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Looking for something to watch on Disney+ that isn’t Marvel or Star Wars-related? You’re in luck: The streaming service boasts an impressive catalog of National Geographic series that are both entertaining and educational.

If you’ve always wanted to learn more about space, or the environment, or the animals we share this planet with, National Geographic has got you covered. We’ve gone through Disney+’s National Geographic library and chosen the 10 best series it has to offer. From adorable prairie dogs to space exploration to Jeff Goldblum, these shows are guaranteed to captivate you and teach you something new.

Here, in no particular order, are the 10 best National Geographic series streaming on Disney+.

1. Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey

An adventure of intergalactic proportions
Credit: FOX Image Collection via Getty Images

This 2014 followup to 1980’s Carl Sagan-led Cosmos is a thrilling and informative journey through space and time. Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson picks up Sagan’s hosting mantle and does a tremendous job of making complex ideas accessible to a broader audience. Each of the show’s 13 episodes explores a new topic, tackling everything from black holes to evolution to the Big Bang. You’ll feel incredibly tiny as Tyson explains the enormous vastness of the universe, only to later feel absolutely massive as he discusses the lives of microorganisms. Gorgeous visuals and helpful animated sequences add even more to the appeal of Cosmos, making it a scientific adventure you won’t want to miss.

How to watch: Cosmos is now streaming on Disney+.

2. America’s National Parks

From Yellowstone to the Everglades, national parks allow us to appreciate the United States’ biodiversity and natural beauty. With America’s National Parks, you can enjoy all the majesty of these stunning places from the comfort of your own home. Just know that after watching this series, you’ll be desperate to travel and see these parks for yourself.

Each installment focuses on a new park, allowing for a deep dive into its ecosystem. While the episodes tend to hit many of the same beats, the parks themselves are different enough that you won’t mind. And really, who can complain when faced with beautifully shot landscapes and wildlife?

How to watch: America’s National Parks is now streaming on Disney+.

3. Brain Games

Ever wonder how our brain processes color? Or language? Brain Games seeks to uncover these mysteries through a series of fun interactive puzzles. Get ready to give your brain a workout as experts walk you through a series of illusions, riddles, and other exercises. It’s a fun and educational time for the entire family, and you’ll get to know a lot more about your brain (and yourself) as you keep watching.

How to watch: Brain Games is now streaming on Disney+.

4. The World According to Jeff Goldblum

Jeff Goldblum: actor, musician, biker
Credit: National geographic/martin klimek

If you want to watch Jeff Goldblum just be Jeff Goldblum, then The World According to Jeff Goldblum is the show for you. Combining Goldblum’s offbeat sense of whimsy with National Geographic’s informative style, The World According to Jeff Goldblum examines the stories behind everyday objects like bikes or sneakers through the lens of science and history. Goldblum’s excitement at every tidbit of knowledge is infectious and invites audiences to get excited about the subject matter as well. It’s a fun ride, made even more fun by Goldblum’s general aura.

How to watch: The World According to Jeff Goldblum is now streaming on Disney+.

5. One Strange Rock

Earth’s various secrets come to light in One Strange Rock, a series devoted to explaining how we are able to live on our remarkable planet. Hosted by Will Smith and featuring the commentary of astronauts who have experienced the wonders of Earth from space, One Strange Rock takes a deep dive into a wide range of topics, like the atmosphere or the possibility of alien life. The show is a cinematic spectacle, with some of the most arresting visuals out of any series on this list: dust storms viewed from space, close-ups of glow worms ensnaring their prey, and much, much more. One Strange Rock will dazzle and astound you — and hopefully prompt you to appreciate the intricacies of our planet even more.

How to watch: One Strange Rock is now streaming on Disney+.

6. Prairie Dog Manor

Prairie Dog Manor is what happens when you cross a very serious Western movie with a very cute nature docuseries. Endlessly entertaining and completely adorable, Prairie Dog Manor gives viewers a look into the high stakes world of prairie dog burrows in Northern New Mexico. It’s a prairie-dog-eat-prairie-dog world out there as burrow citizens with names like Furgie and Gnash fight to gain territory and protect themselves against predators. The show’s furry stars are all supremely cute (even when they’re rolling around in epic battles), resulting in a show that is at once funny, informative, and engrossing.

How to watch: Prairie Dog Manor is now streaming on Disney+.

7. Secrets of the Whales

Absolutely majestic
Credit: national geographic for disney+/hayes baxley

Follow along with the whales of the world in this riveting series, which was filmed over the course of three years. Secrets of the Whales explores the cultures of orcas, belugas, and more, covering everything from their hunting patterns to their interactions with humans. Despite a few intense hunting sequences, this series is fairly calming thanks to its beautiful whale footage and Sigourney Weaver’s narration. You’ll marvel at the wonders of these whales and find yourself caring deeply for every pod you encounter.

How to watch: Secrets of the Whales is now streaming on Disney+.

8. Dr. Oakley, Yukon Vet

A standout among National Geographic’s many vet-centric offerings, Dr. Oakley, Yukon Vet follows Dr. Michelle Oakley, the only all-species vet in the Yukon. Dr. Oakley has a very intense job, traveling long distances to reach many of her clients and treating a wide variety of animals, including dogs, minks, eagles, and more. It’s truly fascinating to watch Dr. Oakley at work, and she consistently provides clear information about what she’s doing to treat an animal and why.

Not only is this show a great look into the life of a vet, it’s also a wonderful introduction to the Yukon territory and the animals that live there. Fair warning though, especially for younger audiences: Some of the treatment sequences can get a little graphic.

How to watch: Dr. Oakley, Yukon Vet is now streaming on Disney+.

9. Hostile Planet

Hosted by Bear Grylls, Hostile Planet takes a deep look at some of Earth’s most extreme environments and the animals who survive there. You’ll brave intense landscapes like sheer mountains and blazing hot deserts, and, even though these places are brutal, you’ll still find yourself in awe of their beauty and variety. You’ll also be stunned by the resilience of the animals who call these often hostile habitats home.

