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Sydney Sweeney and Halsey jump into the Western genre in the upcoming film Americana.
Written and directed by Tony Tost, currently crushing it as the showrunner for Poker Face Season 2, the film had its premiere at 2023's SXSW Festival before being acquired by Lionsgate in 2024.
SEE ALSO: Summer Movie Preview: What's coming to theaters and streaming?Americana transports viewers to a small South Dakota town, where the lives of several disparate characters clash when a highly valuable Lakota Ghost Shirt winds up on the black market.
The film boasts an impressive cast, including Sydney Sweeney as Penny Jo, a waitress and aspiring singer. She teams up with restaurant customer Lefty Ledbetter (Paul Walter Hauser) to steal the shirt and sell it, hoping the funds will be enough to jumpstart a glamorous career.
But other town citizens are on the hunt for the artifact as well. Mandy Starr (Halsey) wants to use the shirt as a means to escape from her abusive boyfriend Dillon (Eric Dane), while antiquities dealer Roy Lee Dean (Simon Rex) wants the shirt for himself. Meanwhile, Native Americans Ghost Eye (Zahn McClarnon) and Hank Spears (Derek Hinkey) just want to reclaim the stolen artifact. Also in the mix is Mandy's strange son Calvin (Gavin Maddox Bergman), who believes he's the reincarnation of Sitting Bull.
Watch all these characters collide in the trailer above — sometimes literally, like when Halsey brains Dane with a hammer.
HBO's decision to change the name of its streamer from HBO Max to Max, and then back to Max again two years later, has been an almost comically ridiculous journey — but at least the company's got a sense of humour about it.
After HBO parent company Warner Bros. Discovery announced the name change on Wednesday, the social media manager running the official @StreamOnMax account proceeded to have a lot of fun with the old new name.
SEE ALSO: Thank goodness: Max is changing its name back to HBO MaxHere are just some of the ways HBO Max has been roasting itself online:
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This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.It's time to give that social media manager a well deserved raise, HBO.
Picture this: it’s a busy Tuesday and you’re running into town to run errands on your lunch break. You’re balancing about six items in your arms and already having a stressful day when you’re approached by a man-child with his phone in your face and a tiny microphone in his hand. That’s when he asks you, “What’s your body count?”
He awaits your answer impatiently and you’re confused, frustrated, and not sure why the question is so important. Yet there’s still an immense pressure to answer it.
This situation, as much as it sounds like a nightmare, is a reality. In fact, it’s a TikTok trend that's amassed an eye-watering 917 million views and counting. Whether it’s viral street interviews, skits, or podcast debates, judging women based on their body counts, or how many people they've had sex with, is algorithmic gold dust for content creators.
For something so personal, so irrelevant to anyone else’s life, it’s staggering how much weight society still gives to this arbitrary number. And it's not just about curiosity. This number has somehow become a measure of a person’s worth, particularly for women. And they’re being shamed for views and exploited for the revenue that comes with them.
SEE ALSO: How the internet became a breeding ground for slutshaming
So, why does body count matter so much? Why are we still having these conversations in 2025? And more importantly, why does it always seem to matter more for women than it does for men?
When was the last time a man’s sexual history was used to discredit his character, imply he was ‘used up’, or suggest he was unworthy of love?
Body count judgement is nothing more than good old-fashioned slutshaming, the belittling of women and marginalised genders that keeps purity culture in check. Gigi Engle, clinical sexologist, sex educator, and author of All the F*cking Mistakes: A Guide to Sex, Love, and Life explains that purity culture derives from Christianity and was a movement, gaining mainstream recognition in the 1990s, to emphasise the importance of abstaining from sex before marriage in order to please God. However, purity culture has leaked out of religion and the 1990s and permeated every crevice of modern culture.
“One of purity culture’s biggest myths is the idea that every time a woman has sex, she attaches herself to that person and a part of her has been damaged or taken away." - Gigi Engle, sexologistEngle tells Mashable that purity culture is built on misinformation about female sexuality, rarely demonising men for the same acts, and is passed off as fact. “One of purity culture’s biggest myths is the idea that every time a woman has sex, she attaches herself to that person and a part of her has been damaged or taken away,” she explains. This belief is rooted in Christian purity culture, dating back to medieval times, and is often referred to as ‘soul ties’, a method of shaming women into keeping their body count low.
Engle adds that soul ties were designed to make women feel guilty for having more than one sexual partner. “Purity culture scares us into believing we’ll lose any chance of finding a partner by sleeping around.”
