While Oliver works from his home office most days, having the setup powered by a 16-inch MacBook Pro means he can work from just about anywhere.This is where I get most of my work done, but the MacBook Pro means I can write anywhere.I've been a full-time writer of words for coming up to seven years now, and I've had a few home offices in that time. Right now, my office is what would otherwise be a small bedroom which means it's also a small office but one I like to think has everything I need to get the job done.As someone who writes rather than podcasts or creates videos, my needs are relatively simple. I like to have a big monitor so I can have multiple windows open at any one time, and I like a good mechanical keyboard so that I can annoy everyone else in the house as I type. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Sony has announced the PlayStation Plus monthly games for January 2025 will be Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, Need for Speed Hot Pursuit Remastered, and The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe.As detailed on PlayStation.Blog, all three of these games will be available on January 7 for PlayStation Plus members, with Suicide Squad arriving on PS5, Need for Speed racing to PS4, and Stanley Parable dropping on PS5 and PS4.The big addition here is Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, especially after developer Rocksteady just recently confirmed it will be pulling the plug on new content after Season 4 arrives this month. Despite that, there is a lot to look forward to, including a playable Deathstroke, an offline mode, and all the previous seasonal content. PlayIGN's Twenty Questions - Guess the game!IGN's Twenty Questions - Guess the game!To start:...try asking a question that can be answered with a "Yes" or "No".000/250In our Suicide Squad; Kill the Justice League review, we said it is "a repetitive and bland looter-shooter that, despite an engaging story, never stays fun for long enough."Need for Speed Hot Pursuit Remastered is the updated 2020 version of the game that was first released in 2010. This remastered edition has enhanced visuals, cross-platform multiplayer, asynchronous competition powered by Autolog, all the DLC, and more.In our Need for Speed Hot Pursuit Remastered review, we said that, while it isn't the "most exciting remaster," Need for Speed Hot Pursuit Remastered is "still one of the best modern arcade racers around - and now it looks even better."PlayLastly, The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe is the "expanded re-imagining" of 2013's The Stanley Parable, complete with new content, choices, and secrets. There is also improved visuals, accessibility features, and much more.In our The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe review, we said, "The Stanley Parable still holds up a decade later, and the Ultra Deluxe version essentially adds a whole new games worth of additional content to stumble upon."PlayFor more, check out December's PlayStation Plus monthly games before they go away on January 6 and why Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League was one of our biggest disappointments of 2024.Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.Adam Bankhurst is a writer for IGN. You can follow him on X/Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on TikTok.

Warning: contains finale spoilers for Harlan Cobens Missing YouDI Kat Donovan (Rosalind Eleazar) may be tough, handy with a meat tenderizer, and unafraid to walk towards danger, but you do have to question her instincts as a detective. Despite already being a police officer when her dad was murdered, for 11 years she was oblivious to the fact that her boyfriend, best friend and boss had colluded in a cover-up over his death.Kat had no idea, either, that her father had concealed both a long-term gay affair and multiple instances of corruption for a local criminal kingpin. Nor did it occur to her until episode four of five that the ex-boyfriend shed matched with on a dating app might just be somebody using his picture as part of a catfishing scam. All of which is to say that If I ever go missing, DI Donovan wouldnt be top of my investigators wish-list.Still, Kat cant be blamed for her naivety; shes the lead character in a Harlan Coben thriller and part of a universe where lurid twists, unlikely coincidences, and melodramatic secrets mean more than realistic psychology. To wit: why was she so delighted at the thought of reuniting with a man whod cruelly disappeared from her life without so much of an Its not you, its me by way of explanation? Any real person treated that way would have hunted Josh down to tear him a new one, not to kiss and make up.Putting judgment aside, lets sift through the Missing You ending and see where everything landed.It wasnt Monte Lebrune (Marc Warren), despite Monte having confessed to the crime and the murder weapon being found at his home. That was all planted by Staggers (Richard Armitage) to cover up the identity of the real killer: Josh.Kats fianc Josh (Ashley Walters) accidentally stabbed Clint (Sir Lenny Henry) in a struggle while he was trying to stop him from attacking Aqua (Mary Malone). Aqua had seen Clint arguing with his lover Parker (Cyril Nri) and, enraged, followed her home and threatened her not to tell Kat what shed seen. Aqua said that she wouldnt tell, but urged Clint to tell his wife and daughter the truth that he was in love with another man and had been in a 14-year relationship with him. Clint lashed out, hitting Aqua, and Josh fought him off to protect her but ended up fatally stabbing him in the fight.Seconds after Clint was stabbed, his police colleague Staggers entered the scene and heard Clints last words pleading for no police involvement and for his wife and daughter not to be told what happened. Staggers took Clint at his word and so covered up the crime, paying off Monte Lebrune a killer who was already going to prison for two other murders to get him to take the blame for stabbing Clint.Read more Why Did Josh Visit Lebrune in Prison?He and Staggers went to see Lebrune to bribe him into accepting responsibility for Clint Donovans murder. Lebrune agreed to let them plant the murder weapon in his home and to confess to the killing in exchange for sweeteners in prison life. Gangster Calligan (James Nesbitt), whom Lebrune worked for as a hitman, had nothing to do with Clints murder.Was Clint Corrupt and Working for Calligan?Yes, but only because Calligan had found out that Clint was secretly in love with Parker and that theyd been having a relationship for 14 years. Calligan used the info as leverage on the police officer and threatened to out Clint as having a gay, adulterous affair if he didnt join his side. To keep him quiet, Clint agreed to do his criminal bidding and used the illicit cash he earned to buy the flat where he and Parker would meet, and which Clint later gave to Kat.When the guilt of corruption became too much for Clint to bear, he tried to stop working for Calligan and broke up with Parker, but fatefully, Aqua witnessed them together, which led to Clints death that very night.Join our mailing listGet the best of Den of Geek delivered right to your inbox!Why Did Aqua Steal Brendons Phone?For an end-of-episode plot twist, is the real answer, but the in-world answer is that shed overheard Brendon planning to report