable than other Amazon Echo devices (despite being the newest Dot) and still has desirable features like advanced voice recognition, smart device control, and assistance with small tasks via Alexa.

Unlike the Echo, the Echo Dot only comes with a 90-day limited warranty. It’s applicable to defects in materials and workmanship and you can contact Amazon’s Customer Service for assistance. This warranty, too, can be extended to a one-year, two-year, or even three-year plan for an additional fee.

If we're talking about what's available on the smart speaker market that can compare to the Dot, the Google-Assistant-powered Nest Mini (2nd Generation) immediately comes to mind, as it also costs $49.99. The Nest Mini is cute as a button (and weighs almost as much). It's compatible with streaming services like Spotify, Pandora, and iHeart Radio, as well as Youtube, has smart home pairing with Arlo, Nest, Ring, and other appliances, and it allows you to voice-purchase essentials from storefronts that aren't limited to Amazon. Still, with the Dot's new-and-improved front-firing speaker, there's no question that it wins the contest when it comes to quality audio. Also, with its upgraded temperature and movement sensors, the Dot seems to be leading the smart home game. I mean, what other speaker will listen for the sound of broken glass and immediately alert you to a potential robbery happening when you're MIA fr

Clearly, the Echo is way bigger than the Echo Dot (reflected in their price difference). Credit: Stacia Datskovska / Mashable Privacy concerns

With all Amazon Echo devices comes concern about privacy. In the past, according to what reporter Jack Morse wrote for Mashable a few years back, "Alexa has been known to record people and rooms even when there's no wake word spoken intentionally — or spoken at all." The fact that it can be listening in on your most private conversations — or else sneakily gather info like a credit card number you say when purchasing something over the phone — is legitimately scary.

Amazon has realized that tons of people have been turning away from their Echo product line because of this very risk. That's why now, on the Alexa app, you can review your daily voice history and delete anything you don't vibe with, manage the access to data certain skills have, and more. On the exterior of both the 4th Gen Echo and 5th Gen Echo Dot, you can also find a mic-off button that will prevent any audio input from reaching Alexa. For more information about how Amazon handles user privacy, check out its Q&A on the matter.

So, to Echo or to Echo Dot?

If you want a large smart speaker that delivers high-quality sound, allows you to engage in hands-free control, and use your voice to communicate with loved ones, the $99.99 4th Gen Echo is a good call. Another perk of this device is that it’s customizable: You can choose a decorative shell to compliment your home decor vibe. Plus, it works with other Amazon Echo devices for the ultimate sound setup whenever you need it.

If you don’t want to fork over a lot of cash for a smart speaker, the Echo Dot is a great pick — especially considering it's newer than the 4th Gen Echo. At only $49.99, it’s a steal compared to other Amazon-connected devices and offers the same smart speaker benefits... and then some.

Most of your devices may come with a built-in speaker, but it's hard to imagine the scenario where it's not worth investing in a Bluetooth speaker, too.

SEE ALSO: The 10 best Bluetooth speaker deals ahead of Black Friday

It's likely no surprise to you that an external speaker offers a significant bump in your audio quality, whether you pick up a budget option or decide to invest in a higher-end speaker. Black Friday season is an especially good time to pick up a Bluetooth speaker, with retailers marking down options at nearly every price point.

That said, there are a lot of options to choose from, with picks that are meant for taking on the go while others might be better suited to setting the vibe while you're entertaining over the holidays.

Testing the JBL Charge 5 side by side with the Charge 3. Credit: RJ Andersen / Mashable Mashable reviewed the Sonos Move 2 after its release in 2023. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

Plus, it's overwhelming to sift through pages and pages of deals, especially when you're not sure what's actually a good markdown. So, to help you along during your research phase, our shopping experts tested and gathered the best speaker picks from brands like Bose, Sonos, and JBL so you know what to keep an eye on this Black Friday season. And to make your shopping extra easy, we've offered some intel on the best prices to look out for on Bluetooth speakers, all based on years of collective knowledge of covering Black Friday sales.

SEE ALSO: Just announced: Amazon finally dropped its Black Friday sale dates

Below, you'll find our top six picks for the best Bluetooth speakers in 2024 (along with that buying advice): Our favorites include mini sound systems you can clip onto your backpack, waterproof party speakers, and smart speakers for backyard hang sessions.

If you've been scrolling through your Netflix queue in the middle of the night, you're not alone. 

Between the 2024 presidential election and tax season, the overall climate crisis, the war on reproductive rights, and war around the world, society can feel like a waking nightmare. No one would blame you for overlooking your best judgment and finding comfort wherever you can. Yes, falling asleep with the TV on isn't "great" for us. (Blue light, we know.) 

Still, it's been a help during rough times. So, while we're not recommending you pick up this habit, we are happy to help those of you who are already doing it. Better than counting sheep, by a wide margin, here are 30 of the best shows on Netflix to fall asleep to.

30. Cunk on Earth

Philomena Cunk is, I am sad to say, not a real person. Over the five episodes of Cunk on Earth, I truly began to wish that I shared a world with such a profoundly insightful individual. Alas, she's a character created by the actress and comedian Diane Morgan. First appearing on the BBC series Charlie Brooker's Weekly Wipe, she was immediately recognized for her singular genius, and so Cunk spun off into her own series — first there was Cunk on Britain, and then in 2022 came Cunk on Earth. 

The series sees Cunk explaining the history of the world as only she could, from "Beginnings" up through "The Arse End of History," mostly by interviewing unsuspecting scientists and thinkers and asking a series of absolutely deranged questions that stagger the mind. It's probably the funniest show on Netflix right now. So why is it good to fall asleep to? Because she's British, obviously. Everything said in that accent is straight-up sweet-dreams lullaby-land. Even this assortment of uproarious buffoonery. — Jason Adams, Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: Cunk on Earth is now streaming on Netflix.