The real-world effects of body count discourseIt should go without saying, but none of these puritanical ideas are true. Studies consistently show that a person’s sexual history has no bearing on their ability to maintain a healthy, fulfilling relationship. That being said, marriages can be impacted by partners’ amount of previous partners because of cultural issues, including the false narrative that a person’s worth can be determined by how many people they’ve slept with. Ironically, and sadly, the only danger having a high body count poses on being a good partner is being so judged by your partner that it affects the whole relationship.
Even though we know these ideas aren’t true, the myth of purity has bled into mainstream dating culture, even for those who don’t believe in religion. It manifests in the anxiety many people feel about body count discussions. At the time of writing, TikTok videos under the ‘soul ties’ hashtag have been viewed over 437 million times, many of them spreading misinformation about what happens to our bodies and psyches after sex.
This pressure to conform to outdated sexual expectations has very real consequences. Even in modern dating culture, the expectation that women should suppress their sexuality remains deeply ingrained. Research shows that a significant amount of people openly admit they find a woman less attractive if she has had multiple sexual partners. And that’s just the ones willing to say it out loud.
SEE ALSO: The best dating apps and sites in May 2025According to a sexual secrets survey of 1,500 British people by sex toy shop Lovehoney, 22 percent of people have lied to a partner about how many people they’ve had sex with. A third of Brits admit to keeping sexual secrets out of fear of judgement, and 30 percent say they’ve kept their number a secret out of embarrassment.
Even on Pure, a dating app that actively promotes sex positivity, body counts are still a point of tension. In a survey of 3,000 people, just 16 percent of women said they feel comfortable openly sharing past sexual experiences with a date, and 17 percent of men stated they find it unattractive when women have had many sexual partners or kinky experiences.
So, it’s no wonder women feel compelled to downplay their history. The silver lining: for everyone who finds it a turn-off, there are thankfully 83 percent who aren’t put off by certain body counts or wild stories.
Still, this leaves women feeling disillusioned with dating, afraid to disclose their true sexual history in case of judgement or personal attack, and ultimately leads to shame they don’t deserve to carry.
Slutshaming and sex work stigmaNowhere is body count judgement and slutshaming more evident than in the way sex workers are treated online. It’s hard to scroll through TikTok for long without seeing a sex worker being interrogated by podcasters who seem less interested in genuine discussion and more intent on condemnation.
Take Rebecca Goodwin, an OnlyFans performer who made headlines after walking out of a podcast recording earlier this year. She later revealed she had been repeatedly berated about her career, with the hosts attempting to frame her work as morally bankrupt. Despite asking for the episode to be scrapped, clips of her trying to defend her choices flooded Instagram and TikTok, spliced with disapproving commentary. Similarly, musician Kate Nash — who joined OnlyFans to fund her next tour — was forced to justify her decision in national news segments.
This trend of scrutinising and shaming sex workers spills over into body count discourse, where women who have multiple partners are treated as if they are somehow tainted. Society continues to associate female sexual freedom with degradation, while simultaneously holding men to a completely different standard.
The backlash against sex workers is particularly apparent in the recent moral panic surrounding porn performers Lily Phillips and Bonnie Blue. Phillips set out to sleep with 100 people in a day, while Blue attempted 1,000, reigniting a debate about ‘body counts’ that quickly spiralled into outright misogyny. While some critics voiced concern over the ethics of such stunts, much of the outrage stemmed from the sheer audacity of women publicly embracing their sexuality. The reaction split into two camps: one expressing concern over the men involved and another fixating on the idea that women having too much sex is inherently wrong.
This kind of reaction, unfortunately, isn’t surprising. Slutshaming is often about power and control, according to Erica Smith, founder of the Purity Culture Dropout Program, which helps people unlearn internalised shame. She tells Mashable, “Often a person will slutshame someone because they think that person needs to be put in their place.”
The deep-rooted stigma surrounding sex work has long been used to punish women for any sexual behaviour that isn’t seen as perfectly pure. If a woman’s number is ‘too high’, she is treated as though she has crossed some invisible threshold into territory reserved for sex workers, who are already relentlessly judged and vilified.
Of course, the idea that women's value disintegrates with each person they sleep with completely disregards consent, sexual agency, and the fact that women don’t exist purely to be chosen by men. What’s even more insidious is how this rhetoric is framed as ‘helpful advice’ rather than what it actually is: old-fashioned misogyny, dressed up in modern aesthetics.