Josh to the police (because he wrongly but understandably thought he was involved in his mothers disappearance) and wanted to protect Josh because hed protected her on the night of Clints murder.Why Did Josh Disappear?Because he couldnt cope with the guilt of having accidentally killed Kats beloved father (see above). Josh loved Kat dearly, yet thought that disappearing out of her life without a word of explanation would be the best course of action. He wiped himself from the internet, changed his name to Reggie Cross, got arrested after a bar fight in Scotland, had a baby daughter named Sadie with another woman who later died, and moved to a beautiful loch-side cottage with his little girl and her maternal grandfather. Thats where hes been for the past decade.So Josh Was Never on the Dating App?No, that was all just a huge coincidence. The same catfishing operation who had kidnapped Rishi Magari the missing person Kat was investigating happened to have also chosen a photograph of her ex-fianc to use as part of their scam. When Kat matched with the fake profile theyd set up, they werent expecting her to know the man in the photo and so thats why they (in the guise of Josh) told her it wasnt a good idea for them to talk and blocked her on the app.What Was Titus Operation?It was an extensive catfishing scam that involved multiple of his goons chatting to vulnerable, wealthy people on an online dating app called Melody Cupid. Titus (Steve Pemberton) and his gang had created false identities on the app using photographs stolen from deactivated Facebook accounts, and used those to target widows and widowers. Once on the hook, they would arrange to meet their mark and then hold them hostage in the stables of Titus farm, forcing them to make large bank transfers in Titus favour and then killing them and burning their bodies when theyd stolen all the money they could. Thats what they did to neuroscience professor Rishi, and what they would have done to Brendons mother Dana if she hadnt led her successful escape mission.Why Didnt We Hear Any More From Brendons Aunt Clara and Uncle Arty?Probably because Missing You only had five episodes to do everything, so some plot threads were left dangling. It was obvious that Brendons aunt and uncle were in on the scam against Dana. Brendons Aunt Clara lied to him that shed spoken to his mother on the phone from Costa Rica, and his Uncle Arty lied about Dana buying a house abroad and marrying her dating app boyfriend. We didnt see either of them get justice, but now that Dana is free and reunited with Brendon, hopefully thats exactly what happened next.Why Was the Book/Show Called Missing You?Its both thematically appropriate (Kat was missing Josh and her dad, along with any hint that everyone she knew was in on a massive conspiracy), and also the name of the John Waite song was Kat and Joshs special song and the one they sang at karaoke together on the night of their engagement.Harlan Cobens Missing You is streaming now on Netflix.

The Apple Watch Series 10 is a phenomenal piece of tech that tops our best smartwatches list for its unparalleled features and sleek design. You can now pick it up for its lowest price ever at $329, matching what we've seen it at during Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. Both Amazon and Best Buy have the 42mm model discounted to this price today, saving you $70 on a deal you don't want to miss out on. See at AmazonSee at Best BuyOther than the fact that it was only an incremental upgrade over the Series 9 -- and that some people might prefer a slightly smaller screen -- there wasn't much that CNET's resident wearable tech expert Lexy Savvides didn't like about the latest flagship Apple Watch. Some of its main highlights include the extremely thin and lightweight design, impressive voice call performance and a vibrant screen that makes it easy to read notifications. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money.It's also equipped with some advanced fitness functions, starting with the Vitals app which provides a well-rounded picture of how your body is doing. It also has a new function that monitors your sleep over 30 days and alerts you if the data indicates you may suffer from sleep apnea. You'd be surprised how many people don't realize they have it. Some other features of note include improved durability, 50-meter water resistance and all the usual features Apple Watch owners have come to expect like Apple Pay support, Siri access, quick notifications and much more. Apple's latest flagship wearable is an excellent option for most people, but it's not the only Apple Watch on sale right now. Check out our full roundup of all the best Apple Watch deals for savings on the Ultra 2, second-gen SE and Series 9 as well. Why this deal mattersBecause Apple doesn't offer direct discounts on its own products, it's a big deal any time one of its latest devices drops back down to its all-time low price. Just keep in mind these prices can change at a moment's notice. More shopping deals from CNET CNET is always covering a wide array of deals on tech products and much more. Start with the hottest sales and discounts on theCNET Deals page, and sign up for theCNET Deals Textto get daily deals sent straight to your phone. Add the freeCNET Shopping extensionto your browser for real-time price comparisons and cash-back offers. And peruse ourgift guide, which includes a full range of ideas for birthdays, anniversaries and more. See at CNET

How'd you like an interest-free loan to pay off a debt or to cover a big purchase this year? It's not as far-fetched as you might think if you know how to strategically use a 0% introductory APR credit card.Credit cards that offer 0% introductory APR let you carry a balance for a specified period, typically nine to 21 months, without accruing interest. Depending on the type of card, you may be able to make new purchases, transfer balances from another account or both.Given that the average credit card's interest rate is currently more than 20%, that can mean thousands of dollars in savings. Just make sure you have a plan to pay off your balance before the promotional period ends, or interest will begin accruing on the remaining balance.If you're carrying a balance on your card, want to save money or just need a break from interest charges, here's how to take advantage of these promotional offers, as well as some other options worth considering.What does 0% intro APR mean?A 0% intro APR offer technically means the annual percentage rate on your credit card is 0% for a specified introductory period upon opening the account. After that window closes, the regular variable APR will apply to whatever outstanding balance you keep on your card.The actual length of the 0% APR period, and what kind of transactions it applies to, will depend on the card. Introductory periods can apply to new purchases, balance transfers or both. If the card offers an introductory period on new purchases, you won't accrue interest on those particular transactions. You'll still have to make the required minimum monthly payments and repay the balance before the promotional period ends.If the card offers a promotional period for balance transfers, you won't accrue interest on the balances you transfer from other credit cards. You'll still likely have to pay a balance transfer fee.What are balance transfer fees?A