How to watch: Hostile Planet is now streaming on Disney+.

SEE ALSO: The best handheld vacuums for pet hair: Keep your home and car cleaner with these picks

10. Growing Up Animal

Say it with me: awwwww
Credit: National geographic for disney+/Russell Maclaughlin

Do you want to watch baby animals navigating their childhoods? Of course you do! Then check out Growing Up Animal, a series that is exactly what it sounds like. Watch as baby bears, elephants, and more grow up before your very eyes. They face several dangers and learn how to survive in the wilderness, but it’s the simple moments of play or bonding between the babies and their mothers that really stand out. It’s nearly impossible not to say “awww” throughout the entire show.

How to watch: Growing Up Animal is now streaming on Disney+.

No matter the gifting occasion, you want to wow your mom. She spent years of her life providing for you, and now you’re in a place where you can *kind of* return the favor.

While she probably won’t say no to a new high-tech vacuum or kitchen appliance (you’ll find a couple on this list), make sure not to pigeonhole your mother by looking only at “standard mom gifts.” Make sure your gifts are actually gifts for her and don’t just have to do with stereotypical mom pursuits, an all-too-common issue we’ve seen on other gift guides aimed at moms.

Your mom should revel in her own glory with gifts that make her feel smart, sophisticated, and valued. Consider what she does when she has no one putting demands on her time — then shop for those moments.

Here are over 40 ideas to get you started:

Looking for some stress to go with your stress?

We’re basically living in the end times (ask anyone on Twitter), so there’s no better time to test the limits of your entertainment consumption. For the adventurous among us, that means cranking the tension up to its maximum with the best of the best in heart-wrenching thrillers. (No, not the best horror movies — that’s a different list). From psychological scares to dystopian hellscapes, any movie on this list will have you truly on the edge of your seat. Just don’t marathon them (or do, we’re not your boss).

Here are the top 15 best thrillers on Netflix streaming now.

1. El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie

Jesse (Aaron Paul) is in for it in “El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie.”
Credit: Ben Rothstein / Netflix

Dear Breaking Bad fans, if you haven’t watched the series’ victory lap yet, what are you doing? Coming right after the events of the finale, El Camino has Jesse (Aaron Paul) setting out on the run from both the law and his troubled history. While this epilogue might be unnecessary, it remains a riveting entry into the Breaking Bad universe.

How to watch: El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie is streaming on Netflix.

2. Shutter Island

Martin Scorsese adapts Dennis Lehane’s novel in this mind-bending 2010 film. Leonardo DiCaprio plays Teddy Daniels, a U.S. Marshal visiting the titular island which houses patients in need of special psychiatric care. As Teddy and partner Chuck (Mark Ruffalo) investigate a missing patient, they grow suspicious of a larger, more sinister truth on the island. Scorsese sets it all against the ominous aesthetics of a thunderstorm, creating constant tension for the entire runtime while building to a killer reveal.

How to watch: Shutter Island is streaming on Netflix.

3. Bird Box

Bird Box
Credit: Saeed Adyani/Netflix

Bird Box stars Sandra Bullock as a struggling survivor in a post-apocalyptic world dominated by mysterious entities that cause death upon being seen. Even though the audience, like the survivors, never actually sees the monsters that whittle away at the fantastic cast (Trevonte Rhodes, Sarah Paulson, and John Malkovich, oh my!), their presence looms large over the film’s horror-tinged thrills and twists.

How to watch: Bird Box is streaming on Netflix.

4. Cam

In this haunting Netflix original, Madeline Brewer portrays Alice, an ambitious webcam model working hard to nurture her flourishing career. But when a mysterious doppelgänger takes her place online and begins broadcasting without her, Alice begins to fear for her safety. Immensely intense and fabulously feminist, Cam is the perfect film when you want something closer to a horror movie.

How to watch: Cam is streaming on Netflix.

5. Velvet Buzzsaw

Rene Russo and Jake Gyllenhaal in Dan Gilroy’s “Velvet Buzzsaw.”
Credit: Claudette Barius / Netflix

From Nightcrawler writer-director Dan Gilroy comes Velvet Buzzsaw, a hugely underrated comedic thriller with just a smidge of horror at its center. Jake Gyllenhaal stars alongside Rene Russo, Toni Collette, John Malkovich, and more in a satirical exploration of the cutthroat Los Angeles art scene that’s laugh-out-loud funny but still tense, and full of fun visuals. Come for the promise of Gyllenhaal playing an art critic convinced museum installations are coming to life; stay for Billy Magnussen playing a gallery worker who gets attacked by a barrel of oil-on-canvas monkeys. Yeah, it’s a fun one.

How to watch: Velvet Buzzsaw is streaming on Netflix.

6. Uncut Gems

Adam Sandler put his comedy skills on the back burner to play New York City jeweler Howard Ratner in 2019’s Uncut Gems. Stuck with debts he can’t afford to pay, Howard sets out to recover a rare black opal that will make up for the price tag on his nasty gambling addiction. This journey is both anxiety-inducing and interesting, revealing a surprising, more serious side of Sandler along the way.

How to watch: Uncut Gems is streaming on Netflix.

7. I Care A Lot

IEiza Gonzalez, Dianne Wiest, and Rosamund Pike in J. Blakeson’s “I Care A Lot.”
Credit: SEACIA PAVAO / NETFLIX

J. Blakeson’s film about a legal guardian (Rosamund Pike) who targets the elderly for profit isn’t a flawless movie — but it is a helluva ride. Marla (Pike) finds the perfect mark to send to a care home while dissolving her assets, but she didn’t bargain for her new charge’s crime boss son (Peter Dinklage). Pike delivers a performance as sharp as Marla’s lethal bob, while Dinklage clearly enjoys a role equal parts dangerous and amusing. Everything escalates as the two square off, with Marc Canham’s score dialing the stakes up to 100. If you love the journey regardless of the destination, you need this on your list.

