That 'Stranger Things' Twist Was Insane

Friday, November 28, 2025

Stranger Things is back. I'd forgive you for thinking that the fifth and final season—which was marred by production delays—wouldn't live up to our Game of Thrones-sized expectations. I had doubts myself! Rest assured, this week's first drop of episodes (Netflix will treat us to more on Christmas Day and New Year's Eve) are pretty damn impressive. Many of the kiddos have grown into impressive dramatic actors (looking at you, Gaten Matarazzo), the villainous Vecna remains the show's best late-game addition, and the visual effects are the best I've ever seen on TV. If you read one piece about the Volume 1 finale, make it Anthony Breznican's breakdown of its three cliff-hangers.

– Brady Langmann, senior entertainment editor

Plus:

The Stranger Things Season 5, Volume 1 Finale Is Pure Insanity

After a three-year wait, the Netflix juggernaut gave us three cliff-hangers, a movie-scale battle sequence, and so much more.

"I was looking for answers in somebody else, but I had all the answers. I just needed to stop being so goddamn scared."

That's Maya Hawke's Robin talking, but the phrase is repeating in the head of Will Byers in the climax of episode four of Stranger Things. Curiously, it runs counter to what so much of this show has been about for five seasons. The recurring themes throughout are friendship, teamwork and family, both those that are found and those you are born with. And yet, what good are you as a part of any of those groups if you don't stand on your own two feet?

READ THE STORY

American voters are finally booting conservative weirdos from school boards. Charles P. Pierce traces another ripple effect from the recent Democratic sweep in the 2025 elections. >>
Cartier had an incredible year, as the watch brand was found on red carpets everywhere. Johnny Davis collects the best Cartier has to offer in 2025. >>

This Is Not How I Wanted to Get Rush Hour 4

Given that it's the holiday season, I want you to imagine a scenario where, on Christmas morning, you unwrap a shiny-looking present. Turns out, it's the bike that you've been asking for all year. Yay! But ... wait. Shit. the Tag says it's from your mom's weird new boyfriend who you keep hoping will just go away. And now you understand how I feel about the news that I'm finally getting Rush Hour 4.

On Tuesday, official word came that, 18 years after Rush Hour 3, a new installment in the Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan franchise is on the way, courtesy of the freshly-arrived Paramount regime … and President Donald Trump?! In addition, the original director, who has helmed all of the films in the series, is also set to return. It would be a welcome relief—if it wasn't Brett Ratner, who essentially was kicked out of Hollywood in 2017 due to numerous accusations of sexual assault.

Even before the Trump meddling, the questions around whether a Rush Hour 4 could work were valid. Almost 30 years after the original, could you getaway with the same riffs on racial stereotypes? Considering how expensive 3 was, what's the likelihood that a revival two decades later could be financially profitable? And are Chan and Tucker, who has only starred in three films since Rush Hour 3, past their prime?

By Derek Lawrence

The 50 Best Black Friday Deals Under $50

Black Friday is here, so it's officially time to pounce on all the great deals—from big scores on TVs and mattresses to the small‑but‑mighty wins like gifts, grooming upgrades, and accessories. Consider this your annual permission slip to upgrade your dopp kit, stock the gift closet, and snag that clever little gadget you've been side-eyeing since summer, all without scaring your bank account.

Under-$50 finds are where the fun lives: smart stocking stuffers, editor-beloved basics, and everyday luxuries that feel deluxe, not discounted. So skip the doorbuster chaos and click online with confidence. These picks are vetted for value, quality, and vibes. Without further ado, here are some of the most exciting Black Friday deals you can score for under $50 today.

By Bellamy Richardson