Mashable

TVs being on sale for Black Friday isn't unique to any one retailer. Sure, that's news to no one. The less-known intel is that, while there will be a handful of price-matched deals on identical models at all of the big competing stores, each store also has a certain type of TV that they seem to really hone in on when it comes to Black Friday discounts.

Walmart's wheelhouse is simply the cheapest 4K TV possible at any given size between 50 inches and 75 inches. If you see Amazon and Best Buy plateauing at a certain sale price for a certain size (for instance, maybe the cheapest they're seemingly able to go for a 50-incher is $199.99), it's pretty safe to assume that Walmart will have an option that slightly beats both of those sale prices. This highly competitive vibe is the main reason why TV deals are typically better on Black Friday than on Amazon Prime Day.

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

Because Walmart likes to release its most jaw-dropping TV deals as a handful of pre-meditated doorbusters, more shoppers will be waiting in the wings for the clock to strike a certain time (rather than calmly perusing several pages of TV deals) — which means TVs selling out is more likely and time is of the essence.

One way to make sure you get first dibs on any of Walmart's big Black Friday drops is by becoming a Walmart+ member. Paid Walmart+ members get early access to Walmart deals, often for several hours before the sale officially goes live to the public. Through Dec. 2, new, expired, monthly, and current Walmart+ trial members can sign up for an annual Walmart+ membership for $49 — 50% off the regular $98 a year that Walmart+ typically costs.

Along with this early access, Walmart+ members also get perks like a free Paramount+ subscription; 10 cents per gallon fuel savings at Exxon, Mobil, Walmart, and Murphy; Walmart Cash through Expedia; free shipping from your store; free online shipping with no order minimum; and more.

We're tracking all of Walmart's best TV deals throughout the Black Friday season below and will update the list as new ones drop — or as models sell out. On top of the ultra budget-friendly options we gushed about earlier, Walmart also has some good deals on premium models from Samsung and LG.

Note: Occasionally, a Walmart TV doorbuster will come in the form of a TV that's making its debut at a sale price rather than appearing as a clear-cut dollar discount off of an MSRP. Walmart will tag these drops as a "Special Buy" so shoppers know this is still a great price even if there's no previous list price crossed out to indicate a sale. To get an idea of what that size of TV is going for at other retailers, check out our general coverage of Black Friday TV deals which includes Amazon and Best Buy.

Best early Black Friday TV deal at Walmart Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Our pick: Hisense 50-inch R6 4K TV $138.00 at Walmart
$238.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Exhibit A showcasing Walmart's ability to offer the cheapest version of pretty much any size TV. A $138 50-inch 4K TV may or may not sound like a good deal to the average person who doesn't memorize TV prices for a living, but the only context you need is, well, the TV deals at other retailers. The cheapest 50-inch TVs at Amazon and Best Buy as of mid-November are $199.99 (a Roku model and a Pioneer model), so Walmart having this 50-inch Hisense model for an extra $60 less than those speaks for itself.

More early Black Friday TV deals at Walmart

• LG 50-inch 75 Series QNED 4K TV — $398 $596.99 (save $198.99)

• Samsung 55-inch Q60DB QLED 4K TV — $498 $698 (save $200)

• LG 55-inch B3 Series OLED 4K TV — $798 $1,699.99 (save $901.99)

• LG 65-inch UQ7070 4K TV — $398 $476 (save $78)

• Samsung 65-inch Q60DB QLED 4K TV — $698 $898 (save $200)

• LG 65-inch B3 Series OLED 4K TV — $998 $2,399.99 (save $1,401.99)

• LG 70-inch UQ7070 4K TV — $498 $648 (save $150)

• TCL 75-inch S4 4K Roku TV — $378 $498 (save $120)

• Samsung 75-inch Q60DB QLED 4K TV — $898 $1,198 (save $300)

• Samsung 85-inch DU7200B 4K TV — $898 $998 (save $100)

TL;DR: Sobero connects you with community support and tools to reduce or eliminate drinking. Get lifetime access on sale for $59.99 (reg. $149).

Opens in a new window Credit: KWIT Sobero Drinking Control App: Premium Lifetime Subscription $59.99
$149.99 Save $90.00 Get Deal

So, you’re thinking about cutting back on alcohol in the new year, or maybe even making it a permanent lifestyle shift. But going it alone can be a real challenge.

That’s where Sobero’s Premium Plan steps in. For a one-time payment of $59.99, this app to help you work on your relationship with alcohol gives you not just tracking tools but a whole community of people on the same path.

Whether you’re aiming to reduce your intake or ditch drinking altogether, Sobero’s got your back with support, real insights, and practical help.

The Sobero Drinking Control App isn’t just another drinking tracker. Sure, it lets you monitor your intake and moods, but it’s really about building self-awareness and understanding your habits. Track how you feel with or without a drink, uncover patterns, and start making choices that align with your goals. It’s like a roadmap for your drinking habits, helping you see what’s working — and what might need a shift.

And let’s talk community, because that’s where Sobero really shines. You’re joining a support group of people who are also navigating this journey, sharing tips, struggles, and little victories. Think of it as a judgment-free zone where you can get and give encouragement, making the whole process feel a lot less isolating. Plus, Sobero’s experts are always around to answer questions and offer insights, so you’re never left guessing.

Regularly $149, pay just $59.99 for a lifetime subscription to Sobero Drinking Control App Premium — a great way to stay connected, find accountability, and finally feel like you’re not doing this alone.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Give the gift an extra layer of privacy with a lifetime virtual phone number with Hushed for $24.99 (reg. $150).

Just because we want to find that perfect gift doesn't mean we have to spend a ton of time searching or emptying our bank accounts to do so. Since the holidays are a time to give meaningful gifts, what could be more thoughtful than the gift of personal privacy?

A second phone line with the Hushed Private Phone Line Lifetime Virtual Number Subscription lets anyone keep their real number secure while enjoying the freedom to make calls and send texts. Ideal for those with busy lives, side hustles, clients, or online dating profiles, this $24.99 gift (reg. $150) offers a lifetime of safe, separate communication without a monthly bill.

You'll be able to hand out a phone number for work without worrying about receiving late-night calls on your personal line. Or perhaps you know someone navigating the world of online dating who’d love the extra security a second number brings. With Hushed, they can create boundaries and connect safely, all through a simple, easy-to-use app.

This holiday season, give them control over how and when they communicate. With Hushed, users choose from hundreds of area codes, customize voicemail, and access up to 6,000 texts or 1,000 minutes each year. Plus, it uses Wi-Fi or data for calls and texts, meaning no additional charges. It’s a thoughtful, practical gift for professionals, friends, and anyone who’d love an extra layer of privacy.

Let them ring in the new year with the confidence that their private life stays private, all with the simplicity of an app.

At $24.99 (reg. $150) through November 21, lifetime access to a Hushed virtual private phone number is a gift that’s unique, useful, and undeniably thoughtful.