How to watch: I Care A Lot is streaming on Netflix.

8. Good Time

From the geniuses behind Uncut Gems, Good Time is a panic-inducing nightmare movie that refuses to let up for any moment of its 101-minute runtime. Robert Pattinson stars as Connie, a criminal willing to do anything to get his vulnerable brother (co-director Benny Safdie) bailed out of a New York City jail. Heart-breaking and jaw-dropping, this character study will devastate you.

How to watch: Good Time is streaming on Netflix.

9. Andhadhun

Loosely based on the French short “L’Accordeur,” Andhadhun is a serpentine adventure starring Ayushmann Khurrana as a blind pianist, Aakash. What begins as a romance between Aakash and Sophie (Radhika Apte) takes endless twists before an admittedly deflated ending — but it’s well worth the ride.

Andhadhun will keep you on the edge of your seat with each turn of the plot, never leading where expected.

How to watch: Andhadhun is streaming on Netflix.

10. The Platform

The Platform
Credit: Netflix

Prison cells stacked one on top of the other, with holes in the floor and ceiling and randomly assigned levels that change each month. And a platform of food that gets slowly lowered from the very top, getting sparser and sparser with each floor it descends.

This is the concept at the centre of Spanish director Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia’s The Platform, a disturbing sci-fi thriller that wears its capitalist analogy plainly on its prison garb sleeve. It’s one of those rare gems where the execution is as strong as the idea at its core, driven by an excellent screenplay from David Desola and Pedro Rivero that’s dripping with horror and suspense. If you’re a fan of movies like The Cube or Saw, this is well worth checking out. – Sam Haysom, Deputy UK Editor

How to Watch: The Platform is streaming on Netflix.

11. Training Day

Denzel Washington has been nominated for an Academy Award nine times, but he’s only won twice. His performance as corrupt narcotics detective Alonzo Harris in Training Day earned him one of those wins.

This 2001 thriller is a morally fascinating, fast-paced, and wonderfully directed journey that follows one young cop’s discovery of how deep the rabbit hole of the LAPD’s corruption goes and how easy it is to cross the line between police officer and textbook villain. Training Day is one of director Antoine Fuqua’s best films and a thrilling crime classic.

How to watch: Training Day is streaming on Netflix.

12. The Net

This 1995 film is a wonderful and entertaining time capsule about the early days of the internet and Americans’ emerging fears about online spying.

With the intensity and vulnerability that made her an A-lister, Sandra Bullock stars as a reclusive hacker who follows a mysterious glitch down a rabbit hole of conspiracy, identity theft, and a ruthless syndicate that’s wants to delete her. To best her sinister foes, she’ll have to use her computer savvy, her fast-dwindling friend list, and her wits. Pitching his protagonist out from behind the comfort zone of her computer screen, director Irwin Winkler creates a web that’s world-wide and full of threats, from Cancun beaches, to sterile retirement homes, to sprawling convention centers, and the arms of a handsome stranger (Jeremy Northam).

The look of the old-school internet might cause chuckles, but the chills of this espionage thriller still hold up. – Kristy Puchko, Deputy Entertainment Editor

How to watch: The Net is streaming on Netflix.

13. Zodiac

Hey, Jake.
Credit: netflix

The Zodiac killer is one of the United States’ most notorious and dramatic serial murderers. The 2007 movie Zodiac follows a fictionalized version of the initial 1969 manhunt starring Robert Downey Jr. as crime reporter Paul Avery, Jake Gyllenhaal as political cartoonist and Zodiac letter decoder Robert Graysmith, and John Carrol Lynch as prime suspect Arthur Leigh Allen. The chilling details of Zodiac’s crimes are only part of the appeal of this ripped-from-the-headlines thriller, especially since the enduring mystery of Zodiac’s identity leaves the movie and the case on a real-life cliffhanger.

How to watch: Zodiac is streaming on Netflix.

14. The Perfection

The Perfection
Credit: Netflix

From cellos and foreplay to hallucinations and hiking, The Perfection does absolutely whatever it wants. Featuring Allison Williams in her best role since Get Out and Dear White People‘s Logan Browning in her best part ever, this vibrant genre blend will get a reaction out of you. Not necessarily a good reaction, but a reaction nonetheless. It’s body horror meets psychological thriller meets occult drama meets classical music. With bugs. And vomit. I, for one, loved it!

How to watch: The Perfection is streaming on Netflix.

15. Freaks

Credit: netflix

A secret lurks beneath the surface of this claustrophobic thriller. Written and directed by Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein, Freaks begins with a surly little girl and her harried father hiding in a ramshackle house. Despite paternal warnings, Chloe (Lexy Kolker) is determined to venture outside, befriend the girl across the street, and get a frosty treat from the ice cream truck that’s always just out of reach. But she’s only beginning to understand the dangers beyond her door. Why they must hide hangs on a sci-fi twist that makes this mysterious movie distinctly satisfying and marvelously mind-blowing. — Kristy Puchko, Deputy Entertainment Editor 

How to Watch: Freaks is streaming on Netflix.

This article was updated with recent picks on Oct. 14, 2021.

Spoil your furry friends this shopping holiday with these deals, which are all available as of Oct. 15:

• OUR TOP PICK: Whistle Pet GPS trackers — 25% off all devices with code BRAND25

• BEST DOG DNA KIT DEAL: Wisdom Panel Premium DNA kit — Save $34 with code ADOPTDOG34

• BEST FOR CAT PARENTS: Basepaws Breed + Health DNA Test — Save $40 and get a free dental test with code CATMONTH

Holiday shopping is all about buying gifts for your loved ones, and if your loved ones happen to be cats or dogs, you’re in luck. Ahead of Black Friday, we’re already seeing tons of sweet pet deals, so you’ll be able to spoil your furry friend for a bargain this year.

