Trekking through an America overrun by zombie-making fungus, not to mention raiders and tyrants vying for power, Ellie (Bella Ramsey) and Joel (Pedro Pascal) finally found some respite in episode 6 of The Last of Us. They even have the chance to watch a movie, 20 years after the world as we know it fell to ruin. But what is the movie playing in the crowded theater? And what does it have to say about this addictive TV adaptation? 
Let’s explore. 
What happens in episode 6 of The Last of Us? 
After many brushes with death, Joel finally reunites with his brother Tommy (Gabriel Luna), who is living in a peaceful community that boasts mighty protection, menstrual cups, “proper meals,” and running electricity. Both Joel and Ellie are in awe of the cozy town, which is not only surviving but thriving post-apocalypse. In fact, seeing how his brother is setting down roots — including finding a wife and having a baby — Joel begins to think Ellie would be safer here, under their care. Ellie disagrees, to put it mildly. 
Though the show (and the video game on which it’s based) are rife with action, the core of its story centers on the emerging bond between Joel and Ellie, the reluctant father figure and the foul-mouthed kid. Their arc is mirrored in the film seen in this pivotal ep, The Goodbye Girl. 
The Goodbye Girl is the movie playing in the background of The Last of Us, episode 6. 

Released in 1977, The Goodbye Girl is a romantic comedy that earned five Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay for popular playwright Neil Simon, and Best Acting noms for its three stars: Richard Dreyfuss, Marsha Mason, and Quinn Cummings. Only Dreyfuss would take home the gold, but Cummings made history as the then-youngest Oscar nominee, being just 10 years old at the time. That fun fact might give you some hint into what a charming ’70s rom-com has in common with a post-apocalyptic TV drama. 
Set in New York City, The Goodbye Girl centers on single mother Paula McFadden (Mason) and her young daughter Lucy (Cummings), whose lives — and apartment — are thrown for a loop when the former’s lout of a boyfriend abruptly bails on them. A dashing actor with a wandering heart, it’s bad enough that Tony leaves them with no notice just as he’s about to make it big. But worse yet, he sublets the apartment to a scruffy stranger, who turns up ornery and soaking wet on a rainy night. Enter Dreyfuss as cocky theater actor Elliot Garfield. 

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Obsessed with HBO’s ‘The Last of Us’? There’s a podcast.

Grudgingly, Paula admits Elliot into the two-bedroom apartment, brokering a deal where the three of them will live together. Elliot barrelling into this volatile living arrangement is the first scene seen in episode 6 of The Last of Us. 
“Elliot Garfield,” he says, shaking the hand of a confused Lucy. “I’m moving into the other room.” In The Last Of Us’s theater, a room full of children watch this introduction while Ellie looks around, probably for Joel. Unknowingly, she’s turning away from a character who understands what she’s feeling right now. 
In The Goodbye Girl, Simons orchestrates the enemies-to-lovers trope, with Elliot and Paula bickering their way into a passionate romance. Meanwhile, young Lucy becomes attached to Elliot, which is nerve-racking as she’s been abandoned by a string of her mother’s boyfriends, all of whom give her pet names and presents before moving on without a second thought.
Before The Last of Us cuts from the theater back to Joel, we can hear Elliot say, “I told her I was moving into the other room. She seemed to take in stride.” It’s a subtle note: Lucy’s been burned before, and soon Ellie will spill out her pain over being left behind.
What does The Goodbye Girl tell us about Joel and Ellie? 

Credit: Moviestore/Shutterstock

After Joel and Tommy have a harrowing heart-to-heart about fatherhood and the fear of failing at it, Joel is at his lowest point since his daughter Sarah died 20 years before. He’s seriously considering leaving Ellie behind because he fears he can’t care for her. The show then follows Tommy back to the theater, where Elliot is also at his low point, bombing as the leading man of a terribly directed version of Richard III. 
It was supposed to be his big break, but a cretinous director has led the wanna-be star to ruin. Elliot is embarrassed, fearing he’s a failure. Worse yet, Paula and Lucy were in the audience.

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‘The Last of Us’ stars Bella Ramsey and Pedro Pascal crack up while interviewing each other

“He’ll know we thought it was lousy if we don’t say hello,” Lucy pleads, urging her mother to take her backstage after the final curtain. Paula concedes but urges, “Be tactful.” When the precocious kid asks, “What’s ‘tactful’?” Paula says simply, “Lie.” 
In the movie, it’s a good punchline, leading to a defeated Elliot being cautiously comforted by his adoring roommates. But in the context of episode 6, this scene draws a clear parallel between Elliot and Joel. Both men are determined and resilient but — in this moment — crushed by the weight of their own failings. As Joel heads to the house where Ellie waits, his shoulders sag with the burden of disappointing her. 
“Do you give a shit about me or not?” Ellie challenges, when Joel suggests Tommy would be a better protector. “Of course I do,” he says softly but seriously. “Then what are you so afraid of?” They both know the answer to that. Ellie has seen the memorial to Joel’s lost daughter, Sarah. Ellie fires back that she’s lost people too: “Everybody I’ve cared for has either died or left me. Everybody except for you!” She cries. “So don’t tell me I’d be better off…because the truth is, I’d just be more scared!”

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‘The Last of Us’ creators break down what Joel’s thinking at the end of episode 5

It’s a shame neither sees the end of The Goodbye Girl; it might have given them comfort. Despite the critical spanking that Elliot receives, he gets a second chance with a promising role in a movie. He’s on the brink of success. And unlike that cad Tony, he’s sticking with Paula and Lucy. The Goodbye Girl ends with him waving goodbye as he heads to the shoot with them cheering him on, confident he’ll return to them once the movie wraps. 
Here is where The Last of Us is a bit different. While Joel sticks with Ellie, he won’t leave her behind, even for a shoot(out). She won’t let him. So, they saddle up on a horse and ride off to their next adventure. But in both cases, this father figure, bearded, gruff, but lovable, is dedicated to the mouthy daughter he’s adopted as his own, appreciating her for all her quirks and chaos. In this way, The Last of Us and The Goodbye Girl — despite their wildly different tones and genres — play out a beautiful parallel. 
The Last of Us is on HBO and HBO Max.