balance transfer offer (or card) can help you reduce how much interest you're paying on credit card debt you already have. To take advantage of a balance transfer 0% APR offer, you'll usually have to pay a balance transfer fee (typically 3% to 5% of the total balance you're transferring) or a flat fee -- generally, whichever is greater. If your 0% introductory APR offer has a balance transfer fee, you'll be charged each time you move a balance to the card. Keep that in mind when deciding if transferring your credit card debt will actually save you money or just add to the balance you want to pay off.How does a 0% APR intro offer work?If you plan to use a card's 0% introductory period, make sure you understand what purchases or transfers qualify. That way, you can start taking advantage of the offer as soon as you're approved. Also find out whether the promotional offer applies to new purchases, balance transfers or both.There also may be additional rules for how long you have to make balance transfers. For instance, some credit cards may offer 0% introductory APR for the first year or longer, but any balance transfers have to be made in the first few months.Just because it's a 0% APR card doesn't mean it's free of fees. There could still be fees for late payments, cash advances and foreign transactions. Many of these fees may apply during the 0% introductory period, including balance transfer fees.It's also important to understand the consequences if you don't make at least your minimum payments during the promotional period. Most 0% APR offers include hefty fees for late payments, and some credit card issuers might cancel the 0% APR promotional offer or apply a higher penalty APR if you miss payments. Depending on the issuer's terms, you could start to incur interest on your balance immediately. Read the fine print in any agreement before you sign.Is a 0% APR offer the same as deferred interest?Retailers advertising "no interest if paid by x date" are referring to a deferred interest offer, which is different from a 0% APR offer. With a deferred interest offer, you won't owe any interest if you pay off your entire balance by the end of the promotional period. If you fail to cover the entire balance before the promotional period ends, the interest you deferred will then be added to your balance.With a 0% APR offer, on the other hand, as long as you make the required minimum payments, you'll start accruing interest on the remaining balance only once your introductory period is up.Here's a way to look at it: If you have an ounce of doubt that you'll be able to pay off your balance before the promotional period ends, go with a 0% intro APR offer instead of a deferred interest offer.What happens when a 0% APR period ends?Credit cards with a 0% APR introductory offer last only a certain amount of time -- usually between nine and 21 months. After that, a variable APR will apply, and any outstanding balance will get that higher interest rate.If you aren't able to pay off the remaining balance by the end of the promotional period, you have a few options. One is to do another balance transfer and move your remaining balance to the new card so you have additional time to pay off your debt. Another option is to apply for a fixed-rate personal loan.7 things to know about 0% APR credit cards1. The introductory offer may apply to new purchases or to balance transfersBefore applying for a card with a 0% APR introductory period, find out if it applies to new purchases, balance transfers or both. Review what eligible purchases or transfers qualify so you can start taking advantage of the offer as soon as you're approved.2. Introductory 0% interest periods varyCredit cards with a 0% APR introductory offer last a certain amount of time -- usually between nine and 21 months. After that, a variable interest rate applies. Any outstanding balance will start accruing interest after that.Before you apply, see how long the 0% APR introductory offer lasts. If you're planning on making a big purchase or transferring debt to take advantage of 0% interest, make sure the balance is paid off before the introductory offer runs out. If possible, choose a card with the longest introductory period.3. A balance transfer card can help you repay debt and reduce interestIf you're trying to cut down the interest you're paying on your credit card balance, a balance transfer card lets you move the debt to a new card with a lower-interest introductory offer. Make a plan to pay off the balance in full before the offer ends to avoid being hit with a higher variable interest rate.4. Some 0% introductory offers come with feesIf you're transferring a balance, you may have to pay a balance transfer fee of 3% to 5% of the amount. Depending on how much debt you have to transfer, you may have to make multiple transfers over time and pay several balance transfer fees.Though a 0% introductory APR offer may sound nice, always read the fine print. You may also have fees for late payments, cash advances and foreign transactions that could still apply during the introductory period.5. You're still responsible for monthly paymentsYou won't be charged interest during your card's introductory period, but you'll need to make monthly payments to keep your account current. Failing to make a payment or paying late can mean burdensome charges and may cancel out your 0% APR offer altogether, depending on your issuer's terms. You could even start accruing interest at a higher penalty rate on your balance immediately.6. You usually need good or excellent credit for approvalMany credit card offers, like interest-free periods and rewards, require a good to excellent credit score, which is usually 670 to 850.As you're browsing offers, see what the minimum credit score requirement is. If it doesn't seem like you'll qualify for any balance transfer offers, consider building up your credit score. You can start with a credit-building card, like a secured credit card, to establish good credit habits like paying your bill in full and on time each month. As your score grows, you'll be able to qualify for a 0% APR card and other cards with rewards and perks.7. Don't cancel your credit card after you're done with the 0% intro APR periodCanceling a credit card can hurt your credit score, so it's best to keep the account open and continue to make on-time payments. As you're comparing 0% intro APR credit card offers, also look at any rewards and cash-back offers. If you plan to continue using the card, you could earn rewards on your purchases going forward.FAQs Does 0% APR mean no monthly payment? You still must make at least the minimum payment each month. A 0% APR offer only means you won't accrue interest on your balance during the promotional period. Depending on your issuer's terms, your credit card company can charge you fees and even cancel your 0% APR offer if you don't make the minimum payment on time. How can you make the most of 0% APR offers? Use the 0% promotional period to pay off as much of your balance as possible. If you can pay the entire balance before the promotional period ends, you'll avoid paying the higher variable interest on the remaining balance. Does missing a payment for a 0% APR credit card hurt your credit score? Just like with any credit card, making late payments or missing payments will show up on your credit report and hurt your credit score.

