Entertainment
Starfleet Academy Channels Two Wildly Different Movie Genres To Create A Standout Episode
By Chris Snellgrove
| Published
Starfleet Academy’s sixth episode (“Come, Let’s Away”) was a standout tale that ditched the series’ infamous tryhard humor to deliver a tight action/adventure thriller. As someone who had been hard on the show before, I was morbidly curious if that grimdark outing represented the new normal. Would this Star Trek spinoff finally start taking itself seriously in every episode, or would the series be returning to sloppy comedy form?
The seventh episode (“Ko’zeine”) managed to surprise me, and not always in a good way: this story brought goofy comedy back to the forefront, but the humor is less forced and all the more fun for it. Plus, the episode channels the vibe of both indie coming-of-age films (like Garden State) and wedding rom-coms (like My Best Friend’s Wedding) into an uneven episode that packs plenty of character development. As a result, “Ko’ziene” is a deep improvement over earlier Starfleet Academy episodes, but it fails to pack the high-octane thrills and equally high stakes of “Come, Let’s Away.”
Spring Break Is Finally Here
The general premise of “Ko’ziene” is that the various cadets are headed home for Spring Break, but things quickly go awry for three of our heroes. Caleb has no family to return to, so he decides to stay aboard the Athena, trying to take his mind off the injuries sustained by his telepathic girlfriend when she successfully saved him from the Furies. She is recovering on Betazed, and Caleb is having trouble composing the right message to express his feelings; however, he gets a welcome distraction from Genesis, whose decision to steal back aboard the Athena hides a shocking ulterior motive.
Meanwhile, the B plot is that Jay-Den sees Darem getting abducted, and he follows the kidnappers to discover a rather insane surprise. You see, Darem has been nabbed by his own people as part of an ancient ritual, and he is about to marry the woman he was betrothed to many years ago. Jay-Den now has to serve as his best man, but that means he has to avoid a romantic getaway in Ibiza with Kyle, his himbo War College boyfriend.
Taking Aim At The Series’ Awful Humor
Before you say it, I want to let you know I get it. If you’ve hated most of Starfleet Academy up until this point, then “Ko’zeine” sounds like a double serving of the show’s two most annoying aspects: awkward romance and teen angst. However, this outing is better than earlier episodes this season for the simple fact that the writers are finally showing a bit of restraint with the show’s attempts at comedy.
Sure, there are still some overly goody bits here, like Caleb’s ears swelling up in a bit straight out of Star Trek (2009). Oh, and he and Genesis chase down a “warp snail” in a low-speed chase sequence so silly that it belongs in Lower Decks. As for the wedding plot, we get a few equally cartoony, overly trope-y bits, like Darem’s elaborate wedding suit tearing and him having a Bridezilla-esque freakout.
Mostly, though, this Starfleet Academy episode puts the forced humor into a dampening field, allowing the more serious elements of the story to have more impact. We get to see Caleb processing his feelings for Tarima in a surprisingly earnest way; he cares for her but doesn’t know how to express his feelings, which is relatively realistic for a teenage boy dealing with his own traumatic baggage. Jay-Den has to confront the depth of his romantic feelings and a potential love triangle, all while learning that his swaggering bully/classmate crush is a secret simp back home.
Star Trek Goes Indie
What holds everything together, though, is that returning Trek director Andi Armaganian shoots the A plot and the B plot through the lens of two very different genre films. Jay-Den and Darem get a wedding-based rom-com story, one that mines humor out of cultural misunderstandings and the two characters’ grudging mutual affection. Caleb and Genesis, however, get a twee coming-of-age adventure that shamelessly channels beloved indie hits like Garden State and Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist.
Needless to say, your enjoyment of these plots will hinge largely on your enjoyment of the genre stuff. Personally, I like my wedding comedies to be driven more by winking charisma (like in The Wedding Singer) or raunchy punchlines (like in Wedding Crashers), so I was left just a tad cold by the Jay-Den/Darem B plot. The actors get some fun lines and have a decent chemistry with one another, but their plot line veers a bit too much into the space lanes of a good, old-fashioned soap opera for my taste.
A Weirdly Moving, Weirdly Thoughtful Episode
By contrast, I found the A plot with Caleb and Genesis weirdly moving in large part because the script knows when to pull back and just let these characters vibe out. As if in answer to all those fan complaints about the show’s overly vulgar modern slang, this episode mostly has these characters speaking to one another like actual adults. This contrasts nicely with the shenanigans they get up to (Genesis is hellbent on breaking into the Athena’s bridge), and it sets up the essential dichotomy of Starfleet Academy: that these cadets have the potential to be Picard-style movers and shakers, but like Jean-Luc at this tender age, they still have a lot of growing up to do.
In terms of visuals, this episode has some of the most creative camera angles we have seen so far; instead of action shots designed to make you dizzy, “Ko’zeine” provides dynamic shots of Caleb and Genesis bonding, all while a mellow alt soundtrack punctuates their light interaction with hints of profundity. Granted, I’m a Millennial who absolutely loved Garden State, and that might make you want to take your phaser off stun before shooting me. But I thought this episode perfectly channeled that film’s sense of epic ennui; the idea that everything is meaningless and meaningful all at once for characters who have their whole lives ahead of them and a lifetime of baggage behind them.