Trekking through an America overrun by zombie-making fungus, not to mention raiders and tyrants vying for power, Ellie (Bella Ramsey) and Joel (Pedro Pascal) finally found some respite in episode 6 of The Last of Us. They even have the chance to watch a movie, 20 years after the world as we know it fell to ruin. But what is the movie playing in the crowded theater? And what does it have to say about this addictive TV adaptation? 

Let’s explore. 

What happens in episode 6 of The Last of Us? 

After many brushes with death, Joel finally reunites with his brother Tommy (Gabriel Luna), who is living in a peaceful community that boasts mighty protection, menstrual cups, “proper meals,” and running electricity. Both Joel and Ellie are in awe of the cozy town, which is not only surviving but thriving post-apocalypse. In fact, seeing how his brother is setting down roots — including finding a wife and having a baby — Joel begins to think Ellie would be safer here, under their care. Ellie disagrees, to put it mildly. 

Though the show (and the video game on which it’s based) are rife with action, the core of its story centers on the emerging bond between Joel and Ellie, the reluctant father figure and the foul-mouthed kid. Their arc is mirrored in the film seen in this pivotal ep, The Goodbye Girl. 

The Goodbye Girl is the movie playing in the background of The Last of Us, episode 6. 

Released in 1977, The Goodbye Girl is a romantic comedy that earned five Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay for popular playwright Neil Simon, and Best Acting noms for its three stars: Richard Dreyfuss, Marsha Mason, and Quinn Cummings. Only Dreyfuss would take home the gold, but Cummings made history as the then-youngest Oscar nominee, being just 10 years old at the time. That fun fact might give you some hint into what a charming ’70s rom-com has in common with a post-apocalyptic TV drama. 

Set in New York City, The Goodbye Girl centers on single mother Paula McFadden (Mason) and her young daughter Lucy (Cummings), whose lives — and apartment — are thrown for a loop when the former’s lout of a boyfriend abruptly bails on them. A dashing actor with a wandering heart, it’s bad enough that Tony leaves them with no notice just as he’s about to make it big. But worse yet, he sublets the apartment to a scruffy stranger, who turns up ornery and soaking wet on a rainy night. Enter Dreyfuss as cocky theater actor Elliot Garfield. 

Grudgingly, Paula admits Elliot into the two-bedroom apartment, brokering a deal where the three of them will live together. Elliot barrelling into this volatile living arrangement is the first scene seen in episode 6 of The Last of Us. 

“Elliot Garfield,” he says, shaking the hand of a confused Lucy. “I’m moving into the other room.” In The Last Of Us‘s theater, a room full of children watch this introduction while Ellie looks around, probably for Joel. Unknowingly, she’s turning away from a character who understands what she’s feeling right now. 

In The Goodbye Girl, Simons orchestrates the enemies-to-lovers trope, with Elliot and Paula bickering their way into a passionate romance. Meanwhile, young Lucy becomes attached to Elliot, which is nerve-racking as she’s been abandoned by a string of her mother’s boyfriends, all of whom give her pet names and presents before moving on without a second thought.

Before The Last of Us cuts from the theater back to Joel, we can hear Elliot say, “I told her I was moving into the other room. She seemed to take in stride.” It’s a subtle note: Lucy’s been burned before, and soon Ellie will spill out her pain over being left behind.

What does The Goodbye Girl tell us about Joel and Ellie? 

After Joel and Tommy have a harrowing heart-to-heart about fatherhood and the fear of failing at it, Joel is at his lowest point since his daughter Sarah died 20 years before. He’s seriously considering leaving Ellie behind because he fears he can’t care for her. The show then follows Tommy back to the theater, where Elliot is also at his low point, bombing as the leading man of a terribly directed version of Richard III. 

It was supposed to be his big break, but a cretinous director has led the wanna-be star to ruin. Elliot is embarrassed, fearing he’s a failure. Worse yet, Paula and Lucy were in the audience.

“He’ll know we thought it was lousy if we don’t say hello,” Lucy pleads, urging her mother to take her backstage after the final curtain. Paula concedes but urges, “Be tactful.” When the precocious kid asks, “What’s ‘tactful’?” Paula says simply, “Lie.” 

In the movie, it’s a good punchline, leading to a defeated Elliot being cautiously comforted by his adoring roommates. But in the context of episode 6, this scene draws a clear parallel between Elliot and Joel. Both men are determined and resilient but — in this moment — crushed by the weight of their own failings. As Joel heads to the house where Ellie waits, his shoulders sag with the burden of disappointing her. 

“Do you give a shit about me or not?” Ellie challenges, when Joel suggests Tommy would be a better protector. “Of course I do,” he says softly but seriously. “Then what are you so afraid of?” They both know the answer to that. Ellie has seen the memorial to Joel’s lost daughter, Sarah. Ellie fires back that she’s lost people too: “Everybody I’ve cared for has either died or left me. Everybody except for you!” She cries. “So don’t tell me I’d be better off…because the truth is, I’d just be more scared!”

It’s a shame neither sees the end of The Goodbye Girl; it might have given them comfort. Despite the critical spanking that Elliot receives, he gets a second chance with a promising role in a movie. He’s on the brink of success. And unlike that cad Tony, he’s sticking with Paula and Lucy. The Goodbye Girl ends with him waving goodbye as he heads to the shoot with them cheering him on, confident he’ll return to them once the movie wraps. 

Here is where The Last of Us is a bit different. While Joel sticks with Ellie, he won’t leave her behind, even for a shoot(out). She won’t let him. So, they saddle up on a horse and ride off to their next adventure. But in both cases, this father figure, bearded, gruff, but lovable, is dedicated to the mouthy daughter he’s adopted as his own, appreciating her for all her quirks and chaos. In this way, The Last of Us and The Goodbye Girl — despite their wildly different tones and genres — play out a beautiful parallel. 

The Last of Us is on HBO and HBO Max.