29. Derry Girls The Derry legends. Credit: Netflix

I cannot be the only person completely enchanted by the voices of the Derry Girls. Set in '90s Northern Ireland, this heartwarming portrayal of teenage friendship is one of the rowdiest selection on this list — so if you really need to sleep, the show shouldn't be your first pick. But if you think you could do with a few laughs before drifting off, look no further than this bunch. They're the best. — Alison Foreman, Entertainment Writer

How to watch: Derry Girls is now streaming on Netflix.

SEE ALSO: 'Derry Girls' is ending, but its legacy will live on 28. Worn Stories

Shirts! Shoes! Jockstraps! Oh my. This eight-episode 2021 docuseries gets a wide collection of people telling the stories of the items of clothing they've loved and lived in, and it's by turns funny and poignant, but most of all, like so many of the clothes it depicts, comforting. We've all got that sweater or that pair of socks there's a funny tale behind and that we could never ever in a million lifetimes get rid of. This series is here to tell us we're not alone. Well, maybe the nude woodworker is alone. Those are a lot of sharp tools and blunt instruments swinging around your genitals, if you ask me. — J.A.

How to watch: Worn Stories is now streaming on Netflix.

27. History 101

I don't know about you, but history class in high school was where I took all my best naps. Methuselah, I hardly knew ya. And the 20-or-so-minute-long nugget-sized episodes of History 101 are perfect when you need a hard wallop of cold facts and figures to knock you into sweet-dream-land. Tackling fascinating subjects like "GPS" and "High Fructose Corn Syrup" (yes, really) using animated charts and graphs… well, I can barely finish that sentence without nodding off. It's melatonin for the eyes! — J.A.

How to watch: History 101 is now streaming on Netflix.

26. Samurai Gourmet Just an absolute delight. Credit: Netflix

Based on Masayuki Kusumi's manga series about a retired man named Takeshi who awakens his inner samurai by finding good local food to eat, this 12-episode series stars longtime character actor Naoto Takenaka, whose immensely genial presence will make you feel warm and welcome right from the start. And that's before you even get lost among his simple adventures, spanning around 20 minutes each, which see him take up walking for a hobby, or wondering how his new sunglasses make him look. It doesn't get more low-key, low-stakes, and highly delightful.  — J.A.

How to watch: Samurai Gourmet is now streaming on Netflix.

SEE ALSO: The 10 best, most mouthwatering cooking shows on Netflix 25. The Hidden Lives of Pets

There is a bunny rabbit that paints! I repeat: a bunny rabbit that paints! If you’re not sold on that alone, I’m not sure we speak the same language. In these four half-hour episodes, all narrated by Downton Abbey star Hugh Bonneville, The Hidden Lives of Pets takes a look at the things our little furry, feathery, or otherwise feeling friends can do besides your typical fetch and squawk. Come for the dancing cockatoo, laugh with the racing tortoises, but live for that painting bunny rabbit. — J.A.

How to watch: The Hidden Lives of Pets is now streaming on Netflix.

24. Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee

I'm halfway to sleep-town by the time I finish reading the entire title Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, never mind the show itself, which is indeed just an excuse for some comedians to get some coffee and ride around in cars.Truth in advertising for once! Specifically it's Jerry Seinfeld of television's Seinfeld who's driving, and then some random funny person joins him for the episode's ride — everybody from Eddie Murphy to Kristen Wiig has hopped into Jerry's passenger seat (it's less dirty than that sounds) and for 15-ish minutes they chat about whatever nonsense strikes their fancy. No high stakes, just cordial chit-chat, a quick in and out like a nighttime talk show without the grinning band-leader blowing his saxophone in your face. — J.A.

How to watch: Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee is now streaming on Netflix.

23. Queer Eye Five cheers for the Fab Five. Credit: Ilana Panich-Linsman / Netflix

If you want to get the most out of Queer Eye, you should definitely pay full attention to each and every minute of this delightful reality series. But if you're rewatching the show like us, feel free to doze off mid-hero narrative. Journey with the Fab 5 to see the series' lucky participants master self-love through grooming, cooking, fashion, interior design, and whatever Karamo Brown has been up to lately. It's just lovely. — A.F.

How to watch: Queer Eye is now streaming on Netflix.

22. Cat People

My boyfriend likes to watch cat videos right before falling asleep, and Cat People is basically that catty concept on steroids. Each half-hour episode focuses on one obsessed cat owner and their corresponding feline, and it's 30 mainlined minutes of soothing purr-fection. There's a cat who surfs! A cat rapper! A woman who crafts 3D-felt portraits of her three favorite furbabies! It's a paw-rade of good feels that'll send you straight off to cat-nap heaven. — J.A.

How to watch: Cat People is now streaming on Netflix.

21. Chimp Empire

So much of what makes a nature show relaxing comes down to its narrator. This is why David Attenborough is a thing. And Chimp Empire struck gold thanks to the smooth, dulcet tones of two-time Oscar-winner Mahershala Ali. Otherwise, it's just a bunch of chimpanzees screeching at each other! But Ali makes it all go down like the smoothest AM radio you've ever heard. Set amid the largest group of chimps on the planet, who live in the Ngogo rainforest of Uganda, the four-episode series deep dives into their day-to-day routines, their rivalries, their loves. These are the days of the chimp's lives, and we're living for it, baby. — J.A. 

How to watch: Chimp Empire is now streaming on Netflix.

20. Seinfeld Remember the puffy shirt? Credit: NBC TV / Kobal / Shutterstock

Perhaps my New Yorker self is showing by putting this one on this list, but the local affiliate station here in New York used to play reruns of this classic '90s sitcom every weeknight from 11 p.m. til midnight, and I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I’ve fallen fast asleep to the soothing sounds of Jerry, George, Elaine, and Kramer asking what’s the deal with those little bags of peanuts they give you on airplanes. And since cutting the cord and relying on streaming only, this is as close as I’ll ever get to that sense of city-boy comfort ever again. 