Pet tech and DNA kits are expected to be hot items once again this holiday season, especially considering how many people have adopted animals over the last two years. We’ve already spotted some solid discounts on Whistle smart collars, as well as Wisdom Panel, Basepaws, and Embark DNA kits. Find all those deals and more below, and be sure to check back on this page often — we’ll be updating it regularly with new deals.

OUR TOP PICK: Whistle Pet GPS trackers — 25% off all devices with code BRAND25

In honor of Adopt a Shelter Dog month (and just in time for early holiday shopping), Whistle is offering 25% off all its smart devices when you bundle with a one or two year plan. You’d need the one or two year plan anyway to use any of the GPS location tracking that the devices offer, so this is a great deal to get a discount on both the device and the plan. Choose from the Whistle Fit, Whistle Go Explore, or Whistle Switch, depending on your pup’s needs.

BEST DOG DNA KIT DEAL: Wisdom Panel Premium DNA Kit — $125.99 (save $34 with code ADOPTDOG34)

If you’re tired of just saying that your dog is a mutt, the Wisdom Panel Premium will give you the exact breakdown of your pooch’s breed — down to 1%. Wisdom Panel tests across a huge variety of dog breeds, so even if your dog is a super rare international breed, you’ll still be able to find out their lineage. (It’s also one of our top picks for the best doggie DNA tests on the market.)

The Wisdom Panel Premium kit comes with handy health testing too, and will check your dog’s vision, weight, mobility, any potential drug sensitivities, and more. It’s basically the protective pet parent’s dream. If you buy from Wisdom Panel, use code ADOPTDOG34 to save $34 and donate a dollar to shelter dogs in honor of Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. (If you’d rather save that dollar, the same test is on sale at Amazon for $124.99.)

BEST FOR CAT PARENTS: Basepaws Breed + Health DNA Test — $89 (save $40 and get a free dental test with code CATMONTH)

Ahead of National Cat Day on Oct. 29, Basepaws is offering $40 off their cat DNA test and throwing in a free dental health kit for good measure. You’ll be able to test your feline friend across four main breed groups, 21 individual breeds, and get a wild cat index — which lets you see how similar your pet’s DNA is to a lion, tiger, cheetah, and more. You’ll also be able to screen for 16 different genetic diseases and mutations, though it’s no substitute for consulting with a vet.

If you prefer to buy from Amazon, you can still score $30 off the Basepaws kit when you apply the on-page coupon. However, you won’t receive the free dental health kit if you opt to buy from Amazon.

More great pet deals

Embark dog DNA test — $99 (save $30)

Does your dog howl a lot? Are they a total sniff-a-holic? You might think these funny behaviors are just normal dog habits, but they might actually be specific to your dog’s breed. Unlocking your pup’s breed makeup gives you a ton of info on their personality, health predispositions, and more. This Embark kit tests for over 350 different breeds, and will even tell you if your pup is part coyote or wolf.

Paw.com pet beds — Save up to 70%

Let’s say you want your dog to be cozy, but you also want their bed to match your stylish home decor. Checking both boxes might sound like a far-off dream, but Paw.com’s rug beds actually fit the bill. With a removable, washable cover, memory foam inner, and a design that’s meant to look like a decorative rug, these beds are the all-in-one pet product you’ve been looking for. You can also score up to 70% off every bed on the site, during Paw.com’s Fall Sale.

Whistle Pet Collars — $19.99 (save $9.96)

If you have your eyes on the discounted Whistle Go, pick up this compatible collar while you’re at it. It’s made of durable nylon and is designed as a secure mount for Whistle Go and Whistle Go Explore devices. Choose from three different sizes and six fun colors to match your pup’s personality.

Best Friends by Sheri Jumbo Cuddler bed — $31.58 (save $18.37)

If your dog or cat likes to sleep curled up like a little bagel, this cozy bed will make them feel like they’re wrapped in a warm hug. The outer cover is removable and can be machine washed for easy cleanup, and the high-bolstered design will keep your dogs joints supported through the night. This jumbo size is ideal for pets up to 35 pounds, but if you have a smaller pet, the standard size is also on sale (scoop one up for $23.60) and is good for pets up to 25 pounds.

ChuckIt! — $1.99 (save $11)

If your dog loves to play fetch, a slobbery ball is pretty much inevitable. But with a ChuckIt!, you’ll never have to touch a gross ball with your hands again. It also helps you throw the ball faster and further, so your pooch can run at top speed and wear themselves out. Like they say, a tired dog is a well-behaved dog.

Petcube Play 2 Wi-Fi Pet Camera with Laser Toy — $179 (save $20)

Another way to monitor your pet while you’re away from home, this Petcube camera comes with built-in Alexa and a fun laser toy (cat owners, rejoice). Control the laser toy remotely with your phone, or set it to auto-play mode to give your pet some activity while you’re busy at work. You’ll also be able to chat with your dog or cat thanks to two-way audio, and get sound and motion alerts so you’ll know immediately if something is amiss.

Explore related content:

• Amazon’s early Black Friday sale is on — here’s a monster list of the top deals

• Best Buy’s Black Friday deals start Oct. 19: See what’s on sale now

• All the best pet deals as of Oct. 12: GPS collars, cozy beds, and more

Shop the best early Black Friday deals on TVs as of Oct. 15:

• Samsung 65-inch Neo QLED 8K TV — $3,499.99 (save $1,500)

• LG C1 Series 65-inch OLED 4K TV — $1,796.99 (save $703)

• Sony X91J 85-inch LED 4K Google TV — $2,799.99 (save $700)

TVs are always a huge ticket item during Black Friday. Last year, Best Buy devoted 10 pages of its Black Friday ad scan to TVs alone. And we’re expecting a whole lot of awesome deals again for Black Friday 2021.