Read More 

From Linda Ronstadt to Hank Williams, The Last of Us has reliably gifted us with memorable needle drops. Now, we can add another to that list thanks to episode 6, which delivers a particularly devastating musical moment — one that calls all the way back to the very first episode.
Episode 6, titled “Kin,” ends on a horrifying cliffhanger. Joel (Pedro Pascal) gets stabbed in a fight, and although he and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) are able to escape from immediate danger on horseback, it’s clear he’s in bad shape. He collapses in the snow, leaving Ellie to plead with him to get up. As the camera pulls out, we hear a somber piano and a voice singing, “I’m taking a ride with my best friend / I hope he never lets me down again / He knows where he’s taking me / Taking me where I want to be / I’m taking a ride with my best friend.”
Sound familiar? That’s because we’ve heard these lyrics before: when Joel, Ellie, and Tess (Anna Torv) leave the Boston QZ. They’re from Depeche Mode’s 1987 song “Never Let Me Down Again,” which played over Joel’s radio as a signal from Bill (Nick Offerman) and Frank (Murray Bartlett).

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As Mashable’s UK Editor Shannon Connellan wrote about the use of “Never Let Me Down Again” in episode 1, “Depeche Mode’s lyrics could be considered ironically thematic too, in terms of Ellie and Joel’s perilous journey and their strained, tumultuous relationship.”
However, with the slower, sadder cover in episode 6 the lyrics of “Never Let Me Down Again” take on a new meaning. After months alone on the road together, Joel and Ellie have forged an unbreakable bond. Even in this episode, we see that neither wants to leave the other behind. The episode title “Kin” certainly points to the reunion between Joel and his brother Tommy (Gabriel Luna), but it also highlights Joel and Ellie’s kinship as well. Their link goes deeper than “best friends” — at this point, they’re family.
Notably, the cover is somewhat fittingly sung by The Last of Us director Craig Mazin’s 18-year-old daughter, Jessica, he revealed on HBO’s podcast. Mazin said he asked for a cover that’s “haunting and slow, and about a daughter mourning the loss of her father.”
“I had this idea that at the end of this episode when Ellie is looking down at Joel…she was taking a ride with him and he has let her down, even though it’s ‘Never Let Me Down Again.’ I wanted to re-present that song but in this point of view of sadness and loss.”
“The version we put together for the end, it feels like an echo of Ellie.”
The subdued cover of “Never Let Me Down Again” highlights the tragedy of Joel and Ellie’s situation: Joel could very well die from this injury, and Ellie doesn’t know if she can complete her journey to the Fireflies without him. Similarly to the Depeche Mode lyrics, Joel knows where he’s taking Ellie — but she’s a lot less well-versed in the ways of survival without him.
Re-using “Never Let Me Down Again” in this moment also positions the end of “Kin” as the close to a chapter of Joel and Ellie’s journey that started with their departure in episode 1. That’s because Joel’s collapse ushers in a major role reversal. For so long, he has taken care of Ellie. Now that he is gravely wounded, it becomes her job to take care of him. Knowing Ellie and how fiercely she cares for Joel, she’s going to do everything in her power not to let him down — but you can bet The Last of Us will emotionally destroy us along the way.
The Last of Us is now streaming on HBO Max. New episodes air every Sunday at 9 p.m. ET on HBO.

From Linda Ronstadt to Hank Williams, The Last of Us has reliably gifted us with memorable needle drops. Now, we can add another to that list thanks to episode 6, which delivers a particularly devastating musical moment — one that calls all the way back to the very first episode.

Episode 6, titled “Kin,” ends on a horrifying cliffhanger. Joel (Pedro Pascal) gets stabbed in a fight, and although he and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) are able to escape from immediate danger on horseback, it’s clear he’s in bad shape. He collapses in the snow, leaving Ellie to plead with him to get up. As the camera pulls out, we hear a somber piano and a voice singing, “I’m taking a ride with my best friend / I hope he never lets me down again / He knows where he’s taking me / Taking me where I want to be / I’m taking a ride with my best friend.”

Sound familiar? That’s because we’ve heard these lyrics before: when Joel, Ellie, and Tess (Anna Torv) leave the Boston QZ. They’re from Depeche Mode’s 1987 song “Never Let Me Down Again,” which played over Joel’s radio as a signal from Bill (Nick Offerman) and Frank (Murray Bartlett).

As Mashable’s UK Editor Shannon Connellan wrote about the use of “Never Let Me Down Again” in episode 1, “Depeche Mode’s lyrics could be considered ironically thematic too, in terms of Ellie and Joel’s perilous journey and their strained, tumultuous relationship.”

However, with the slower, sadder cover in episode 6 the lyrics of “Never Let Me Down Again” take on a new meaning. After months alone on the road together, Joel and Ellie have forged an unbreakable bond. Even in this episode, we see that neither wants to leave the other behind. The episode title “Kin” certainly points to the reunion between Joel and his brother Tommy (Gabriel Luna), but it also highlights Joel and Ellie’s kinship as well. Their link goes deeper than “best friends” — at this point, they’re family.

Notably, the cover is somewhat fittingly sung by The Last of Us director Craig Mazin’s 18-year-old daughter, Jessica, he revealed on HBO’s podcast. Mazin said he asked for a cover that’s “haunting and slow, and about a daughter mourning the loss of her father.”

“I had this idea that at the end of this episode when Ellie is looking down at Joel…she was taking a ride with him and he has let her down, even though it’s ‘Never Let Me Down Again.’ I wanted to re-present that song but in this point of view of sadness and loss.”

“The version we put together for the end, it feels like an echo of Ellie.”

The subdued cover of “Never Let Me Down Again” highlights the tragedy of Joel and Ellie’s situation: Joel could very well die from this injury, and Ellie doesn’t know if she can complete her journey to the Fireflies without him. Similarly to the Depeche Mode lyrics, Joel knows where he’s taking Ellie — but she’s a lot less well-versed in the ways of survival without him.

Re-using “Never Let Me Down Again” in this moment also positions the end of “Kin” as the close to a chapter of Joel and Ellie’s journey that started with their departure in episode 1. That’s because Joel’s collapse ushers in a major role reversal. For so long, he has taken care of Ellie. Now that he is gravely wounded, it becomes her job to take care of him. Knowing Ellie and how fiercely she cares for Joel, she’s going to do everything in her power not to let him down — but you can bet The Last of Us will emotionally destroy us along the way.