Hushed Private Phone Line: Lifetime Virtual Number Subscription - $24.99

Get It Here

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Affinity Click Hushed Private Phone Line: Lifetime Virtual Number Subscription $24.99
$150.00 Save $125.01 Get Deal

TL;DR: Bundle a refurbished Apple MacBook Air (Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD) and a lifetime license for Microsoft Office Home & Business 2019 for Mac for just $289.97 (reg. $1,228) while supplies last.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Refurbished Apple MacBook Air (Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD) + Microsoft Office Home & Business 2019 for Mac Bundle $289.97
$1,228.00 Save $938.03 13.3-inch, silver Get Deal

If you're searching for a new laptop, you don't necessarily need to pay the new-product price.

Check out this deal for a MacBook Air bundled with a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Home and Business 2019 for Mac instead. Work, edit, and stream on this MacBook's 13.3-inch display, and enjoy lifelong access to Microsoft Apps like Word and Teams for only $289.97 through Nov. 17.

The standout of the deal is the refurbished MacBook Air. But don't fear: this laptop arrives at your doorstep in near-mint condition, thanks to its Grade "A" rating. Here are a few of the specs you can expect with this device:

• Intel Core i5 and 8GB of RAM: for light multitasking, browsing, and streaming.

• 13.3-inch display with Intel HD Graphics 6000: for crisp photos, videos, and visuals.

• 128GB of storage: to make your files and photos highly accessible.

• 12-hour battery life: to power through an entire day of work without needing to be tethered to an outlet.

• A 90-day parts and labor warranty: in case you run into issues with your MacBook Air.

Once you've set up your MacBook, you can install your Microsoft Home and Business 2019 license on it. You'll get a lifetime of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, and Teams Classic on your device, minus the pesky recurring fees or subscription costs.

While this is the 2019 version of these apps (not the 2024 edition or the version in Microsoft 365), they'll help you accomplish your daily goals. You may find this download pairs better with your refurbished MacBook Air as well.

There are less than 80 units left, so get this near-mint MacBook Air and a Microsoft Office 2019 lifetime license for $289.97 (reg. $1,228) while you can. This offer ends in two days on November 17 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Upgrade your ride with this Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wireless adapter, now on sale for $89.97 (reg. $149) for two more days. 

You can add some of the latest bells and whistles to your car without breaking the bank. The 2024 Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wireless adapter can enhance your driving experience without having to trade in your vehicle. It supports some of the hottest streaming services, including Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Spotify, and more. It’s like a Roku for your car! 

Compatible with both iOS and Android devices, and 800+ car models from 2016 to the present, this wireless adapter can help keep you (safely) connected to your favorite media while you're on the road.

Equipped with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology, it's designed to give you access to messaging, social media, maps, streaming content, etc. Boasting 16GB of storage, there should be plenty of space to ensure smooth operation of apps and downloads. 

The touchscreen interface is built for user-friendly navigation and to allow you to jump back and forth between applications. This wireless adapter can come in handy during a daily commute or for entertaining kids on those extra-long road trips.

The Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wireless adapter comes with a USB-A to USB-C cable, USB-C to USB-C cable, and USB-A to USB-A tee cable. Simply plug it in to your device, push play, and be on your way.

Get the 2024 edition Apple CarPlay and Android Auto-compatible wireless adapter with streaming service support for $89.97 (reg. $149) while supplies are still available. This offer ends in two days—November 17 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Wireless Adapter with Streaming Service Support (2024 Edition)

Only $89.97 at Mashable

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: RochasDivineMart Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Wireless Adapter with Streaming Service Support (2024 Edition) $89.97
$149.99 Save $60.02 Get Deal

Our culture loves to celebrate marriage and what it represents: love, happiness, unity, and continuity until death do you part. But for some, marriage has been more for convenience than anything else.

This isn't really surprising, considering current political turmoil (some people are getting divorced due to their partners' differing political views), the absolute mess that dating apps have become, and the increasing difficulty of sustaining enough cash to pay for a life worth living. (And let's not forget about the aftermath of the COVID lockdown.)

SEE ALSO: Forget the slow burn, Gen Z loves a failmarriage

These challenges, among others, have led handfuls of Gen Zers (aka younger people born between the late 1990s and early 2010s) to opt for alternative arrangements, including "lavender marriages" — unions initially reserved for the LGBTQ community.

What is a lavender marriage?

The term "lavender marriage" dates back to the early 20th century. It originally referred to a heterosexual marriage between one or two LGBTQ people.

"Lavender marriages have been around for decades, originally as a way to keep a low profile — especially for people hiding their sexual orientation in eras and industries where being 'out' wasn't an option," Channa Bromley, PhD, and founder of the Metamorphosis Relationship Coaching Institute (MRCI) tells Mashable.

These marriages were prevalent in Hollywood during the 1920s, when actors and actresses were pressured via "morality clauses" (introduced by the Universal Film Company, per History) to maintain appearances. Some famous examples include Rock Hudson's marriage to Phyllis Gates and Barbara Stanwyck's marriage to Robert Taylor.

In the 1930s, William Haines, one of the most popular silent film stars at the time, pushed back against Hollywood's demands (specifically Louis B. Mayer, studio chief of MGM) and left his career to live with his boyfriend, Jimmie Shields. Haines is said to be one of the first openly gay actors in Hollywood.

It wasn't until the late '60s and '70s, with the rise of the gay rights movement following the Stonewall riots, that the LGBTQ community could start being more open about their identity. Former President Bill Clinton signed an executive order in 1998 to prohibit employment discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Redefining "I do" — lavender marriages in the 21st century

Lavender marriages may have roots in the LGBTQ community, but Gen Z has decided to adopt the term in a new context.

"Flash forward, and we've got Gen Z reimagining this concept, but with their own spin," says Bromley. "For a generation that's dealing with sky-high living costs and social isolation, lavender marriages have evolved into something that's not just about hiding but about creating stability, connection, and shared support."

In an October Business Insider article, writer Lindsay Dodgson says Gen Zers are "redefining" lavender marriages because they're "tired of being broke, single, and lonely." The hashtag #lavendermarriage has garnered millions of views on TikTok, with Gen Z users putting out video ads for potential lavender marriage partners.

"Gen Z is rejecting the standard marriage blueprint, focusing instead on shared goals: financial security, reliable companionship, and a partner who's down to weather life's ups and downs without necessarily being 'the one,'" Bromley adds. "In a world where the romance script doesn't fit everyone's story, these modern lavender marriages are a radical way of rethinking relationships — less about the fairytale, more about building a stable, sustainable life with someone who gets it."

This evolved interpretation of lavender marriages shares similarities with queer platonic partnerships (QPPs). Like lavender marriages, QPPs focus on deep emotional connection and commitment but without the romantic or sexual expectations of traditional relationships. Both arrangements offer a way to build intimate, supportive bonds that defy conventional labels and expectations.