Slutshaming is also about deflection. “They may not be happy with their own sex lives, and it’s hard for them to see someone enjoying themselves freely,” Smith says. Instead of embracing sex positivity, some people choose to dismiss, belittle, and even actively suppress it.
At the heart of the body count debate is a fundamental misunderstanding of human sexuality. The idea that a single number can define someone’s character, their capacity for love, or their ability to commit is not just ridiculous; it’s dangerous.
Sexuality isn’t a fixed formula. Some people have had many partners, others have had very few, and neither experience is inherently better or worse. Studies consistently show that a person’s sexual history has no bearing on their ability to maintain a healthy, fulfilling relationship. So instead of 'what's your body count', the real question should be: why are we still measuring a person’s worth this way?
Sluts: The Truth About Sex Shame & What We Can Do To Fight It by Beth Ashley (£9.99, Penguin Random House) is out now and is available from Amazon and all good bookshops.
SAVE $700: As of May 15, the EcoFlow Delta 2 Max portable power station is on sale for $999 at Amazon. That's 41% off its list price of $1,699.
Opens in a new window Credit: EF ECOFLOW EF EcoFlow Delta 2 Max $999 at AmazonWarmer weather is here and if camping is on your travel to-do list this summer, a portable power station is worth having around. As of may 15, you can save big on a few different models at various retailers. Amazon has quite a few on sale right now, including a great discount on the EcoFlow Delta 2 Max portable power station.
The EcoFlow Delta 2 Max has received a 41% discount at Amazon that's dropped its price from $1,699 to $999. Keep in mind that this marked as a limited-time deal. So if it's caught your eye, you'll want to act fast to pick it up at this price.
SEE ALSO: Jackery's monster power station is over $500 off right nowThis power station comes packed with 15 outlets to keep a variety of items charged, including six AC outlets, two USB-C 100W, two USB-A 18W, two USB-A 12W, two DC5521 output ports, and one car outlet port. It also offers solar charging, which is especially convenient if you're taking it on an outdoor adventure this year.
This limited-time deal may not last for long. Don't miss out on 41% off the EcoFlow Delta 2 Max at Amazon.
This isn't the only portable power station deal that's crossed our radar recently. At the moment you can also save on the Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 and Explorer 100 Plus Mini Power Station bundle and the Jackery Solar Generator Explorer 500 at Amazon.
The best deals this week, hand-picked by Mashable's team of expertsRoku Ultra 4K Ultimate Streaming Player (2024 Release) — $79.99 (List Price $99.99)
Beats Pill Bluetooth Speaker — $99.95 (List Price $149.00)
Roborock Qrevo Master Robot Vacuum and Mop — $799.98 (List Price $1599.99)
Peloton Bike — $1,145.00 (List Price $1445.00)
Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)
YouTube will now show ads at the "peak" moment of videos, in a move right out of cliffhanger TV territory.
Announced Wednesday during the company's Upfront presentation, Peak Points is a new feature that uses Google's Gemini AI to identify "the most meaningful, or 'peak,' moments" to drop ads into YouTube videos.
SEE ALSO: YouTube is testing AI Overviews in search resultsThe idea behind the feature is YouTube connecting brands with the spot in videos "where audiences are the most engaged" and in doing so, allow creators to make more money from ads. These will likely be the most emotional, dramatic, and interesting parts of videos, identified by Gemini by crunching user viewing data. Hilariously, YouTube's blog post uses the example of a marriage proposal video, highlighting a "targeted moment" right before a suggested ad window. Can't wait for an ad right after that teary "yes."
It's not a surprising move, by any means, considering YouTube's dominance in the streaming market and its reliance on advertising as company and creator revenue. The platform has consistently bested industry leaders like Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+ as the top-watched streaming service on TVs globally. YouTube also takes the crown for livestreaming, with YouTube Live dominating competitors TikTok and Twitch.
And where there's audience, there's marketing.
SAVE $330: As of May 15, the Jackery Solar Generator Explorer 500 is on sale for $469 at Amazon. That's 41% off its list price of $799.
Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery Solar Generator Explorer 500 $469 at AmazonIf you're planning some camping trips or outdoor excursions this summer, a portable power station can be a helpful investment. And with so many discounts available at the moment, there's no better time to buy one.
One of our favorite deals at the moment is over at Amazon, where you can score 41% off the Jackery Solar Generator Explorer 500. This discount has dropped the price of the Jackery Solar Generator Explorer 500 from $799 to $469, allowing you to save $330. It's currently listed as a limited-time deal, so it may not stay at this price for long. Act fast to pick it up at this discounted price.