Feelings Frequencies Open, Captain
There are no chilling monologues like we got in “Come, Let’s Away,” and unlike that earlier adventure, nobody’s in danger of suddenly declaring “Zo’Keine” one of their favorite Star Trek episodes. But this is a surprisingly earnest, surprisingly honest slice-of-life tale that adds surprising depth to some of the show’s most one-dimensional characters. It’s a thoroughly entertaining (good, not great) tale, one that signifies that Starfleet Academy has overcome most of its growing pains and is ready to finally provide episodes that capture the ephemeral highs and haunting lows of life as a young person.
A fun, unpredictable story that dynamically transforms several of the show’s best characters without disrupting franchise lore? As a Star Trek fan, you could do a lot worse!
Entertainment
Disney Wants You To Forget About This Extremely Adult Marvel Series
By Jonathan Klotz
| Published
A decade before Iron Man launched the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Wesley Snipes made superheroes cool again as Blade, the Daywalker. 1998’s Blade includes the coolest opening sequence of any vampire movie and it launched a trilogy, so it makes sense that Marvel would milk it for all its worth.
2006’s Blade: The Series tried to keep the good times rolling, and if you forgot it existed, that’s by design, as Disney probably doesn’t want a series with this much blood, guts, and nudity to be associated with modern Marvel. Well, that, and Snipes didn’t return as Blade, marking the only time anyone else has played the live-action Vampire hunter.
Blade: The Series Picks Up Where Trinity Left Off
Replacing one of the coolest dudes on the planet is a tough job. Whoever stepped into the sunglasses of Blade would be constantly compared to Wesley Snipes. The rapper Sticky Fingaz answered the call, and while he looked the part of a muscular superhero, he couldn’t emulate the attitude. Blade: The Series picks up after the events of Blade: Trinity, and was written by the same man, David S. Goyer, though outside of the title character, there’s no real connections that mattered.
Blade: The Series introduces Christa Starr (Jill Wagner of Wipeout), a U.S. Army soldier coming home from the Iraq War to solve the mystery of who killed her brother, Zach (David Kopp). It doesn’t take long for the series to reveal that Marcus (Neil Jackson), an upstart Vampire noble, was behind the murder and that Zach was secretly an ally of Blade’s, working to take down the Vampires of the House of Cthon. She’s also, judging by the reactions of every man who enters her vicinity, the most beautiful woman they have ever seen.
Christa is the real main character of Blade: The Series, which eventually cuts the title character down to appearing in maybe 10 minutes an episode by the end of the first, and only, season. For most shows that would be a bad thing, but Wagner’s performance as Christa and her on-screen chemistry with Neil Jackson, the man behind Marcus, is so good, the show becomes better as it shifts the focus.
Disney Wants Nothing To Do With Blade: The Series
What makes Blade: The Series stand out even today isn’t the fairly generic plotlines, like a vampire-killing virus, people from Blade’s past wanting revenge, or a vaguely Eurotrash vampire jockeying for position as the new ruler of the Undead, it’s what the series was able to get away with showing on screen. Blade aired on Spike TV, a cable channel but not a premium cable channel, and yet it was able to get away with showing copious amounts of blood and nudity.
During its run, Blade: The Series was a hit, posting excellent numbers for the newly rebranded cable channel. Millions tuned in each week and you couldn’t get away from the commercials while trying to watch CSI marathons or 1000 Ways To Die. The show was canceled not because it wasn’t being watched, but because it was expensive, with a price tag close to a million dollars (or more) per episode.
Before the cancelation, Blade: The Series had namedropped other Marvel characters affiliated with the 90s group, the Midnight Sons: Moon Knight and Dr. Strange. One can only imagine that any version of those characters appearing on Spike TV would be as dark and gritty as their 90s comics counterparts. Remember when Dr. Strange wore a mask, used elemental magic, and was known simply as Strange?
Today, Blade: The Series is hard to find anywhere. Apple TV+ has the series available to purchase, but it’s not on Hulu, Disney+, or anywhere else you might find Marvel shows. It’s the last relic of how Marvel would license its characters out before the start of the MCU, and proof that no matter what Blade says in Deadpool & Wolverine, there were two Blades, and odds are, there will only ever be two Blades.
Entertainment
From F1 sets to new Botanicals plants, these are the best new Lego sets of May
Table of Contents
One of the best parts of being a Lego fan is that it’s almost guaranteed that at some point, one of your non-Lego interests will be plastic brick-ified.
May’s newest Lego sets are proof of exactly that: there are Toy Story sets (ahead of the fifth installment’s release next month), a Lewis Hamilton helmet for F1 fans, a Cristiano Ronaldo set ahead of the 2026 World Cup, and some adorable additions to the Botanicals line.
You can find them below, along with more of the best releases from the past few months, including Smart Play Star Wars-themed sets, the first-ever Lego Pokémon collaboration, the Lego Game Boy, and a gorgeous Lego-fied Claude Monet painting that I’m legitimately tempted to buy every time I update this list.
Best new Lego sets as of May 2026
Lego Botanicals Rocking Plants
Look at how much fun they’re having!!!