All nine seasons of our foursome’s legendary antics doing nothing are here for the bingeing; just pick a random episode, curl up on the couch, and before you can say "master of my domain," I’ll be snoring in your ear. And not even Frank Costanza’s most unhinged rant could shake me!  — J.A.

How to watch: Seinfeld is now streaming on Netflix.

19. Heartstopper

We're now three seasons deep into Alice Oseman's sweet queer teen romance, and neither the sweetness nor the romance has soured the slightest. Based on Oseman's own webcomic and transferred to Netflix in 2022, this tale of shy boy Charlie (Joe Locke) falling for the hot and popular rugby hunk Nick (Kit Connor) has captured hearts and imaginations across the spectrum. The series is almost too sweet for its own good, but its corny embrace of its own youthful swoon feels 1) appropriate to what love felt like at that age, and 2) will most certainly send you off smiling into the sweetest dreams imaginable. — J.A. 

How to watch: Heartstopper is now streaming on Netflix.

18. Life in Color with David Attenborough So. Much. Color. Credit: Netflix

There are few voices more soothing than David Attenborough's, and there are few visuals more soothing than the beauty of nature. In Life in Color with David Attenborough, you get both! Attenborough guides us through the different uses the animal kingdom has for color in this three-part docuseries, which features truly glorious footage — and beautiful colors, of course. — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter 

How to watch: Life in Color with David Attenborough is now streaming on Netflix.

17. Alien Worlds

If you want to have some really bonkers dreams, there’s no better way to get that imagination churning than Alien Worlds, a four-part docuseries that uses CG and the ramblings of scientists to imagine what the life-forms of other planets could look like, given other factors in their development. Narrated by Sophie Okonedo, the show depicts the rise and fall of civilizations of strange creatures on four imagined planets, demonstrating how our scientific laws here on Earth would get applied to some very different, theoretical circumstances. Mostly it’s just weirdo creature nirvana, like the bar in Star Wars on steroids. — J.A.

How to watch: Alien Worlds is now streaming on Netflix.

16. Babies Cuteness overload. Credit: Netflix

Few things are as spectacularly infectious as the joy of little kids. In Netflix's Babies, documentarians observe a whole bunch of cuties during their first years of life — examining how these tiny humans learn, grow, and explore our world. If you find babies cute, you'll love this show. But fair warning, you may struggle to sleep through the night if you don't put your TV on a timer. You know, with the crying and all. — A.F.

How to watch: Babies is now streaming on Netflix.

SEE ALSO: 10 best kids' movies on Netflix streaming right now 15. Abstract: The Art of Design

Good filmmakers know that an excellent way to capture a viewer's attention is to show someone fully engaged with a practical activity right in front of them. It's incredibly easy to get hypnotized watching Anthony Perkins clean the bathtub in Psycho, or Delphine Seyrig washing dishes in Jeanne Dielman. That same mindset applies to Abstract: The Art of Design, which will captivate you through its interviews with seriously talented craftspeople just talking about and showcasing their exquisite craft. Whether it's Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth Carter (the Black Panther movies) or the legendary Danish artist Olafur Eliasson, there's such a rich attention to precision and detail on display that your entire day and all of your worries will just melt away. — J.A.

How to watch: Abstract: The Art of Design is now streaming on Netflix.

14. Hilda Oh to live in Hilda's world. Credit: Netflix

You should definitely give Hilda your full attention, but once you've made your way through this charming animated show, it's one you'll want to come back to over and over for warm fuzzy comfort. Hilda (voiced by Bella Ramsey) is a young explorer whose neighbors just happen to be creatures from folklore — elves, trolls, rat kings, and more. From its adorable animation style to its all-around cozy vibe, Hilda is an excellent watch for when you're awake or for when you want to be lulled off to dreams of gentle adventure. — B.E. 

How to watch: Hilda is now streaming on Netflix.

SEE ALSO: Netflix's 'Hilda' is the cozy winter binge you've been looking for 13. Gudetama: An Eggcellent Adventure

When exhausted yourself, who better to vibe on than the world’s most exhausted sentient egg? Created in Japan in 2013 for an animated series, Gudetama (aka the little egg yolk who couldn’t be bothered) finally made the defeated, depressed leap to the U.S. with the 10-episode series An Eggcellent Adventure in 2022. Most episodes, which plop the beautifully animated little fella into the real world alongside a baby chick who befriends them, are no longer than 10 minutes — just enough time to shrug your worries off into the frying pan of sleepy oblivion. — J.A.

How to watch: Gudetama: An Eggcellent Adventure is now streaming on Netflix.

12. The World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals

If tourism slash real estate porn is your drug of choice, you won’t find more dopamine than you do out of The World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals. Each 30-minute-ish episode is usually based around a theme — modern homes, eco-friendly homes, homes built into trees. It then sends its three hosts (Luis D. Ortiz, Jo Franco and Megan Batoon) to a variation on each theme, kind of like the three bears in Goldilocks. Luis finds the luxury version, Jo finds the best budget, while Megan susses out the weirdest, most singular examples. But mostly you’re just oohing and ahhing at the truly gorgeous locations. — J.A.

How to watch: The World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals is now streaming on Netflix.

11. Gilmore Girls Everybody sleeps better in Stars Hollow. Credit: Frank Ockenfels / Warner Bros TV / Kobal / Shutterstock

The "comfort" in "comfort TV" doesn’t get much more comfortable than it does in the land of Stars Hollow, the setting of Amy Sherman-Palladino’s series Gilmore Girls. Following the trials and tribulations of Lorelei (Lauren Graham) and her teen daughter Rory (Alexis Bledel) as they try to find self-realization and romance across its seven seasons, the show (and Stars Hollow) feels like home to a lot of people who watched the characters grow and change and talk real fast at one another for those seven years. There is even something comforting about that quick patter, the rhythm of which eventually blurs everything into a soft white noise. It’s the box fan of serial aughts storytelling, basically. — J.A.

