This digest compiles the latest from Mashable.
Today’s Mashable Roundup
Expand your DIY kit with this discounted Dewalt 20V MAX Power Tool Combo Kit
SAVE $34.90: As of Jan. 30, get the Dewalt 20V MAX Power Tool Combo Kit for $314.10, down from its usual price of $349. That’s a discount of 10%.
If you’re still looking for a reason to get up off the couch and get to work on your DIY projects, we’ve got one right here. New year, new you? How about new year, new “tackle your to-do list”? Dive into your home projects and more with this discounted Dewalt tool set, which you can use for your own means or give as a great gift to the handyperson in your life.
As of Jan. 30, get the Dewalt 20V MAX Power Tool Combo Kit for $314.10, down from its usual price of $349. That’s $34.90 off and a discount of 10%.
Tackle all your home DIY projects with $80 off the Dewalt 20V MAX Cordless Drill Driver Set
This tool set comes with the DCD771 Drill/Driver, the DCD771 Cordless Drill/Driver, the DCS381 Cordless Reciprocating Saw, and the DCS393 Cordless Circular Saw. In addition, it comes with the DCL040 LED Work Light so you can actually see what you’re doing in darker areas or tighter spaces. Beyond that, it comes with a battery, charger, and a bag to keep it all in so you know exactly where your tools are when you need them.
This is an all-in-one kit that’s perfect for tackling a number of different DIY jobs around the house, the yard, or even your vehicle depending on what needs to be done. The reciprocating saw’s blade-changng system is simple to use without the need for an Allen wrench, and the drill has multiple torque settings to keep you from stripping screws. Each tool has a lengthy battery life, is light and compact, and quiet when in operation. Plus, they all have built-in lights in addition to the work light.
Get this kit and save on both tools bought separately as well as the work you’ll get done with it. It’s time to flex those DIY skills.
Prime members can get $5 off Grubhub right now (heres the code)
GET $5 OFF: Amazon is offering $5 off a Grubhub order of $15 or more when you link your Prime and Grubhub accounts.
Amazon Prime comes with a ton of perks: Free same-day delivery, streaming deals (including access to Amazon Music Unlimited), fuel savings, prescription savings, and so much more. If you’re not a member yet, you should definitely do a little math to see if the benefits could work for you.
Did you know that Amazon Prime members also get free access to Grubhub+ for the duration of their account? So, if you have a Prime account, you also have a Grubhub+ account, which gets you $0 delivery fees, lower service fees, and exclusive savings. According to Amazon, this little perk can save you around $336 per year.
And if you haven’t linked your accounts yet, now’s the time to do it. Through June 30, Amazon is offering $5 off a Grubhub order of $15 or more when you link your Prime and Grubhub accounts. You just need to use the promo code FIRSTORDER at checkout.
It’s a solid excuse to order lunch, but the real value is the ongoing perk. Once linked, you keep that Grubhub+ membership for free as long as you have Prime — and don’t worry, the fine print says it won’t automatically convert into a paid plan later. That membership unlocks $0 delivery fees on eligible orders over $12, lower service fees, and 5% credit back on pickup orders (just keep in mind those credits expire after 90 days).
Owala Tattoos add a new layer of customization to our favorite emotional support FreeSip bottle
When it comes to self-care and overall health, staying hydrated is at the top of the list (in addition to getting good sleep). But actually chugging down those ounces of H2O is sometimes challenging. As silly as it seems, having a water bottle you love can make staying hydrated way easier. And Mashable’s favorite water bottle, the viral Owala FreeSip, just got a major upgrade with the addition of Owala Tattoos.
Shop any Owala bottle or pet bowl, and you can now choose to engrave, print, or add a full sleeve to your water bottle. And maybe best of all, this addition only costs $10. Here’s how to design your very own emotional support Owala bottle. Keep in mind, creating a customized bottle for a friend could win the best gift award.
Customization options with Owala Tattoos
Owala is giving us free creative range to add something permanent to our water bottles. The Owala Tattoos parlor allows for engraving, printing, or adding a full sleeve to the range of Owala products.
The laser engraving option etches text, a logo, or artwork into the bottle for a finish you can physically feel. You can also add more than one engraving element to the bottle without the price increasing. I added both text and an Owala Tattoo to a single bottle and adjusted the placement so the two didn’t overlap.
Credit: Screenshot: Owala
The print option on an Owala gives you access to the expansive tattoo artwork library, which includes nature, animals, holiday themes, and way more. You can add artwork to both the front and the back of the bottle.
The full sleeve Owala Tattoo option wraps around the two larger FreeSip bottles (32 and 40-ounce), FreeSip Twists, 24-ounce Tumblers, and 12-ounce Kids Tumblers. The full sleeve catalogue has the smallest library of options, with 22 designs available. You can also upload your own designs and artwork to add to an Owala bottle.
Not all bottles are eligible to customize with the full selection of options. For example, you can only engrave the Owala Pet Bowl and the 40-ounce FreeSip Tumbler, meaning you can’t add art or a full sleeve to these products. You also need to choose either engraving or adding art to a bottle, since it’s not possible to add both to a single product.
Credit: Screenshot: Owala
How to make your own Owala bottle
Owala has made crafting your own customized water bottle a breeze and actually really fun to play around with. Just head to the Owala Tattoo landing page and scroll through the list of bottle options that range in size and price. You can also customize kids’ bottles.
How much does customizing an Owala cost?
There’s great news on the pricing front because Owala Tattoos are way cheaper than tattoos IRL, and as a bonus, they’re painless. Customizing a bottle comes with a flat $10 price tag. That means a 32-ounce FreeSip will go from its standard price of $34.99 to $44.99 for the addition of color print, engraving, or adding your own design. And remember, you can add more than one piece of art or engraving to a single bottle, so go wild because you’ll still be paying the $10 fee regardless of a single or a double design.
Keep in mind it’s not possible to return or exchange Owala Tattoo bottles since they’re customized.
This 65-inch LG Mini LED 4K TV is the ultimate upgrade at over $400 off
SAVE $403: As of Jan. 30, the LG 65-inch QNED85A Mini LED 4K TV is on sale for just $796.99 at Amazon and Best Buy. That’s a savings of over $400 or about 34%.
Upgrading your TV starts by selecting the right size. If you’re unsure which option to go with, we find that 65 inches is typically the sweet spot for most folks. Next up, choose a brand. There are tons of options, but we’re big fans of LG for its range of sizes and prices and its superior picture quality. If you need a little nudge in the right direction, we recommend checking out the LG 65-inch QNED85A TV, which is on sale for over $400 off this weekend.
As of Jan. 30, the LG 65-inch QNED85A Mini LED 4K TV is down to just $796.99 at both Amazon and Best Buy. That’s about 34% off its original list price of $1,199.99 (Amazon actually cuts the savings short with its discounted list price).
A CES 2025 debut, the LG 85A is a mid-range Mini LED TV that delivers a heavy dose of AI to enhance picture and audio. It features an Alpha 8 AI Processor Gen2, which can find the perfect HDR and brightness settings for whatever you’re watching, while boosting dialogue over background noise and refining your sound to suit your style. The included AI Magic Remote also offers content recommendations and viewing choices, a generative AI gallery to transform your TV into art, and picture and audio customization options.
Gamers will appreciate the 120Hz native refresh rate and VRR 144Hz refresh rate, as well as AMD FreeSync Premium, and LG Game Optimizer. Meanwhile, cinephiles will love that Filmmaker Mode automatically preserves the director’s original colors, settings, and frame rates for the ultimate cinematic experience.
TV deals like this tend to move pretty fast. So if you want to secure the LG 65-inch QNED85A for over $400 off, we suggest adding it to your cart ASAP.
Bring the theater home with $200 off the Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar
SAVE $200: As of Jan. 30, get the Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar for $899 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $1,099. That’s a discount of 18%.
If you’re a big proponent of staying in and enjoying your favorite movies and TV shows at home, a soundbar can make a huge difference. It can help to better immerse you in whatever you’re watching by giving you crisp treble and deep bass that puts you in the middle of the music. To give you a more complete entertainment system, you might want to splurge on this model we found that’s available at an excellent price.