Our Picks Best overall online contacts retailer Warby Parker View details Save 20% off on your first order of contacts See at Warby Parker View details Best online contacts for specialized lenses GlassesUSA.com View details 30% Off Contact Lenses with code: CNET30 See at GlassesUSA.com View details Best online contacts customer service 1-800 Contacts View details See at 1-800 CONTACTS View details Best online contacts retailer for discounts ContactsDirect View details See at ContactsDirect View details Cheapest online contacts retailer Lens.com View details See at Lens.com View details Best online contacts with insurance Eyeconic View details See at EyeConic View details Table of Contents Whether you're a decades-long contacts wearer or just started wearing lenses for the first time, buying your contact lenses online ensures that you'll never be left without a fresh pair. You can stock up on an annual supply, find affordable prices and even save on shipping. We found the best online stores to get your preferred contact lenses delivered directly to your door.Read more:Best Online Glasses and Contacts Deals: Savings You'll Have to See to BelieveIf you're after a price match guarantee, useful coupons, specialized lenses or great customer service, we've got you covered. Check out our top picks for the best places to purchase contacts online.What's the best place to buy contact lenses online? Topping our list is Warby Parker, which we think is the best place to order contacts online. As one of the most popular eyewear brands, Warby Parker offers a seamless and hassle-free buying experience for filling your prescription. Additionally, the company carries most major contact brands, so you can shop around for a lower price. If you choose to buy your contact lenses at Warby Parker, you can buy in bulk, like getting an annual supply, to save money.Best places to buy contact lenses online for 2024Filter by Showing 12 of 12 Results Photo Gallery 1/1 See at Warby Parker Pros Competitive pricing Wide variety of brands Accepts most vision insurance providers Cons Many customers complain about poor customer service Shipping Info Free, takes 5-7 business days (most brands)Return Policy 30-day hassle-free returns or exchanges on unopened productsInsurance Accepted YesNumber of Contacts Brands 12Type Accepts Insurance See at Warby Parker Warby Parker doesn't just sell affordable and stylish eyeglasses, the company sells contact lenses too. You can pick fromScout, Warby Parker's own contact lens brand, or get contacts from Acuvue, Biotrue, Air Optix, Dailies and other major brands. A three-month supply of Scout daily contacts (a total of 90 lenses) starts at $65, which is a good deal for daily contact lenses. Depending on where you shop and the brand you use, prices online can vary from $60 to $200. You can get a six-day trial pack of Scout contact lenses to see if you like them before committing to a full supply.Depending on your vision insurance, you may be able to use your benefits to pay for your Warby Parker contacts purchase. If your insurance company doesn't directly work with Warby Parker, you can instead file a claim with your insurance to be reimbursed for any qualified orders. CNET30 See at GlassesUSA.com GlassesUSA.comsells both contact lenses and glasses and will price-match other sellers. Like every other retailer on this list, GlassesUSA.com has all of the popular lens brands, including Acuvue, Biofinity and more, and offers free returns and free shipping on prescription lenses.

Facepalm: Well, this is certainly an embarrassing blunder for Kia. The Korean automaker has been forced to recall nearly 23,000 of its brand-new EV9 electric SUVs in the US market after discovering that the rear seats were improperly installed. A total of 22,883 EV9 models built at Kia's plant in Gwangmyeong, South Korea, between September 25, 2023, and October 15, 2024, may be missing mounting bolts for the second and/or third-row seats. This information comes from documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).Interestingly, Kia's report places the blame squarely on a single "plant assembly worker" who allegedly made an "error" and failed to properly secure all the seat bolts on an unspecified number of vehicles.The issue first surfaced in September when a customer reported that the third-row seats in their 2024 EV9 were not properly mounted due to missing bolts. Shortly afterward, Kia identified a second affected vehicle in the US.In an effort to determine the extent of the issue, Kia inspected 90 randomly selected EV9s imported from its South Korean factory. Surprisingly, none of the inspected vehicles were found to have missing or loose seat mounting hardware.After being alerted by its Korean operations about the error linked to the two US cases, Kia opted to issue a recall for nearly 23,000 EV9s, including those already delivered to customers or awaiting shipment. An additional 990 units still awaiting delivery were inspected, with none found to have the seat bolt problem. // Related StoriesWhile the NHTSA report doesn't specify how many bolts may be missing in affected vehicles, the primary concern is that improperly mounted seats could detach in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of passenger injury.To address the issue, Kia dealers will inspect the second and third-row seats on all recalled models and tighten or install any missing mounting bolts free of charge. Since the affected vehicles were not built consecutively, owners are advised to check with their local dealer to confirm whether their EV9 is part of the recall.