The Last of Us is now streaming on HBO Max. New episodes air every Sunday at 9 p.m. ET on HBO.

Read More 

It’s Monday, which means a fresh work week, a fresh Wordle puzzle, and fresh hints and tips to help you figure it out.
If you prefer to just be told the solution, you can jump to the end of this article for February 20’s Wordle solution revealed. But if you’d rather work through it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
Where did Wordle come from?
Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans have even sprung up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 
Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.
Not the day you’re after? Here’s the Wordle answer for February 19.
What’s the best Wordle starting word?
The best Wordle starting word is the one that brings joy to your heart. But if what brings you joy is strategy, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?
The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles used to be available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it. Unfortunately it has since been taken down, with the website’s creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times.
Is Wordle getting harder?
It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn’t any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle’s Hard Mode if you’re after more of a challenge, though.
Why are there two different Wordle answers some days?
Though usually Wordle will only accept one correct solution per day, occasionally it will rebel against the norm and deem two different answers acceptable. This is due to changes the New York Times made to Wordle after it acquired the puzzle game.
The Times has since added its own updated word list, so this should happen even less frequently than before. To avoid any confusion, it’s a good idea to refresh your browser before getting stuck into a new puzzle.
Here’s a subtle hint for today’s Wordle answer:
You probably do a lot of this in summer, but aren’t necessarily happy about it.
Does today’s Wordle answer have a double letter?
Nope, there aren’t any double letters this time!
Today’s Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with…
Today’s Wordle starts with the letter S, as in “Silent Cry” by Stray Kids.

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What’s the answer to Wordle today?
This is your last chance to get your guesses in before we reveal today’s answer!
Drumroll, please!
The solution to Wordle #611 is…
SWEAT.
Don’t be sad if you didn’t get it this time. The beauty of Wordle is that there’s always a new one to try the next day, and we’ll be here again with more helpful clues and hints.

It’s Monday, which means a fresh work week, a fresh Wordle puzzle, and fresh hints and tips to help you figure it out.

If you prefer to just be told the solution, you can jump to the end of this article for February 20’s Wordle solution revealed. But if you’d rather work through it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans have even sprung up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

Not the day you’re after? Here’s the Wordle answer for February 19.

What’s the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that brings joy to your heart. But if what brings you joy is strategy, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles used to be available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it. Unfortunately it has since been taken down, with the website’s creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn’t any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle‘s Hard Mode if you’re after more of a challenge, though.

Why are there two different Wordle answers some days?

Though usually Wordle will only accept one correct solution per day, occasionally it will rebel against the norm and deem two different answers acceptable. This is due to changes the New York Times made to Wordle after it acquired the puzzle game.

The Times has since added its own updated word list, so this should happen even less frequently than before. To avoid any confusion, it’s a good idea to refresh your browser before getting stuck into a new puzzle.

Here’s a subtle hint for today’s Wordle answer:

You probably do a lot of this in summer, but aren’t necessarily happy about it.

Does today’s Wordle answer have a double letter?

Nope, there aren’t any double letters this time!

Today’s Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with…

Today’s Wordle starts with the letter S, as in “Silent Cry” by Stray Kids.

What’s the answer to Wordle today?

This is your last chance to get your guesses in before we reveal today’s answer!

Drumroll, please!

The solution to Wordle #611 is…

SWEAT.

Don’t be sad if you didn’t get it this time. The beauty of Wordle is that there’s always a new one to try the next day, and we’ll be here again with more helpful clues and hints.

Read More 

Actor Richard Belzer, a core member of the “Law & Order” network behemoth, has died at age 78.
He was known for sporting his tinted glasses and doling out his cynical takes as Detective John Munch on the franchise’s “Law & Order: SVU” spinoff, which has aired for a record-breaking 24 years and remains one of the most watched programs on television.

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Belzer’s death was announced by friends and Hollywood peers on social media, who shared memories from the actor’s long career. No further information on his passing has been released, other than a statement to The Hollywood Reporter that he had suffered from “lots of health issues.”

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In a statement to Variety, show creator Dick Wolf said, “Richard Belzer’s Detective John Munch is one of television’s iconic characters… Richard brought humor and joy into all our lives, was the consummate professional and we will all miss him very much.”
The role of Detective Munch was history-making in its own right — Munch appeared in more television series (nine total) than any other fictional character. Belzer played the role for 21 years, originating the acerbic detective on the 1993 show Homicide: Life on the Street. Belzer departed from the role on “SVU” in 2013, but briefly returned to the show in 2016 and continued a series of guest spots across a variety of shows. Prior to his detective role, Belzer was known for his comedic talents as both an actor and stand-up comedian.
While long-time fans mourn the “Law & Order” loss, Belzer’s friend and writer Bill Scheft said he left the world with one final Munch-ian line: “Fuck you, motherfucker.”

Actor Richard Belzer, a core member of the “Law & Order” network behemoth, has died at age 78.

He was known for sporting his tinted glasses and doling out his cynical takes as Detective John Munch on the franchise’s “Law & Order: SVU” spinoff, which has aired for a record-breaking 24 years and remains one of the most watched programs on television.

Belzer’s death was announced by friends and Hollywood peers on social media, who shared memories from the actor’s long career. No further information on his passing has been released, other than a statement to The Hollywood Reporter that he had suffered from “lots of health issues.”

Tweet may have been deleted
(opens in a new tab)

Tweet may have been deleted
(opens in a new tab)

Tweet may have been deleted
(opens in a new tab)

Tweet may have been deleted
(opens in a new tab)

In a statement to Variety, show creator Dick Wolf said, “Richard Belzer’s Detective John Munch is one of television’s iconic characters… Richard brought humor and joy into all our lives, was the consummate professional and we will all miss him very much.”

The role of Detective Munch was history-making in its own right — Munch appeared in more television series (nine total) than any other fictional character. Belzer played the role for 21 years, originating the acerbic detective on the 1993 show Homicide: Life on the Street. Belzer departed from the role on “SVU” in 2013, but briefly returned to the show in 2016 and continued a series of guest spots across a variety of shows. Prior to his detective role, Belzer was known for his comedic talents as both an actor and stand-up comedian.