As of Jan. 30, get the Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar for $899 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $1,099. That’s a discount of 18%.
This soundbar can be used alone or paired with other Sonos speakers to give you fuller sound and a complete package, all with excellent, crystal clear audio. It uses Sound Motion technology to give you deeper bass while keeping the physical bar itself super slim.
With 9.1.4 spatial audio powered by Dolby Atmos, it also helps you feel like you’re right in the middle of the action as well, with sound coming at you from every corner. Plus, it’s super simple to set up and you don’t need any complicated wiring to get it ready to go.
With the stamp of approval from Mashable’s Timothy Beck Werth and a 4.8 review score, this is one soundbar you won’t regret adding to your tech stack. But if you’re going to get one, make sure you do so while it’s on sale for this fantastic price.
This Lego Valentines gift wont wilt (and its under $25)
SAVE 31%: As of Jan. 30, you can get the Lego Looney Tunes Sweetheart Tweety Bird (40824) for $23.99, down from $34.99, at Amazon. That’s a 31% discount or $11 savings.
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and if you’re looking for a gift that’ll last longer than a bouquet of roses, this Looney Tunes-themed Lego set is an adorable alternative, and right now, it’s down to a price that makes it an easy “add to cart.”
As of Jan. 30, you can get the Lego Looney Tunes Sweetheart Tweety Bird (40824) for $23.99, down from $34.99, at Amazon. That’s a 31% discount or $11 savings.
With 412 pieces and two building modes, it’s ideal for kids 12 or older (or nostalgic adults). You can pose Tweety as a classic romantic holding a flower bouquet, or switch it up to a “Cupid” mode where he stands on a cloud pedestal with a bow and arrow. Once assembled, the figure stands 6.5 inches tall and features a posable head, wings, and tail, so it looks great on a desk or bookshelf without taking up too much space. Plus, with Prime delivery, it’ll arrive well before Feb. 14.
Everything to know about Sugar Season 2
On Jan. 30, 2026, Apple TV announced when their neo-noir series Sugar will return: June 19, 2026.
Speaking of returns, Colin Farrell, who headlines and serves as executive producer on Sugar, is back as private eye John Sugar. And according to Apple TV’s official log line, he’s got a new mystery to tackle, along with some old emotional scars.
“John Sugar returns for a new case, tracking the troubled older brother of an up-and-coming local boxer as his search for his beloved missing sister continues. As the investigation expands into a city-wide conspiracy with sinister intentions, Sugar must reckon with himself to answer the question –– how far will he go to do what’s right?”
For more of a sense of what Apple’s got cooking with Sugar Season 2, take a look at the newly released images below:
Credit: A24
Credit: Apple TV
How to watch: Sugar Season 1 is now streaming on Apple TV, Season 2 will premiere on June 19, 2026.
February full moon 2026: See the Snow Moon
The February Full Moon is almost here, and fittingly it’s called the Snow Moon; perfect for the winter weather much of the country has been experiencing. Keep reading to find out more about this month’s moon, and when you can see it.
When is the February Full Moon?
February’s Full Moon will occur on Sunday, Feb. 1. Time and Date estimates it will peak at 5:09 p.m. ET.
What is the February Full Moon called?
Full Moons all have different names, and February’s Moon is known as the Snow Moon according to Royal Museums Greenwich. There’s not a lot of mystery behind this name, since February is often the snowiest month of the year.
When is the next Full Moon?
The next Full Moon is predicted to take place on March 3, 2026. This will also be a total lunar eclipse in parts of the world, including North America.
What are the lunar phases?
The Full Moon is one of the eight stages in the Moon’s 29.5-day cycle as it orbits Earth. Each phase reflects how much of the Moon’s surface is illuminated from what we can see on Earth. We always face the same side of the Moon, but as it travels around Earth, the angle of sunlight changes, which is why it sometimes appears full, sometimes half-lit, and sometimes nearly invisible.
The phases are:
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New Moon — The moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it’s invisible to the eye).
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Waxing Crescent — A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).
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First Quarter — Half of the moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-moon.
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Waxing Gibbous — More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.
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Full Moon — The whole face of the moon is illuminated and fully visible.
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Waning Gibbous — The moon starts losing light on the right side.
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Last Quarter (or Third Quarter) — Another half-moon, but now the left side is lit.
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Waning Crescent — A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.
Moon phase today: What the Moon will look like on January 30
Have you noticed the Moon is getting a little bigger each night this week? That’s because of where we are in the lunar cycle, a 29.5 cycle of the Moon’s phases. Right now, we’re just a few days away from the Full Moon. After this point, it will start getting smaller each night.
What is today’s Moon phase?
As of Friday, Jan. 30, the Moon phase is Waxing Gibbous. According to NASA’s Daily Moon Guide, 92% of the Moon will be lit up tonight.
The Moon is so close to being full, so there’s plenty to see. If you don’t have any visual aids, you can still enjoy glimpses of the Mares Imbrium, Fecunditatis, and Crisium.With binoculars, you’ll also be able to see the Gassendi Crater, Mare Frigoris, and Posidonius Crater. With a telescope, you should also be able to spot the Apollo 11 landing spot, Gruithuisen Domes, and Rima Hyginus.
When is the next Full Moon?
The next Full Moon will be on Feb. 1. The last full moon was on Jan. 3.
What are Moon phases?
According to NASA, the lunar cycle lasts around 29.5 days. This is how long the Moon takes to travel once around Earth. Over that period, it passes through eight recognised phases. The same side of the Moon always faces our planet, however the portion that appears lit changes as the Moon moves along its orbit. The amount of sunlight reaching the Moon is what makes it appear full, partially illuminated, or almost invisible at different points in the cycle. The eight lunar phases are:
New Moon – The Moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it’s invisible to the eye).
Waxing Crescent – A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).
First Quarter – Half of the Moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-Moon.
Waxing Gibbous – More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.
Full Moon – The whole face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible.
Waning Gibbous – The Moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)
Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) – Another half-Moon, but now the left side is lit.
Waning Crescent – A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.
Vic Michaelis on masterminding Brennan Lee Mulligan quitting Dropout for American Girl Dolls
Dropout fans know Vic Michaelis as a mastermind of cringe comedy, whether they are badgering Sam Reich for a dollar on Game Changer, playing a fictional version of themselves for the interview improv show Very Important People, or joining Dimension 20 as a death-focused “dusty do-gooder” in Gladlands. But with Michaelis’ role on the new Peacock series Ponies, they take their sharp wit to 1977 Russia, playing the frustrated office manager for the U.S. Embassy in Moscow.
Michaelis visited Mashable’s Say More couch to talk all of this and more with Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko. In the video above, they dig into Vic’s pitch for Game Changer‘s version of Shark Tank. In the episode, called “Fool’s Gold,” contestants are pitched videos that could go viral. While some involved goofy animation and breast milk taste tests, Michaelis pitched that Brennan Lee Mulligan quit Dropout to make American Girl Doll shoes.
“You take the thing people love most and the thing they fear most,” they said of the pitch, noting, “Sam said pitch three to five ideas. And I said, ‘I have one, and if you don’t want to do it, then I don’t want to come on the show.'”
The resulting video didn’t just make waves on TikTok and Instagram, where fans were frantic about the joke and whether or not it was real. News of the fake resignation hit Google in the form of an Easter egg, which rained little shoes when you googled “Brennan Lee Mulligan.”
In the full episode of Say More, available on YouTube, Michaelis speaks more on that particular moment of internet breakery. Above, they also reveal that it was either going to be American Girl Dolls or the Sylvanians (aka Calico Critters). “I ended up doing a bunch of research on what brand was most likely to interact with the video,” Michaelis explained. “I had narrowed it down to Sylvanian dolls and American Girl Dolls.”
We all know what went down with the Sylvanian dolls, right? A content creator called Sylvanian Drama went viral for using the dolls to create scandalous stories for TikTok, and then was sued by the toymaker in July of 2025.