And because The Brands have largely said “screw it” about following the actual Black Friday schedule and are just hosting their own events throughout October and November, there are already some great 4K TV deals to shop well ahead of Nov. 26.

Early Black Friday deals mean you can start your holiday shopping early — and actually get what you order in time. Supply chain and shipping delays are sure to hit hard this holiday season, so whenever you can get ahead of them and score a deal early, you should take advantage.

Save on TVs in a variety of sizes.
Credit: Samsung

Here are the best early Black Friday TV deals organized by brand, then size, then price:

Samsung

OUR TOP PICK: Samsung 65-inch Neo QLED 8K TV — $3,499.99 (save $1,500)

You know when you’re in the movie theater and the audio sounds like it’s coming from the direction of the action on screen? The Samsung Neo QLED TV does that, too. On top of Object Tracking Sound, this TV has 8K resolution and super thin bezels, so you’ll truly feel like you’re at the theater.

• Samsung 50-inch Frame QLED TV — $1,197.99 (save $102)

• Samsung 55-inch Neo QLED QN85A Series smart TV — $1,297.99 (save $302)

• Samsung 55-inch Frame QLED TV — $1,397.99 (save $102)

• Samsung 55-inch Neo QLED QN90A Series 4K TV — $1,497.99 (save $302)

• Samsung 65-inch QLED Q70A Series — $1,097.99 (save $302)

• Samsung 65-inch QLED Q80A Series — $1,297.99 (save $402)

• Samsung 82-inch Class 7 Series Tizen TV — $1,399.99 (save $100)

• Samsung 85-inch Class 8000 Series Tizen 4K TV — $1,699.99 (save $500)

LG

OUR TOP PICK: LG C1 Series 65-inch OLED 4K TV — $1,796.99 (save $703)

The LG C1’s OLED display has more than 8 million pixels to bring you deep blacks and vibrant colors. Its 4K AI processor adjusts with the content to ensure everything you watch looks the best it can. It also has a fast refresh rate, making it good for gaming.

• LG 48-inch ultra-thin OLED 4K TV — $1,096.99 (save $202.01)

• LG 48-inch ThinQ OLED C1 Series 4K TV — $1,296.99 (save $303)

• LG 55-inch slim NanoCell 4K TV — $726.99 (save $73)

• LG 55-inch A1 Series 4K OLED TV — $1,196.99 (save $100)

• LG C1 Series 55-inch OLED 4K TV — $1,499.99 (save $300)

• LG 65-inch Evo gallery design G1 Series 4K TV — $2,496.99 (save $303)

• LG LED 75-inch Slim Real 4K UHD NanoCell TV — $1,146.99 (save $353)

• LG NanoCell 90 Series 75-inch smart TV — $1,796.99 (save $503)

Sony

OUR TOP PICK: Sony X91J 85-inch LED 4K Google TV — $2,799.99 (save $700)

This Sony X91J is a massive 85 inches, making it great for a home theater. It’s a smart TV with voice commands built in — you don’t need to have an Echo or Google speaker.

• Sony X80J 43-inch LED 4K TV — $599.99 (save $150)

• Sony X90J 65-inch Bravia XR TV — $1,298 (save $201.99)

• Sony A80J 65-inch Bravia 4K TV — $1,798 (save $400)

• Sony X80J 75-inch 4K UHD TV — $1,049.99 (save $350)

• Sony A80J 77-inch Bravia 4K TV — $2,998 (save $501.99)

Other TV deals from TCL, Vizio, more

• Insignia 43-inch Fire TV — $289.99 (save $30)

• TCL 43-inch Class 4-Series 4K TV — $279.99 (save $70)

• TCL 55-inch Class 4-Series 4K TV — $358 (save $91)

• Hisense 55-inch ULED U7G Quantum Dot QLED TV — $749.99 (save $100)

• Insignia 55-inch NS-55F301NA22 F30 Series LED 4K — $389.99 (save $160)

• Vizio 55-inch M-series 4K UHD TV — $578 (save $171.99)

• Hisense 65-inch Quantum Dot QLED TV — $699.99 (save $150)

Explore related content:

• The best early Black Friday laptop deals so far

• The best 4K TVs: For gamers, Netflix binge-watchers, and everyone else

• Best Buy’s Black Friday deals start Oct. 19: See what’s on sale now

We’re coming up on the launch of the Google Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, and, for once, there’s a pretty significant change to Google’s newest smartphone that isn’t just a bigger screen or better camera.

To be more specific, Google is developing something called the Tensor chip for the Pixel 6 phones. There are still plenty of important details about Tensor that Google probably won’t reveal until the Oct. 19 Pixel 6 launch event — such as which companies are providing which exact components for it — but we can use what little we have to paint a picture of what this means for the future of Pixel.

What is Tensor, exactly?

We’re talking about what’s on the inside, but in case you haven’t seen it, here’s what Pixel 6 looks like on the outside.
Credit: google

Great question! In technical terms, Tensor is a new system on a chip (or SoC) that will power the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro phones. You’re probably wondering what the heck an SoC is. This is actually the rare tech term that’s somewhat self-explanatory, as an SoC is a group of the essential components that make up a computing system (like CPU, GPU, and RAM) packed together into a silicon chip. The fact that we can put entire computers into tiny chips in this way is what enables us to have smartphones at all.

For a better idea of what the actual makeup of Tensor looks like, an extensive preview from The Verge back in August offered some specifics. Tensor shares a name with the Tensor Processing Units (or TPUs) found in Google’s massive worldwide network of data centers, which do very complicated machine learning things for cloud infrastructure. Put simply, at least part of the Pixel 6’s Tensor chip is a mobile version of those TPUs designed to enhance the phone’s capabilities using machine learning and Google’s AI technology. There will be a new Titan M2 component in Tensor for increased security too, also made by Google.