While long-time fans mourn the “Law & Order” loss, Belzer’s friend and writer Bill Scheft said he left the world with one final Munch-ian line: “Fuck you, motherfucker.”

Read More 

The world’s most lovable harbinger of hell just can’t seem to leave the big screen.
Film studio Millennium Media announced its new reboot of the comic-based Hellboy series this week at Berlin’s EFM, taking on the mantel of the horned superhero in an all-new installment that departs completely from the several prior adaptations it follows. The new film, titled “Hellboy: The Crooked Man”, will be directed by Brian Taylor (Crank) and is adapted from a comic of the same name, released in 2008.

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Notably, the new film is the first time comic creator Mike Mignola will be behind the script, following the 2004 box office success of Guillermo Del Toro’s “Hellboy” and the less-than-stellar performance of the 2019 version penned by Andrew Cosby. In the new story, Hellboy and a rookie agent find themselves tasked with fighting local witches and devilish characters in 1950s Appalachia.

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In the production’s announcement, the studio explained it wants to create a wholly unique, and yet still authentic, slate of Hellboy films. “’The Crooked Man’ is a departure from all previous ‘Hellboy’ films where Mike Mignola and the creator of the comics will finally shepherd an authentic version of his stories and characters in film form,” said Millennium Media president Jeffrey Greenstein.
Production on the new film begins in March, in association with Dark Horse Entertainment, Nu Boyana studios, and Campbell Grobman Film.

The world’s most lovable harbinger of hell just can’t seem to leave the big screen.

Film studio Millennium Media announced its new reboot of the comic-based Hellboy series this week at Berlin’s EFM, taking on the mantel of the horned superhero in an all-new installment that departs completely from the several prior adaptations it follows. The new film, titled “Hellboy: The Crooked Man”, will be directed by Brian Taylor (Crank) and is adapted from a comic of the same name, released in 2008.

Notably, the new film is the first time comic creator Mike Mignola will be behind the script, following the 2004 box office success of Guillermo Del Toro’s “Hellboy” and the less-than-stellar performance of the 2019 version penned by Andrew Cosby. In the new story, Hellboy and a rookie agent find themselves tasked with fighting local witches and devilish characters in 1950s Appalachia.

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In the production’s announcement, the studio explained it wants to create a wholly unique, and yet still authentic, slate of Hellboy films. “’The Crooked Man’ is a departure from all previous ‘Hellboy’ films where Mike Mignola and the creator of the comics will finally shepherd an authentic version of his stories and characters in film form,” said Millennium Media president Jeffrey Greenstein.

Production on the new film begins in March, in association with Dark Horse Entertainment, Nu Boyana studios, and Campbell Grobman Film.

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Here’s the thing about being a true crime lover: Despite the endless sea of new podcasts being released on a weekly and monthly basis, it’s never enough. You’ve probably already exhausted the many lists recommending the best true crime podcasts of all time. But it couldn’t quench your insatiable thirst for more murder, unsolved cases, and investigations into the criminal justice system.
Luckily, there’s certainly no shortage of new and recent true crime podcasts that provide more hours of binge-worthy listens. But with such a vast onslaught of true crime to potentially sink your teeth into, it can be overwhelming to sift through everything for quality assurance.

SEE ALSO:

Untangling true crime: Inside the ethics of Hollywood’s greatest guilty pleasure

That’s where we come in. We dove headfirst into that pile of gruesome content for you to compile a definitive list of the best new and most recent true crime podcasts to satisfy your binge needs.
Now, “new” and “recent” are relative terms when it comes to podcasts. Unlike movies and TV, the only really effective promotion for newcomers is word of mouth — and even die-hard podcast listeners come to new releases on their own time. So our stipulation for what counts as a “new” addition to the true crime genre is flexible, needing only to be published anytime from 2022 to 2023, although on this list, you’ll also find some long-time creators who have continued to make critically acclaimed, quality content. Many other podcasts just came out, and a few recommendations are even still in the process of releasing new episodes and telling their stories.
Lastly, if your favorite podcasts are missing from here, it might be that we already covered them in our best true crime podcasts of all time and most binge-worthy limited series podcast roundups.
1. Truthers: Tiffany Dover is Dead* 

Why it’s great or who it’s for: Anyone in doubt about the power of conspiracy theorists and their narratives.
What it’s about: When Tennessee nurse Tiffany Dover fainted on camera after getting the first COVID vaccine in December 2020, a firestorm began. Although Dover actually got up and went on with her day, the theory that she’d actually died from the shot had already taken root. When Dover disappeared soon afterward, anti-vaxxers and other conspiracy theorists went deep and wide with the rumors. In this five-part podcast, NBC News reporter Brandy Zadrony attempts to prove that Dover is alive but has been driven away from the public eye by those determined to assert their beliefs at any cost. The result is a deep dive into a terrifying and ever-evolving world of misinformation and manipulation. 
2. Sistas Who Kill 

Why it’s great or who it’s for: Cases you probably don’t know about from women you should know. 
What it’s about: Hosts and best friends MaRah and Taz are “not here to give out legal advice” (see their latest episode about Helen Frazier). They’re here to talk about Black women who have killed, how the police handled — or didn’t handle — the investigation of their crimes, and the outcome of each case. This includes a look at the treatment of the perpetrator and others in the context of a systemically racist legal system. After the case rundown, don’t miss “I’m Not Black, I’m OJ,” a multipart analysis of how they would get away with the crime if they’d done it. 