Credit: Lego
Last year, Lego launched the Happy Plants set that was so cute, it made Mashable’s Timothy Werth want to befriend the two little planters. Considering the continued adorable appearance of the next iteration, we imagine Werth will be looking for more pals in these Rocking Plants.
Lego Disney Alien with Pizza Planet Rocket Ride
The briiiccccckkkk.
Credit: Lego
There are plenty of iconic aliens out there, but I would argue the little green guys from Toy Story sit in at least at least in the top five, if not top three, of all time iconic extraterrestrials. Factor in the Pizza Planet branding, the coin slot for the ride, and you have an excellent Lego set.
Lego Editions Cristiano Ronaldo Soccer Legend
The best World Cup viewing companion.
Credit: Lego
He’s a soccer great, and this set is pretty great, too. This 854-piece Cristiano Ronaldo can be put in his recognizable “siu” pose, or mid-bicycle kick. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just around the corner, this Lego is a unique way to commemorate the occasion.
Lego Editions Scuderia Ferrari HP Lewis Hamilton Helmet
Complete with a mini Lewis Hamilton.
Credit: Lego
Maybe you’ll never know what it’s like to be behind the wheel of a car as one of the greatest drivers of all time. But you can know what it’s like to own a Lego version of his helmet, which is kind of the second-best thing?
Best Lego sets coming soon
Best new Lego sets as of April 2026
Lego Gift Box Celebration
A birthday gift to celebrate any Lego lover.
Credit: Lego
The universal human experience? Asking yourself what you want for your birthday. This gift celebration box is one festive answer, both for getting yourself a piece of decor or gifting a fellow brick lover.
Lego Star Wars Darth Vader Bust
Luke, I am your tastefully nerdy decor.
Credit: Lego
I mean, it’s a Darth Vader bust; is there much more to say? It feels fitting that one of the most recognizable film characters of all time has a museum-worthy bust in Lego form. This 349-piece set stands at just over seven inches tall, making it the perfect balance of a statement piece that doesn’t threaten to take up your entire bookshelf.
Lego Star Wars Grogu
Grogu remains adorable in every form he comes in.
Credit: Lego
When we knew him as Baby Yoda, Grogu was adorable. When we know him as a 1,200-piece, eight-inch-tall Lego set, he’s adorable. In other words, you can’t go wrong picking up Lego Grogu.
Lego Super Mario Mario Kart Luigi & Mach 8
Blue shell not included.
Credit: Lego
Maybe you haven’t quite bitten the bullet on a Switch 2, and therefore Mario Kart World. Maybe you’ve been playing a lot of Mario Kart World and want to continue the fun IRL. Either way, this over 2,000-piece Luigi Mario Kart set is one worth considering.
Lego Icons Douglas DC-3 PAN AM Airliner
Vintage aircraft fans, this one’s for you.
Credit: Lego
You’ve heard of model trains; now there are Lego planes. This replica of the 1930s twin-engine aircraft comes with a kitted-out cockpit and passenger cabin, because this is Lego after all. The 1,903-piece set is recommended for builders 18 and over.
Lego Technic McLaren MCL39 F1 Car
One of the more affordable ways to get an F1 car.
Credit: Lego
You know what goes really well with the Lewis Hamilton F1 helmet? A Technic F1 McLaren. At least, it’s just a bit more accessible than buying the real thing.
Best new Lego sets as of March 2026
Lego London Bus
It’s a red bus, innit?
Credit: Lego
Lego city-related sets are often targeted toward older fans, but this double-decker London bus is recommended for anyone 8 and up, and it’s only 245 pieces. And for older folks, the red could be rather striking for some shelf decor.
Lego BrickHeadz Sulley, Mike, and Boo
Don’t put these things back where they came from, or so help me.
Credit: Lego
Personally, I can’t get over how cute Mike Wazowski’s single eye is in this set. The whole lineup is adorable, though, and at only 303 pieces, a great quick build.
Lego Disney Sally’s Flowerpot
Botanicals fans who also love Halloween, this is your set.
Credit: Lego
At first glance, this set includes a Sally Minifigure and the exterior of her flowerpot. Plenty on its own to satisfy Nightmare Before Christmas fans, but Lego takes it a step further by making the interior of the flowerpot its own room filled with accessories for Sally.
Lego Technic BMW M4 GT3 EVO Race Car
This set comes with a code to unlock content in the racing game Asphalt Legends.
Credit: Lego
Live out your pit crew dreams by putting together a Lego-fied BMW race car. This 747-piece set is good for ages 11 and up, and comes with steering, a six-cylinder engine, and opening doors.
Lego Technic Jeep Wrangler Rubicon SUV
A Jeep appropriate for children to take the wheel of.
Credit: Lego
Maybe your kiddo isn’t quite old enough to get behind the wheel of a Jeep, but this Lego Wrangler Rubicon is good for anyone ages 10 and up. As expected from any actual Jeep on the road, this SUV comes packed with the sense of adventure and whimsy, from a surfboard to a rubber duck for the dash.
Lego Icons Project Hail Mary
Complete with a minifigure Rocky and Ryland Grace.