How to watch: Gilmore Girls is now streaming on Netflix.

10. Night on Earth 

The majestic scenery of a good nature documentary always pairs well with a nap. Night on Earth, narrated by Orange Is the New Black's Samira Wiley, is an especially good TV choice as it documents what many other species are up to while we're all in bed. It's beautiful but a little touchy with volume, so keep this one on low lest you be surprised by a roar or growl. — A.F.

How to watch: Night on Earth is now streaming on Netflix.

9. The Mind, Explained 

Generally speaking, all of the Explained docuseries are good picks for falling asleep. The episodes are evenly paced, engaging but not overly so, and easy to start over should you nod off and decide you want to catch it at a later time. In the order of this reporter's personal experience, the Explained series from most to least easy to fall asleep to are: The Mind, Sex, the main Explained series, and then ... Coronavirus. (Yeah, I don't recommend that one. Not for sleeping, anyway.) — A.F.

How to watch: The Mind, Explained is now streaming on Netflix.

8. Grace and Frankie Lily Tomlin + Jane Fonda = perfection. Credit: Saeed Adyani / Netflix

Let these two fierce, fearless, fabulous females guide you into a relaxing slumber. Join Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin as the titular Grace and Frankie, plus Martin Sheen, Sam Waterston, June Diane Raphael, Ethan Embry, Baron Vaughn, and Brooklyn Decker in the warmest, most loving sitcom available on Netflix. Nothing says comfort TV like a half hour with the Hanson-Bergsteins. — A.F.

How to watch: Grace and Frankie is now streaming on Netflix.

SEE ALSO: Jacob deserved a happier ending in 'Grace and Frankie' 7. Our Universe

I’ll see your David Attenborough and raise him one Mr. Morgan Freeman! The voice of God himself narrates this six-part docuseries that attempts to tell the story of everything, from the Big Bang all the way down to Everything Everywhere All at Once or thereabouts. (And it does so without a single bagel in sight! Top that, Michelle Yeoh.) Themed around itty-bitty little subjects like gravity or the elements, each episode tries to capture the magnificence of creation, from star to shining star. But under Freeman’s dulcet tones unfathomable enormity somehow becomes absolute solace. — J.A.

 How to watch: Our Universe is now streaming on Netflix.

6. Down to Earth with Zac Efron

As our critic Alison Foreman wrote in her review of the series, it's a "trip worth taking if you love Zac or believe you have the capacity to love Zac, but you must love Zac to love Down to Earth." Thankfully for Down to Earth, a lot of people have remembered that they do indeed love Zac Efron after his critically acclaimed turn in the wrestling drama The Iron Claw hit last year, so now's the perfect time to go back and watch this climate-science-concerned travelogue series.

Each episode sees Efron tackling a new place, from spas in Iceland to beehives on NYC rooftops. The Hairspray star makes the rounds, doling out healthy living advice in between all the "dude"s and "woah"s and flashes of abs. Point being, just when you think Zac might ask too much of us, he brings it back down to Earth, and it's all smooth as can be. — J.A. 

How to watch: Down to Earth with Zac Efron is now streaming on Netflix.

5. Get Organized with The Home Edit Consider this closet organized. Credit: Rob Liggins / Netflix

Bask in the satisfaction of symmetry, order, and all things categorization with this home-makeover show led by the ladies of The Home Edit. A cheery, less philosophical Tidying Up with Marie Kondo, Get Organized follows professional organizers Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin as they change lives (typically with stuff from The Container Store). — A.F.

How to watch: Get Organized with The Home Edit  is now streaming on Netflix.

4. How to Change Your Mind

Drugs! We all love 'em! And now we can find out everything there is to know about them thanks to this 2022 four-episode docuseries based on Michael Pollan's 2018 book of the same title. The four episodes focus in on the major hallucinogens: LSD (aka acid), psilocybin (aka mushrooms), MDMA (aka ecstasy), and mescaline (here, specifically peyote). Instead of the usual nannying "Just say no" mindset, the series actually dives in deep across its hour-long episodes to look at the drugs' histories and benefits. Pollan speaks to scientists and experts and it's all fascinating, and then, like its own little microdose of serotonin, it'll have your eyes rolling back in your head all on its own. — J.A.

How to watch: How to Change Your Mind is now streaming on Netflix.

3. The UnXplained With William Shatner

Anybody who knows anything about anything knows there's nothing better built to fall asleep to than The History Channel. Just ask your grandfather — oh wait, you can't, he's sleeping in front of The History Channel right now. And so this series, which began airing on History in 2019 and has had half of its six seasons ported over to Netflix in the past couple of years, is just some of that slumber magic sprinkled over onto the streamer. 

Hosted by Star Trek legend William Shatner (yes, the very one who gets his name in the title and everything), each episode dives into a few of our greatest mysteries — things like, "Hey, what's the deal with the pyramids?" and "Blood rain? No thank you!" And it does so with all the goofy energy Shatner's been slathering over science-fiction for decades. So move over, Grandpa. You've got company. — J.A.

How to watch: The UnXplained With William Shatner is now streaming on Netflix.

2. The Great British Baking Show Credit: Channel 5 / Mark Bourdillon

I've said it once and I'll say it again: Cooking shows are the best genre of television to fall asleep to, bar none. The mouth-watering visuals, inviting sounds, and typically cheery talent form a cocoon of comforting content, perfect for drifting off to Snoozeville. (Cooking shows are so ideally suited to falling asleep, we have a whole list dedicated to that specific streaming need.) If you're looking for the best of the best, go with none other than The Great British Baking Show. Sweet dreams, bakers. — A.F.