The best TV shows of 2024.Credit: Netflix / Apple / Hulu My taste in television is wide and varied, but I hew toward mysteries, character dramas and comedies, fantasy and science-fiction. Youll see what I mean as you scroll the list below.Its very difficult to do a Best Of list when it comes to something like TV, because there are so many shows to choose from and so little time in the day. Scrolling through my own list below, it certainly seems as though I watched a lot of TV in 2024, but I missed a lot also.There are some shows, like Landman or Three Body Problem that I started but havent finished yet, and dont have enough of an opinion about yet to include here. That applies to shows like Day of the Jackal, The Agency, Cross and plenty of others that occupy my television backlog (which sits next to my movie backlog, my video game backlog and my book backlogthe older we get, the more our lives are filled with backlogs and bucket lists).I also have a separate list that goes into my least favorite TV offerings of 2024. Some of these were still good but left me feeling disappointed. Others were flat-out terrible. One makes it onto both lists, but House of the Dragon Season 2 will remain on the Disappointing list only, despite it having some very good moments in Season 3. Im just too letdown to include it on this list. Im also leaving Silo off both lists as I just havent watched enough of Season 2 to know if Ill like it or not yet. My feelings are too mixed.Still, Im happy to report that I watched a great deal more good TV than bad this year, and a few of these shows were genuinely great. I avoided a lot of crappy television because once youve suffered through True Detective: Night Country, Rings of Power and The Acolyte, theres only so much more you can take.MORE FOR YOUThe big winners on this list are Netflix, Apple and Hulu. The biggest loser? HBO. Isnt life strange?In any case, this is a long and varied list. I didnt order it, per se, but I did weight my favorites of the bunch toward the bottom, so as you proceed down, just know that youre moving into warmer territory, into the shows I liked the best even if I cant order them into a traditional ranking. Its not an exact science. This is all based on my personal taste and interests, not to mention what Ive had time to watch this year. I also watched a lot of older shows and moviesyou have to take a crack at those backlogs, after all.In any case and without further adieu, here are . . . .The Best TV Shows Of 2024My Lady JaneCredit: Prime VideoMy Lady Jane (Prime Video) A fun ahistorical or alt-history tale of Lady Jane Grey and her rapid ascentand descentfrom the throne of England. I had my doubts about this one at firstit looked very girlbossybut ended up really enjoying the blend of magic, romance and humor. Emily Bader is magnetic as Lady Jane Grey and the rest of the cast holds their own. Sadly, Amazon canceled the series. The first season still ends in a satisfying way, however, so its still worth a watch. (My review).SugarCredit: AppleSugar (Apple TV) Not everyone loved this show, but I thought it was a brilliantly weird film noir private eye series with one of the most surprising (and controversial) twists I can think of in any show. Colin Farrell is terrific and Im looking forward to Season 2 and more answers to this very, very unique mystery.Skeleton CrewCredit: DisneySkeleton Crew (Disney+) The first Star Wars show since Andor that Ive genuinely enjoyed, Skeleton Crew is geared toward younger audiences and is basically The Goonies in space. Its a throwback to the days when Amblin Entertainment was king. Jude Law is one of the best additions to Star Wars in the Disney era. The show isnt over yet, but I think its getting better with each episode. Hopefully it ends well! (My review).Agatha All AlongCredit: DisneyAgatha All Along (Disney+) Another series I had major doubts about going into, Agatha All Along really won me over by the end. Its a worthy sequel to the excellent WandaVision and Kathryn Hahn is delightful as the titular witch. Lots of twists and turns and surprises keeps things surprising at every turn. (My review).The Dragon PrinceCredit: NetflixThe Dragon Prince - Seasons 6 and 7 (Netflix) I havent written about the seventh and final season of The Dragon Prince yet, but I did pen a glowing review for Season 6. Both came out this year, wrapping up the animated epic fantasy series. This is such a charming show with such great characters. I highly recommend it for fans of Avatar: The Last Airbender. (My Season 6 review).TeacupCredit: PeacockTeacup (Peacock) I hadnt heard of this show until readers mentioned it to me and it turned out to be quite fun, especially if you enjoy The Thing, the classic 1982 John Carpenter film. The story follows a group of people who find themselves trapped on their farm, unable to leave a mysterious perimeter without dying gruesome deaths. The power is out, the animals are acting strange, and something dangerous has arrived. Its not perfect, but its a fun sci-fi / horror series and I hope that Peacock renews it for a second season.SweetpeaCredit: StarzSweetpea (Starz) Ella Purnell plays in this series about a young woman who has spent her whole life as a wallflower, invisible to those around her or bullied by the girls in school. When her father dies, she snaps and goes down a dark path of murder and mayhem. Purnell is terrific as Rhiannon Lewis (and after watching her play so many Americans its nice to remember shes actually British) though as with all stories like this I cant tell if Im rooting for her or hoping she gets caught. The season ends on a crazy cliffhanger. Thankfully, its already been renewed. (My review).ArcaneCredit: NetflixArcane - Season 2 (Netflix) One of the most gorgeous animated series ever made, Arcanes first season was an absolute masterpiece. The series is based off the League Of Legends video game, but you dont need to play that or know anything about it to enjoy the show. The second season was not nearly as good as the first, which is why I put this on my Most Disappointing TV Shows list also, but its still great in many ways. Season 1 was a tough act to follow, and this show needed more than two seasons to do it justice. (My review)Vox MachinaCredit: Prime VideoThe Legend Of Vox Machina - Season 3 (Prime Video) The third season of Critical Roles animated fantasy adventure based on the popular Dungeons & Dragons podcast came with a few big twists and turns that I really didnt see coming. The season was pretty dire all around, with epic stakes and tragedy galore, and with a much more subdued Scanlan it was a bit harder to get the comic relief were accustomed to from this show. Still good, but a bit on the heavy side. (My interview with the cast is here).The GentlemenCredit: NetflixThe Gentlemen (Netflix) Guy Ritchie took another crack at his movie of the same name and created a Netflix series based on the film. Its a very funny, very British crime series with terrific acting and some great heists. Theo James does a great job as Eddie Halstead, the main protagonist of the series. Id only seen him in The