The potential benefits

Moving in with your BFF and splitting the bills doesn't sound too shabby, and several people on Reddit have spoken up about the advantages of a lavender marriage, like:

• Sharing the cost of health insurance and other living expenses

• Having a built-in support system, babysitter (if you're a parent), and wing-person

• Tax benefits

• Someone to help around the house (that they can now afford) 

• Being able to sleep in your own bed and have your own space while still getting the perks of coupledom

• Feeling safe and protected from abusive or controlling partners

This type of arrangement might also benefit people on the asexual spectrum, Suzannah Weiss, relationship coach and resident sexologist for sex shop Biird, tells Mashable. 

"They may experience some level of attraction or desire, but it may not be a top priority for them when they're choosing their relationships or living situation," she says. "A lavender marriage can provide this kind of person with the companionship that they're seeking, free from the pressure to be romantic or sexual with someone."

Some lavender couples might choose a monogamous setup, while others might opt for an open relationship.

"Love can take many forms and should be enjoyed in whatever form you can find it in," says Weiss. "People value different things in their relationships, and if they value emotional intimacy over physical or romantic intimacy, this might be a good arrangement for them," she continues. "Someone who is non-monogamous could also enter into a lavender marriage for financial, citizenship, or compatibility reasons and continue to date and seek different types of connections in addition."

The potential drawbacks

Even though the unofficial slogan "marry your best friend" sounds nice, lavender marriages aren't always as straightforward as the social media hype might have you believe.

Lavender marriages can be emotionally risky, especially if you're not upfront about your expectations and boundaries from the start.

Even if you enter into a purely platonic and/or non-monogamous agreement, there's a chance that one or both partners might develop romantic feelings, complicating the arrangement and potentially leading to heartbreak. While heartbreak can certainly happen in a "traditional marriage," too, the stakes are arguably higher if the whole point is to marry for practical reasons. Not to mention the jealousy that could come if one partner starts dating someone else even if it's "technically" allowed, and you're concealing your real feelings.

SEE ALSO: As Grindr complaints rise, other gay dating apps try to swoop in

If things don't work out, you'll have to get a real divorce and may lose the friendship. And, depending on how badly the "breakup" goes, there's the risk of being outed — especially if the lavender marriage was intended for its original purpose to conceal one or both partners' sexual orientation, and they weren't close friends beforehand (like those TikTokkers looking for partners).

"The two most important aspects of the relationship, should it be terminated at some point in time, are the division of assets and confidentiality," family law and divorce attorney Yonatan Levoritz tells Mashable. "No one wants to be outed by their spouse or best friend who at one time was the protector of their most precious secret — their sexuality," he says.

Levoritz recommends setting clear legal agreements with strong confidentiality clauses to avoid this trainwreck of a situation.

Why lavender marriages are less wholesome and more worrisome than anything else

Lavender marriages are, in many ways, a symptom of a deeply flawed system, fueled by an unstable economy and a lack of social support. Housing costs, stagnant — or falling — wages, and unattainable healthcare are pushing people to bend over backward and forgo true intimacy with someone (who should be your best friend in the first place, IMO) to survive.

And it's not just about the financial struggles; it's about safety, too. Women often can't even walk down the street without fear of harassment or assault, and the sad reality is that intimate partner violence is common: One in three women and one in four men are victims of some physical violence at the hands of an intimate partner in their lifetime, according to the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Nearly all (99 percent) of domestic violence cases include financial abuse, like forbidding the victim to work or hiding money, according to the National Network to End Domestic Violence. In a world where just existing can feel dangerous, a lavender marriage, even without romance, might seem like a way to find some security and avoid those risks.

If basic needs like housing, food, and healthcare were more accessible — and we lived in a society that valued community, connection, and healthy relationships instead of ghosting, breadcrumbing, and catfishing — maybe the younger generation wouldn't be so eager to settle for a workaround.

The bottom line

Lavender marriages might seem convenient, but that doesn't mean they're without risk. If you're thinking about getting into a lavender marriage, make sure you're on the same page as your partner about expectations, boundaries, and exit plans.

If you have experienced sexual abuse, call the free, confidential National Sexual Assault hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673), or access the 24-7 help online by visiting online.rainn.org.

Before I saw Twisters, I wondered what merited a sequel to the 1996 smash hit Twister. Surely there's got to be more to it than the box office records smashed by that Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton vehicle, which awed audiences with a compelling ensemble and groundbreaking visual effects — including an iconic flying cow. Perhaps a new angle on the story? A fresh embrace on what natural disasters mean in our current climate crisis? Or a worthwhile spin around the tornadoes with mind-snapping visuals? 

Nope. 

Though Twisters boasts heralded Minari director Lee Isaac Chung, rising stars Glen Powell, Daisy Edgar-Jones, and Anthony Ramos, and a big budget that dwarfs that of its predecessor, this disaster film is a wobbly ride that leaves disappointment in its wake. 

Is Twisters a Twister sequel?  Credit: Universal Pictures, Warner Bros. Pictures, and Amblin Entertainment

Sure, technically. Do these two movies have any characters in common? No. Does this new one acknowledge the plotline of the 1996 hit? Only in the most cursory of ways. 

Remember the research gadget that Dr. Jo Harding (Hunt) and Bill Harding (Paxton) were trying to send up into a tornado so they could improve weather warning systems? It was named Dorothy, and that device — inspired by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's TOTO (TOtable Tornado Observatory) — pops up here, accompanied by some newfangled tech similarly named after The Wizard of Oz. Otherwise, the script by Mark L. Smith (The Boys in the Boat) steals so heavily from the plot of the previous movie that he owes its screenwriters, Anne-Marie Martin and Michael Crichton, a thank-you card, if not royalties. 

Remember how Twister began with its female storm-chaser's tragic origin story, in which an F5 tornado ripped her farmer father right out of their storm shelter? Well, Twisters takes that plot and applies Scream's slasher rules to it: bigger, deadlier, higher body count.

Weather scientist Kate Cooper (British actress Daisy Edgar-Jones with a very dodgy Southern-ish American accent) is testing her own experimental tech with a batch of colorful friends, all with the hope to "tame the twister!" But just as we get into the groove of this rowdy crew's journey, they all get sucked away from the story, leaving behind a blandly traumatized heroine and her furrow-browed pal Javi (Hamilton's Anthony Ramos in a thankless role). 

Cut to five years later: Kate has given up twister-chasing for a tame life in meteorology. But like Paxton's character in the original, Kate is drawn back for one last job. Just as in Twister, sneering but well-funded scientists are regarded with open hostility, while the scrappy crew using homespun gadgets and instinct are upheld as heroes. Chief among the latter is Hit Man's Glen Powell as Tyler Owens, a YouTube star famous for his cowboy persona and twister-chasing bravado. A romance will inevitably spark between Kate and Tyler, because that's what Hollywood demands.