How to watch: The Great British Baking Show is now streaming on Netflix.

1. Headspace: Guide to Sleep

If all else fails, why not go straight to the source? A seven-part series created in 2021 for Netflix by the sleep-aid app Headspace, these animated shorts (each one runs at under 20 minutes) will lull your brain with smoothly delivered facts about dreams or sleeping pills or meditation. And each episode ends with a "guided wind-down" designed to carry you straight into slumber-town. There’s also an interactive version called "Unwind Your Mind" and an eight-episode series called "Guide to Meditation" if you need to call in the big guns. — J.A.

How to watch: Headspace: Guide to Sleep is now streaming on Netflix.

UPDATE: Nov. 15, 2024, 3:18 p.m. EST This article has been updated to reflect the current selection on Netflix.

If you've been scrolling through your Netflix queue in the middle of the night, you're not alone. 

Between the 2024 presidential election and tax season, the overall climate crisis, the war on reproductive rights, and war around the world, society can feel like a waking nightmare. No one would blame you for overlooking your best judgment and finding comfort wherever you can. Yes, falling asleep with the TV on isn't "great" for us. (Blue light, we know.) 

Still, it's been a help during rough times. So, while we're not recommending you pick up this habit, we are happy to help those of you who are already doing it. Better than counting sheep, by a wide margin, here are 30 of the best shows on Netflix to fall asleep to.

30. Cunk on Earth

Philomena Cunk is, I am sad to say, not a real person. Over the five episodes of Cunk on Earth, I truly began to wish that I shared a world with such a profoundly insightful individual. Alas, she's a character created by the actress and comedian Diane Morgan. First appearing on the BBC series Charlie Brooker's Weekly Wipe, she was immediately recognized for her singular genius, and so Cunk spun off into her own series — first there was Cunk on Britain, and then in 2022 came Cunk on Earth. 

The series sees Cunk explaining the history of the world as only she could, from "Beginnings" up through "The Arse End of History," mostly by interviewing unsuspecting scientists and thinkers and asking a series of absolutely deranged questions that stagger the mind. It's probably the funniest show on Netflix right now. So why is it good to fall asleep to? Because she's British, obviously. Everything said in that accent is straight-up sweet-dreams lullaby-land. Even this assortment of uproarious buffoonery. — Jason Adams, Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: Cunk on Earth is now streaming on Netflix.

29. Derry Girls The Derry legends. Credit: Netflix

I cannot be the only person completely enchanted by the voices of the Derry Girls. Set in '90s Northern Ireland, this heartwarming portrayal of teenage friendship is one of the rowdiest selection on this list — so if you really need to sleep, the show shouldn't be your first pick. But if you think you could do with a few laughs before drifting off, look no further than this bunch. They're the best. — Alison Foreman, Entertainment Writer

How to watch: Derry Girls is now streaming on Netflix.

SEE ALSO: 'Derry Girls' is ending, but its legacy will live on 28. Worn Stories

Shirts! Shoes! Jockstraps! Oh my. This eight-episode 2021 docuseries gets a wide collection of people telling the stories of the items of clothing they've loved and lived in, and it's by turns funny and poignant, but most of all, like so many of the clothes it depicts, comforting. We've all got that sweater or that pair of socks there's a funny tale behind and that we could never ever in a million lifetimes get rid of. This series is here to tell us we're not alone. Well, maybe the nude woodworker is alone. Those are a lot of sharp tools and blunt instruments swinging around your genitals, if you ask me. — J.A.

How to watch: Worn Stories is now streaming on Netflix.

27. History 101

I don't know about you, but history class in high school was where I took all my best naps. Methuselah, I hardly knew ya. And the 20-or-so-minute-long nugget-sized episodes of History 101 are perfect when you need a hard wallop of cold facts and figures to knock you into sweet-dream-land. Tackling fascinating subjects like "GPS" and "High Fructose Corn Syrup" (yes, really) using animated charts and graphs… well, I can barely finish that sentence without nodding off. It's melatonin for the eyes! — J.A.

How to watch: History 101 is now streaming on Netflix.

26. Samurai Gourmet Just an absolute delight. Credit: Netflix

Based on Masayuki Kusumi's manga series about a retired man named Takeshi who awakens his inner samurai by finding good local food to eat, this 12-episode series stars longtime character actor Naoto Takenaka, whose immensely genial presence will make you feel warm and welcome right from the start. And that's before you even get lost among his simple adventures, spanning around 20 minutes each, which see him take up walking for a hobby, or wondering how his new sunglasses make him look. It doesn't get more low-key, low-stakes, and highly delightful.  — J.A.

How to watch: Samurai Gourmet is now streaming on Netflix.

SEE ALSO: The 10 best, most mouthwatering cooking shows on Netflix 25. The Hidden Lives of Pets

There is a bunny rabbit that paints! I repeat: a bunny rabbit that paints! If you’re not sold on that alone, I’m not sure we speak the same language. In these four half-hour episodes, all narrated by Downton Abbey star Hugh Bonneville, The Hidden Lives of Pets takes a look at the things our little furry, feathery, or otherwise feeling friends can do besides your typical fetch and squawk. Come for the dancing cockatoo, laugh with the racing tortoises, but live for that painting bunny rabbit. — J.A.

How to watch: The Hidden Lives of Pets is now streaming on Netflix.

24. Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee

I'm halfway to sleep-town by the time I finish reading the entire title Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, never mind the show itself, which is indeed just an excuse for some comedians to get some coffee and ride around in cars.Truth in advertising for once! Specifically it's Jerry Seinfeld of television's Seinfeld who's driving, and then some random funny person joins him for the episode's ride — everybody from Eddie Murphy to Kristen Wiig has hopped into Jerry's passenger seat (it's less dirty than that sounds) and for 15-ish minutes they chat about whatever nonsense strikes their fancy. No high stakes, just cordial chit-chat, a quick in and out like a nighttime talk show without the grinning band-leader blowing his saxophone in your face. — J.A.