SEE ALSO: The EcoFlow Delta 2 portable power station is back down to its lowest price everWith its compact size and carrying handle, the Jackery Solar Generator Explorer 500 is a breeze to pack up and take on your outdoor adventures. It features one AC outlet (110V 500W 1000W Peak), three USB-A ports, two DC ports, and one car port. And with the SolarSaga 100W Solar Panel, you can keep it charged up for your journeys with the help of the sun.
Don't miss out on this limited-time deal on the Jackery Solar Generator Explorer 500 at Amazon.
Looking for more portable power station deals? The hefty Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 power station is also discounted right now at Amazon, as is the Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 and Explorer 100 Plus Mini Power Station bundle.
The best deals this week, hand-picked by Mashable's team of expertsRoku Ultra 4K Ultimate Streaming Player (2024 Release) — $79.99 (List Price $99.99)
Beats Pill Bluetooth Speaker — $99.95 (List Price $149.00)
Roborock Qrevo Master Robot Vacuum and Mop — $799.98 (List Price $1599.99)
Peloton Bike — $1,145.00 (List Price $1445.00)
Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)
Apple is building most of its devices in China. The company has been doing so for decades due to cheaper labor costs, supply chain infrastructure, and manufacturing expertise that's unmatched in any other country in the world. When the Trump administration recently imposed massive tariffs on China, Apple's reaction was to shift some of the production to India — a process that was already underway when the tariffs happened.
But Donald Trump is having none of that. Speaking to the media on Thursday, the U.S. president expressed his dissatisfaction with Apple's decision to move iPhone production to India.
"I had a little problem with Tim Cook yesterday. I said to him, 'You're my friend, I've treated you very good. You’re coming here with $500 billion, but now I hear you’re building all over India. I don’t want you building in India,'" Trump said.
SEE ALSO: Apple might increase iPhone prices this fallRead it in Trump's voice for added effect: "I said to Tim, I said, 'Tim look, we've treated you really good, we put up with all the plants that you built in China for years, now you got build us. We’re not interested in you building in India, India can take care of themselves (...) we want you to build here,'" Trump said.
With an offer like that, how can Cook refuse? Well, he'll probably have to, given that it's impractical, extremely expensive, and currently near-impossible to build the iPhone in the U.S. at the volumes that Apple requires.
Trump did say that Apple will be upping its production in the U.S., but offered no details.
Apple has previously said it would invest $500 billion in the U.S. over the next four years, which includes a new factory in Houston, Texas, where it will manufacture servers.
Watching celebrities interact with insects always has the potential to be kind of fun, and kind of fun is exactly what The Tonight Show video above is.
In the clip Salma Hayek joins Jimmy Fallon and science podcast Ologies host Alie Ward to look at some interesting bugs, from glow-in-the-dark emperor scorpions to a cat-eye mantis that Hayek is impressively comfortable hosting on her head.
Avoid this one if you're squeamish.
BEST STREAMING DEAL: Until May 30, get a 12-month subscription to Peacock for $24.99 with the coupon code SPRINGSAVINGS. That's 69% off the normal annual price of $79.99.
Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock (12-Month Subscription) $24.99 at PeacockThe streaming scene is being dominated by price hikes and password sharing crackdowns, leaving users frustrated. That's why we jump on any sort of streaming deal. And in this case, we're talking about a significant saving on a top service.
Through May 30, get a 12-month subscription to Peacock for $24.99 with the coupon code SPRINGSAVINGS. That's 69% off the normal annual price of $79.99, or a saving of over $50 per year.
SEE ALSO: What's new to streaming this week? (May 16, 2025)This special offer excludes current paying subscribers. After the promotional period comes to an end, you will be charged $79.99 (or the then-current retail price) until you cancel. There's no pressure to pay full price though, because you can cancel anytime.
Peacock is the exclusive home of Universal Pictures (and Focus Features) films like Wicked, Conclave, and Nosferatu. Subscribers also get access to NBC shows like The Office, New Girl, and Yellowstone, plus reality TV favorites like Poker Face and Mrs. Davis. It's a comprehensive service that could be all yours for about $2 per month. That's a small price to pay for all that content.
Save over $50 on Peacock with the coupon code SPRINGSAVINGS.