“That lawsuit against that amazing Sylvanian Drama creator happened immediately after the episode dropped,” Michaelis recounted, “or like right before it was supposed to come out. So, I was like ‘Thank God’ [I went with American Girl Dolls].”
Michaelis also touches on how their gag about Evelyn Tucci, who they claimed on Game Changer is the actor Stanley Tucci’s paternal grandmother, has found new life online. Plus, they told Mashable about how their real-life background in martial arts came into play on Ponies. OK, so a kick-to-the-throat attack was cut from Season 1. But could we see Michaelis’ black belt skills in Season 2? Here’s hoping.
For more from Michaelis on Very Important People, Dimension 20, and the unexpected connection between Game Changer, Heated Rivalry, and Ponies, check out the full Say More episode on YouTube.
Ponies is now streaming on Peacock. Game Changer, Dimension 20: Gladlands, and Very Important People are all streaming on Dropout.
Kermit being interviewed by Jimmy Kimmel is as delightful as youd expect
Sometimes you need a wholesome antidote to the news, and a frog puppet appearing on a talk show just so happens to tick that box.
In the clip above Kermit appears on Jimmy Kimmel Live! to promote The Muppet Show‘s return, discussing everything from his star on the Hollywood walk of fame to whether or not Miss Piggy would be upset with him meeting Kaley Cuoco backstage (“No, she watches Fallon,” is Kermit’s quick response).
All in all a delightful interview.
Daily Show unpacks why Amazon spent $75 million on Melania documentary
The Melania documentary has had its premiere, and all of the late night shows have similar questions.
“Amazon believed in this movie a lot. Like, suspiciously a lot,” says Daily Show host Desi Lydic in the clip above. “Huh, why would Jeff Bezos, a billionaire who has tons of business with a government run by a famously-corrupt president known for loving bribes, overpay for a Melania documentary? Hmm, let me think.”
Elsewhere, Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert also had similar things to say about Amazon’s big paycheck — especially on the same week the company has cut 16,000 jobs.
This 49-inch Acer Nitro curved gaming monitor is at its lowest-ever price on Amazon — save $100
TL;DR: The Acer Nitro 49-inch ultrawide curved gaming monitor is currently on sale for $599.99 at Amazon. That’s down from its typical $699.99 price.
Upgrading to a decent curved gaming monitor from a reliable brand can be an expensive process, but Acer’s just made things a little easier at Amazon. As of Jan. 30, Amazon has dropped the Acer Nitro EI491CUR to its lowest-ever price of $599.99 (according to price tracker camelcamelcamel).
This 49-inch display sports a 32:9 aspect ratio with a DQHD resolution of 5120 x 1440, which is essentially the equivalent of running two QHD monitors side by side — minus the bezel in the middle. It’s ideal for sprawling open-world games like Cyberpunk 2077, racing sims along the lines of Forza Horizon 5, or flight simulators like Microsoft Flight Simulator.
The aggressively curved 1,000R panel is designed to keep the entire screen at a consistent viewing distance, helping reduce eye strain while making games feel more immersive. Performance-wise, you’re getting a 120Hz refresh rate, 3ms response time, and AMD FreeSync support to smooth out fast-paced action and eliminate screen tearing.
At under $600, this deal makes super ultra-wide gaming far more affordable than usual.
If you’re willing to spend a little bit more on a curved monitor, Samsung’s 49-inch Odyssey G9 is now $300 off. For those shopping for an OLED, the 49-inch G93SC version of the Odyssey G9 is on sale for $899.
Apple sells record number of iPhones on simply staggering demand
Remember the rumors that the iPhone Air wasn’t selling well? True or not, it didn’t hurt Apple‘s iPhone sales at all. In fact, the company just posted a record-breaking quarter, and demand for iPhones has never been higher.
Apple reported its fiscal first quarter earnings on Thursday, and it beat basically every estimate the experts put out there. In particular, iPhone revenue was $85.27 billion, a 23 percent increase over the same period last year. Apple’s total revenue for the quarter was also a record-breaking $143.8 billion, a 16 percent year-over-year increase.
Speaking to CNBC, Apple CEO Tim Cook called the demand for the iPhone last quarter “simply staggering.”
Here’s another staggering number: According to Cook, Apple now has an active base of 2.5 billion devices, which includes iPhones, Macs, iPads, and other devices.
We don’t know which iPhone models sold the best, as iPhone doesn’t report them separately. But it’s safe to say that the iPhone 17 lineup was a success.
Notably, 2025 was the year in which Apple expanded its traditional iPhone/iPhone Pro mix with two new models, the iPhone 16e, and the ultra-thin iPhone Air. For 2026, Apple reportedly has even bigger ambitions, with the mythical iPhone Fold joining the lineup. The company will also reportedly split its iPhone launch schedule into two, with iPhone 18 launching in the spring, and iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max launching in the fall, alongside iPhone Fold.
Save over $15 on the Lego Ideas The Insect Collection right now at Walmart
SAVE OVER $15: As of Jan. 30, the Lego Ideas The Insect Collection (21342) is on sale for $62.96 at Walmart. That’s $17.03 off its list price of $79.99.
We consider the Lego Ideas The Insect Collection (21342) to be one of our favorite Lego sets. If these brightly colored bugs have caught your eye, Walmart’s offering a nice discount on this set at the moment, dropping its price to $62.96.
Normally the Lego Ideas The Insect Collection is priced at $79.99, so this is a good opportunity to grab it and save $17.03 in the process. Coming to 1,111 pieces, it’s a delightful build to work on during these winter months when there’s nothing better to do than stay inside and get creative.
All of these pieces come together to create three posable models: a blue morpho butterfly, a Hercules beetle, and a Chinese mantis. Each one has their own little diorama-style platform with different habitats. Keep in mind it’s a set that’s recommended for adults, though younger Lego fans can build it with some more experienced help.
This deal may not be live for much longer (especially since Walmart’s page says there’s low stock already), so act fast to save on the Lego Ideas The Insect Collection at Walmart.
Looking for even more bright builds to piece together ahead of spring? Check out our breakdown of the best new floral Lego sets to find some fun bouquets. Or check out our rundown of the best Lego sets for Valentine’s Day to see some sets worth gifting this year.
Clawdbot users are snapping up the Mac Mini — buy now for under $550 at Amazon
SAVE $50: The M4 Mac Mini is on sale at Amazon for $549, down from the normal price of $599.
Silicon Valley is going wild for the 2024 M4 Mac Mini, but it’s not for the reason you might think. No, it’s not being used as a traditional desktop computer in the way we assume. People are using it to run the latest AI assistant, Clawdbot. With a cute lobster mascot, the Clawdbot hype is driving up sales and snatching up stock of the Mac Mini with an M4 chip. Before it becomes impossible to find in-stock, check out this sale price.
As of Jan. 30, the M4 Mac Mini is on sale at Amazon for $549, marked down from the standard price of $599.
Why use a Mac Mini for running Clawdbot? The answers are pretty similar to why you’d want a Mac Mini in the first place. Like the name implies, it’s a tiny beast that has 16GB of unified memory and 256GB SSD. Plus, you can leave it running at all times with no issue. If you live in the Apple ecosystem and plan to adopt Clawdbot, a dedicated Mac Mini could be an awesome sidekick.
This 2024 version of the Mac Mini comes with Apple’s powerful M4 chip, two USB-C ports, a headphone jack, ethernet, HDMI, and Thunderbolt 4 ports. All of that is housed in the compact five inch by five inch Mac Mini housing. This size makes it simple to add to your current desktop setup or take along on the next work trip.
If you’re looking for the smallest possible personal assistant, running Clawdbot on a Mac Mini might be your best option. Before demand reaches even higher levels, snag the M4 Mac Mini from Amazon while it’s on sale for $549. That’s $50 off the normal price.
The Magic: The Gathering Final Fantasy Play Booster Box is $47 off at Amazon
TL;DR: The Magic: The Gathering Final Fantasy Play Booster Box is down to $162.52 at Amazon. That’s $47 off its usual $209.70 list price.