There are other components of the SoC that are more mysterious, like the CPU and 5G modem. Those could likely be outsourced hardware from other companies and not in-house Google creations. The most important thing for laypeople like you and I is that Google is leveraging its considerable AI and machine-learning prowess to enhance the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro through Tensor.

How does this make the new Pixel phones better?

This question is trickier to answer, because Google has been so coy with details prior to the Pixel 6’s launch. That said, Google did show some demos to The Verge in the aforementioned preview to give an idea of how a more advanced AI chip might enable the Pixel 6 to do some nifty things.

For instance, Google demonstrated how the new Pixel 6 camera can take a blurry photo of a small child in motion and make it sharp enough to not get instantly deleted off your camera roll. Instead of just snapping one photo, the Tensor chip allows the Pixel 6 to capture several shots of said child, detect the kid’s face, and combine all the shots it has into something you can use. Google has been using computational tricks to enhance photos for years, but Tensor could potentially bring those capabilities to new heights.

Other demonstrations included real-time speech translation between two languages from a video, as well as faster speech-to-text functionality with the ability to edit with your fingers while you talk. It’s safe to assume that there will be plenty more to do with Tensor than just shoot better photos and translate speech more accurately, but Google hasn’t lifted the veil on anything else yet.

One other thing to note about Tensor is that it might enhance the Pixel 6’s AI capabilities, but, on its own, it might not necessarily make the phones screaming powerhouses compared to other flagship Android handsets. Without getting too into the weeds, XDA Developers published a list of leaked (but still technically unconfirmed) Tensor specs last month that suggested some of the components Google is using are actually somewhat old and outdated. A handy breakdown by Android Authority found that the specs made Tensor competitive with other high-end chips, but not obviously superior. There’s no guaranteeing Tensor will give the Pixel 6 phones elite battery life or better gaming performance than the competition, and we certainly won’t know until the devices are in our hands.

Maybe the leaked specs are wrong or maybe Google is going with those parts because of the ongoing chip shortage. Either way, the point is that Pixel 6 may very well have excellent performance, but this first generation of Tensor chips could also still leave room for improvement.

How is all of that different from how Google made old Pixel phones?

Our last question is the simplest one of all. Google is making Tensor itself, while in the past, previous Pixel phones ran on SoCs produced by Qualcomm. For example, the Pixel 5 ran on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G platform. Qualcomm kind of runs the show in terms of powering Android phones in the U.S., to the point where the official Snapdragon Twitter account recently posted a terrible meme seemingly lampooning Google’s decision to break away from that trend.

Tweet may have been deleted

We can easily pinpoint what Google is doing differently, but the why is a little more complex. It’s easiest understood as an imitation of how Apple makes iPhones. Since the iPhone 4, each of Apple’s flagships phones have run on in-house A-Series silicon. Since Apple is in full control of production and design on iPhones, the chips inside them, and iOS as a platform, it can make everything work together seamlessly to produce those excellent phones people spend thousands of dollars on each year.

According to Loup Funds analyst Gene Munster, that’s precisely what Google wants to do with Pixel going forward. Google also, of course, makes the Android OS itself, so Tensor can be built to play to each version of Android’s strengths and hypothetically get more out of Android than third-party phones.

“I think they have a better understanding of the demands that they’re going to be putting on these processors, and probably have gone back to people like Qualcomm and asked for more, and they’re not getting it done,” Munster told Mashable.

Another reason Munster laid out for Google’s decision-making here is easier to wrap your head around: Cost. Google has to pay Qualcomm to use those Snapdragon chips, a fee that doesn’t exist with Tensor. Sure, you can pay for someone else to make a luxurious meal for you at a restaurant, but if you also have the skills and resources of a gourmet chef, why not do it yourself?

SEE ALSO: The best antivirus software options for keeping PCs and Macs protected

But while money is almost certainly a factor, at the end of the day, it still goes back to making sure Pixel 6 and its successors down the line can not only keep up with the competition, but perhaps eventually outshine it in the way iPhones do year in and year out. If Google wants to keep the Pixel line running and relevant for years to come, relying on other people’s hardware could eventually hold that effort back.

“There’s this divergence in capabilities that companies like Google are trying to advance, and kind of the utility of their products, and the ability for traditional silicon providers to deliver on that,” Munster said. “They have to [develop an in-house SoC] or run the risk of having the silicon be the weakest link [in Pixel phones].”

The vibes, it turns out, didn’t need checking.

Twitter quietly ended its brief foray into preemptively warning users that things might get “heated or intense” in tweet replies. The feature, announced Oct. 6, was initially positioned as a test and appeared part of Twitter’s larger “conversational health” initiative.

“Heads up,” read one example warning. “Conversations like this can be intense.”

Bloomberg reporter Kurt Wagner first reported the news, and wrote that Twitter product lead Christine Su explained the feature wasn’t a hit with users.

“This was a limited experiment so only a small bucket of randomized accounts were even eligible to get prompts,” replied a Twitter spokesperson when reached for comment by Mashable. “We understand that building and experimenting like this out in the open can be messy at times, but it is also how we hold ourselves accountable and increase transparency, even when the feedback can be hard to hear.”

Tweet may have been deleted

The spokesperson did not immediately reply when asked when the test was officially ended.

This is not the first platform tweak that Twitter has rolled out to only later claw back, and it likely won’t be the last. Other conversational health features, like the ability to limit replies, so-called humanization prompts, and quote-tweet prompts, have had varying levels of success.

SEE ALSO: Twitter tests ‘humanization prompts’ in effort to reduce toxic replies

Meanwhile, Fleets — Twitter’s attempt at a Stories-like feature — was abandoned altogether.

“We look forward to reporting back about what’s next, after we have a bit more time to review the results, but you should expect additional iterations from us in the future,” added the company spokesperson.