White Lotus and had no idea he was a Brit. Definitely big on entertainment value, this is one you can watch and enjoy without having to think too much.Bad MonkeyCredit: AppleBad Monkey (Apple TV) Vince Vaughn stars as Andrew Yancey in this Floridian crime comedy and it may be his best role. Im not a huge VV fan but he really knocked it out of the park here, and theres some nice mystery with fun twists and turns along the way. And while it falls more on the light entertainment side of the spectrum, it has some strong emotional beats as well. I also really liked Natalie Martinez as Rosa. Really, the entire cast is perfect. This show actually reminds me of Jane the Virgin with its narrator and Florida setting and twisty-turny plot. Good times. (My review).SunnyCredit: AppleSunny (Apple TV) Rashida Jones stars in this very quirky near-future sci-fi set in Japan. Its as much mystery as it is sci-fi, as Joness character, Suzie Sakamoto, attempts to figure out what happened to her husband and son who apparently died in a mysterious plane crash. Shes accompanied by her robot friend, Sunny (Joanna Sotomura) as they try to figure out what really happened. The ending has a genuinely surprising twist and cliffhanger, so be warned: Apple made the truly egregious decision to cancel this gem before Season 2. Its a great watch, but youll be as upset as I am that its not coming back.Say NothingCredit: HuluSay Nothing (Hulu) Im still not quite finished watching this one, but Say Nothing is a tremendous limited series about the Troubles in Northern Ireland. The series follows Dolours Price (Lola Petticrew) and her sister Marian (Haze Doupe) as they make their way up in the ranks of the IRA. Its also a mystery about the disappearance of an Irish mother of ten. Brilliant writing and acting in a fascinating time period makes this a must-watch show of 2024.FROMCredit: MGM+FROM - Season 3 (MGM+) FROMLOST if that show was steeped in horror elements. But once again, MGMs top series was just so uneven in Season 3 that its held back from true greatness. Janky dialogue, filler episodes and too many unpleasant characters. All things that the writers could fix in Season 4. (I have thoughts about the ending).Only Murders In The BuildingCredit: HuluOnly Murders In The Building - Season 4 (Hulu) Only Murders In The Buildings first season is still its best, but I thought Season 4 was a close second. The mystery was genuinely tough to solve with enough red herrings to keep us guessing until the end, and enough clues and breadcrumbs to lead us to the killer if we paid close enough attention. Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez were all great. If I have one complaint, its that theyve brought on too many celebrity guest stars at this point. (My review).RivalsCredit: HuluRivals (Hulu) I wouldnt be surprised if Rivals flew under your radar this year, but its one you really need to watch. David Tennant is spectacular as always as the rather vile, vengeful Tony Baddingham, a ruthless TV executive with axes to grind. The show is set in the UK in the 1980s and its title says it all. The story is both a romance and a feud, and its delightful. Tennant is part of a standout cast including Aidan Turner as TV journalist Declan OHara, Alex Hassell as playboy Rupert Campbell Black and two of the most beautiful women on TV: Nafessa Williams as TV producer Cameron Cook and Bella Maclean as Taggie, Declans daughter, an idealistic young woman who finds herself infatuated with Rupert. This wasnt on my radar at all but I enjoyed every second of the show.A Man On The InsideCredit: NetflixA Man On The Inside (Netflix) Ted Danson stars in this genuinely heartwarming show about a man hired to go undercover at nursing home to solve the mystery of a stolen necklace. Danson plays Charles, a recent widower, who has settled into his new life, but who discovers friendship and new purpose when hes suddenly around a bunch of people his own age, trading loneliness for both a mission and newfound companionship. I liked this show so much that I finished it one sitting. (My review).Slow HorsesCredit: AppleSlow Horses - Season 4 (Apple TV) The best season of Slow Horses since Season 1, the British spy thriller continues to be one of the best things on TV, and yet more proof that any show Apple creates that starts with the letter S is probably going to be great. Gary Oldmanas the hilarious and vile Jackson Lamband the entire cast knock it out of the proverbial park once again. This show manages to be so tense and so funny and so perfectly paced that Im always on the edge of my seat. I cant wait for Season 5. (My review).FalloutCredit: Prime VideoFallout (Prime Video) A lot of Fallout fans who really care about the game series lore didnt like Fallout on Prime Video. I enjoy the games but Im not really invested in their lore, and what I want mostly from a TV adaptation is quality. Well, theres quality in spades in Fallout. The series stars Ella Purnell as Lucy, a naive Vault Dweller who leaves the relative safety of her Vault to go out into the wastelands to find her father. Walton Goggins stars as the mysterious bounty hunter, The Ghoul, and Aaron Moten rounds out the trio of leads as Maximus, a young Squire in the Brotherhood of Steela post-apocalyptic mecha-knighthood. Theres a really fun mystery, incredible acting, plenty of the humor you get from the video games, and an ending that has me super excited for Season 2. This was a wonderful and surprisingly great adaptation, telling new stories in a familiar universe. (My review).ShogunCredit: HuluShogun (Hulu) Speaking of adaptations, Hulus Shogun is absolutely brilliant in every way, a sweeping, gorgeously filmed period drama about the clash of cultures in feudal Japan. Protestants vye with Catholics. Powerful Japanese houses scheme against one another. Death awaits around every corner. The series is based on the novel of the same name by James Clavell, and follows English navigator John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis) as he enters an unfamiliar culture, a stranger in a strange land. Hiroyuki Sanada plays the powerful and brilliant Lord Yoshii Toranaga and Anna Sawai plays Blackthornes translator, Anna Sawai, a woman with a tragic past and hunger for revenge. Its a tremendous TV show from start to finish, filled with surprising turns and some of the most gorgeous production of any show this year, from cinematography to costume design. (My review).PenguinCredit: HBO / MaxPenguin (HBO) Another pleasant surprise, and another Colin Farrell-led series, Penguin picks up after the events of The Batman and follows the rise of Oz Cobb, a mobster in Gothams seedy underworld. Its more of a mafia show than a DC Comics show, with plenty of little nods to The Sopranos along the way. The breakout star of the series, however, was Crisitin Milioti as Sofia Falcone. Her performance was one of the best of the year. This show never really went the direction I thought it would, and Im glad for that. The ending gave me chills. (My review).Baby ReindeerCredit: NetflixBaby Reindeer (Netflix) Its hard to put into words just how