SEE ALSO:

11 racial justice documentaries to further your education

3. Walk Softly Children 

Why it’s great or who it’s for: A beautifully rendered show about a more than 30-year-old cold case that’s warming up again.
What it’s about: It’s been 32 years since 12-year-old Doreen Vincent disappeared from her father’s home in rural Wallingford, Connecticut. Attorney Jessica Fritz-Aguiar first investigated the case on the podcast Faded Out, hosted by Sarah DiMeo, and she continues to pursue answers about what might have happened to Doreen. In Walk Softly Children, she tunnels into dark corners occupied by her father, Mark, arrested in 2022 for illegally possessing a firearm, and those in the evangelical Christian circles he inhabits. That includes the staff at Milford Christian Academy, the former students of which are ready to talk about their experiences in its culture of humiliation, fear, and manipulation. If Doreen really did leave 1316 Whirlwind Hill Road on June 15, 1988, Fritz-Aguiar is on the verge of finding out what happened next. And that might mean restoring Doreen’s narrative to her. 
4. Lost in Panama 

Why it’s great or who it’s for: A podcast bringing attention to an epidemic while searching for answers to a disturbing mystery. 
What it’s about: Lisanne Froon and Kris Kremers, two students from the Netherlands, took a six-week vacation to Panama in March 2014. On April 1, they disappeared after embarking on a hike on the El Pianista trail. Their remains, along with their backpacks, a digital camera containing some creepy photos (90 taken in three hours!), and their phones (from which a number of 911 calls had been made), were discovered two months later. Yet to this day, no cause of death has ever been established. Eight years after Froon and Kremers vanished, journalists Mariana Atencio and Jeremy Kryt retrace their steps in an attempt to find out what might have happened to them. For Atencio, who was born in Caracas, Venezuela, and was herself violently attacked while hiking there, it’s also a search to learn about the epidemic of femicide in Latin America. In the corridor of Panama where Froon and Kremers were traveling, Atencio and Kryt find more than 50 cases of missing women. 
5. RedHanded 

Why it’s great or who it’s for: People who like their true crime witty, in-depth, and with British accents. 
What it’s about: Since 2017, Hannah Maguire and Suruthi Bala have been making episodes of RedHanded, a true crime podcast that’s unafraid to fully lean into the monstrous. The winner of Listener’s Choice at the British Podcast Awards in 2021 and 2022, Maguire and Bala have a book, merch, and a packed touring schedule with sold-out spots. Check out their recent coverage of the Idaho Student Murders, as well as their disturbing two-parter on Jefferey Epstein. 
In addition to the longer episodes, Maguire and Bala have also begun dropping smaller eps known as “Shorthand.” Running about 20 minutes each instead of an hour plus, they’re saturated with the same sarcasm, care, and extensive research as their regular counterparts. So, if you’re looking for some macabre company, take them with you on a trip — perhaps to a well-lit area. 
6. Buried Bones 

Why it’s great or who it’s for: Those craving a new look at old crimes.
What it’s about: What do you get when you cross a retired investigator (Paul Holes) with a journalist (Kate Winkler Dawson)? A smart and fresh take on really old cases, most of which you’ve probably never heard of — like the one with the Harvard professor and the janitor — and some you definitely know but can’t hear enough about. Holes and Winkler Dawson are an entertaining and clever pair who bring a modern eye to these old cases, which often involve bodies that have never been identified, murders that have never been solved, and crime scenes that have been compromised by the elements. You can also take a look at some fascinating source material on the show’s website. 
7. Unsealed: The Tylenol Murders 

Why it’s great or who it’s for: Fans of investigative journalism.
What it’s about: Throughout September 1982, seven people, including three from the same family, died unexpectedly after taking Tylenol laced with potassium cyanide. Just as Chicago Tribune investigative reporters Christy Gutowski and Stacy St. Clair were about to drop the first episode of Unsealed: The Tylenol Murders, police moved in on their prime suspect, Jim Lewis. Lewis had been examined by police before, busted for extortion when he sent letters to Johnson & Johnson (as well as President Ronald Regan) claiming responsibility for the crimes, and demanding $1 million. Each episode is a well-crafted jump into each of the poisonings, with new details that will send you reeling — even if you think you know the case like the back of your hand. 
8. Bone Valley 

Why it’s great or who it’s for: Those interested in righting old wrongs — now.
What it’s about: How do you correct an injustice that’s gone unanswered for three decades? Michelle Schofield was 18 years old when she was found murdered in a phosphorus pit in Lakeland, Florida. Her husband, Leo, was charged with the crime and sentenced to life in prison. But 15 years later, a set of fingerprints turned out to belong to Jeremy Scott, who at the time of Michelle’s murder was a teenager with a history of violence. In spite of this revelation, Leo Schofield remains in prison. Bone Valley is the account of host Gilbert King (author of Devil in the Grove, which won the 2013 Pulitzer Prize in Nonfiction) and co-host/researcher Kelsey Decker as they dive into Scott’s criminal history in an attempt to exonerate Schofield after more than 30 years in prison. 
9. The Fall Line

Why it’s great or who it’s for: It’s doing the work. 
What it’s about: The Fall Line covers cases that have received little to no attention from the media, usually those involving people of color and in the Southeastern US. Creators Brooke Hargrove and Laurah Norton tackle each case with a victim-first approach, taking care that the person whose case they’re featuring isn’t relegated to grisly media fodder, and interviewing the folks closest to them to paint a thorough picture of them as a human. These are cases that should make it to the level of a Dateline episode in terms of national exposure, but because they’ve been overlooked by mainstream news sources, you wouldn’t hear about them if you didn’t know about this podcast. So, now that you do know, have a listen. 

SEE ALSO:

The best true crime TikTok accounts of 2022

10. Going West 

Why it’s great or who it’s for: Anyone in search of their next regular listen. 
What it’s about: Hosts Heath Merryman and Daphne Woolsoncroft have made over 200 episodes of Going West, which now drops episodes twice a week on cases about the missing and murdered, solved and unsolved, often suggested by listeners. They’ve covered the well-known (Maura Murray), the recently spotlighted (Shanquella Robinson), and those that haven’t yet made it into mainstream attention  (Sequoya Vargas). Despite its dark materials, there’s a comforting quality to this podcast. Maybe it’s the jovial chemistry of the hosts, the variety in the cases, or the knowledge that you’re going to get an update when there’s an update to be had. It’s one you’ll want to include in your rotation of quality content. 
This is an update to 2020’s Best True Crime Podcasts.

Here’s the thing about being a true crime lover: Despite the endless sea of new podcasts being released on a weekly and monthly basis, it’s never enough. You’ve probably already exhausted the many lists recommending the best true crime podcasts of all time. But it couldn’t quench your insatiable thirst for more murder, unsolved cases, and investigations into the criminal justice system.