Being overly sentimental with test features just isn’t Twitter’s vibe, it seems.

Remember Car Thing, Spotify’s hardware player for cars that the company launched in April, though only for select users in the U.S.?

Well, on Thursday the company made it a little easier for a wider range of users to purchase the Car Thing. Now, all Spotify users in the U.S., both in the Free and Premium tiers, can sign up for the waitlist for the Car Thing – though you’ll still need a Premium plan to actually use it.

Also, while the Car Thing was originally launched as a free device, it will now cost users $79.99.

As for why you might want to purchase Car Thing, that’s a little harder to explain. Car Thing does not work without a smartphone — it depends on it (both iPhones and Androids work) for an internet connection. It has voice control (say “Hey Spotify” to invoke it); it’s got a dial that lets you browse, select, and play music, as well as four preset buttons on top of the device to get to your favorite songs faster; and it has a color touchscreen display so you can see what’s playing.

It’s a little bit like having an always-ready Spotify app in hardware form, in your car.

The dial is pretty cool.
Credit: spotify

Given that there’s not much Car Thing can do that the Spotify app on your phone cannot, the biggest appeal is probably having your phone free to do other things, and the added convenience of having preset buttons and the dial for accessing your music while driving.

You can join the waitlist for Car Thing here.

TL;DR: The Digital Daze App and eLearning Bundle is on sale for £50.86 as of Oct. 15, saving you 96% on list price.

If you find yourself scrolling aimlessly in a digital daze regularly, maybe it’s time to make a change.

Give all that scrolling some purpose with this app and e-learning bundle, which is on sale for a limited time as of Oct. 15. Play games, learn something new, or stream something you’ve never seen before — all with one purchase. Here’s what you’ll get when you sign up for the Digital Daze app and e-learning bundle.

PlayStation Plus: One-Year Subscription

PlayStation Plus, the paid subscription service from PlayStation, gives members free games every month and includes access to online multiplayer gaming as well as exclusive discounts in the PlayStation store (among other perks). You’ll be able to connect with an online community of gamers and compete against them in some of your favourite PlayStation classics, like Star Wars: Battlefront, Uncharted, and many more.

StackSkills Unlimited: Lifetime Subscription

StackSkills is a premier library of more than 1,000 online courses taught by more than 350 award-winning instructors and experts in their fields. This on-demand learning platform curates courses that cover the latest trends and topics, like cryptocurrency mining, copywriting, Photoshop, Amazon Web Services, and iOS development. The unlimited plan adds courses to the catalog every month, so you can commit to continuous learning for life. There’s even a progress tracker to see how far you’ve come, course certifications, and quarterly instructor Q&A webinars.

KeepSolid VPN Unlimited: Lifetime Subscription (Five Devices)

To ensure you can play your games, take courses, and stream your favourite shows without limitations, you’ll also get a lifetime subscription to KeepSolid’s VPN Unlimited. With protection for five different devices, you can block trackers, hackers, and other sketchy stuff from happening on your devices. You’ll get access to more than 500 VPN servers in more than 80 locations globally, including the U.S., Canada, the UK, Australia, Hong Kong, and others.

This three-part app and e-learning bundle will keep you entertained, educated, and protected. The bundle, which includes a one-year subscription to PlayStation Plus and lifetime subscriptions to StackSkills Unlimited and KeepSolid VPN Unlimited, is on sale for £50.86 for a limited time.

Do you want to watch something scary? Well, horror fan, Hulu is a great place to start looking.

Right now, the streaming service has a solid lineup of new and old frights, ranging from recent Hulu originals like False Positive starring Ilana Glazer, to cross-genre international hits like The Host. Of course, not all horror experiences freak us out in the same way — or to the same degree — so you’ll want to know what you’re getting yourself into before pressing play.

To help you out, we’ve combed through Hulu’s catalogue, selected the 13 all-around best horror movies available, and given you a rundown on what about these titles will really get you sweating. (FYI, this list assumes you don’t have any premium add-ons or Hulu + LiveTV, but there are more options if you do so definitely do a little searching on the platform if none of these sound good.)

Good luck out there, and remember: Never go alone!

13. Wounds (2019)

Dakota Johnson goes through hell in this one.
Credit: Hulu

Wounds really isn’t as good as you’d like it to be. That said, writer-director Babak Anvari — known for the exquisite Under the Shadow (2016) — delivers an inventive enough premise through a compelling enough cast that watching this graphic, psychological thriller about a man being stalked by a sinister force never feels like a waste. Dakota Johnson shines in this stomach-churning descent into cockroach-infested hell. Seriously, brace yourself if you hate bugs.

How to watch: Wounds is now streaming on Hulu.

12. My Bloody Valentine (1981)

In this spectacularly splattered slasher, director George Mihalka places a terrifying killer — hardened by a cannibalistic mining accident(?) years before — in a small town ripe for terrorizing at the time of the Valentine’s Day dance. Awesome practical effects, like a dude getting his face boiled off and human hearts showing up in seasonally themed chocolate boxes, make for tons of classic scenes. It’s all tied together by a fun cast, high energy, and pure ’80s nostalgia.

How to watch: My Bloody Valentine is now streaming on Hulu.

11. False Positive (2021)

Congratulations to Pierce Brosnan and his “You’ll be a dentist” moment.
Credit: HULU

From Mother! to Rosemary’s Baby, reproduction has been explored by enough horror titles to qualify pregnancy-terror as its own subgenre. In director John Lee’s False Positive, co-written with star Ilana Glazer, the gross-out body stuff you’ve seen done countless times before gets fresh framing with a snappy script that addresses modern mothering imperfectly but thoughtfully. Plus, Pierce Brosnan plays a campy, creepy OB-GYN villain you’ve just gotta see.

How to watch: False Positive is now streaming on Hulu.