Credit: Lego
Anyone else ugly cry over Rocky in the theater? Anyone else tempted to ugly cry over Lego Rocky? No. OK, well, this 830-piece replica of the ship from Project Hail Mary is also pretty sick, too.
Lego Ideas Orange Cat
Probably a great way to freak out your real cat, tbh.
Credit: Lego
Lego made a tuxedo cat, so naturally, they had to follow up with the creature that inspired the phrase “orange cat behavior” (iykyk). Unlike an actual orange cat, you’ll have some level of control over this one, with the ability to adjust its eyes, ears, tail, paws, and even its facial expression.
Lego Ideas Floating Sea Otter
Impossible not to say aw when looking at this set.
Credit: Lego
It’s a Lego floating sea otter. It’s cute as hell. It comes with a baby otter you can rest on its stomach. Somehow, the set gets even cuter. And it’s almost a foot wide, so it’s sure to be one of the better conversation starters in your space.
Lego Art Claude Monet Bridge over a Pond of Water Lilies
This set is legitimate art.
Credit: Lego
Of all the Lego sets I’ve added to this list, this Claude Monet one has tempted me the most. At 3,179 pieces and $249.99, it’s an investment in more ways than one. Still, I can’t help but remain impressed by how well the Lego style works with the impressionism of Monet, making this one of the more striking sets from the Art line, in my humble opinion.
Best new Lego sets as of February 2026
Lego Disney Piglet’s Birthday Fun
Only the most iconic friends get made into Lego sets.
Credit: Lego
Oh, bother! These sets are almost annoyingly cute. For a more affordable option, you can celebrate Piglet’s birthday with him for $39.99. Of course, it’d also be tempting to pick up Pooh and his pot of Hunny — but it’ll run you slightly more at $149.99. Both Piglet and Pooh are available for preorder immediately and will be officially released come March 1.
Lego Botanicals Magnolia Branches
Tasteful flowers that never die? Say less.
Credit: Lego
Lego has long been the savior for those of us without a green thumb, but even for the best gardeners out there, an indoor magnolia tree situation isn’t exactly the most practical. Now, Lego has us covered with this new set that’s an easy 435 pieces. Preorders are available now, and are set to be available starting March 1.
Lego Icons The Lord of the Rings: Sauron’s Helmet
That’s what I call a statement piece.
Credit: Lego
One thing about Lego is that it’s going to keep Lord of the Rings fans fed, but not exactly on the cheap. Out of the five LotR sets available, Sauron’s Helmet is the only one less than $100, clocking in at $69.99. That lower price point isn’t a sacrifice on size — the 538-piece set stands at over a foot tall, making it plenty viable as a statement piece.
Lego Botanicals Flower Wall
The aptly-named Lego Flower Wall.
Credit: Lego
Many of the Lego Botanicals sets can be arranged in a vase or as a table centerpiece, but it’s less common to come across ones that can easily be hung on the wall. For a year-round pop of color, Lego introduced the Flower Wall — it’s also the only set on our list that’s available for purchase immediately (without a preorder period). At $89.99, it is one of the pricier Botanicals sets (though it’s also one of the bigger ones). Still, if you’re looking for a cheaper option, the new Sunflower Botanicals set is available for preorder now, with a release date of March 1.
Lego Editions Soccer Ball
This Lego soccer ball does not come hollow.
Credit: Lego
Maybe watching the Winter Olympics has got you hyped for the Summer Olympics in 2028, or maybe you’re simply a big soccer fan. In either case, this Lego Soccer Ball set is sick. At first glance, it looks exactly what it sounds like — a plastic brickified version of the ball. Open it up, and you’ll find a mini stadium in full-swing celebration.
Lego Icons Ford Model T
No assembly line required for building.
Credit: Lego
Lego has modeled a lot of iconic cars over the years, but it’s possible there’s no car more iconic than the very first mass-produced one — the Ford Model T. The 1,060-piece set gives you plenty of accessibility in exploring the car, from the liftable seat that reveals the gas tank, to the accessible engine under the hood, and the foldable fabric roof top. Fans can preorder the set now, with full availability coming March 1.
Lego Smart Play Star Wars sets
Punch it, Chewie!
Credit: Lego
Fan of the original trilogies? Whether your favorite setting is the Millennium Falcon, Endor (with its adorable Ewoks), Mos Eisley Cantina, Yoda’s Hut, or Luke’s landspeeder on Tatooine, Lego’s newest batch of Smart Play sets has got you covered. The sets range in price, but all of them are available for preorder with a release date of March 1.
Mashable Trend Report
Best new Lego sets as of January 2026
Lego Pokémon
Lego Pikachu, we choose you.
Credit: Lego
The first-ever Lego Pokémon release actually is made up of three sets, all of which are available for preorder and set to ship out on Feb. 27. Each exists in a different price tier: there’s the adorable and affordable Eevee, which clocks in at $59.99 for a 587-piece set, the more involved Pikachu and Poké Ball with 2,050 pieces for $199.99, and finally the massive Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise set, which is a whopping $649.99 for 6,838 pieces.
Ranging from $59.99 to $649.99, depending on the set
Lego Smart Play Star Wars sets
Charge up your Smart Bricks before adding them to the set to add an extra element of interactivity.