How to watch: Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee is now streaming on Netflix.

23. Queer Eye Five cheers for the Fab Five. Credit: Ilana Panich-Linsman / Netflix

If you want to get the most out of Queer Eye, you should definitely pay full attention to each and every minute of this delightful reality series. But if you're rewatching the show like us, feel free to doze off mid-hero narrative. Journey with the Fab 5 to see the series' lucky participants master self-love through grooming, cooking, fashion, interior design, and whatever Karamo Brown has been up to lately. It's just lovely. — A.F.

How to watch: Queer Eye is now streaming on Netflix.

22. Cat People

My boyfriend likes to watch cat videos right before falling asleep, and Cat People is basically that catty concept on steroids. Each half-hour episode focuses on one obsessed cat owner and their corresponding feline, and it's 30 mainlined minutes of soothing purr-fection. There's a cat who surfs! A cat rapper! A woman who crafts 3D-felt portraits of her three favorite furbabies! It's a paw-rade of good feels that'll send you straight off to cat-nap heaven. — J.A.

How to watch: Cat People is now streaming on Netflix.

21. Chimp Empire

So much of what makes a nature show relaxing comes down to its narrator. This is why David Attenborough is a thing. And Chimp Empire struck gold thanks to the smooth, dulcet tones of two-time Oscar-winner Mahershala Ali. Otherwise, it's just a bunch of chimpanzees screeching at each other! But Ali makes it all go down like the smoothest AM radio you've ever heard. Set amid the largest group of chimps on the planet, who live in the Ngogo rainforest of Uganda, the four-episode series deep dives into their day-to-day routines, their rivalries, their loves. These are the days of the chimp's lives, and we're living for it, baby. — J.A. 

How to watch: Chimp Empire is now streaming on Netflix.

20. Seinfeld Remember the puffy shirt? Credit: NBC TV / Kobal / Shutterstock

Perhaps my New Yorker self is showing by putting this one on this list, but the local affiliate station here in New York used to play reruns of this classic '90s sitcom every weeknight from 11 p.m. til midnight, and I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I’ve fallen fast asleep to the soothing sounds of Jerry, George, Elaine, and Kramer asking what’s the deal with those little bags of peanuts they give you on airplanes. And since cutting the cord and relying on streaming only, this is as close as I’ll ever get to that sense of city-boy comfort ever again. 

All nine seasons of our foursome’s legendary antics doing nothing are here for the bingeing; just pick a random episode, curl up on the couch, and before you can say "master of my domain," I’ll be snoring in your ear. And not even Frank Costanza’s most unhinged rant could shake me!  — J.A.

How to watch: Seinfeld is now streaming on Netflix.

19. Heartstopper

We're now three seasons deep into Alice Oseman's sweet queer teen romance, and neither the sweetness nor the romance has soured the slightest. Based on Oseman's own webcomic and transferred to Netflix in 2022, this tale of shy boy Charlie (Joe Locke) falling for the hot and popular rugby hunk Nick (Kit Connor) has captured hearts and imaginations across the spectrum. The series is almost too sweet for its own good, but its corny embrace of its own youthful swoon feels 1) appropriate to what love felt like at that age, and 2) will most certainly send you off smiling into the sweetest dreams imaginable. — J.A. 

How to watch: Heartstopper is now streaming on Netflix.

18. Life in Color with David Attenborough So. Much. Color. Credit: Netflix

There are few voices more soothing than David Attenborough's, and there are few visuals more soothing than the beauty of nature. In Life in Color with David Attenborough, you get both! Attenborough guides us through the different uses the animal kingdom has for color in this three-part docuseries, which features truly glorious footage — and beautiful colors, of course. — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter 

How to watch: Life in Color with David Attenborough is now streaming on Netflix.

17. Alien Worlds

If you want to have some really bonkers dreams, there’s no better way to get that imagination churning than Alien Worlds, a four-part docuseries that uses CG and the ramblings of scientists to imagine what the life-forms of other planets could look like, given other factors in their development. Narrated by Sophie Okonedo, the show depicts the rise and fall of civilizations of strange creatures on four imagined planets, demonstrating how our scientific laws here on Earth would get applied to some very different, theoretical circumstances. Mostly it’s just weirdo creature nirvana, like the bar in Star Wars on steroids. — J.A.

How to watch: Alien Worlds is now streaming on Netflix.

16. Babies Cuteness overload. Credit: Netflix

Few things are as spectacularly infectious as the joy of little kids. In Netflix's Babies, documentarians observe a whole bunch of cuties during their first years of life — examining how these tiny humans learn, grow, and explore our world. If you find babies cute, you'll love this show. But fair warning, you may struggle to sleep through the night if you don't put your TV on a timer. You know, with the crying and all. — A.F.

How to watch: Babies is now streaming on Netflix.

SEE ALSO: 10 best kids' movies on Netflix streaming right now 15. Abstract: The Art of Design

Good filmmakers know that an excellent way to capture a viewer's attention is to show someone fully engaged with a practical activity right in front of them. It's incredibly easy to get hypnotized watching Anthony Perkins clean the bathtub in Psycho, or Delphine Seyrig washing dishes in Jeanne Dielman. That same mindset applies to Abstract: The Art of Design, which will captivate you through its interviews with seriously talented craftspeople just talking about and showcasing their exquisite craft. Whether it's Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth Carter (the Black Panther movies) or the legendary Danish artist Olafur Eliasson, there's such a rich attention to precision and detail on display that your entire day and all of your worries will just melt away. — J.A.

How to watch: Abstract: The Art of Design is now streaming on Netflix.