Snagging Magic: The Gathering’s Final Fantasy crossover product at a reasonable price has been a tough quest, but Amazon just made it a lot easier. As of Jan. 30, the Magic: The Gathering Final Fantasy Play Booster Box has dropped to $162.52 at Amazon. That’s $47 off its $209.70 list price — a solid discount for one of the most in-demand Universes Beyond releases to date.
This set brings together the worlds of Magic: The Gathering and all 16 core Final Fantasy video games, packing iconic characters, spells, and locations into a single box designed for both collectors and players. You’ll get 30 Play Boosters, each containing 14 cards, making this box ideal for Draft nights, Sealed play, or simply cracking packs for fun.
Every booster guarantees one Traditional Foil card, with 1–4 Rares or higher per pack, and the chance to pull eye-catching borderless alternate art cards along the way.
Play Boosters are widely considered the best all-around option in Magic right now, especially if you enjoy Limited formats or want flexibility when building decks. And with the Final Fantasy crossover, there’s an added layer of nostalgia baked into every pull — whether you’re chasing fan-favorite heroes or just admiring the themed artwork.
This new price also seriously undercuts what’s available on TCGplayer. The lowest-priced listing on the trading card selling platform is $220.39 plus shipping costs.
While you’re shopping for Magic: The Gathering deals, you can still get the Lorwyn Eclipsed Play Booster Box at $34 off. You can also score the Magic: The Gathering Avatar: The Last Airbender Beginner Box for under $25.
How to watch the 2026 Australian Open online for free
TL;DR: Live stream the 2026 Australian Open for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
It feels like we’re inundated with tennis tournaments over the summer months, and then nothing. After the US Open, tennis fans have a painful wait for the next Grand Slam.
But thankfully, the 2026 Australian Open has come to the rescue to deliver epic contests between the best players in the world. It’s the first chance to see the likes of Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Aryna Sabalenka on the biggest stage. And better yet, it’s possible to follow all the action from this showpiece event without spending anything.
If you want to watch the 2026 Australian Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
What is the Australian Open?
The Australian Open is a tennis tournament held annually at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia. It’s the first of the four Grand Slam tennis events held each year, followed by the French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open.
The current singles champions are Jannik Sinner and Madison Keys.
When is the 2026 Australian Open?
The 2026 Australian Open is the 114th edition of the tournament. This year’s event takes place from Jan. 18 to Feb. 1.
How to watch the 2026 Australian Open for free
The 2026 Australian Open is available to live stream for free on 9Now.
9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can unblock 9Now from anywhere in the world.
Access free live streams of the 2026 Australian Open by following these simple steps:
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Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
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Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
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Open up the app and connect to a server in Australia
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Visit 9Now
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Watch the 2026 Australian Open for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch the 2026 Australian Open before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for 9Now?
ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on 9Now, for a number of reasons:
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Servers in 105 countries including Australia
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Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
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Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure
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Fast connection speeds
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Up to eight simultaneous connections
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30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $78.18 and includes an extra four months for free — 78% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).
Live stream the 2026 Australian Open for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The Roku Streaming Stick 4K is $15 off at Amazon — get this popular streaming stick for under $35
SAVE $15: As of Jan. 30, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K is on sale for $34.99 at Amazon. That’s a 30% discount on the list price.
Streaming sticks are a great way to upgrade your current TV without actually upgrading your TV. These products allow you to transform how you find your favorite apps and movies. And as of Jan. 30, one of the most popular models, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K, is on sale at Amazon. If you buy now, you’ll be saving $15 with the new price of $34.99.
One of the best things about the Roku Streaming Stick 4K is how easy it is to set up. Just plug it into your TV’s HDMI port and connect the cable to a wall outlet, then use the included remote to turn on your TV and you’re all set. This remote will now be the only control for your TV, so there’s no need to have two or more lying around.
After this, Roku will give you all the top apps in one place, plus over 500 free live TV channels. And the home screen makes it easy to pick up where you left off. You’ll also get Roku voice control. Just use the button on the remote to search through different streaming platforms or even adjust the volume using just your voice.
Get this streaming stick deal from Amazon.
The Dreame L40 Ultra Gen 2 robot vacuum and mop is at its best-ever price at Amazon — save over $100
SAVE OVER $100: As of Jan. 30, Amazon has marked the Dreame L40 Ultra Gen 2 robot vacuum and mop down to $499.99 for Prime members. This 23% discount saves you $150 off its list price.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by cleaning at home, a robot vacuum can make the job feel a little easier. And there have been some great discounts popping up lately, so now is the perfect time to shop for something special. Among the options on sale at the moment is the Dreame L40 Ultra Gen 2 robot vacuum and mop, which is down to its lowest-ever price at Amazon (for Prime members).
As of Jan. 30, the Dreame L40 Ultra Gen 2 robot vacuum and mop is on sale for $499.99 at Amazon for Prime members. Compared to its list price of $649.99, this deal saves you $150.
Dirt, dust, and pet hair are no match for the Dreame L40 Ultra Gen 2’s 25,000Pa suction, and its DuoScrub mopping system helps tackle stains for an all-around deeper clean on your floors. It doesn’t forget about corners either, as it can extend its brush and mop to reach tighter spaces or underneath furniture.
There’s no need to worry about items on your floor disrupting the clean, as it uses Smart Pathfinder and 3DAdapt technologies to map out your home and avoid any shoes or pet toys that might get in its way.
If it’s caught your eye, now is your chance to grab the Dreame L40 Ultra Gen 2 robot vacuum and mop on sale now for $499.99. And if you’re curious what other robot vacuums we think are worth your time and money, have a look at our roundup of the best robot vacuums to see our favorite picks.
Get $45 off the Pokémon TCG: Paldean Fates Great Tusk ex & Iron Threads ex Premium Collection
TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG: Paldean Fates Great Tusk ex & Iron Treads ex Premium Collection is down to $174.90 at Amazon. That’s $45 off its usual list price.
at Amazon
$219.99
Save $45.09
Premium Pokémon TCG boxes don’t often see massive price drops once they’ve settled into the market, which makes this Paldean Fates deal especially eye-catching. As of Jan. 30, the Pokémon TCG: Paldean Fates Great Tusk ex & Iron Treads ex Premium Collection has dropped to $174.90 at Amazon, knocking a full $45 off its $219.99 list price.
For a collection that’s been steadily going up in value over the last couple of years, that’s a serious discount.
This Premium Collection is built around Paldea’s Paradox Pokémon theme shown in the Pokémon Scarlet & Violet games, pairing Great Tusk ex and Iron Treads ex in their Shiny forms. Inside the box, you’ll find 11 Scarlet & Violet: Paldean Fates booster packs, giving you plenty of shots at the set’s highly sought-after Shiny Pokémon.
On top of that, the collection includes two foil Shiny Pokémon ex trading cards, two additional Great Tusk and Iron Treads cards, and an oversized foil card featuring Shiny Great Tusk ex, plus a code card for Pokémon TCG Live.
What really makes this deal stand out is how it compares to the wider market. Released in January 2024, Paldean Fates is one of those expansions that has moved further into obscurity overtime, with single packs on Amazon now costing around $20-$25 each. All listings on TCGplayer are completely sold out.
For more Pokémon TCG deals, the Mega Evolution Booster Bundle is down to around $52 on Amazon. What’s more, booster packs of Prismatic Evolutions, another in-demand expansion, are below market value on Amazon.
Super Bowl 2026 deals: Score free food from Applebees, Buffalo Wild Wings, Denny’s, and more
Super Bowl LX is set to take place on Feb. 8. The New England Patriots will face off against the Seattle Seahawks for a chance at glory. There’s also the small matter of performances from Bad Bunny, Green Day, Charlie Puth, and more top stars. What a glorious day.
We’re sure you’ve already got plans in place for this special occasion, but if not, you should be aware that a long list of restaurants are offering free food promotions for the big game. Football, loads of live performances, and free food? It really doesn’t get much better than that.
We’ve checked out everything on offer from big names like Applebee’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, Denny’s, Fazoli’s, and more. We’ll be updating this list with any new free food deals that drop as we approach Feb. 8.