Credit: Lego
Lego’s Smart Play system just debuted at CES 2026, and already, the first three sets from the line are available for preorder, with a ship date set for March 1.
The Smart Play system includes three elements — the Smart Brick, Smart Minifigure, and Smart Tag — which can all be found on the debut sets of Darth Vader’s TIE Fighter, Luke’s Red Five X-Wing, and the Throne Room Duel & A-Wing. Star Wars fans aren’t just getting the debut of a new type of Lego, but they’re also getting relative affordability (in Lego terms, at least): the former two sets are below $100, with the latter set costing $159.99, and coming with the greatest number of Smart Bricks, Smart Minifigs, and Smart Tags.
Ranging from $69.99 to $159.99, depending on the set
Lego Creator 3-in-1 Retro Gaming Console
The gaming console can also be built into a computer or arcade machine.
Credit: Lego
Can’t quite swing the $60 Lego Game Boy? No problem. The 3-in-1 Retro Gaming Console delivers for just $19.99, offering the form of a handheld, computer, and arcade machine with its 268 pieces. For anyone who enjoys switching it up or prefers a low-key build, this might be the better option.
Lego Bugs Bunny
A Lego set with the potential to absolutely ruin Elmer Fudd’s day.
Credit: Lego
It’s buying a (Lego) rabbit season, folks. Though this set is just 605 pieces, it stands at a decent seven inches high, nine inches wide, and five inches deep. Bugs’s personality can shine through with the adjustable head, ears, arms, wrists, and fingers.
Lego Minecraft The Fox
Find foxes in the taiga biome, or your living room.
Credit: Lego
The days of Minecraft creatures existing solely behind a computer screen are gone, thanks to the Lego Minecraft line. The Fox set comes in at just $39.99, and is a relatively simple build with 497 pieces. Like Bugs, this set can be positioned and posed, and depending on the build, can have opened or closed eyes.
Lego Spring Wreath
Ring in spring with a Lego wreath.
Credit: Lego
Lego’s holiday wreaths aren’t just limited to the colder months. The straightforwardly-named Spring Wreath comes with 747 pieces and some decor options. One build of the set lets you go all-in on Easter theming, with a bunny head and eggs to adorn the wreath, while another aims for a classic spring look, with a yellow bow and flowers.
Lego Botanicals Peace Lily
Behold: a peace lily that will never droop.
Credit: Lego
Cat owners, rejoice! The latest Botanicals release means you can finally own a peace lily without worry that you’re putting poison within paws’ reach. Non-cat owners can also appreciate that this peace lily will permanently flower and look healthy (never in my life have I encountered a plant as dramatic as a peace lily). At $49.99 and just 474 pieces, this set is a great addition for more casual and dedicated Lego fans alike.
Lego Technic NASA Artemis Space Launch System Rocket
Houston, we have a cool Lego set.
Credit: Lego
Lego Icons released an Artemis launch set that goes for $249.99 and is currently on backorder. This Technics set, by contrast, is available for purchase and will ship immediately, and is a more stomachable $59.99. Sure, it’s 632 pieces to the Icons’ 3,601 pieces, but there’s something to be said about affordability when nerding out over space.
Lego Art Japanese Cherry Blossom Landscape
Lego Art decor is the best kind of decor.
Credit: Lego
The Lego Art line has produced some of the most coveted sets from the brand, from Van Gogh’s Sunflowers to Hokusai’s The Great Wave. These sets are a) stunning and b) hangable just like non-Lego art. On both fronts, the latest addition — the Japanese Cherry Blossom Landscape — is no exception. At $139.99 for 1,892 pieces, it’s one of the less expensive and mid-size framed pieces from the line, but it certainly doesn’t skimp on color and detail. Popular as it is, this set is currently on backorder, but will be shipped out on Feb. 1.
Lego Icons Shopping Street
Just have to pop around to the Lego shops.
Credit: Lego
The Lego Modular Buildings collection just got a new addition in the form of the Lego Icons Shopping Street. This 3,456-piece set features a three-story building housing two floors of stores and a top-floor apartment, as well as a two-story music shop. You’ll be able to adorn your shopping plaza with the seven included minifigures.
Best new Lego sets as of December 2025
Lego Creator 3-in-1 Space Exploration Telescope
A tripod telescope is one of three available builds in this one set.
Credit: Lego
What’s just as cool as space? The fact that this 278-piece set can be built into three different configurations, including an adjustable telescope on a tripod, an adjustable microscope, or a UFO. It’s the perfect set for the space enthusiast in your life, young or old, and best of all, it’s just $34.99. Preorders ship out on January 1, 2026.
Lego Fortune Firecracker
Legos that serve as wall decor are elite.
Credit: Lego
Lunar New Year isn’t until February, but you can get prepared by pre-ordering this Lego Fortune Firecracker. The eight firecrackers “crackle” when they’re moved, and the entire set can be mounted on the wall. The center can also be opened to reveal one of two scenes of your choice — a firework display or God of Fortune celebration scene. Preorders will ship out on January 1.