terrific and unsettling and emotionally powerful Baby Reindeer turned out to be. This show came out of left field and absolutely blew me away, though I found it to be perhaps the toughest watch of the year, delving into really disturbing territory. The show is based on the true story of its creator, Richard Gadd, and his experience being stalked by a woman. In the show, he plays Donny and Jessica Gunning plays his stalker, Martha. Both give truly heartbreaking performances. Theres so much more to the story than what meets the eye, and I admit that one very upsetting episode in particular was just devastating. But Baby Reindeer is also funny at times. Its a lot of things, though not at all what I expected. (My review).ShrinkingCredit: AppleShrinking - Season 2 (Apple TV) I didnt watch the first season of Shrinking when it came out, so I ended up watching both seasons back-to-back this year, and it quickly became one of my favorite shows of all time. The series follows Jimmy (Jason Segel) a therapist who lost his wife in a car accident and has a pretty enormous meltdown afterward, turning to drugs, alcohol and prostitutes when hes not buried in his work. This leads to a strained relationship with his friends and with his 17-year-old daughter, Alice (Lukita Maxwell). What follows is an almost perfect blend of comedy and drama, with a cast full of genuinely wonderful characters including Jimmys boss and mentor, Paul, in one of Harrison Fords best roles.This show feels very, very real to me, having gone through my own period of personal crisis, leading to my own strained relationship with my daughter who is the same age as Alice, and struggling to come out the other side. Season 2s penultimate episode shows Jimmy on the brink of another total mental breakdown and Segels performance feels so real and so true to that feeling, I found myself weeping as I watched. This is a show that makes me cry almost as often as it makes me laugh. All the feels, as the kids say. I cant recommend it highly enough. (And yes, its another Apple TV series that starts with the letter S so you know its going to be good).Happy ValleyCredit: AMCBonus: Happy Valley (AMC) Even though it didnt come out in 2024, I have to include Happy Valley in this list because it was easily one of the top 5 shows I watched this year. The 3-season British police series follows police sergeant Catherine Cawood in her day-to-day life in West Yorkshire. Cawood is played by Sarah Lancashire, who turns in one of the best performances Ive ever seen in any television series period. The story is very much in the vein of crime dramas like Fargo, but its much more emotionally poignant and not nearly as funny as that series. Cawood finds herself at the center of various mysteriesa kidnapping in Season 1while grappling with the release of a dangerous criminal she has deep personal ties to. Its an absolute masterpiece, filled with tension and suspense but also a ton of heart and raw emotion. Everyone who enjoys British police shows needs to watch this ASAP. (My review).Be sure to check out my Worst TV Shows Of 2024 list as well.What were your favorite TV shows of 2024? Any of them on this list? Anything I missed? Let me know on Twitter, Instagram, Bluesky or Facebook. Also be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel and follow me here on this blog. Sign up for my newsletter for more reviews and commentary on entertainment and culture.

Today's NYT Strands hints and answers.New York TimesLooking for Wednesdays Strands hints, spangram and answers? You can find them here:Hey, folks! Todays NYT Strands hints, spangram and answers for Thursday, January 2 are coming right up.How To Play StrandsThe New York Times Strands puzzle is a play on the classic word search. Its available on the NYT website and in the NYT Games app alongside the likes of Wordle and Connections (which we also cover in daily guides at Forbes Gaming).Theres a new game of Strands to play every day. The game will present you with a six by eight grid of letters. The aim is to find a group of words that have something in common, and youll get a clue as to what that theme is. When you find a theme word, it will remain highlighted in blue.Youll also need to find a special word called a spangram. This tells you what the words have in common. The spangram links at least two sides of the board, but it may not start or end there. While the theme words will not be a proper name, the spangram can be a proper name. When you find the spangram, it will remain highlighted in yellow.MORE FOR YOUEvery letter is used once in one of the theme words and spangram. You can connect letters vertically, horizontally and diagonally, and its possible to switch directions in the middle of a word. If youre playing on a touchscreen, double tap the last letter to submit your guess.If you find three valid words of at least four letters that are not part of the theme, youll unlock the Hint button. Clicking this will highlight the letters that make up one of the theme words.Be warned: Youll need to be on your toes. Sometimes youll need to fill the missing word(s) in a phrase. On other days, the game may revolve around synonyms or homophones. The difficulty will vary from day to day, and the puzzle creators will try to surprise you sometimes.What Is Todays Strands Hint?Scroll slowly! Just after the hint for todays Strands puzzle, Ill reveal what the answer words are.The official theme hint for todays Strand puzzle is...Super bowlNeed some extra help? Heres another hint...Healthy meal, especially at this time of yearThere are seven theme words to find today, including the spangram.What Are Todays NYT Strands Hints?Spoiler alert! Dont scroll any further down the page until youre ready to find out todays Strands hints.Here are the first two letters of every theme word in todays puzzle. Theyre ordered from left to right, then top to bottom by any letter of the word appearing for the first time:STCHPECEONNOCAWhat Are Todays NYT Strands Answers?Before I reveal the other the full word list, Ill first tell you the spangram and show you where that is on the grid.This is your final spoiler warning!Todays Strands spangram is...CHICKEN SOUPHeres where youll find it on the grid...New York Times Strands screenshot, showing the highlighted term CHICKEN SOUPNew York TimesTodays Strands theme words are...STOCKCHICKEN SOUPPEPPERCELERYONIONSNOODLESCARROTSHeres what the completed grid looks like...Completed Strands grid for January 2 featuring the words STOCK, CHICKEN SOUP, PEPPER, CELERY, ... [+] ONIONS, NOODLES and CARROTSNew York TimesI needed a hint to get started. It gave me the letters for STOCK and after that I more or less had an idea of what was going on. Chicken wasnt a theme word, but PEPPER and CELERY were. Those helped me figure out the spangram. Clean up was straightforward after that.I used one hint and the spangram was the fourth theme word I found.Please follow my blog for more coverage of Strands, Connections and other word games as well as video game news, insights and analysis. It helps me out a lot! Also, follow me on Bluesky! Its fun there.