Super Bowl 2026 food deals
Applebee’s
Applebee’s is offering 20 free boneless wings with any $40 online or in-app order on Feb. 8. This deal is available when you use the promo code SBWINGS26.
Beef ‘O’ Brady’s
Get 50 traditional or boneless wings for $50 on Feb. 8. This deal is available for dine-in and takeout orders.
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse
Until Feb. 8, get a Big Game Pizza and Wings Bundle — including 30 bone-in wings or 3 lbs of boneless wings — for $55.
Buffalo’s Cafe
Get 10% off the Buffalo’s Cafe party platter when you make an order online of $50 or more. You need to use the promo code SB2026 at the checkout, place your order by Feb. 6, and pick up on Feb. 8.
Buffalo Wild Wings
If Super Bowl LX goes into overtime, Buffalo Wild Wings will give you six free wings. This offer is available to redeem on Feb. 23 from 2-5 p.m. local time, for dine-in and takeout.
Denny’s
Get 10% off any online order of $30 or more with the promo code CHAMP10N at checkout. This code is valid from Feb. 6-8.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
Get $10 off your order of $55 or more with the promo code BIGGAME85 at checkout. This code is valid until Feb. 2 and can only be redeemed once per transaction and per person.
Fazoli’s
Rewards members can get a free Fazoli’s whole pizza with the purchase of a Family Meal on Feb. 8.
Giordano’s
Get one free pizza when you buy three pizzas with the promo code SUPER26 at checkout. All orders come with free shipping.
Hurricane Grill & Wings
Get 10% off a party platter when you place an online order of $50 or more with the promo code SB2026. Orders must be made on Feb. 6 for pickup on Feb. 8.
Matchbox Restaurants
Get a free pizza when you spend $20 or more on Feb. 8. This offer is only valid in-store.
Native Grill & Wings
Get $10 off your order of $75 or more. Orders must be made on Feb. 6 for pickup on Feb. 8.
Noodles & Company
Through Feb. 9, get a catering dessert tray when you buy one catering pan with promo code NOODSWIN26.
Portillo’s
Perks members get $25 off catering orders of $100 or more on Feb. 8. There is a limit of one redemption per account.
White Castle
Save $2 on a case of Sliders with this coupon from Feb. 6-8. One code is valid per person.
Stephen Colbert slams Amazon for spending $75 million on Melania documentary
The Melania documentary has had its premiere, and like Jimmy Kimmel, Stephen Colbert has thoughts — particularly about how much money Amazon spent on it.
“This film did not come cheap, y’all. To produce and distribute it Jeff Bezos paid $75 million. Now obviously he’s one of richest men in the world, that’s chump change to Bezos himself, but it might have helped the 16,000 people that Amazon announced they were firing yesterday,” says Colbert in the Late Show monologue above.
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“You know what? I have had it. I say we storm the castle!” the host adds, taking out his phone. “Let’s see, er, Amazon has pitchforks, that’s good, and let’s see, they also have torches, that’s good. And let’s see, on Prime let’s order that, and… the revolution will start in two business days.”
NYT Pips hints, answers for January 30, 2026
Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalogue.
Released in August 2025, the Pips puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.
Currently, if you’re stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move onto the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.
How to play Pips
If you’ve ever played dominoes, you’ll have a passing familiarity for how Pips is played. As we’ve shared in our previous hints stories for Pips, the tiles, like dominoes, are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don’t necessarily have to match.
The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible – and common – for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.
Here are common examples you’ll run into across the difficulty levels:
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Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.
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Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.
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Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.
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Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.
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Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.
If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.
Easy difficulty hints, answers for Jan. 30 Pips
Equal (1): Everything in this space must be equal to 1. The answer is 1-1, placed vertically; 1-3, placed vertically.
Less Than (1): Everything in this space must be less than 1. The answer is 0-6, placed horizontally
Number (7): Everything in this space must add up to 7. The answer is 0-6, placed horizontally; 1-2, placed vertically.
Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 1-3, placed vertically; 3-2, placed horizontally.
Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 3-2, placed horizontally; 1-2, placed vertically; 2-5, placed vertically.
Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 2-5, placed vertically.
Medium difficulty hints, answers for Jan. 30 Pips
Equal (5): Everything in this space must be equal to 5. The answer is 5-4, placed vertically; 5-3, placed horizontally.
Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 0-3, placed vertically; 3-3, placed horizontally.
Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 5-3, placed horizontally; 0-0, placed vertically.
Not Equal: Everything in this space must be different. The answer is 5-4, placed vertically; 3-3, placed horizontally; 5-2, placed horizontally; 0-0, placed vertically; 1-1, placed vertically.
Hard difficulty hints, answers for Jan. 30 Pips
Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 5-6, placed vertically.
Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 4-3, placed vertically.
Equal (6): Everything in this light blue space must be equal to 6. The answer is 5-6, placed vertically; 6-3, placed vertically.
Equal (3): Everything in this yellow space must be equal to 3. The answer is 3-3, placed horizontally; 4-3, placed vertically; 3-5, placed vertically; 6-3, placed vertically.
Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 5-4, placed horizontally.
Number (12): Everything in this space must add up to 12. The answer is 5-4, placed horizontally; 4-4, placed vertically.
Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 2-5, placed vertically; 2-2, placed horizontally.
Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 3-5, placed vertically.
Number (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 2-6, placed vertically.
Equal (0): Everything in this light blue space must be equal to 0. The answer is 0-0, placed horizontally.
Equal (6): Everything in this dark blue space must be equal to 6. The answer is 2-6, placed vertically; 6-0, placed vertically.
Equal (0): Everything in this purple space must be equal to 0. The answer is 6-0, placed vertically; 5-0, placed horizontally.
Equal (5): Everything in this red space must be equal to 5. The answer is 1-5, placed vertically; 5-0, placed horizontally.
Less Than (2): Everything in this space must be less than 2. The answer is 1-5, placed vertically.
If you’re looking for more puzzles, Mashable’s got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
All your Bumble questions, answered
Bumble is one of the most well-known dating apps out there. Founder and CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd started Bumble in 2014 after founding Tinder years prior. Bumble was, for many years, women’s answer to Tinder. That’s because it utilizes the same “swipe left or right” model to either pass or seek to match with someone else, but there is a key difference between the two: on Bumble, only women can message first (“make the first move”) in heterosexual matches.
Bumble has changed since 2014, though, and in case you’re seeking answers on how Bumble works, look no further.
How does Bumble work?
In Bumble’s early years, if you were a man matching with a woman, you had to wait until she messaged you first. But in April 2024, Bumble switched that up with Opening Moves, a way for anyone to message anyone else first. (In gay matches, or with nonbinary users, that was typically the case before this.)
With Opening Move, any user could respond to a prompt on someone’s Bumble profile for matches to respond to. (If you think this is similar to Hinge, you’re right. Recently, major dating apps have added features that other apps already have.)
Then, in October 2024, Bumble expanded Opening Moves so users could add up to three prompts for matches to reply.
Any user can set an Opening Move.
How to use Bumble
First, you must create a profile on Bumble. Upload photos of yourself (Bumble recommends four to six), fill out your personal details — such as your age and gender — and set your dating intentions and filters for what you’re looking for. The more information you give, the likelier it is that the algorithm will serve profiles that fit what you want.
Once you create your Bumble profile, you can find potential matches in the People tab, located squarely in the center of the navigation panel at the bottom of the screen. Swipe right if you want to match, left if you don’t. Once you match with someone, you can go to the Chat tab to start the conversation. (If you have a Premium account, you can also check out who’s liked you first.)
Then there’s the Discover tab, which is to the left of People. Bumble highlights four profiles it thinks you’ll really like (or at least, its algorithm does). You can either Like these profiles or tell Bumble they’re not for you. This selection of four refreshes daily at 9 a.m.
Unlike some other dating apps, matches on Bumble expire after 24 hours of matching unless someone messages. Free users can “extend” one match per day, but you have to pay for the app for more chances to extend matches.