Luckily, there’s certainly no shortage of new and recent true crime podcasts that provide more hours of binge-worthy listens. But with such a vast onslaught of true crime to potentially sink your teeth into, it can be overwhelming to sift through everything for quality assurance.

That’s where we come in. We dove headfirst into that pile of gruesome content for you to compile a definitive list of the best new and most recent true crime podcasts to satisfy your binge needs.

Now, “new” and “recent” are relative terms when it comes to podcasts. Unlike movies and TV, the only really effective promotion for newcomers is word of mouth — and even die-hard podcast listeners come to new releases on their own time. So our stipulation for what counts as a “new” addition to the true crime genre is flexible, needing only to be published anytime from 2022 to 2023, although on this list, you’ll also find some long-time creators who have continued to make critically acclaimed, quality content. Many other podcasts just came out, and a few recommendations are even still in the process of releasing new episodes and telling their stories.

Lastly, if your favorite podcasts are missing from here, it might be that we already covered them in our best true crime podcasts of all time and most binge-worthy limited series podcast roundups.

1. Truthers: Tiffany Dover is Dead* 

Why it’s great or who it’s for: Anyone in doubt about the power of conspiracy theorists and their narratives.

What it’s about: When Tennessee nurse Tiffany Dover fainted on camera after getting the first COVID vaccine in December 2020, a firestorm began. Although Dover actually got up and went on with her day, the theory that she’d actually died from the shot had already taken root. When Dover disappeared soon afterward, anti-vaxxers and other conspiracy theorists went deep and wide with the rumors. In this five-part podcast, NBC News reporter Brandy Zadrony attempts to prove that Dover is alive but has been driven away from the public eye by those determined to assert their beliefs at any cost. The result is a deep dive into a terrifying and ever-evolving world of misinformation and manipulation. 

2. Sistas Who Kill 

Why it’s great or who it’s for: Cases you probably don’t know about from women you should know. 

What it’s about: Hosts and best friends MaRah and Taz are “not here to give out legal advice” (see their latest episode about Helen Frazier). They’re here to talk about Black women who have killed, how the police handled — or didn’t handle — the investigation of their crimes, and the outcome of each case. This includes a look at the treatment of the perpetrator and others in the context of a systemically racist legal system. After the case rundown, don’t miss “I’m Not Black, I’m OJ,” a multipart analysis of how they would get away with the crime if they’d done it. 

3. Walk Softly Children 

Why it’s great or who it’s for: A beautifully rendered show about a more than 30-year-old cold case that’s warming up again.

What it’s about: It’s been 32 years since 12-year-old Doreen Vincent disappeared from her father’s home in rural Wallingford, Connecticut. Attorney Jessica Fritz-Aguiar first investigated the case on the podcast Faded Out, hosted by Sarah DiMeo, and she continues to pursue answers about what might have happened to Doreen. In Walk Softly Children, she tunnels into dark corners occupied by her father, Mark, arrested in 2022 for illegally possessing a firearm, and those in the evangelical Christian circles he inhabits. That includes the staff at Milford Christian Academy, the former students of which are ready to talk about their experiences in its culture of humiliation, fear, and manipulation. If Doreen really did leave 1316 Whirlwind Hill Road on June 15, 1988, Fritz-Aguiar is on the verge of finding out what happened next. And that might mean restoring Doreen’s narrative to her. 

4. Lost in Panama 

Why it’s great or who it’s for: A podcast bringing attention to an epidemic while searching for answers to a disturbing mystery. 

What it’s about: Lisanne Froon and Kris Kremers, two students from the Netherlands, took a six-week vacation to Panama in March 2014. On April 1, they disappeared after embarking on a hike on the El Pianista trail. Their remains, along with their backpacks, a digital camera containing some creepy photos (90 taken in three hours!), and their phones (from which a number of 911 calls had been made), were discovered two months later. Yet to this day, no cause of death has ever been established. Eight years after Froon and Kremers vanished, journalists Mariana Atencio and Jeremy Kryt retrace their steps in an attempt to find out what might have happened to them. For Atencio, who was born in Caracas, Venezuela, and was herself violently attacked while hiking there, it’s also a search to learn about the epidemic of femicide in Latin America. In the corridor of Panama where Froon and Kremers were traveling, Atencio and Kryt find more than 50 cases of missing women. 

5. RedHanded 

Why it’s great or who it’s for: People who like their true crime witty, in-depth, and with British accents. 

What it’s about: Since 2017, Hannah Maguire and Suruthi Bala have been making episodes of RedHanded, a true crime podcast that’s unafraid to fully lean into the monstrous. The winner of Listener’s Choice at the British Podcast Awards in 2021 and 2022, Maguire and Bala have a book, merch, and a packed touring schedule with sold-out spots. Check out their recent coverage of the Idaho Student Murders, as well as their disturbing two-parter on Jefferey Epstein. 

In addition to the longer episodes, Maguire and Bala have also begun dropping smaller eps known as “Shorthand.” Running about 20 minutes each instead of an hour plus, they’re saturated with the same sarcasm, care, and extensive research as their regular counterparts. So, if you’re looking for some macabre company, take them with you on a trip — perhaps to a well-lit area. 

6. Buried Bones 

Why it’s great or who it’s for: Those craving a new look at old crimes.

What it’s about: What do you get when you cross a retired investigator (Paul Holes) with a journalist (Kate Winkler Dawson)? A smart and fresh take on really old cases, most of which you’ve probably never heard of — like the one with the Harvard professor and the janitor — and some you definitely know but can’t hear enough about. Holes and Winkler Dawson are an entertaining and clever pair who bring a modern eye to these old cases, which often involve bodies that have never been identified, murders that have never been solved, and crime scenes that have been compromised by the elements. You can also take a look at some fascinating source material on the show’s website. 

7. Unsealed: The Tylenol Murders 

Why it’s great or who it’s for: Fans of investigative journalism.