The best deals this week, hand-picked by Mashable's team of expertsRoku Ultra 4K Ultimate Streaming Player (2024 Release) — $79.99 (List Price $99.99)
Beats Pill Bluetooth Speaker — $99.95 (List Price $149.00)
Roborock Qrevo Master Robot Vacuum and Mop — $799.98 (List Price $1599.99)
Peloton Bike — $1,145.00 (List Price $1445.00)
Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)
RJK Jr. has made headlines for many gross and disturbing things, so the U.S. health secretary's recent decision to take his grandkids swimming in a sewage-infested creek didn't come as a major shock to The Daily Show.
"At this point it's like RFK Jr. is going out of his way to be gross," says host Jordan Klepper in the clip above. "Does he just go on Google Maps and search 'Disgusting things near me'?"
RFK Jr. posted the pictures himself on X, describing a Mother's Day hike that included a swim in Rock Creek — a place where swimming and wading are not allowed due to high bacteria levels, per the National Park Service website.
"These pictures are so wild, the fact that he went swimming in jeans is the most normal part of this story," says Klepper.
SAVE $200: As of May 15, the Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 and Explorer 100 Plus Mini Power Station are discounted to $1,399 at Amazon. That's down from their list price of $1,599 after clipping the $200 coupon on the store page.
Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 + Jackery Explorer 100 Plus Mini $1,399 at AmazonSummer is right around the corner, and if you're planning some outdoor adventures it's helpful to have a little extra power boost at your side. If you're looking to pick up a portable power station, there are thankfully some great deals available at the moment. This includes a discount on the Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 and Explorer 100 Plus Mini Power Station bundle at Amazon.
The Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 and Explorer 100 Plus Mini Power Station bundle has a $200 coupon on the store page that has dropped its price down to $1,399 when clipped.
SEE ALSO: The EcoFlow Delta 2 portable power station is back down to its lowest price everThe Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 features three AC ports that deliver a total output of 2200W and a 2042Wh capacity. Whether you want it for your home or camping outside, this power station is sure to give you a major boost. On the other hand, the Explorer 100 Plus mini power station has a much more compact size that's perfect for taking on the go.
Stock up on extra power this summer with this great deal on the Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 and Explorer 100 Plus Mini Power Station bundle at Amazon.
If you don't need the bundle, the Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 is on sale on its own.
The best deals this week, hand-picked by Mashable's team of expertsRoku Ultra 4K Ultimate Streaming Player (2024 Release) — $79.99 (List Price $99.99)
Beats Pill Bluetooth Speaker — $99.95 (List Price $149.00)
Roborock Qrevo Master Robot Vacuum and Mop — $799.98 (List Price $1599.99)
Peloton Bike — $1,145.00 (List Price $1445.00)
Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)
Looking for a Michelin-starred restaurant? Now, you can do it directly in Apple Maps, which now includes Michelin Guide recommendations and reviews — albeit only in the U.S. for the time being.
On Wednesday, the company announced new Apple Maps features, including the ability to search for Michelin-starred, Green Star, and Bib Gourmand restaurants, as well as Michelin Key hotels. If you search for restaurants in Maps, for example, you'll be able to turn on the Michelin Distinctions filter, and when looking at a restaurant location's page in Maps, you'll see Michelin Guide stars if the restaurant has them.
Apple says rankings and insights from restaurant recommendation website The Infatuation and golf publisher Golf Digest are also coming soon, along with other expert sources.
SEE ALSO: Oura Ring vs Apple Watch: Which health and sleep tracker is right for you?Unfortunately, all of this currently works only in the U.S., though Apple says support for other regions is coming "in the future."
Credit: AppleIn a separate announcement, Apple also said it has launched a custom Detailed City Experience in Monaco, leading up to the Formula 1 race that will take place on May 25 (with practice starting on May 23, and qualifiers on May 24). It's also a promotional tie-in to the Apple-produced film F1 The Movie which hits cinemas on June 27.
Be sure to check these out in Dark Mode as well. Credit: AppleThe feature includes custom-designed, 3D landmarks across Monaco, including Casino de Monte-Carlo, Fairmont Monte Carlo, Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, Yacht Club de Monaco, and the F1 Paddock Club. Other features of note are additional details for road markings, land cover, trees, and public routes, and a windshield view for drivers. As for the race itself, the track will be highlighted in Maps, with 3D representations of locations such as grandstands, footbridges, and the finish line.
SAVE $19: As of May 15, the Apple AirTag four-pack bundle is on sale for $79.98 at Amazon. This deal saves you 19% on list price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTag (4-Pack) $79.98 at AmazonThe Apple AirTag is back on sale at Amazon, so now's your chance to stock up. These clever tracking devices can be attached to almost anything: keys, luggage, passports, and anything else you find yourself losing often. And as of May 15, this Apple AirTag four-pack is reduced to just $79.98, saving you $19.02 on list price.