As mentioned above, you can also set an Opening Move to give a match a chance to message once you match. With Opening Moves, both people have to send a message, otherwise the chat will expire.
Is Bumble free?
Bumble does have a free tier, and you don’t have to pay anything to match and message people. But if you want extra perks, you’ll have to pay.
As of late 2025, Bumble has three paid tiers: Boost, Premium, and Premium+.
“We are committed to delivering the best possible value for our members with our products and as a result pricing can vary by location,” a spokesperson said. “There are a number of different subscription options, you can do a week, a month, or even a year. Prices for Bumble Premium start from $32.99 for a week.”
Here are the perks of each Bumble subscription, according to its blog.
Boost
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Unlimited swipes
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Rematch with expired connections
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Extend matches by 24 hours
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Backtrack accidental left swipes
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Spotlight your profile (temporarily bring it to the front of people’s queues)
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Five SuperSwipes (Bumble’s version of a SuperLike) each week
Premium
All the features of Boost, and:
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See who Liked you first
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Unlimited Advanced Filters
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Travel mode, so you can change your location when you go on a trip
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Incognito mode
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One Spotlight per week
Premium+
All the benefits of Premium, plus (get it?):
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10 SuperSwipes per week
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Two Compliments per week
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Two Spotlights per week
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Profile insights to see how your profile is performing
How to cancel your Bumble subscription
Mashable has a guide all about how to cancel your Bumble subscription if you’re a paid user and would rather downgrade.
Does Bumble have read receipts?
Rest assured, Bumble doesn’t have read receipts, so you can view your messages without wondering if your match thinks you left them on read.
How to watch the 2026 Grammy Awards without cable
Paramount+ Premium
YouTube TV
Fubo TV
Hulu + Live TV
Music’s biggest night is rapidly approaching: The 68th annual Grammy Awards are happening this weekend at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Comedian Trevor Noah will return as master of ceremonies for his *checks notes* sixth and final year.
Kendrick Lamar leads the pack this year with a surprising nine nominations, while Lady Gaga, Jack Antonoff, and Cirkut each have seven. Bad Bunny, Sabrina Carpenter, and Leon Thomas also have six nominations each.
From heartfelt tributes to artists like D’Angelo and Ozzy Osbourne to epic performances from Best New Artist nominees to, of course, the award winners themselves, it’s sure to be a talent-filled evening full of surprises. Here’s everything you need to know about how to watch the Grammys in 2026.
When are the Grammys?
The 2026 Grammy Awards will take place Sunday, Feb. 1 at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT) at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. So long as the acceptance speeches don’t run over, the ceremony is expected to last about three-and-a-half hours, concluding around 11:30 p.m. ET.
Prior to the main broadcast, the 2026 Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony will take place at 3:30 p.m. ET. This is when the majority of the Grammys will be awarded.
What channel are the Grammys on?
Since 1973, CBS has been the home of the Grammy Awards. Now in its 68th year, this will be the 53rd year of the Grammys on CBS. Because most people no longer have cable, CBS’s streaming sibling Paramount+ will also simulcast the awards show live via its Premium tier only.
Note: The Paramount+ Essential plan will only get you access to the on-demand broadcast the next day after the awards air.
The Grammys Premiere Ceremony, prior to the main broadcast, will stream live for free on YouTube.
How to watch the Grammys live without cable
For those who no longer have cable or access to their local CBS network, you’ll technically have a few different options for tuning in live (and maybe even for free). The easiest way is to sign up for a month of Paramount+ Premium, but since Paramount+ recently ditched its free trials, it’ll cost you $13.99.
A potentially cheaper option would be to sign up for a live TV streaming service like YouTube TV or Fubo and score a free trial offer. Here’s a breakdown of the best options:
Watch live on Paramount+ Premium
As noted above, the most direct way to watch live without cable is by signing up for a month of Paramount+ Premium for $13.99. You can save a bit of money long-term if you sign up for an annual plan rather than a monthly plan. At $139.99 per year, that drops the monthly cost down to just $11.67. You’ll have to pay for the whole year upfront, but ultimately, you’ll save about 17% overall.
If you can manage to avoid spoilers in this day and age, a Paramount+ Essential subscription will get you access to the broadcast on demand the day following the live ceremony. It’ll only cost you $8.99 per month or $89.99 per year.
Watch live with a YouTube TV free trial
YouTube TV will give you live access to local channels, including CBS, so you can catch the Grammys as they’re happening. More importantly, you’ll get a free trial if you’ve never signed up previously. That means you could potentially watch the Grammy Awards for free on CBS through YouTube TV. Trials are typically a week long, so be sure to check your status and cancel your subscription before the week ends, or you’ll be hit with a $59.99 blow to your bank account.
Watch live with a Fubo free trial
Like YouTube TV, Fubo will grant you access to local channels, including CBS, so you can watch the Grammy Awards live in 2026. All three of Fubo’s main plans come with a free trial for one day if you’ve never signed up before. If you’re strategic, you can watch the Grammys for free during this trial and cancel before you’re charged the full amount. Plans start at $45.99 for your first month.
Watch live with a Hulu + Live TV free trial
Hulu’s live TV subscription is another option similar to YouTube TV and Fubo, which offers a large selection of live channels — including your local CBS network. With a three-day free trial, you’ll be able to tune into the Grammy Awards for free. Just be warned: once the trial is up, you’ll be charged $89.99 unless you cancel before that.
Send Help review: GLOP! Youre not ready for Rachel McAdams latest… but I love it
Bless Sam Raimi. With the Evil Dead trilogy, this subversive American filmmaker bestowed upon horror fans an outrageous collision of horror, comedy, and gross-outs gags that became truly iconic. His madcap energy made the Spider-Man trilogy a foundation in superhero cinema, and then the grisly Drag Me to Hell (2009) assured fans that his foray into family-friendly fare didn’t mean he’d lost his touch. Now, nearly 45 years since The Evil Dead debuted, he’s once again serving up gloppy, gnarly, and hilarious horror with Send Help.
2026 is off to an incredible start in terms of horror cinema, thanks to Nia DaCosta’s epic 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. And even though that zombie movie involves a prolonged scene of torture and flaying, Raimi’s Send Help is far more likely to have audiences gagging, thanks to an almost gratuitous amount of glop. We’re talking blood, sweat, vomit, and whatever else might ooze in quantities that had a packed theater of critics gasping and yelping in shock and deranged delight. But all this gross spectacle is just the start of what makes Send Help a totally twisted thrill ride.
Send Help plays like Romancing the Stone meets Triangle of Sadness… meets Misery.
Credit: Brook Rushton / 20th Century Studios
Rachel McAdams stars as middle-aged pencil pusher Linda Liddle; she’s diligent, smart, and has a lot of unexpected skills, thanks to her deep love of Survivor. So, she’s pretty pissed off when her nepo baby boss, Bradley Preston (Twinless‘ Dylan O’Brien), decides the promotion she deserves will go to one of his frat bros. However, their power dynamic shifts dramatically when a business trip leaves them both shipwrecked on a desert island.
While a wounded Bradley is useless in building shelter, foraging, hunting, or gathering water, Linda’s untapped survival skills make her a force to be reckoned with in the wild. So, yeah, it’s basically like the third act of Triangle of Sadness, when the sunken yacht’s cleaning lady, Abigail (Dolly de Leon), takes charge of the spoiled, rotten rich folk who’ve washed up on shore. However, Send Help‘s screenplay — by Damian Shannon and Mark Swift — pushes this premise beyond the expected “eat-the-rich” comedy into terrain that is both familiar and strange.
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Some scenes hint at an enemies-to-lovers arc, where, forced to survive together, Linda and Bradley find the good in each other, despite their differences. Perhaps, in the wild, they’ll get past their egos and fall for each other like Kathleen Turner and Michael Douglas did in Romancing the Stone? There’s certainly enough tousled curls and bared flesh for the possibility. However, other scenes suggest that Linda’s interest in Bradley isn’t so simple. Her obsession with not only showing him her worth, but also making him pay for his bad behavior leads to scenes that are jaw-dropping in their menace. As she flashes the only knife they have at him, I couldn’t stop thinking about the hobbling scene in Misery, wondering just how dark Send Help would go. And in this weird space of genre mash-up, McAdams is riveting and darkly, darkly funny.