Daisy Edgar-Jones and Glen Powell don't click.  Credit: Melinda Sue Gordon / Universal Pictures, Warner Bros. Pictures, and Amblin Entertainment

Edgar-Jones won praise for her performance on the BBC drama series Normal People and previously headlined the American mystery movie Where the Crawdads Sing. But here, she's out of her depth. Part of the problem is the script's spin on her backstory makes her tragic tornado more recent, so our heroine is still fairly deep in the throes of grief and survivor's guilt. Kate's nowhere near as plucky or as engaging as Hunt's storm-chaser was in Twister. But even when Kate eventually lightens up — her flirtation with Tyler has her trade her white mock turtlenecks and scowl in for a red T-shirt and clumsy smile —  she still feels like a bore next to the other quirkier chasers. 

Swaggering in a ten-gallon hat and a Tom Cruise grin, Powell better shoulders his heroic duty. As Tyler, he relishes the intensity of the chase and the risks of their DIY doodads, and that joy is contagious. Unfortunately, these thrills are short-lived, for a number of reasons. First, Twisters is burdened with a subplot about survivors left hurt and homeless by the storms, making for a series of scenes that are egregiously maudlin for a summer popcorn movie. Plus, the romantic subplot feels forced, highlighting Tyler's good-guy gestures until it seems like he just wears her down. They're a hard couple to root for. She's dull, and he's aggressively one-note; together, they're a cardboard cutout of a cowboy and the wet blanket who loves him. 

Twisters wastes its best assets.  Credit: Universal Pictures, Warner Bros. Pictures, and Amblin Entertainment

Between the sweeping scenes of tornado-related action and the hackneyed romance plotline, there's little sense of Chung's vision as a director. The connections to Minari become clearer in the moments of community, like when Tyler takes Kate to a local rodeo. Footage of strangers crowding into the stands and riders getting ready to take to the arena exude Chung's love for the American South and its people. Likewise, Tyler's rowdy crew of misfits shines with the chaotic but passionate bond seen in Chung's rightfully heralded family drama. 

The character actor lineup in Twister was (and is still) absolutely astonishing. While there were plenty of "That Guy!" faces like Alan Ruck, Joey Slotnick, and Jeremy Davies, the group also included future Academy Award–winner Philip Seymour Hoffman and Todd Field, who would go on to write and direct critically adored dramas like In the Bedroom, Little Children, and Tár. 

To Chung's credit, Twisters is suitably stacked in its own right. Brandon Perea, who played the camera-savvy Angel in Jordan Peele's Nope, plays Tyler's right-hand cameraman, Boone. Sasha Lane, who broke through as the captivating unknown in Andrea Arnold's road trip drama American Honey, brings her exuberance to fearless drone operator Lilly. Tunde Adebimpe (Rachel's Getting Married, She Dies Tomorrow, Spider-Man: Homecoming) manages to deliver the inevitable movie-science exposition with an earnest enthusiasm that is undeniably charming. Katy O'Brian, who elated critics earlier this year as Kristen Stewart's brawny co-lead in the gnarly thriller Love Lies Bleeding, brings her kinetic charisma as mechanic Dani. 

Credit: Melinda Sue Gordon / Universal Pictures, Warner Bros. Pictures, and Amblin Entertainment

Elsewhere, Kiernan Shipka and Daryl McCormack (Good Luck to You, Leo Grande) entice with their very presence. Unfortunately, they're all given too little screen time. As in the original movie, this ensemble is far from the focus of the film. But unlike Twister, its sequel clearly forgets just how fun it is to watch a band of thrill-seekers do their thing! The hangout vibe of these eccentric storm-chasers has always been a major part of Twister's appeal, whereas Twisters is too eager to flee the party. 

Sure, Twisters throws plenty of storm action at audiences, pitching in fireworks, flames, and even ripping a movie theater to shreds for good measure. But none of this touches down if you don't feel invested in the characters. Edgar-Jones' and Powell's characters are too two-dimensional to hook us. Ramos is kicked to the sidelines with a haphazard sinister business subplot. And the most dynamic characters are treated as little more than window dressing for a plot that's so close to the original Twister I marvel it was (re)made at all. 

In the end, Twisters is big and flashy, but not fun or frightening. There are better movies — even better popcorn movies — out there. So, don't waste your time with this tiresome retread masquerading as a stale sequel. 

Twisters is now streaming on Peacock.

UPDATE: Nov. 14, 2024, 2:59 p.m. EST This article was originally published on July 19, 2024, in conjunction with the film's theatrical release. It has been updated to include the latest viewing options.

Ever wonder what a Mission: Impossible movie would look like if it centered on a 93-year-old grandmother? If so, you're in luck! Thelma is here to answer that curious query for you. And the answer is: downright delightful. 

Following in the footsteps of action-comedies like the sports spoof Shaolin Soccer and the student heist flick Bad Genius, Thelma treats its low stakes with a tongue-in-cheek intensity. Action sequences — like a mobility scooter chase around a retirement home — are less nerve-rattling and more rib-tickling. Remarkably, the joke is never on the old folks at the movie's heart. 

Thelma is inspired by a true story — sort of.  June Squibb and Fred Hechinger play grandma and grandson in "Thelma." Credit: David Bolen

Written and directed by Josh Margolin, Thelma stars Academy Award nominee June Squibb (Nebraska) as a widowed nonagenarian who is a "little wobbly" but a "very determined…tough cookie." So, when some scammers trick her out of thousands by pretending to be her beloved grandson Daniel (Fear Street's Fred Hechinger) in desperate need of bail money, Thelma isn't going to just sit back and take it. 

Thelma's daughter Gail (Parker Posey) and son-in-law Alan (Clark Gregg) are just relieved no one got hurt, and the police simply shrug when Thelma reports the swindle. Daniel is dealing with troubles of his own, like a break-up and his parents' suffocating attention. So, Thelma recruits her reluctant pal Ben (Shaft's Richard Roundtree in his final film performance) to help her track down the crooks and get her money back! 

Incredibly, Margolin drew from personal inspiration to craft this tale. In real life, his own adored grandmother is a sharp lady who'd been conned over the phone by scammers exploiting her love of her family. Rattled that some creep could take advantage of his Thelma, Margolin imagined a Hollywood scenario where she could get her happy ending — and the crook his just desserts. While the resulting film takes a lot of liberties with the truth, Margolin's love for his grandmother shines through in how his senior heroine is depicted.

SEE ALSO: Scammers weaponize iPhone 15 overheating issue to steal users' phones June Squibb and Richard Roundtree are a dynamic duo. 