They couldn't be any easier to use either. Just attach the AirTag to your item of choice and track it in the Find My app. It even has a small built-in speaker, so you can trigger a sound from the Find My app on your Apple device, making it easier to find the AirTag if it's nearby but out of sight.
SEE ALSO: Oura Ring vs Apple Watch: Which health and sleep tracker is right for you?The battery life is solid, too. According to Apple, all AirTags are designed to have a one-year battery life if used regularly. They use a standard CR2032 coin cell battery, which is user-replaceable. When the battery is running low, you’ll receive a notification on your iPhone, giving you plenty of time to replace it. So with this four-back bundle, you'll always have active tracking.
Grab this great deal at Amazon before it runs out.
The best deals this week, hand-picked by Mashable's team of expertsRoku Ultra 4K Ultimate Streaming Player (2024 Release) — $79.99 (List Price $99.99)
Beats Pill Bluetooth Speaker — $99.95 (List Price $149.00)
Roborock Qrevo Master Robot Vacuum and Mop — $799.98 (List Price $1599.99)
Peloton Bike — $1,145.00 (List Price $1445.00)
Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)
SAVE $132: As of May 15, the Apple iPad (10th Gen) is on sale for $367 at Amazon. That's a 26% saving on the original price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad (10th Gen) $367 at AmazonLooking for a new tablet? You'll love this latest Amazon deal on the Apple iPad (10th Gen). As of May 15, this model is reduced by 26% to just $367. This deal is specific to the WiFi-only 256GB option in blue. If that's not your color, don't worry; there are different discounts available in other colorways.
The Apple iPad (10th Gen) boasts a sleek, modern design, perfect for work or entertainment on the go. It has a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display and the A14 Bionic chip that delivers super powerful performance for multitasking, whether you're browsing, gaming, or working.
SEE ALSO: Oura Ring vs Apple Watch: Which health and sleep tracker is right for you?The battery life is seriously impressive and will keep you going all day. I've used this iPad model for a year, and the battery life never fails to impress. If you're someone on the go a lot, this is the model for you.
And the cameras are impressive, too. The 12MP Ultra Wide front camera is ideal for video calls and keeps you centered, so you always look your best. The back camera is also 12MP and can shoot in 4K video.
Head to Amazon to grab this great deal.
The best deals this week, hand-picked by Mashable's team of expertsRoku Ultra 4K Ultimate Streaming Player (2024 Release) — $79.99 (List Price $99.99)
Beats Pill Bluetooth Speaker — $99.95 (List Price $149.00)
Roborock Qrevo Master Robot Vacuum and Mop — $799.98 (List Price $1599.99)
Peloton Bike — $1,145.00 (List Price $1445.00)
Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)
Air quality is something I didn't pay any attention to for most of my life. While most of the U.S. thinks my hometown of Seattle has grey, rainy weather year-round, we actually have incredible summers. But lately we’ve run into a new and very unwelcome event — smoke season. Sometime between July and September, wildfire smoke from Canada or Eastern Washington makes its way into the city, covering us in a thick haze that makes the sky look apocalyptic. While I truly love the smell of campfire, inhaling that smoky air 24/7 is really unhealthy.
Air purifiers with HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filtration are the go-to when dealing with wildfire smoke. They capture elements that negatively impact indoor air quality, like smoke, pollen, dust, and even viruses. Since I deal with seasonal allergies and I live in an area prone to wildfire smoke, air purifiers are all over my house now. But I didn’t want a huge model in my bedroom, so when Shark came out with the NeverChange Compact Pro, I needed to test it out. It’s adorable and comes in really fun colorways, but is it actually worth the $180 price tag?
How does the Shark NeverChange Compact Pro work?The Shark NeverChange Compact Pro is designed to be used in rooms that are 250 square feet in size or less. Shark uses a multi-level filtration system that includes an initial screen, meant to capture large stuff like hair, dust bunnies, or lint. You can easily wipe or vacuum that screen clean, which means none of that stuff is clogging up the more important HEPA filter. That filter uses three layers of protection: an outer layer catches larger air particles like pollen and dander, behind that is a carbon filter that helps clean the air of smells from cooking or from pets, and lastly is the ever-important HEPA filtration itself, which is where super-fine particles like smoke and viruses get stuck.