Rachel McAdams is unexpectedly brilliant in Send Help.
Credit: Brook Rushton / 20th Century Studios
No shade to the Oscar–nominated Canadian movie star, but for the first half of this movie I thought she’d been miscast. The premise of Send Help and some of its flirtier scenes might suggest that a rom-com icon like The Notebook star would be well-suited to the role of Linda. However, from the opening frames of this film, Raimi paints Linda not as a standard quirky-but-cute heroine, but as a repulsive mess. Her attire is ill-fitting, as if every piece of it is fighting with the next. Her hair is flat and greasy, as if she’s forgotten that her hair even exists. And she brings a sloppy tuna salad sandwich to work every day for lunch, which ends up smudged onto her desk, her face, and even her boss’ hand. When he coldly tells her there have been complaints about the “noxious” smells at her desk, you can practically get a whiff of the tuna and Miracle Whip through the screen.
I marveled at why Raimi would cast McAdams in a repulsive role that felt like a riff on Roseanne Barr in She-Devil. It’s strange to see this elegant movie star dressed badly, making cringeworthy, socially awkward conversation. But this discomfort is intended, as she will bloom like the She-Devil anti-heroine. Incredibly, Linda’s time on the island leads to her getting a natural glow-up as she rediscovers her confidence. Frolicking under a waterfall, this is the romantic heroine McAdams audiences are familiar with — but not entirely.
Always under the surface of Linda, there’s something off about her. Despite her being the protagonist of the film, there’s the unnerving sense that we can’t really tell what’s going on in her head. Sure, at first audiences might well relate to the “eat-the-rich” fantasy of thriving on a tropical island while a shitty boss’ life is in your hands. But McAdams never leans fully into her charisma, always keeping an edge to Linda that flickers like her annoyed eyes or the blade of her knife. Raimi wrings excitement out of a cat-and-mouse game between Linda and Bradley, where your empathy might well shift from one to the other and back again, and again, and again. By the film’s end, McAdams has transformed, not just physically, but from a pitiable heroine in distress to something far more camp and thrilling, putting her performance here in the good company of Goldie Hawn and Meryl Streep in one of my all-time favorite comedies, Death Becomes Her.
Send Help is a gross and glorious good time.
Credit: Brook Rushton / 20th Century Studios
McAdams feasts on every frame of this movie, and O’Brien — who thrilled critics with his astounding double act in last year’s dark comedy Twinless — is her perfectly paired scene partner. At the start, his Bradley is an archetype of a rich asshole, brashly bullying his employees and casually sexually harassing any hot woman in his orbit, while wearing obscenely expensive clothing. On the island, however, the power dynamic shift pitches him into sulking, whimpering, or cajoling — all done with a keen comedic awareness. His torment is meant to be horrifying and hilarious, and it is, not only because of Raimi’s mastery at building tension but also because O’Brien has a sly but stellar skill for playing the fool.
He and McAdams collide so sensationally in this movie that it could have been fun, even if it were less gross. But honestly, the sheer amount of glop that Raimi flings at his stars and onto the screen enhances the sense of mayhem and suspense. Just as the script slams genre elements of romantic fantasy, dark comedy, and psychological thriller together to keep the audience off balance, the glop and gore knocks us out. For example, just when you think a scene is done with the vomit (or the blood), there will be another burst of fluid. Then another. And again. And each time, the audience I was part of screamed in horror, shock, and awe.
This was an incredible viewing experience; Raimi took me back to being a kid again, watching Evil Dead 2 on VHS and squealing at the sheer outrageousness of it all. All these years later, I’m much harder to shock — and yet he did it again. Watching Send Help, my stomach churned, my jaw dropped, my eyes bulged, and I threw my hands over my face a few times to guard from the gross explosion on screen. Then I walked out cackling and giddy, because Send Help is not just one of the grossest movies I’ve seen in the last decade. It’s also a rip-roaring, no-fucks-to-give good time.
Arco review: If you love animation, you need to see this gorgeous climate change fable
I fell in love with Arco from its very first frames.
In these opening moments, a flock of birds soars towards a cluster of towers jutting into the clouds, each holding up platforms covered in greenery and wind turbines. The image is utopian, yet there’s a slightly foreboding to it. What led humanity to move to the sky? What lies below the clouds? The answer, unsurprisingly, is ecological disaster of our own making.
That tension between beauty and hard truths fuels the entirety of Arco, as French director Ugo Bienvenu pairs a charming tale of friendship with a sobering look at the realities of climate change. It’s a glorious sci-fi journey, one told through the most remarkable animation you’ll see this year.
What’s Arco about?
The people who live on the platforms from Arco‘s opening scene are able to time travel. They fly to the past with the help of colorful cloaks and light-refracting crystals, bringing rainstorms and rainbows as they go.
Kids under the age of 12 are not allowed to use this technology, which doesn’t sit right with 10-year-old Arco (voiced by Juliano Valdi in the English-language dub). So what does this aspiring adventurer do? He steals his sister’s cloak and jets off to 2075, only to find himself stuck there. Thankfully, he has a newfound friend in Iris (voiced by Romy Fay), who is determined to help him get back to his own time.
Arco is another formidable animated film about climate change.
Credit: Courtesy of NEON
While Arco’s future is an idyllic one, fueled by renewable energy and a deep connection to nature, Iris’ version is far more troubling — and hits closer to home.
Iris lives in a suburb that would seem right at home in our current moment, apart from a few changes. Her robot caretaker Mikki (voiced by Natalie Portman and Mark Ruffalo), as well as her town’s hordes of robot laborers, speaks to significant technological advancements. So, too, do the holograms her workaholic parents (also voiced by Portman and Ruffalo) use to communicate while they’re away at work.
But the most telling difference between our present and Iris’ future is that of the protective bubbles that pop up around people’s houses during ever-frequent destructive weather events. The threat of severe storms looms over the town, while kids talk casually about their families preparing for disaster in the face of encroaching wildfires. Clearly, this is a society that lives with the impacts of climate change, yet makes no large-scale attempts to mitigate its effects for future generations. (Sound familiar?)
Arco knows that climate change — and humans’ acceleration of it — is what led his ancestors to make their way above the clouds. Through his eyes, everyday elements of Iris’ world become accelerants of oncoming ecological collapse, such as the town’s cars, or the excess of grocery stores, as opposed to his family’s homegrown approach.
Bienvenu is never too heavy-handed in his messaging around climate change. Still, each of these world-building details combine to build a growing background sense of dread, one that only makes Iris and Arco’s friendship all the sweeter by comparison. They offer up hope in a rapidly deteriorating world.
Arco‘s treatment of climate change recalls two of 2024’s most outstanding films, Flow and The Wild Robot. Like Arco, each present worlds impacted by ecological calamities. However, these are not grand, sweeping stories of saving the world, but rather stories of the innocents — like Flow and The Wild Robot‘s animals, or Arco‘s young Iris and Arco — who have no choice but to endure these storms. In addition to Flow and The Wild Robot, Arco is further proof of animation’s ability to communicate the realities of climate change to younger and older audiences alike.
Arco is a downright stunner.
And what animation is on display in Arco! A comic book artist himself, Bienvenu translates his 2D illustrative style to the big screen. The effect is glorious, reminiscent of the fantastical works of Jean Giraud (aka Mœbius) and the films of Studio Ghibli.
In addition to the rainbows and solarpunk sky towers of Arco’s future, Bienvenu finds wonder in the 2075 timeline. The forests of Iris’ town are lush wonderlands, while her school provides unexpected opportunities for escapism. Each classroom can transform into a variety of environments, from galaxies to underwater landscapes, offering Bienvenu and his team opportunities to flex their animation muscles and take Iris and Arco’s adventure to new heights.