10. The Devil’s Doorway (2018)

Northern Irish director Aislinn Clarke’s The Devil’s Doorway is in no way the first horror film to indict the Catholic church for its history of abuse allegations. Still, Clarke’s found-footage approach paired with the historic subject matter — Magdalene Asylums of the 1960s — proves to be a particularly impactful combination. Some startling jump scares and a brief runtime qualify it as a hidden gem.

How to watch: The Devil’s Doorway is now streaming on Hulu.

9. Villains (2019)

Venerable horror icons Bill Skarsgård and Maika Monroe lead Villains, a Bonnie and Clyde-meets-Don’t Breathe mashup with a sprinkling of ’50s style you’ll love. When criminal lovebirds Jules and Mickey decide to rob a house, they encounter a mystery within and must contend with the home’s residents, played by Kyra Sedgwick and Jeffrey Donovan, to solve it.

How to watch: Villains is now streaming on Hulu.

8. Crawl (2019)

Thinks ‘Jaws’ but multiplied in every sense.
Credit: paramount pictures

Director Alexandre Aja combines action-packed disaster horror with some particularly spiteful alligators in this gloriously intense thrill-ride. Kaya Scodelario stars as a young woman who, along with her father and family dog, becomes trapped in a Florida house by a devastating hurricane. As the house begins to flood in a race against the clock, our heroine fights the large reptilians attempting to eat her family in a journey that’s surprisingly captivating and full of teeth.

How to watch: Crawl is now streaming on Hulu.

7. The Lodge (2019)

The Lodge is the bleakest title on Mashable’s 2020 holiday horror list, bar none. If you’re looking for a fun holiday horror flick, this is not it. That said, this psychological nightmare is a great choice if you’re looking for an unnerving horror experience that combines The Shining with occultism. Intrigued? Starring Riley Keough as an unwelcome girlfriend on Christmas vacation with her boyfriend’s kids, played by Jaeden Martell and Lia McHugh, The Lodge foregoes traditional scares for slow-burn tension and shocking implications. *

How to watch: The Lodge is now streaming on Hulu.

6. Lights Out (2016)

Maybe use the bathroom *before* watching this one. If you, uh, know what I mean.
Credit: warner bros.

Based on director David F. Sandberg’s short film of the same name, Lights Out is a supernatural fright fest with jump-scares to spare. This descent into darkness follows siblings Rebecca and Martin, played by Teresa Palmer and Gabriel Bateman, as they fight to solve the mystery behind a clawed creature hunting them and others as prey only when the lights are out. This is a real sphincter-clincher so maybe save it for when you need an adrenaline boost.

How to watch: Lights Out is now streaming on Hulu.

5. The Host (2006)

Parasite‘s Song Kang-ho plays Park Gang-du, viewed as a lost cause by his family, even young daughter Hyun-seo. When toxic waste from a lab up the Han River creates a twisted monster that starts attacking humans, it takes Hyun-seo. The family is broken — director Bong’s eclectic humors rears its head in scenes like when the Parks weep for Hyun-seo — and entirely dubious of trusting Gang-du to rescue his daughter. 

Bong Joon-Ho’s 2006 creature feature was only his third full-length production as director, and went on to be the highest-grossing South Korean movie at that point in time. As the creature affects everyone from gangsters to government and the Park family in particular, it’s highly reminiscent of Bong’s Okja, made 11 years later with five times the budget. For fans of Bong’s storytelling and sensibility, it’s unmissable. — Proma Khosla, Entertainment Reporter *

How to watch: The Host is now streaming on Hulu.

4. Hellbound: Hellrasier II (1988)

Treat yourself to an evening of unhinged sadomasochism with the Cenobites in director Tony Randel’s surprisingly great sequel to Clive Barker’s 1987 film. This chapter in the Hellraiser franchise gives us our first look at Hell, some seriously upped gore, and an origin story for all-time monster superstar Pinhead. The original is still better, but it’s a tight race.

How to watch: Hellbound: Hellraiser II is now streaming on Hulu.

3. Let the Right One In (2008)

You might cry watching this one, for real.
Credit: sandrew metronome

Swedish director Tomas Alfredson’s heartbreaking vampire tale changed the game for 2000s horror. An expertly executed but surprisingly restrained affair, Let the Right One In follows a young boy, bullied in school, who befriends another kid with a mysterious need to feast on blood. The resulting romance is one of a kind — tonally unique and hauntingly impactful.

How to watch: Let the Right One In is now streaming on Hulu.

2. The House That Jack Built (2018)

Matt Dillon acts as a conduit for serial killer terror and mythology in this bizarre title.
Credit: TrustNordisk

In the ethereal but still bloody The House That Jack Built, Matt Dillon stars as the titular Jack. A quiet architect, he appears at first like your average loner type. But narration recounting decades of vicious killings reveal him to be a monster of mythic proportions. Brush up on your Dante’s Inferno before seeing this one and you’ll have a spectacularly scary film to puzzle over for years to come.

How to watch: The House That Jack Built is now streaming on Hulu.

1. Saint Maud (2021)

The first feature film from writer-director Rose Glass, Saint Maud is a religious horror film set in the world of late-stage hospice care. When a pious nurse named Maud (Morfydd Clark) is assigned to care for the boldly blasphemous Amanda (Jennifer Ehle), a battle to save Amanda’s soul before she dies of cancer ensues. It’s a staggeringly scary reflection on interiority and philosophy, with a searing assessment of the sometimes predatory messiah complex to boot. *

How to watch: Saint Maud is now streaming on Hulu.

Honorable mention: Into the Dark

None of the titles in Hulu’s Into the Dark made this list since it’s technically classified as a television anthology. Still, the feature-length terrors brought to life in that consistently clever Blumhouse-produced series are well worth your time. Want to learn more? We ranked them all, right here.

How to watch: Into the Dark Seasons 1 and 2 are now streaming on Hulu.