Lego Editions FIFA World Cup Official Trophy
Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / Lego
In classic Lego style, this replica brings you more than meets the eye. The 2,842-piece set functions as a 14.5-inch brick version of the iconic World Cup trophy, but unlike the real deal, the top can also be opened to reveal a World Cup scene. The actual World Cup isn’t until July of next year, but preorders for this set ship out on March 1, 2026.
Lego Ideas The Goonies
The Goonies Legos ‘R’ Good Enough.
Credit: Lego
The Goonies turned a whopping 40 years old this year — what better way to celebrate than building this nearly 3,000 piece set, featuring the iconic Inferno pirate ship housing vignettes from the film? And unlike the full-scale ship built for the movie, it won’t be devastating if you want to scrap this one and build it all over again. At the time of writing, this set is on backorder, but should be ready to ship out (no pun intended) 60 days from purchase.
Lego Icons Star Trek: U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D
Your living room: The Final Frontier.
Credit: Lego
The crew of the Lego U.S.S. Enterprise may be used to more exciting voyages than the one to your office shelves or living room sideboard, but the Star Trek fans will probably appreciate being greeted by the display every single day.
This Next Generation-themed 3,600-piece set comes with nine minifigures, a detachable command saucer, secondary hull, warp nacelles with distinctive red and blue detailing, an opening shuttlebay, 2 mini shuttlepods, and an angled display stand with a schematic and ship statistics. Also currently on backorder, it will ship out 60 days after purchase.
Lego Icons Tropical Aquarium
All the aquarium essentials are in this set, including a treasure chest.
Credit: Lego
This set may be a whopping 4,154 pieces, but after the initial build, it’ll be way less work to maintain a real aquarium. Plus, it even comes with knobs and levers so you can “move” the sea life inside, from a striped brickfish to sea anemones and, of course, a sunken treasure chest. This backordered set will ship out 60 days after purchase.
Best new Lego sets as of October 2025
Lego Time Machine from Back to the Future
Credit: Lego
It’s relatively common to see Lego sets from popular IPs, but less so to see them at an under-$50 price point. This quaint 357-piece set is the perfect coffee table addition for Back to the Future fans. It’s on preorder until its ship date of Jan. 1, 2026 (not 1955). This isn’t the first time Marty McFly’s DeLorean has been brickified, but this more-affordable set is part of the Lego Speed Champions line.
Lego Up-Scaled Santa Minifigure
Why not get into the holiday spirit before the end of October?
Credit: Lego
Not to pit sets against each other, but I wasn’t wowed by the $330 Christmas Tree (and neither were reviewers on Lego’s site so far). This oversized Santa minifig is a much more palatable $54.99, has the positive reviews to back it up, and stands at a nice 10.5-inches tall, making it a great addition for any holiday setup.
Lego Gingerbread AT-AT Walker
Not pictured: the seasonally-appropriate snowy landscape of Hoth.
Credit: Lego
Star Wars fans have another huge (literally) release lower down on this list, but for anyone looking to get into the holiday spirit while honoring their love of Star Wars lucked out with this Lego Gingerbread AT-AT Walker. It’s just a bit smaller than the now-retired 1,267-piece AT-AT Lego originally released, but at 697 pieces and 7.5-inches tall, it’s still plenty to ring in the holidays with.
Lego Super Mario Game Boy
The ultimate dose of nostalgia.
Credit: Lego
I don’t know if there’s a combination of words more nostalgic than Lego Super Mario Game Boy. This set was announced for preorder in July, and as of Oct. 1, is finally available. As a small catch, it is on backorder for up to 60 days, so if you’re looking to gift it to the gamer in your life this holiday season, I’d grab it sooner rather than later. The set comes with a customizable display and game paks, but if you want to play actual games on this Lego replica, you’ll have to go the same path as this modder.
Lego Ideas Mineral Collection
For any Botanicals fans looking for something a little different, one of Lego Ideas newest releases has got you covered.
Credit: Lego
They’re (Lego) minerals, Marie. One of the latest releases from the Ideas line is an 880-piece set that allows you to create a nice display of Lego golden pyrite, purple amethyst, reddish-pink rhodochrosite, blue fluorite, watermelon tourmaline and tangerine quartz.
Lego Batman Logo
This easy to display Batman set celebrates 20 years of Lego Batman.
Credit: Lego
It may be hard to come by your own personal bat signal if you don’t live in Gotham, but Lego made it easy with this Batman Logo set. The 678-piece set celebrates 20 years of Lego Batman, hence the golden Batman and anniversary coin. Also included is the display stand, supports for wall-mounting the piece, and a code to unlock a character in Lego Batman Legacy of the Dark Knight. As of now, it’s only available for preorder, and will ship on March 1, 2026.
Lego Wicked Emerald City & Kiamo Ko Castle
One short day, in the Lego Emerald City.
Credit: Lego
We’re closing in on the release to the Wicked sequel. If you’re looking to kill some time before the film’s release, this relatively small (but adorable) 860-piece set will do the trick.
Lego Ideas Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
The snozzberries do in fact taste like snozzberries.
Credit: Lego
Come with me, and you’ll be, in a world of 2,205 plastic bricks that make up the iconic scenes from Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. This set comes with nine minifigures (you’ll never guess who five of them are), along with depictions of the chocolate waterfall and Wonkatania boat.