Too often in films, the elderly are painted as tragic, dotty, or definitely past their prime. Thelma rejects this ageist trope (see also: Swan Song and Grumpy Old Men), painting its eponymous protagonist as a vibrant woman who values her independence, hates the discomfort of her MedicAlert bracelet, and appreciates a good Tom Cruise action movie. All her "friends are dead," but she advises doting grandson Daniel that they've got to be like Tom Cruise and "always land on your feet." 

SEE ALSO: 'Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One' review: Tom Cruise does action rom-com

Through a casual but comedic introduction of this cross-generational hangout, Margolin gives us a good feel for who Thelma is on an average day. But once that crooked call comes through, we see an exciting new side of her as she treks through Los Angeles to seek out the scammers — mobility issues be damned! Tapping into a classic good-cop/bad-cop dynamic, Thelma is a rule-breaker while her old friend Ben (Roundtree) is a by-the-books guy, happily whiling away his days in a retirement community. That is, until Thelma kicks him into gear. 

Squibb and Roundtree share a warm chemistry that feels like they've known each other for decades. She's the feisty grandma who's so familiar that I admittedly teared up missing my own. (Monica was a total Thelma.) He's a man who's earned his retirement, but age hasn't robbed him of boldness or kindness. Together, they pull off comically low-stakes action sequences, like a showdown with the iconic Malcolm McDowell that is as surprising and exciting as it is hilarious. Amid this senior-specific action, there are great one-liners, like Thelma's insistence that she can figure out how to use a stolen gun: "How hard can it be? Idiots use them all the time!"

Thelma is a tale of underdogs coming out on top.  Parker Posey, Fred Hechinger, and Clark Gregg in "Thelma." Credit: David Bolen

Like the classic Shel Silverstein poem The Little Boy and the Old Man, Thelma presents the plights of being old and young as parallels. At the film's start, both Thelma and 24-year-old Daniel are underestimated by Gail and Alan, whose coddling — while well-intentioned — can feel condescending. And both feel adrift, unsure of what their next chapter can offer. But inspired by Tom Cruise and his determination to do his own Mission: Impossible stunts, Thelma and Daniel find they can be their own heroes.

Hechinger's crooked grin carries a mischievousness that pairs perfectly with Squibb's determined glare. They are kindred spirits in reckless adventure. Elegantly and warmly, Margolin's movie reminds us that age is just a number, as shown by how these two truly see each other across generational barriers. It's beyond heart-warming — watching these characters rediscover themselves while supporting each other is good for the soul.

In the end, Thelma laughs at the absurdity of aging, not the elderly. While there are jokes about senility and the infirmities that come with getting older, Thelma and her friends aren't the butt of them. We all are. There's a comforting relatability in their obstacles' familiarity, which never tips into bleakness; the tone of the film is determinedly resilient, and its color palette soft and inviting. These heroes might fall, but like Tom Cruise, they'll get up again, perhaps inspiring us as they rise. Bolstered by some cheeky action tropes, including twists, chases, gunplay, and even an explosion, Thelma is more than a winsome romp. It's a real thrill.  

Thelma is now streaming on Hulu and available to rent or buy on Apple TV+.

UPDATE: Nov. 14, 2024, 2:20 p.m. EST This review was first published on Jan. 18, 2024, as part of Mashable's Sundance 2024 coverage. It has been updated to reflect the latest viewing options.

An unassuming culinary drama on the surface, Trân Anh Hùng's The Taste of Things is a rhapsodic romance and one of the year's most scintillating films. The tale of a renowned French gourmet chef and his diligent head cook, the movie's central will-they-won't-they dynamic will have you leaning forward in anticipation — just as much as the exquisite dishes cooked by the leading duo will leave your palate moist and your belly rumbling.

Cheered on the festival circuit, it's a film in which food is the language of love, and love in turn is a silent conversation between middle-aged professionals who are experts at their craft. The Taste of Things comes wrapped in some of the most gorgeous and thoughtful filmmaking this side of Babette's Feast — a fellow contender for the greatest food movie ever made — with fine-tuned, lived-in performances that intrigue as much as they endear. 

SEE ALSO: 11 films you'll want to see out of NYFF 2023 What is The Taste of Things about? Credit: IFC Films

Set in the French countryside in the late 19th century, The Taste of Things follows famous gastronome Dodin Bouffant (Benoît Magimel) and his live-in cook, Eugénie (Juliette Binoche), who cooks both for him and with him, depending on the occasion. The actors, who were once married in real life, put on a clinic of passionate performance, deepening each scene and interaction far beyond your ordinary romantic drama. 

The film has a sense of idealism in its depiction of spaces, like the sprawling kitchen in Dodin's mansion. It's warm and rustic, and as Dodin prepares to entertain his fancy guests, he and Eugénie begin preparing for a feast with the help of Eugénie's assistant, Violet (Galatéa Bellugi), and Violet's curious young niece, Pauline (Bonnie Chagneau-Ravoire), a novice in the kitchen. 

The scene features no score, except for the scraping of utensils and the simmering of various meats in pots and pans as the quartet works in harmony, breaking the meditative silence only on occasion so that Dodin can test the knowledge and taste of preteen newcomer Pauline.

SEE ALSO: The 30 best romantic movies on Netflix right now

As the feast continues upstairs, with Dodin engaging a handful of his friends (doctors and other high-society types) in academic banter, Eugénie and her helpers bring each dish to fruition, preparing and presenting them with the utmost care. However, Eugénie is no servant. After the meal, the five men upstairs come down to greet her as an old friend whose presence they miss in the dining room. "I converse with you through the food you eat," she joyfully retorts.

This introduction establishes the parameters of the film's insular fantasy, wherein ideas of class are far from the movie's mind (they appear to be in the characters' rearview), since what's on the tip of the filmmaker's tongue is far more vital. There's an unspoken comfort between Eugénie and Dodin, who have worked together for 20 years. And though it seems like they've been intimate on many occasions, theirs is a relationship built on mutual respect. Dodin studies and invents dishes, reading out recipes that Eugénie cooks to perfection, but their back-and-forth of ideas makes each meal they prepare an intimate collaboration.

Dodin, however, is determined to make Eugénie his wife, and though she feels just as strongly as he does, her professional ambitions (and her contentment) raise the question of whether their situation ought to change — or what might happen if it does. There is also the trouble of Eugénie's health and the fainting spells she keeps to herself, though as far as Dodin knows (and as far as she lets him in), her hesitancy to marry is but a wall at which he might be able to slowly and respectfully chip away.

SEE ALSO: Bon Appétit's Claire Saffitz loses it over gourmet M&M's

There isn't a hint of ugliness in the story's conflict, making it perhaps the ideal romantic escape, at least at first. This film is eventually marred by tragic developments midway through. But what never changes over the course of its 134 minutes is the breathtaking love at its center. Buoyed by so many different, equally cogent themes, the film has entirely different names in various territories, each of which represents a fundamental facet of its drama.