14. Hilda Oh to live in Hilda's world. Credit: Netflix

You should definitely give Hilda your full attention, but once you've made your way through this charming animated show, it's one you'll want to come back to over and over for warm fuzzy comfort. Hilda (voiced by Bella Ramsey) is a young explorer whose neighbors just happen to be creatures from folklore — elves, trolls, rat kings, and more. From its adorable animation style to its all-around cozy vibe, Hilda is an excellent watch for when you're awake or for when you want to be lulled off to dreams of gentle adventure. — B.E. 

How to watch: Hilda is now streaming on Netflix.

SEE ALSO: Netflix's 'Hilda' is the cozy winter binge you've been looking for 13. Gudetama: An Eggcellent Adventure

When exhausted yourself, who better to vibe on than the world’s most exhausted sentient egg? Created in Japan in 2013 for an animated series, Gudetama (aka the little egg yolk who couldn’t be bothered) finally made the defeated, depressed leap to the U.S. with the 10-episode series An Eggcellent Adventure in 2022. Most episodes, which plop the beautifully animated little fella into the real world alongside a baby chick who befriends them, are no longer than 10 minutes — just enough time to shrug your worries off into the frying pan of sleepy oblivion. — J.A.

How to watch: Gudetama: An Eggcellent Adventure is now streaming on Netflix.

12. The World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals

If tourism slash real estate porn is your drug of choice, you won’t find more dopamine than you do out of The World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals. Each 30-minute-ish episode is usually based around a theme — modern homes, eco-friendly homes, homes built into trees. It then sends its three hosts (Luis D. Ortiz, Jo Franco and Megan Batoon) to a variation on each theme, kind of like the three bears in Goldilocks. Luis finds the luxury version, Jo finds the best budget, while Megan susses out the weirdest, most singular examples. But mostly you’re just oohing and ahhing at the truly gorgeous locations. — J.A.

How to watch: The World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals is now streaming on Netflix.

11. Gilmore Girls Everybody sleeps better in Stars Hollow. Credit: Frank Ockenfels / Warner Bros TV / Kobal / Shutterstock

The "comfort" in "comfort TV" doesn’t get much more comfortable than it does in the land of Stars Hollow, the setting of Amy Sherman-Palladino’s series Gilmore Girls. Following the trials and tribulations of Lorelei (Lauren Graham) and her teen daughter Rory (Alexis Bledel) as they try to find self-realization and romance across its seven seasons, the show (and Stars Hollow) feels like home to a lot of people who watched the characters grow and change and talk real fast at one another for those seven years. There is even something comforting about that quick patter, the rhythm of which eventually blurs everything into a soft white noise. It’s the box fan of serial aughts storytelling, basically. — J.A.

How to watch: Gilmore Girls is now streaming on Netflix.

10. Night on Earth 

The majestic scenery of a good nature documentary always pairs well with a nap. Night on Earth, narrated by Orange Is the New Black's Samira Wiley, is an especially good TV choice as it documents what many other species are up to while we're all in bed. It's beautiful but a little touchy with volume, so keep this one on low lest you be surprised by a roar or growl. — A.F.

How to watch: Night on Earth is now streaming on Netflix.

9. The Mind, Explained 

Generally speaking, all of the Explained docuseries are good picks for falling asleep. The episodes are evenly paced, engaging but not overly so, and easy to start over should you nod off and decide you want to catch it at a later time. In the order of this reporter's personal experience, the Explained series from most to least easy to fall asleep to are: The Mind, Sex, the main Explained series, and then ... Coronavirus. (Yeah, I don't recommend that one. Not for sleeping, anyway.) — A.F.

How to watch: The Mind, Explained is now streaming on Netflix.

8. Grace and Frankie Lily Tomlin + Jane Fonda = perfection. Credit: Saeed Adyani / Netflix

Let these two fierce, fearless, fabulous females guide you into a relaxing slumber. Join Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin as the titular Grace and Frankie, plus Martin Sheen, Sam Waterston, June Diane Raphael, Ethan Embry, Baron Vaughn, and Brooklyn Decker in the warmest, most loving sitcom available on Netflix. Nothing says comfort TV like a half hour with the Hanson-Bergsteins. — A.F.

How to watch: Grace and Frankie is now streaming on Netflix.

SEE ALSO: Jacob deserved a happier ending in 'Grace and Frankie' 7. Our Universe

I’ll see your David Attenborough and raise him one Mr. Morgan Freeman! The voice of God himself narrates this six-part docuseries that attempts to tell the story of everything, from the Big Bang all the way down to Everything Everywhere All at Once or thereabouts. (And it does so without a single bagel in sight! Top that, Michelle Yeoh.) Themed around itty-bitty little subjects like gravity or the elements, each episode tries to capture the magnificence of creation, from star to shining star. But under Freeman’s dulcet tones unfathomable enormity somehow becomes absolute solace. — J.A.

 How to watch: Our Universe is now streaming on Netflix.

6. Down to Earth with Zac Efron

As our critic Alison Foreman wrote in her review of the series, it's a "trip worth taking if you love Zac or believe you have the capacity to love Zac, but you must love Zac to love Down to Earth." Thankfully for Down to Earth, a lot of people have remembered that they do indeed love Zac Efron after his critically acclaimed turn in the wrestling drama The Iron Claw hit last year, so now's the perfect time to go back and watch this climate-science-concerned travelogue series.

Each episode sees Efron tackling a new place, from spas in Iceland to beehives on NYC rooftops. The Hairspray star makes the rounds, doling out healthy living advice in between all the "dude"s and "woah"s and flashes of abs. Point being, just when you think Zac might ask too much of us, he brings it back down to Earth, and it's all smooth as can be. — J.A. 

How to watch: Down to Earth with Zac Efron is now streaming on Netflix.