Power, display information, brightness, and fan speed are all controls on top of the air purifier. Shark's Odor Neutralizer Technology dial sits at the top. Credit: Lauren Allain / MashableThe NeverChange part of the name refers to the filter, since Shark says you might be able to go five years before getting a new filter. Keep in mind that that number comes from testing the air purifier for 12 hours of operation each day on the maximum fan speed, so your mileage will probably vary. As of May 2025, a new Shark PetPro HEPA Filter, which is what the NeverChange Compact Pro comes equipped with, sells for $49.99 on Shark’s website.
A round of applause for the designLet’s be honest — air purifiers are not the prettiest decor to add to a room, but I genuinely think the Shark NeverChange Compact Pro is adorable. It looks like a cute little robot that sits on your bedside or your desk, keeping the air clean and healthy. And we have to talk about the colorway options because you’re not stuck with a neutral white option here (although that’s the model I tested). Shark makes this model in a calming lilac, a really pretty light pink called quartz, and the truly magnificent honeydew. Not only do I find these colors awesome, but I imagine kids would love them too. Getting your choice of colors in an air purifier that isn’t black, white, or grey is unusual, and it’s one of the things I love most about the Shark Compact Pro.
The LCD display is also a strong contender for my absolutely favorite part of the Shark air purifier. I’m a numbers person, which means that I don’t love that most air purifiers work on a simple color system (blue is clean air, yellow/orange is questionable, and red is bad). Instead of this, the Shark’s LCD displays the brand’s CleanSense IQ, which gives a percentage reading of clean air. You can also toggle this to display PM 1.0, PM 2.5, or PM 10 (these are air particle measurements). And, as is my preference at bedtime, you can adjust the brightness of this display or turn it off entirely.
The Shark NeverChange Compact Pro's HEPA filter gets placed inside while the purifier is upside down, which locks into place with the bottom. Credit: Lauren Allain / MashableThe display is super useful for knowing when to open some windows to clear out bacon smoke or when to close windows in the summer wildfires. The adjustable fan speed has five settings, or you can go with the auto mode, which hands the brains over to the purifier to adjust as needed. If air quality sticks at 100 percent, the Shark will turn the fan off and hang out in eco mode until it feels the air quality dips into a level that needs filtration.
The Shark NeverChange Compact Pro also gets high marks when it comes to a quiet operation. Of course, on the max speed setting, you clearly hear a fan sound, but on a low setting, it’s barely noticeable and a welcomed white noise in many situations. This makes it extra ideal for a bedroom, nursery, or office. When I slept with the Shark on my nightstand with the LCD display off, I had to double-check if the air purifier was even still on — the noise was that unnoticeable.
The Shark NeverChange Compact Pro compared to the size of my 14-inch Asus Zenbook laptop. Credit: Lauren Allain / MashableThe Compact Pro is lightweight, coming in at just under 4.5 pounds, which makes it super easy to take from room to room. Moving it from the office to the bedroom at night is no problem, but I wish there were a carrying handle or a slot on the back to get a secure grip on the purifier.
The Shark air purifier also neutralizes odorsShark equipped the Compact Pro with the brand’s Odor Neutralizer Technology which “releases a fresh scent,” and can help cut down on pet or cooking smells. This is done via a cartridge that sits on the top of the purifier, and you can adjust the dial to choose your desired scent intensity.
I’m not a candle girly, and I don’t like air fresheners, so this is not the feature for me. I didn’t find the scent to be off-putting and my family members didn’t mind the scent, but I followed Shark’s guidelines for using the purifier without the scent and removed the cartridge from the dial. But if you’re one to use air fresheners in your house, this feature certainly adds some bang to your buck.
Shark NeverChange Compact Pro vs. Shark NeverChange MaxShark’s lineup of NeverChange air purifiers includes several models at the time of writing this review — the Compact Pro is the smallest, and the Max is the largest. While the Compact Pro is meant for small spaces, the Max can filter air in areas that reach a massive 1,400 square feet. This makes the Max a much better option if you’re aiming to clean the air in your dining room, kitchen, and living room. It can also be optimal if you live in a studio apartment. The NeverChange Compact Pro really shines in a small office or a bedroom, not the whole house.
The Shark NeverChange Compact Pro (left) compared to the Shark NeverChange Max (right). Credit: Lauren Allain / MashableIn terms of bang for your buck, the NeverChange Max offers the best deal. At full price, the Max costs $329.99 to clean an area of 1,400 square feet. That works out to under 25 cents per square foot. That’s a much better price per square foot compared to the Compact Pro, which costs $179.99 to cover 250 square feet — that works out to about 70 cents per square foot.