Lego Icons Captain Jack Sparrow’s Pirate Ship
And yes, it does come equipped with a row of cannons.
Credit: Lego
The enduring power of Pirates of the Caribbean’s popularity can be found in two facts about this Lego set. One, it’s part of the Icons series, meaning it joins the ranks of other iconic IPs. Two, it’s on backorder for the next 60 days, so if you’re wanting to get an impressive display piece sooner rather than later, I recommend adding it to your cart ASAP.
Lego Star Wars Death Star
This 9,023-piece set might rival the build time of the actual Death Star.
Credit: Lego
Step aside, $850 Lego Millennium Falcon. The Lego Death Star hits a $999.99 price point, making it the most expensive Lego from the brand. While its price point has raised some eyebrows, this is one of the top ten biggest sets Lego’s ever made, and the biggest Lego Star Wars set to date, clocking in at a whopping 9,023 pieces, including 36 minifigures and two droid figures.
Best new Lego sets as of August 2025
Lego Jack-O’-Lantern Pickup Truck
The farmer figurine nails the balance of fear and excitement known by every Halloween fan.
Credit: Lego
The correct day to start celebrating Halloween season is Sept. 1, but as someone who absolutely loves Halloween, I will allow Aug. 1. This quaint Jack-O’-Lantern set (with a pumpkin you can open!) nails the vibe for adorable Halloween bookshelf decor for under $20.
Lego Arcade Machine
The perfect desk accessory.
Credit: Lego
What is the point of being a gamer if not collecting adorable accessories through which to channel your passion? I guess actually playing games, but when your eyes need a break from your screen, building this mini arcade machine could do. The 468-piece set opens up to a mini gaming room for the included minifigure.
Lego Halloween Wreath
Credit: Lego
Between the bats, spiders, pumpkins, and ghosts, the only Halloween heavy hitter missing on this wreath is a skeleton (though it does feature bones). While this wouldn’t be the best outdoor option, Lego’s Halloween Wreath comes with a string for easy hanging in your home, making it a great option for getting in the spooky spirit.
Lego ‘Mario Kart’ Piranha Plant Power-Up Pursuit
Switch 2 owners aren’t the only ones who get to enjoy new Mario Kart content.
Credit: Lego
Don’t quite have the funds to get your hands on the new Mario Kart game just yet? This set requires no Switch 2 to enjoy, featuring Koopa Troopa, Toadette, the Tanooki Kart and Cat Cruiser, and of course, a piranha plant you can attach to either kart.
Lego Botanicals Mini Bonsai Trees
Look at the serenity of these tiny Lego trees!
Credit: Lego
Lego Botanicals fans: we did it. We finally got a set of bonsai trees that don’t have any flowers or leaves actually made up of tiny pink frogs. (No shade to the frog fans, it’s just a little unnerving for some of us!).
Lego Botanicals Hibiscus
A perfect addition for a Lego Botanical garden.
Credit: Lego
If there’s a Lego Botanicals flower set that isn’t gorgeous, I’ve yet to come across it, and the Hibiscus set is certainly no exception. The 660-piece life-size flower set comes with posable petals in a pretty lilac shade, making it an excellent accent piece.
Lego One Piece Battle at Arlong Park
Credit: Lego
The Arlong Park arc of One Piece is what some fans consider the real hook — no small feat considering the original anime is over 1,000 episodes long (and still ongoing). Luffy’s rubber powers get a fun feature in the arm-lengthening pieces, and a tap to the top of the pagoda causes it to explode in a nod to the show’s unforgettable fight scenes.
Lego Nike Dunk x Lego
Who knew a Lego sneaker would look this good?
Credit: Lego
There’s a Lego collab for everyone, including Nike and basketball fans. This 1,180 set comes with a couple of tricks up its sleeve (or down its shoe?), in the form of a storage compartment in the sneaker (where you can drop the minifig or extra shoe lace colors to swap later) and the ability to spin the basketball. That’s a slam dunk of a fun set.
Lego Star Wars Wicket the Ewok
What’s more stunning decor, the Botanicals Hibiscus or Wicket the Ewok?
Credit: Lego
Ewoks are the most adorable creature in the Star Wars universe, argue with the wall. While I think Lego could’ve made real magic with a life size Ewok set, this 1,010 piece that stands around nine inches tall is pretty adorable, too. And true to canon, he comes equipped with a spear and a little treat.
Lego Marvel Spider-Man vs. Oscorp
Display some of Spider-Man’s most iconic heroes and villains in your living room.
Credit: Lego
This Spider-Man set packs in the heavy hitters from the beloved series: Spider-Man, Miles Morales, Norman Osborn, the Green Goblin, and Venom — just to name a few of the minifigures found among the 808 pieces that make up this set. The city model features Miles Morales’ apartment, the Oscorp building, and Venom’s apartment, giving you plenty of opportunities for staging the perfect Spider-Man scene.
Lego Icons Shelby Cobra 427 S/C
From afar, this set almost doesn’t look like Legos.