Table of ContentsTable of ContentsDesignInterior and techPerformanceRange and chargingPricing and availabilityOverall winner: Tesla Model YThe long-awaited Hyundai Ioniq 9 is finally on the way, after months of waiting for what many hope will be a true competitor to the Kia EV9. The electric SUV is likely to be one of the go-to options for those who want a larger EV at a lower price than the likes of the Rivian R1S. But, while its larger than the Tesla Model Y, its also likely to be a little more expensive.The two vehicles are a bit different when it comes to things like performance, range, and charging. Is the Hyundai Ioniq 9 worth the extra cash, or should you go for the cheaper, yet smaller car? We put the two head-to-head to find out.Recommended VideosThe overall designs of the Hyundai Ioniq 9 and Tesla Model Y are pretty different, and that may be enough to sway your buying decision. The Ioniq 9 is a true SUV; its big and boxy, and while it looks a little sleeker than some SUVs thanks to its curved roofline, its clearly larger than the Tesla Model Y. At the front of the Ioniq 9 is a long light bar separated into pixel-like blocks that helps give the vehicle a unique design motif. At the rear of the Ioniq 9, youll also find pixel lights curving around the sides and top of the trunk. The Ioniq 9 measures 199.2 inches long, 78 inches wide, and 70.5 inches high.HyundaiWhile the Tesla Model Y has been out for some time now and its design is arguably aging a little, its still a stylish vehicle. The Model Y is curvy and unique, at least compared to cars from other brands. To be sure, if youve seen a Tesla before, youll immediately recognize the Model Y. It looks like other Teslas, apart from the new Cybertruck, but it still looks sporty and modern. The Model Y measures in at 187 inches long, 76 inches wide, and 64 inches high.Tesla IncUltimately, design is subjective, so were not going to award a win here youll have to decide for yourself which vehicle you like the look of more. That said, as you can tell, the Ioniq 9 is a fair bit larger.Winner: TieRelatedThe larger build of the Ioniq 9 translates to more space on the inside. Both the Ioniq 9 and Tesla Model Y can fit three rows of seating. However, while three rows come standard on the Ioniq 9, they are only available as an option on the Model Y. The third row in both vehicles can fit two people bringing the total to seven seats in the Model Y, and options for six (with second-row captains chairs) or seven in the Ioniq 9. Those two passengers in the back row of the Ioniq 9 will have more legroom and headroom than those in the Model Y.HyundaiThe interior design of the Model Y matches Teslas general design aesthetic. Its minimalistic and sleek, with a largely empty dashboard thats only interrupted by the larger infotainment display. That display is how youll interact with everything about the vehicle including actual infotainment, tracking speed, gear, and so on. In other words, theres no instrument monitor behind the steering wheel. Thankfully, Teslas software is largely considered to be among the best.The Ioniq 9 takes a more conventional approach, offering two displays one for infotainment and one for instrument monitoring. While Hyundais infotainment software isnt as good as Teslas, the Ioniq 9 does support CarPlay and Android Auto, which helps alleviate that a little.TeslaUltimately, the Ioniq 9 has more room and supports CarPlay, while the Model 3 is more modern and has Teslas own better software. Again, youll need to decide whats most important for you.Winner: TieThe overall performance is a little different between these two vehicles. The Tesla Model Y is built to be quick, even despite its lower price, while the Ioniq 9 is built more for comfort than speed.That doesnt necessarily mean the Ioniq 9 is slow, but its acceleration isnt as breakneck as that of some competitors. The Ioniq 9 will be available in three different powertrains at launch. The base model will have one 215-horsepower motor powering the rear wheels. Step up from there and theres an all-wheel drive model that adds a 94-hp motor on the front wheels. The Performance AWD variant replaces that lower-power front motor with a second 215-hp one. The base model will be able to accelerate from 0-60 miles per hour in 9.4 seconds, however, the Performance AWD variant has an acceleration time of a faster 5.2 seconds.HyundaiThe Tesla Model Ys performance is a little more compelling. The car comes in three different powertrains at the time of this writing. The base model is the Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive model, which can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds. The Long Range All-Wheel Drive model steps up acceleration time to only 4.8 seconds. Last but not least is the Performance All-Wheel Drive model, which comes in at 3.5 seconds.Safe to say, the Tesla Model Y is a little more impressive than the Ioniq 9 when it comes to performance. It gets the win here.Winner: Tesla Model YThe Ioniq 9 has been announced, but its not yet available for purchase, and we dont know the exact range of all models. We do know that Hyundai says that all launch models of the Ioniq 9 will offer at least 300 miles of range, which is a great start. We also know that the Long Range RWD model will have a 335-mile range. On top of a decent range, the Ioniq 9 can also charge quickly. Its built on an 800-volt architecture, and supports charging speeds of up to 350 kilowatts, which is the fastest charging speed you can get at public chargers right now.FordThe Tesla Model Ys range is in a similar ballpark. The lowest-range Model Y is the Performance model, which has a 277-mile range, however the Long Range All-Wheel Drive model has 311 miles and the Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive has 337 miles. The Tesla Model Y supports charging speeds of up to 250kW, which isnt quite as quick as the Ioniq 9.Given the fact that the vehicles have a similar range, but the Ioniq 9 has a faster charging speed, it gets the win here.Winner: Hyundai Ioniq 9Only one of these vehicles is available right now the Tesla Model Y. While the Ioniq 9 has been announced, its not yet available for purchase. It should be available sometime in early 2025. We also dont yet know exactly how much itll cost, though itll likely have a similar price as the Kia EV9, which starts at around $55,000.The Tesla Model Y has been available for some time now, and it also starts at a lower price. The base model of the Tesla Model Y costs $44,900. Because its cheaper and also actually available, its the winner of this category.Winner: Tesla Model YThe Tesla Model Y is the winner here, thanks to its better performance and the fact that you can get one right now. That doesnt necessarily make it the better vehicle for everyone. For those with larger families, or who want a little more space, the Hyundai Ioniq 9 will likely be a better option, despite the fact that youll have to wait to get it, and will have to pay more for it.Editors Recommendations