Another highlight of the animation is the mysterious trio of men (voiced by Will Ferrell, Andy Samberg, and Flea) who are tracking Arco down. They each rock colorful suits, bowl cuts, and rainbow glasses, and their bumbling attempts to find Arco are among the funniest and most visually distinct moments of the film.
In a mainstream animation landscape dominated by 3D-animated films, Arco‘s visuals are a testament to the enduring power of 2D work, as well as French filmmakers’ commitment to the medium. If you love animation, run, don’t walk — or better yet, fly by rainbow — to catch it.
Arco is in theaters nationwide.
UPDATE: Jan. 29, 2026, 12:04 p.m. EST This review was first published on Nov. 14, 2025. It has been updated to reflect theatrical availability.
The Moment review: Charli XCX reveals the hardships of pop stardom through a fake documentary
Hot off its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, The Moment is rolling into theaters. But what can fans of Charli XCX expect from this comedy that’s masquerading as a documentary?
First off, let’s not flat-out call this a “mockumentary.” While that’s not the wrong term for writer/director Aidan Zamiri’s film, the popularity of the term typically used for Christopher Guest parodies and The Office might have moviegoers expecting a comedic romp. The Moment is far more dry and cutting than wacky. But make no mistake, it’s awesome.
The British singer/songwriter who redefined “brat” plays herself in a compelling, often unvarnished look at what it means to achieve massive fame at breakneck speed. Beginning in September 2024, The Moment kicks off at the tail end of “brat summer.”
With her sixth studio album becoming a massive hit that inspires memes, TikTok dances, and controversy, Charli XCX has her first arena tour ahead of her, pinned to brat. An eye-jittering montage of news clips and internet videos is intercut with flashing neon-colored production company logos, and Charli thrashing around in a feral dance under strobe lights. Right off, Zamiri captures the non-stop energy that is this 365 party girl’s image. But once the montage stops, The Moment pauses on Charli, who practically collapses from her dance when “Cut!” is called. Just like that, she goes from fantasy to reality, and she’s utterly exhausted.
What’s The Moment about?
Credit: A24
Charli XCX is credited with the original story behind Zamiri and Bertie Brandes’ screenplay, which follows the pop star through business deals, meet-and-greets, and tour rehearsals, to a last-minute retreat to Ibiza, and onto the stage. Now, plenty of musicians have allowed camera crews behind the scenes for concert docs that reveal the human frailty behind the epic shows. But The Moment has more in common with St. Vincent’s The Nowhere Inn, a 2020 mockumentary/psychological thriller that blended fact and fiction to explore the strangeness of being famous for your music.
The plot of The Moment is Charli prepping for the tour, initially eager to collaborate with her trusted creative director, Celeste (Hailey Benton Gates), who envisions each show turning the arenas into a nightclub, complete with strobe lights and flashing graphics that include the word “cunt.” However, this hard party energy clashes with the vision of documentarian Johannes (Alexander Skarsgård), who’s been hired by a snarling record exec (Rosanna Arquette) to make the brat moment last forever with a concert doc that’ll appeal to the mainstream and “dads.”
This battle for creative control seems simple at first. Everyone from those above to Charli’s timid manager Tim (Jamie Demetriou), her make-up artist Molly (Kate Berlant), and her famous friends, like Rachel Sennott (playing a comically shallow version of herself) insist Charli has the final say. But as pressure from the record company grows more intense, Charli realizes how little power she actually has, and struggles to make sense of what’s best for her and brat.
Far from finger-wagging or self-pitying, The Moment is electrifying.
Credit: A24
The faux documentary Zamiri has made is not presented as Johannes’ concert doc. That faux documentarian is an antagonist to Charli, pushing her to change her image, her signature green color, and even “brat” itself, daring to capitalize the B.
Yet within the film’s logic, it’s unclear whose movie we’re watching. The camera crew and director stay out of frame. However, through the persistent strobe effects — which mirror the opening title cards and Celeste’s vision for the brat tour — it seems the film is from Charli’s perspective, even as she is intruded upon. The cameras invade squabbles with Charli’s team, doing cocaine in a nightclub bathroom, and an emotional breakdown in a private resort. And whereas in a narrative film people would ignore the camera, those around Charli look right into the lens, audibly alarmed. The pop star doesn’t look, implying that Charli has gotten so used to being watched that she doesn’t even notice them anymore.
This reflects the message at the core of The Moment. In a tearful phone message, Charli recounts how she made brat the way she wanted to. It was hers, and now everyone else acts as if it is theirs, as if she is theirs, and as if they are entitled to tell her what to do next.
Rather than enjoying the success she dreamed of, she’s being relentlessly pushed to make big decisions. Will brat define her for life? Will she cling to it or let it go to look for something new? Will it be destroyed by capitalism’s insistence on making all art into a commercial opportunity?
And yet, Charli is not painted as a pitiable victim of her own success or a noble heroine for creative freedom. The portrait she and Zamiri offer is more complicated and refreshing. She shares personal insecurities about her hair and body, showing herself flushed and without make-up next to a meticulously made-up Kylie Jenner, who is in a bikini to boot. Beyond creating space for the venting of her frustrations, The Moment also shines a light on the bad calls made when caving to studio pressure. Thus, Charli demystifies the glory of being a pop star by uncovering some unflattering truths about commercial compromise, even when you are the moment.
The Moment has a dry, razor-sharp wit.
Credit: A24
Not a romp or a laugh fest, this is the kind of movie where a laugh escapes you like a gasp or a scream, booming and deliciously surprising. There’s cringe humor, like Sennott’s scene, which plays like her HBO Max satire, I Love L.A., probing a particularly venal element of self-promotion. There are inside jokes that will only hit for Charli’s fans, like a brief but biting appearance from Julia Fox as herself. For his part, Skarsgård is frightfully convincing as a faux-feminist douchebag. Then, there’s Gates, whose bristled creative director is wickedly funny in her rage. Her delivery of the phrase “metaphorical cocaine” is sublimely absurd.
Rather than broadly skewering the rich and famous, The Moment shrewdly targets the corporate side of making art for a living. Through celebrity cameos, a succinct yet riveting story, earnest emotion, and biting humor, Charli XCX’s mockumentary captures something real about the battle of art versus commerce. How does one hold onto themselves when hit by an avalanche of more, more, more, for better or worse? The Moment shows one answer, urging audiences to find their own.
The Moment was reviewed out of the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, and opens in theaters on Jan. 30.
Microsoft Office classics get an AI upgrade with this edition, now 60% off
TL;DR: Get five essential Microsoft apps for life, complete with new perks, thanks to this Microsoft Office 2024 Home and Business for Mac or PC lifetime license, on sale now for $99.97 (reg. $249.99) through March 1.
Have the resolutions already worn off? If you’re in desperate need of a productivity boost for work or personal projects, it’s time to call in reinforcements. Microsoft Office 2024 Home and Business gives you the tools to finally get things done, and it works on both Mac and PC.
Right now, you can secure a lifetime license to these five essential apps for just $99.97 (reg. $249.99) through March 1.
No matter what computer you’re using — whether it be your trusty old PC or a brand new MacBook — it could probably benefit from some Microsoft Office staples. This Microsoft Office 2024 Home and Business for Mac or PC license gives you permanent access to five go-to tools, with no subscription fees.
You’ll have Word to help you draft documents, Excel to assist with any spreadsheet needs, and Outlook to keep tabs on your email communication. PowerPoint is there for any presentation you need to put together, and you can go fully digital by letting OneNote handle your note-taking process.
This version gives you these classic tools with present-day AI capabilities. You’ll see suggestions for text, formatting, and design elements, with some apps adding even more specific perks — like AI assistance in analyzing data, identifying trends, and creating visually appealing charts and graphics in Excel.
It’s not just AI-powered features that set this suite apart. You can also take advantage of Focus Mode in Word, which lets you concentrate on your writing, and you’ll have the ability to record presentations with voice, video, and closed captions in PowerPoint.
Get this Microsoft Office 2024 Home and Business for Mac or PC lifetime license for only $99.97 (reg. $249.99) now through March 1.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
End of today’s Mashable roundup.