Even though the Max offers a better value, the Compact Pro is still desirable if you only need to purify the air in a small room or you sleep with the bedroom door closed, cutting it off from other air purifiers. Plus, the Max only comes in white, which means you have to go with the Compact Pro to get that lilac colorway.
Is the Shark NeverChange Compact Pro worth the price?The price to value ratio of the Shark Compact Pro depends on your desires. Air purifiers with HEPA filtration can be a lot less expensive, but I find the CleanSense IQ to be worth the premium price since it gives me a real-time reading of my indoor air quality in numbers instead of a color display. The overall look and colorway options are also huge benefits, and it makes the air purifier fit into the category of function and fun decor instead of just function. Plus, the long-lasting HEPA filter might wind up saving you big time when it comes to filter replacements.
There’s also the health factor when deciding if you need an air purifier. For me, breathing in clean air is an investment in my future self and overall well-being, especially when dealing with wildfire smoke. I think it’s well worth the price, especially if you can find it on sale.
At full price, the Shark NeverChange Compact Pro comes in at $179.99 in all colorways. If the filter does actually last you the full five years, that works out to under $40 per year, which feels reasonable for clean air.
Shark NeverChange Compact Pro air purifier $179.99 at Amazon"What the fuck am I fucking doing here?"
So screams singer Charli XCX in episode 4 of Overcompensating, where she plays herself in one of the show's buzziest cameos. She's about to play a concert at the fictional Yates University, trapped in a dingy cement green room that has no doubt been host to a number of theater kid hookups.
SEE ALSO: 'Overcompensating' review: Benito Skinner's college comedy is a raunchy, thoughtful laugh riotTo answer Charli XCX's own question, what she's doing here is absolutely tearing the roof off. Her appearance in Overcompensating is short, yet memorable. So memorable, in fact, that I've been unable to get her delivery of "Do you think I want to play fucking 'Boom Clap' in a fucking college?" out of my head since I heard it in Overcompensating's very first teaser.
Charli XCX's heightened portrayal of herself is the latest in a long line of celebrities poking fun at themselves in cameos. (See: the entirety of The Studio.) Here, she teases everything from the ubiquity of "Boom Clap," one of her breakout hits, to her party girl image. ("No cocaine?" she asks her student liaison Grace, played by Mary Beth Barone.)
SEE ALSO: What's new to streaming this week? (May 16, 2025)There's a meta hilarity to Charli XCX's college appearance in the show. Overcompensating was filmed over the summer and fall of 2024, aka brat summer, aka the new peak of Charli XCX's critical and commercial success. It's almost impossible to imagine her playing another college campus now — and even if she did, you can bet "Boom Clap" wouldn't be on the set list.
It is here, though, serving as comedic percussion to the vomit and diarrhea attacks suffered by Yates students Benny (series creator Benito Skinner) and Carmen (Wally Baram). The song really can't catch a break!
Also on the Yates set list are "I Love It" and "Boys," the perfect soundtrack to Benny's panicking over his crush on friend Miles (Rish Shah). Adding to Benny's panic is none other than Charli XCX herself, who, in a nightmare sequence, leads the crowd in a chant of "Benny likes boys!" She delivers each cheer with a wicked gleam in her eye, culminating in a scream and mean girl smile so deliciously unhinged and committed you'll wish she'd stick around for more of the series.
Still, less is more when it comes to the celebrity cameo, and the concert isn't the only dose of Charli XCX Overcompensating gives us. She also serves as an executive producer and the show's executive music producer, delivering a synth-y soundtrack that would often feel right at home at a club (but that also comes with a fair dash of yearning). And of course, her songs feature heavily, including such bangers as "claws" and the currently trending "party 4 u." (Fingers crossed that brat songs pop up in Season 2.)
On top of her worldwide pop domination, Charli XCX is pivoting to more acting roles, including in upcoming films like Gregg Araki's I Want Your Sex, Julia Jackman's 100 Nights of Hero, and Daniel Goldhaber's remake of Faces of Death. She's also launched her own production company, Studio365, which will be producing films like A24 and Aidan Zamiri's The Moment, as well as the next film from Audition director Takashi Miike. (Charli XCX will also star in both.) And if her brief cameo in Overcompensating is any indication of what's to come, consider me ready and waiting for Charli XCX's acting era.
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