Its U.S. title is The Taste of Things, which rolls off the tongue and speaks to its ethereal nature, created by a dancing camera and scenes awash in golden light. Its title in other territories is The Pot-au-Feu, after a dish of beef and vegetable stew that becomes central to the plot. In France, it’s called La Passion de Dodin Bouffant ("The Passion of Dodin Bouffant,") a tale of one man’s dueling passions, and how they each represent his lust for life. 

The Taste of Things is deceptively simple.

Describing The Taste of Things, or even saying its title out loud, makes it seem captivating and mysterious — almost intellectual in a way, not unlike the various gastronomical conversations and debates Dodin ends up embroiled in with his friends.

"Wine is the intellectual side of a meal," they joke, but there's no snobbery involved. Despite their stature in society and their selectiveness with food, wine and conversation are to be shared. The taste of things — good things, and all things — is a communal experience. Eating, for them, is a ritual, sometimes a ridiculous one (like when they chow down on ortolans with handkerchiefs covering their heads). But taste, for Dodin and Eugénie, is something that can be refined and nurtured, like love itself. It isn't meant to be hoarded. This is illustrated by their consideration of taking Pauline under their wing. There’s nothing sinister beneath anyone’s interactions; the film is incredibly good-natured.  

The characters' only hint of food snobbery and selectiveness arises when they're invited to dine with a fictitious prince of Eurasia. But what they decry more than the meal's quality is its sense of excess without much to show for it. The ostensible plot arises when Dodin offers to cook for the prince, and as he brainstorms his menu, he also inches closer to showing Eugénie how much she means to him. The dish he lands on for the meal is the pot-a-feu, often regarded as representative of French cuisine. It’s the perfect centerpiece for a film so distinctly and stereotypically French in its food and sensuous passions that a joking line in the film even references this symbolic Frenchness. And yet, there's a deeper layer to the presence of the pot-au-feu: the idea of beauty and complexity within something considered simple. As a dish, it's a hearty and even pedestrian staple, but its ingredients, when prepared by a master's hand, can become elevated — which is what Dodin hopes to do. It's symbolic of the film itself, a simple love story on the surface that Hùng turns luminous through his deft touch and his unyielding focus on the silences between people and what they mean. 

Every ingredient of The Taste of Things is cooked to perfection. Credit: IFC Films

The various themes and ideas put forth by the film manifest largely through performance. Binoche's radiant, self-assured conception of Eugénie makes her perpetually watchable, and when she plays off her illness as something mundane, she invites, through her stern independence, an emotional paradox. All you want is to care for her in the few fleeting seconds she lets herself display vulnerability amid Binoche's smiles, which command and delight in equal measure. 

As Dodin, Magimel is the perfect foil to Binoche, juggling excitement and trepidation with a weary anxiety about his job, worn in a perpetually burdened expression. However, his fog of exhaustion and anxiety lifts as soon as Eugénie enters the room. His gaze is one of unmistakable worship and adoration, even two decades on. Like cooking, love for Dodin seems like a never-ending process, constantly refined. In The Taste of Things, there's no boundary between being in love and falling in love, a delicate balance struck by both Binoche and Magimel in each and every scene.

All of this is bound by Hùng's passionate, dreamlike filmmaking, in tandem with cinematographer Jonathan Ricquebourg. The camera practically never stops moving: It floats between characters in lengthy master shots as they cook, moving inward and outward, from close-ups to medium-wide shots and back. Each shot is so magnetic and engaging, you seldom notice that the filmmaker has chosen to avoid cutting for minutes at a time. The frame floats as if on air, like it's being blown by a gentle breeze. Every shot becomes rhythmic in its motion, and editor Mario Battistel ensures that when it does finally cut, the result is completely seamless. It may as well be music.

Each frame is awash in golden light, whether refracted through chandeliers and forming fuzzy halos around Dodin as he's lost in thought, or beaming in through windows in the afternoon, illuminating the kitchen in an ethereal haze — or, at dusk, beating down on an isolated fragment of a room through a corner window, when Dodin is at his lowest.

It's poetry written through light, and through gazes that fill the screen with a quiet exuberance that you can reach out and touch, taste, and smell. No matter what title it goes by, it’s likely to stand the test of time as a landmark cinematic romance — the kind of towering achievement that isn’t just about falling in love, but embodies the experience wholly.

The Taste of Things is now streaming on Hulu.

UPDATE: Feb. 2, 2024, 12:09 p.m. EST "The Taste of Things" was reviewed out of the 2023 New York Film Festival. This review, originally published Oct. 19, 2023, has been updated to include the most recent viewing information.

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

Flowing water making its way toward the sea.

SEE ALSO: Mini crossword answers for November 15 Hurdle Word 1 answer

RIVER

Hurdle Word 2 hint

A handle that switches something on or off.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for November 15 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

LEVER

Hurdle Word 3 hint

What you call a baby pigeon.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 15 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 15 Hurdle Word 3 answer

SQUAB

Hurdle Word 4 hint

A color or a flag.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for November 15 Hurdle Word 4 answer

BEIGE

Final Hurdle hint

To destroy with pressure.

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

CRUSH

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

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

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

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for Nov. 11's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

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

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

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Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

Tweet may have been deleted

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for November 15 Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Fewest strokes win

• Green: Football players

• Blue: Soccer pros

• Purple: Cool sport terms

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

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

• Yellow - Golfing outcomes

• Green - NFL teams in singular form

• Blue - NWSL teams

• Purple - Curling lingo

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

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

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections Sports Edition #53 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Golfing outcomes: BIRDIE, BOGEY, EAGLE, PAR

• NFL teams in singular form: COMMANDER, GIANT, JET, STEELER

• NWSL teams: COURAGE, REIGN, SPIRIT, WAVE

• Curling lingo: BONSPIEL, HOUSE, SHEET, STONE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Friday, November 15, 2024:

AcrossWhat a vacuum cleaner sucks

• The answer is Dirt.

"Clam up" or "chicken out"

• The answer is Idiom.

Rigatoni, radiatori or rotelle

• The answer is Pasta.

Trim wool from

• The answer is Shear.

"If I had ___ known!"

• The answer is Only.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 15 DownQuick jumps in the pool

• The answer is Dips.

State where much of the Snake River flows

• The answer is Idaho.

Up and out of bed

• The answer is Risen.

Number at the bottom of a receipt

• The answer is Total.

American Impressionist painter Cassatt

• The answer is Mary.

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

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

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

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

NordPass has released its sixth annual study on the 200 most common passwords in the world. Unfortunately, it seems as though the sixth time is still not the charm, with the list still topped by many of the same easily-cracked suspects as last year.

"After analyzing 6 years' worth of data, we can say there hasn't been much improvement in people's password habits," wrote NordPass. It's easy to imagine an air of resignation surrounding that statement.