Credit: Lego
Early buyers of the Shelby Cobra 427 S/C set are impressed: the attention to detail paid to the design makes the car look great from afar and up close. The working steering wheel is a nice touch, alongside Caroll Shelly’s signature on the glovebox.
Lego Star Wars AT-ST Walker
A room isn’t complete without a good statement piece.
Credit: Lego
If you missed out on the Lego AT-AT set before it was discontinued (and fair — it was $849.99), this AT-ST set is much more reasonably priced at $199.99, and it doesn’t require quite as much shelf space, making it overall a much more practical option. And it’s still just as iconic to the Star Wars universe.
Lego Architecture Neuschwanstein Castle
From the Alps to your living room.
Credit: Lego
Lego’s architecture line depicts some of the most famous structures from around the globe, from Notre Dame in Paris to the Himeji Castle in Japan. For this latest release, Lego brings us to the impressive Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany. It requires you build through 3,455 pieces, but it looks like the view is well worth it.
Lego One Piece The Baratie Floating Restaurant
Display this set on a repurposed trunk and you’ve got yourself a vibe.
Credit: Lego
That’s right — we have two iconic One Piece scenes on our list. With 3,402 pieces for building this set, you’ll create the floating restaurant with detailed rooms where you can place 10 included characters and wanted posters.
Entertainment
How to watch F1 live streams online for free
How to live stream 2026 F1 for free at a glance:
Best Apple TV Deal
Apple TV
7-day free trial
Best Apple One Deal
Apple One
30-day free trial
This season of F1 is unlike any other. Every season of F1 has a number of fascinating storylines to follow, but due to a major set of regulation changes, there’s so much uncertainty right now. And uncertainty can lead to exciting racing.
Lando Norris secured an incredible title victory on the final day of last season. Now the pressure is on McLaren to defend that title against a long list of talented drivers and motivated teams. Expect the likes of George Russell, Kimi Antonelli, Charles Leclerc, and Lewis Hamilton to challenge for race wins this season. Mercedes look like the team to beat this season, but a lot can change.
If you are interested in watching F1 2026 for free from anywhere in the world, we’ve got all the information you need.
What is F1?
Formula One (F1) is the highest class of international racing for open-wheel single-seater formula racing cars. A season consists of a series of races (Grands Prix) that take place in multiple countries and continents on either purpose-built circuits or closed public roads.
Lando Norris is the defending champion. McLaren won the Constructors Championship in 2025.
When is F1 in 2026?
The 2026 F1 season is the 77th edition of the championship. This year’s championship features 24 Grands Prix events held all over the world between March and December:
-
Australian Grand Prix — March 8
-
Chinese Grand Prix — March 15
-
Japanese Grand Prix — March 29
-
Miami Grand Prix — May 3
-
Canadian Grand Prix — May 24
-
Monaco Grand Prix — June 7
-
Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix — June 14
-
Austrian Grand Prix — June 28
-
British Grand Prix — July 5
-
Belgian Grand Prix — July 19
-
Hungarian Grand Prix — July 26
-
Dutch Grand Prix — Aug. 23
-
Italian Grand Prix — Sept. 6
-
Spanish Grand Prix — Sept. 13
-
Azerbaijan Grand Prix — Sept. 26
-
Singapore Grand Prix — Oct. 11
-
United States Grand Prix — Oct. 25
-
Mexico City Grand Prix — Nov. 1
-
São Paulo Grand Prix — Nov. 8
-
Las Vegas Grand Prix — Nov. 21
-
Qatar Grand Prix — Nov. 29
-
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix — Dec. 6
It’s important to note that these dates are only for race days. The Chinese, Miami, Canadian, British, Dutch, and Singapore GPs will host a sprint race.
Mashable Deals
How to watch F1 for free
In the U.S., F1 is now exclusive to Apple TV. An Apple TV subscription costs $12.99 per month or $99 per year, but it’s possible to gain access to Apple TV without spending anything.
Apple TV
Apple TV comes with a 7-day free trial for new subscribers. This is a sneaky trick, but you could sign up to watch the next F1 race and then cancel your subscription before you need to spend anything. This obviously isn’t a long-term fix, but it does give you the opportunity to live stream select F1 race weekends for free.
Apple TV Prime Video Channel
Already an Amazon Prime member? You’re in luck. You can sign up for a 7-day free trial of Apple TV+ through Prime Video Channels. This lets you watch select F1 races live with the Prime Video app. The subscription typically costs £9.99 per month after the trial ends, but you can cancel at any time. That means you can watch select races without actually spending anything.
Apple One
Apple One bundles Apple TV with Apple Music, Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness Plus, Apple News Plus, and 50GB of iCloud Storage for $19.95 per month after a one-month free trial. Time it right and this trial could provide access to up to four race weekends for free. You do need to be a new or returning subscriber to each of the included services to get the free trial.
It’s worth noting that the best Apple TV free-trial offer comes with purchases of new Apple devices. New subscribers can get three months of Apple TV for free after purchasing any eligible Apple product, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, or Apple TVs. This special offer goes live for 90 days after the new device is activated — that’s a good chunk of the season.
With Orlando in town, Miami seeks first win in new stadium
Disney Wants You To Forget About This Extremely Adult Marvel Series