5. Get Organized with The Home Edit Consider this closet organized. Credit: Rob Liggins / Netflix

Bask in the satisfaction of symmetry, order, and all things categorization with this home-makeover show led by the ladies of The Home Edit. A cheery, less philosophical Tidying Up with Marie Kondo, Get Organized follows professional organizers Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin as they change lives (typically with stuff from The Container Store). — A.F.

How to watch: Get Organized with The Home Edit  is now streaming on Netflix.

4. How to Change Your Mind

Drugs! We all love 'em! And now we can find out everything there is to know about them thanks to this 2022 four-episode docuseries based on Michael Pollan's 2018 book of the same title. The four episodes focus in on the major hallucinogens: LSD (aka acid), psilocybin (aka mushrooms), MDMA (aka ecstasy), and mescaline (here, specifically peyote). Instead of the usual nannying "Just say no" mindset, the series actually dives in deep across its hour-long episodes to look at the drugs' histories and benefits. Pollan speaks to scientists and experts and it's all fascinating, and then, like its own little microdose of serotonin, it'll have your eyes rolling back in your head all on its own. — J.A.

How to watch: How to Change Your Mind is now streaming on Netflix.

3. The UnXplained With William Shatner

Anybody who knows anything about anything knows there's nothing better built to fall asleep to than The History Channel. Just ask your grandfather — oh wait, you can't, he's sleeping in front of The History Channel right now. And so this series, which began airing on History in 2019 and has had half of its six seasons ported over to Netflix in the past couple of years, is just some of that slumber magic sprinkled over onto the streamer. 

Hosted by Star Trek legend William Shatner (yes, the very one who gets his name in the title and everything), each episode dives into a few of our greatest mysteries — things like, "Hey, what's the deal with the pyramids?" and "Blood rain? No thank you!" And it does so with all the goofy energy Shatner's been slathering over science-fiction for decades. So move over, Grandpa. You've got company. — J.A.

How to watch: The UnXplained With William Shatner is now streaming on Netflix.

2. The Great British Baking Show Credit: Channel 5 / Mark Bourdillon

I've said it once and I'll say it again: Cooking shows are the best genre of television to fall asleep to, bar none. The mouth-watering visuals, inviting sounds, and typically cheery talent form a cocoon of comforting content, perfect for drifting off to Snoozeville. (Cooking shows are so ideally suited to falling asleep, we have a whole list dedicated to that specific streaming need.) If you're looking for the best of the best, go with none other than The Great British Baking Show. Sweet dreams, bakers. — A.F.

How to watch: The Great British Baking Show is now streaming on Netflix.

1. Headspace: Guide to Sleep

If all else fails, why not go straight to the source? A seven-part series created in 2021 for Netflix by the sleep-aid app Headspace, these animated shorts (each one runs at under 20 minutes) will lull your brain with smoothly delivered facts about dreams or sleeping pills or meditation. And each episode ends with a "guided wind-down" designed to carry you straight into slumber-town. There’s also an interactive version called "Unwind Your Mind" and an eight-episode series called "Guide to Meditation" if you need to call in the big guns. — J.A.

How to watch: Headspace: Guide to Sleep is now streaming on Netflix.

UPDATE: Nov. 15, 2024, 3:18 p.m. EST This article has been updated to reflect the current selection on Netflix.

Wondering how to watch college football this season? Here are your best options: Best for affordability Sling TV Blue Plan $20 for the first month, then $40/month (save $20 ) Get Deal BEST FOR SINGLE GAME FuboTV Pro plan 7-day free trial, then $59.99/month for 1 month (Save $20) Get Deal

The No. 25 Tulane Green Wave and Navy Midshipmen teams go head-to-head this weekend at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Maryland. The match will take place on Saturday, Nov. 16, and is scheduled to start at 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT. 

Tulane is squeaking into the AP Top 25, despite being 8-2 overall and 6-0 in conference. Navy remains unranked (unlike their Army counterparts) at 7-2 overall and 5-1 in conference. The Green Wave is heavily favored over the Midshipmen.

SEE ALSO: How to watch college football without cable Tulane vs. Navy football kickoff time and network

The Tulane vs. Navy football game is scheduled for a 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT start on ESPN2 on Saturday, Nov. 16.

Best streaming services for Tulane vs. Navy football game

You need to choose a streaming service to watch college football without cable or satellite TV. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Tulane vs. Navy football game on ESPN2. 

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

Sling TV suggests the streamer's Orange Plan for the game, which costs $20 for the first month and $40 monthly after that.

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.

Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV Pro plan Get Deal

FuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period. 

FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network. 

Wondering how to watch college football this season? Here are your best options: Best for affordability Sling TV Blue Plan $20 for the first month, then $40/month (save $20 ) Get Deal BEST FOR SINGLE GAME FuboTV Pro plan 7-day free trial, then $59.99/month for 1 month (Save $20) Get Deal

The No. 25 Tulane Green Wave and Navy Midshipmen teams go head-to-head this weekend at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Maryland. The match will take place on Saturday, Nov. 16, and is scheduled to start at 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT. 

Tulane is squeaking into the AP Top 25, despite being 8-2 overall and 6-0 in conference. Navy remains unranked (unlike their Army counterparts) at 7-2 overall and 5-1 in conference. The Green Wave is heavily favored over the Midshipmen.

SEE ALSO: How to watch college football without cable Tulane vs. Navy football kickoff time and network

The Tulane vs. Navy football game is scheduled for a 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT start on ESPN2 on Saturday, Nov. 16.

Best streaming services for Tulane vs. Navy football game

You need to choose a streaming service to watch college football without cable or satellite TV. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Tulane vs. Navy football game on ESPN2. 

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

Sling TV suggests the streamer's Orange Plan for the game, which costs $20 for the first month and $40 monthly after that.

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.

Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV Pro plan Get Deal

FuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period. 

FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.