SEE ALSO: The best password managers for all your online accounts

This year NordPass' study was conducted in collaboration with NordStellar, and used a 2.5TB database of information gathered from publicly available resources — including some found on the dark web. Passwords used had been exposed via malware or in data leaks, with the complete study using information from people across 44 countries.

According to NordPass' research, 2024's top 10 most used passwords globally are:

1. 123456

2. 123456789

3. 12345678

4. password

5. qwerty123

6. qwerty1

7. 111111

8. 12345

9. secret

10. 123123

NordPass estimates that it would take a hacker less than one second to crack each of these passwords. This is the fifth year that "123456" has topped the list, having only been beaten out once since NordPass began its annual study.

The list looks slightly different when strictly looking at passwords for U.S. accounts, though there's still a lot of overlap. While the global list favours number-based passwords, presumably as they're used across different languages, 2024's 10 most popular passwords in the U.S. has more English-based entries:

1. secret

2. 123456

3. password

4. qwerty123

5. qwerty1

6. 123456789

7. password1

8. 12345678

9. 12345

10. abc123

These too would take less than a second to crack.

Corporate America's most popular password is 'password'

This year, NordPass also made a separate list of passwords used for corporate accounts. Most passwords used in the study were leaked alongside a corresponding email address, enabling NordPass to distinguish between work and personal accounts by looking at the domain name.

Sadly, it looks as though those hours of mandatory corporate privacy training we've all endured have borne little fruit, with people still using the same or similar weak passwords as they do in their private lives.

The 10 most popular passwords people used at work in 2024 are:

1. 123456 

2. 123456789

3. 12345678

4. secret

5. password

6. qwerty123

7. qwerty1

8. 111111

9. 123123

10. 1234567890

In the U.S. specifically, 2024's most popular corporate passwords are:

1. password

2. 123456

3. qwerty123

4. qwerty1

5. aaron431

6. password1

7. welcome

8. 12345678

9. Password1

10. abc123

"aaron431" is an unusual outlier compared to its compatriots, having no blatantly obvious rhyme or reason. However, it has been recognised as a popular password in several industries for years. Some have speculated that "aaron431" is the default password for a widely used program, and that people just haven't bothered changing it. NordPass estimates it would take about five minutes for a hacker to crack it.

If you're guilty of using any of these popular passwords, now would be a good time to consider changing them and getting a password manager. Even if you don't use any of the entries on these lists, a password manager will still go a long way in helping you keep your passwords strong and your data secure.

SAVE $27: As of Nov. 15, the Amazon Fire Stick 4K is on sale at Amazon for $32.99, a savings of 45% and the lowest it has ever been priced.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire Stick 4K $32.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $27.00 Get Deal

Amazon's Black Friday event is not officially here yet, but the deals have already started. You can find discounts already kicking off on a wide range of Amazon's products, including the beloved Fire TV Stick. The Fire TV Stick is a streaming device that plugs into your TV (or laptop) and lets you access platforms including Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, and more. It comes with a remote with Alexa built-in, helping you turn any TV into a smart TV.

SEE ALSO: Walmart Black Friday ad: The best deals you can buy online

As of Nov. 15, you can buy the Amazon Fire Stick 4K for its lowest-ever price, now just $32.99.

You don't need to worry about a complicated setup, these handy remotes are so simple to use. Really, anyone can do it. Just pop the device into your TV's HDMI port, and that's it. You have instant access to a range of streaming platforms as well as many live channels.

And with the Fire Stick 4K, you can enjoy stunning 4K Ultra HD visuals with advanced HDR formats like Dolby Vision and HDR10+. This model also boasts a much more powerful processor and enhanced Dolby Atmos support than its predecessor, ensuring a smoother performance and better quality sound.

This is a limited-time only deal at Amazon, so don't miss out.

SAVE $105: As of Nov. 15, the Amazon eero 6+ router is on sale at Amazon for $194.99. That's a 35% savings on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon eero 6+ $194.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $105.00 Get Deal

Black Friday sales have already started at a range of retailers, including Walmart and Best Buy, and while Amazon's Black Friday deals don't officially begin until Nov. 21, there's already a great selection of active discounts that are worth your attention.

That's including this great deal on the Amazon eero 6+ router system. As of Nov. 15, this product is reduced to $194.99, saving you 35%. This discount is specific to the three-pack option, but you can find deals across all bundles.

The eero 6+ is an exceptional router system that offers gigabit wifi speeds at an affordable price. It is backward-compatible with older eero devices, making it flexible for all home setups.

It boasts Wi-Fi 6 technology and an extra boost from the 160 MHz radio channel, so the eero 6+ ensures fast and reliable connectivity for the entire household. The TrueMesh technology reduces dead spots and dropped signals, keeping your smart home running smoothly even when you’re away.

And if you're worried about the setup, there's no need. The system is super easy to set up and can be done in minutes by using the eero app.

This is only a limited-time deal at Amazon, however, so move fast.

FREE E-BOOKS: On Nov. 15, hundreds of e-books are completely free on Amazon. Shop these open door romance books for free today.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Free E-Books on Stuff Your Kindle Day Get Deal

If the sound of free books is like music to your ears, then you'll love Stuff Your Kindle Day. While it may sound too good to be true, there's no catch, we promise.

Nov. 15 is a day when thousands of e-books at Amazon are reduced to the low, low price of $0. There are a variety of subgenres on offer, but romance is at the forefront of this author-driven event. This latest Stuff Your Kindle Day is a romance-focused free book blast that features "cinnamon roll main male characters," a term to describe sweet and kind male leads.

Hosted by Alpharoll, you can expect all genres and heat levels of romance to be featured, and organized by heat level and subgenre.

SEE ALSO: Amazon Kindle vs. Kindle Paperwhite: Which one is for you?

And if you are a real fan of open door romance novels, there are plenty of books for you to download. Overwhelmed? Here's a pick of some of the best books you can download for free.

Best open door romance to shop during Stuff Your Kindle Day

• Protective Neighbor by Ivy Noir - $0 $0.99

• Chestnuts Roasting Over Dragon Fire by Julia Mills - $0 $3.99

• Spark by Allie Lasky - $0 $2.99

• His Passerotta by Nicole Cypher - $0 $4.99

• The Mafia and the Baker by Mari Mendoza - $0 $2.99

• Say 'I Do' by Carrie Lomax - $0 $2.99

• Claimed by the Center by Alyson Archer - $0 $2.99

• Tiny Truths by Teralyn Mitchell - $0 $2.99

• Backcheck Heart by Kat Summers - $0 $3.99

• Santa's Baby by Chantal Roome - $0 $4.99

• A Forbidden Christmas Kiss by Ebony Snow - $0 $2.99

FREE E-BOOKS: On Nov. 15, hundreds of e-books are completely free on Amazon. Shop these closed door and fade to black books for free today.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Free E-Books on Stuff Your Kindle Day Get Deal

For book lovers, there is no better holiday than Stuff Your Kindle Day. While it may sound too good to be true, there's no catch.

Nov. 15 is a day when thousands of e-books at Amazon are completely free. Yes, free. There are a variety of genres on offer, but romance is at the forefront of this author-driven event. This latest Stuff Your Kindle Day is a romance-focused free book blast that features "cinnamon roll main male characters."

Hosted by Alpharoll, you can expect all genres and heat levels of romance to be featured, and organized by heat level and subgenre.

SEE ALSO: Amazon Kindle vs. Kindle Paperwhite: Which one is for you?

And if you are a real fan of closed-door and fade-to-black novels, there are plenty of books for you to download. Overwhelmed? Here's a pick of some of the best books you can download for free.

Best closed door and fade to black to shop during Stuff Your Kindle Day

• Sugar Creek by Tricia Arnold - $0 $0.99

• Opposites Attract by Camilla Isley - $0 $9.99

• Silver Spells by Kate Moseman - $0 $4.99

• Of Curses And Beauty by Elle Backenstoe $0 $3.99

SAVE $250: The Hisense QD6 Series 75-inch QLED 4K UHD Smart Google TV (2024) is just $449.99 at Best Buy as of Nov. 15. This budget-friendly big screen is perfect for upgrading your home entertainment setup.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense QD6 Series 75-inch QLED 4K UHD $449.99 at Best Buy
$699.99 Save $250.00 Get Deal

If your TV feels like a postage stamp compared to today’s screens, it’s time to upgrade. Enter the Hisense QD6 Series — a 75-inch QLED 4K Smart TV that delivers eye-popping visuals without emptying your wallet. Thanks to a $250 Black Friday discount at Best Buy, this beast is just $449.99.

What makes the QD6 worth it? For starters, its sheer size — 75 inches of cinematic glory that will make you wonder how you ever lived with less. Pair that with QLED Quantum Dot technology, and you’ve got a screen that makes every color pop, offering over a billion shades for vibrant sunsets, lifelike skin tones, and oceans so blue you’ll want to dive in.

SEE ALSO: Apple's Phone SE 4 will surprise with new display and top cameras, report claims

But this TV isn’t just a pretty face. Gamers will appreciate Game Mode Plus, a combo of Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode to keep gameplay smooth and lag-free. Whether you’re fragging enemies or exploring fantasy worlds, the 4K AI Upscaler ensures everything looks crisp—even older games or content that’s less than 4K.

Smart features? This Hisense is practically a genius. Powered by Google TV, it organizes your apps, subscriptions, and live TV into one easy-to-navigate interface. Still trying to decide what to watch? Google TV will recommend options tailored to your tastes. And the voice remote? It’s like having a personal assistant who never takes a day off.

Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Audio round out the cinematic experience, turning every movie night into a theater-quality event. At $449.99, the Hisense QD6 gives you a lot of bang for your buck. Whether planning movie marathons or gaming binges, this Black Friday deal is a steal. Snap it up now because deals this good don’t last long (unlike your popcorn).

SAVE $150: The ASUS ROG Ally gaming handheld with AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, 512GB storage, and 7-inch FHD 120Hz display is just $499.99 at Best Buy as of Nov. 15.

Opens in a new window Credit: ASUS ASUS ROG Ally AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme $599.99 at Best Buy
$649.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal

Black Friday Doorbuster deals are here, and Best Buy has just leveled up your gaming setup with a $150 discount on the ASUS ROG Ally. This portable powerhouse is now $499.99 — its lowest price yet. If you’re looking for a gaming device that can do it all, this is your chance to grab one before they’re gone.

The ROG Ally is more than just a gaming console; it’s a gaming PC you can take anywhere. Powered by an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, it packs 8.6 teraflops of computational power (yes, you read that right) into a sleek handheld design. Its 7-inch 1080p touchscreen with a buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync technology ensures visuals are crisp, fluid, and completely tear-free.

SEE ALSO: Apple's Phone SE 4 will surprise with new display and top cameras, report claims

But the ROG Ally isn’t just for solo handheld play. Hook it up to a TV, connect some controllers, and you’ve got a multiplayer console for gaming nights with friends. Want to take things even further? Pair it with the ROG XG Mobile eGPU to turn it into a full-fledged gaming PC, complete with support for a keyboard, mouse, monitor, and more.

Other highlights include a generous 512GB SSD for lightning-fast load times (and plenty of storage for your game library), 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM, and quick-charge technology that gets you from 0% to 50% battery in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re on the couch, on the road, or in the middle of a gaming marathon, the ROG Ally keeps up with your pace.

With access to games across platforms like Steam, Xbox Game Pass, Epic Games, and even Android apps, the ASUS ROG Ally is the ultimate all-in-one solution for gamers who want it all. Best Buy’s Black Friday price makes this an unbeatable deal — but don’t wait too long, or it might disappear faster than your last online match.

SAVE $200: The 48-inch LG OLED B4 Series 4K Smart TV (2024) is now $599.99 at Best Buy as of Nov. 15. This Black Friday Doorbuster won’t last long.

Opens in a new window Credit: LG 48-inch LG OLED B4 Series 4K Smart TV (2024) $599.99 at Best Buy
$799.99 Save $200.00 Get Deal

It’s time to upgrade your home entertainment setup with a deal to make your living room the ultimate viewing destination. The 48-inch LG OLED B4 Series 4K Smart TV is now just $599.99 at Best Buy, a $200 discount for their Black Friday Doorbuster sale. That’s serious value for a TV packed with features movie buffs and gamers alike will love.

What sets this Black Friday TV apart? First, let’s talk about those OLED visuals. With over 8.3 million self-lit pixels, the LG OLED B4 delivers perfect black levels and vivid, lifelike colors. Whether binge-watching your favorite series or diving into the latest blockbuster, the α8 AI Processor ensures every frame looks (and sounds) unique by automatically optimizing picture and audio based on your content.

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Cinephiles will appreciate features like Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and FILMMAKER MODE, bringing the cinema experience properly to your couch. Imagine hearing every whisper of dialogue and feeling every explosion without leaving your house (or changing out of sweatpants).

But that’s not all. Gamers are in for a treat, too. This LG OLED TV has NVIDIA G-Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium, and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) for ultra-smooth gameplay. With four HDMI 2.1 ports, you’ll have plenty of room to connect your console, streaming devices, and more. And thanks to the LG Game Dashboard and Game Optimizer, your gaming controls are always within reach.

The smart features are just as impressive. Powered by LG webOS 24, the B4 makes streaming a breeze with easy app organization and instant access to over 300 free LG Channels. Plus, LG promises up to five years of software updates, so your TV stays fresh well into the future.

Black Friday Doorbusters like this are meant to disappear quickly, and with a feature set like this, the LG OLED B4 won’t stick around for long. Don’t miss your chance to snag a premium TV at a budget-friendly price.