What it’s about: Throughout September 1982, seven people, including three from the same family, died unexpectedly after taking Tylenol laced with potassium cyanide. Just as Chicago Tribune investigative reporters Christy Gutowski and Stacy St. Clair were about to drop the first episode of Unsealed: The Tylenol Murders, police moved in on their prime suspect, Jim Lewis. Lewis had been examined by police before, busted for extortion when he sent letters to Johnson & Johnson (as well as President Ronald Regan) claiming responsibility for the crimes, and demanding $1 million. Each episode is a well-crafted jump into each of the poisonings, with new details that will send you reeling — even if you think you know the case like the back of your hand. 

8. Bone Valley 

Why it’s great or who it’s for: Those interested in righting old wrongs — now.

What it’s about: How do you correct an injustice that’s gone unanswered for three decades? Michelle Schofield was 18 years old when she was found murdered in a phosphorus pit in Lakeland, Florida. Her husband, Leo, was charged with the crime and sentenced to life in prison. But 15 years later, a set of fingerprints turned out to belong to Jeremy Scott, who at the time of Michelle’s murder was a teenager with a history of violence. In spite of this revelation, Leo Schofield remains in prison. Bone Valley is the account of host Gilbert King (author of Devil in the Grove, which won the 2013 Pulitzer Prize in Nonfiction) and co-host/researcher Kelsey Decker as they dive into Scott’s criminal history in an attempt to exonerate Schofield after more than 30 years in prison. 

9. The Fall Line

Why it’s great or who it’s for: It’s doing the work. 

What it’s about: The Fall Line covers cases that have received little to no attention from the media, usually those involving people of color and in the Southeastern US. Creators Brooke Hargrove and Laurah Norton tackle each case with a victim-first approach, taking care that the person whose case they’re featuring isn’t relegated to grisly media fodder, and interviewing the folks closest to them to paint a thorough picture of them as a human. These are cases that should make it to the level of a Dateline episode in terms of national exposure, but because they’ve been overlooked by mainstream news sources, you wouldn’t hear about them if you didn’t know about this podcast. So, now that you do know, have a listen. 

10. Going West 

Why it’s great or who it’s for: Anyone in search of their next regular listen. 

What it’s about: Hosts Heath Merryman and Daphne Woolsoncroft have made over 200 episodes of Going West, which now drops episodes twice a week on cases about the missing and murdered, solved and unsolved, often suggested by listeners. They’ve covered the well-known (Maura Murray), the recently spotlighted (Shanquella Robinson), and those that haven’t yet made it into mainstream attention  (Sequoya Vargas). Despite its dark materials, there’s a comforting quality to this podcast. Maybe it’s the jovial chemistry of the hosts, the variety in the cases, or the knowledge that you’re going to get an update when there’s an update to be had. It’s one you’ll want to include in your rotation of quality content. 

This is an update to 2020’s Best True Crime Podcasts.

Read More 

If Quordle is a little too challenging today, you’ve come to the right place for hints. There aren’t just hints here, but the whole Quordle solution. Scroll to the bottom of this page, and there it is. But are you sure you need all four answers? Maybe you just need a strategy guide. Either way, scroll down, and you’ll get what you need.
What is Quordle?
Quordle is a five-letter word guessing game similar to Wordle, except each guess applies letters to four words at the same time. You get nine guesses instead of six to correctly guess all four words. It looks like playing four Wordle games at the same time, and that is essentially what it is. But it’s not nearly as intimidating as it sounds.
Is Quordle harder than Wordle?
Yes, though not diabolically so.
Where did Quordle come from?
Amid the Wordle boom of late 2021 and early 2022, when everyone was learning to love free, in-browser, once-a-day word guessing games, creator Freddie Meyer says he took inspiration from one of the first big Wordle variations, Dordle — the one where you essentially play two Wordles at once. He took things up a notch, and released Quordle on January 30. Meyer’s creation was covered in The Guardian six days later, and now, according to Meyer, it attracts millions of daily users. Today, Meyer earns modest revenue from Patreon, where dedicated Quordle fans can donate to keep their favorite puzzle game running. 
How is Quordle pronounced?
“Kwordle.” It should rhyme with “Wordle,” and definitely should not be pronounced exactly like “curdle.”
Is Quordle strategy different from Wordle?
Yes and no.
Your starting strategy should be the same as with Wordle. In fact, if you have a favorite Wordle opening word, there’s no reason to change that here. We suggest something rich in vowels, featuring common letters like C, R, and N. But you do you.
After your first guess, however, you’ll notice things getting out of control if you play Quordle exactly like Wordle.
What should I do in Quordle that I don’t do in Wordle?
Solving a Wordle puzzle can famously come down to a series of single letter-change variations. If you’ve narrowed it down to “-IGHT,” you could guess “MIGHT” “NIGHT” “LIGHT” and “SIGHT” and one of those will probably be the solution — though this is also a famous way to end up losing in Wordle, particularly if you play on “hard mode.” In Quordle, however, this sort of single-letter winnowing is a deadly trap, and it hints at the important strategic difference between Wordle and Quordle: In Quordle, you can’t afford to waste guesses unless you’re eliminating as many letters as possible at all times. 
Guessing a completely random word that you already know isn’t the solution, just to eliminate three or four possible letters you haven’t tried yet, is thought of as a desperate, latch-ditch move in Wordle. In Quordle, however, it’s a normal part of the player’s strategic toolset.
Is there a way to get the answer faster?
In my experience Quordle can be a slow game, sometimes dragging out longer than it would take to play Wordle four times. But a sort of blunt-force guessing approach can speed things up. The following strategy also works with Wordle if you only want the solution, and don’t care about having the fewest possible guesses:
Try starting with a series of words that puts all the vowels (including Y) on the board, along with some other common letters. We’ve had good luck with the three words: “NOTES,” “ACRID,” and “LUMPY.” YouTuber DougMansLand suggests four words: “CANOE,” “SKIRT,” “PLUMB,” and “FUDGY.”
Most of the alphabet is now eliminated, and you’ll only have the ability to make one or two wrong guesses if you use this strategy. But in most cases you’ll have all the information you need to guess the remaining words without any wrong guesses.
If strategy isn’t helping, and you’re still stumped, here are some hints:
Are there any double or triple letters in today’s Quordle words?
One word has a twice-occurring letter.
Are any rare letters being used in today’s Quordle like Q or Z?
No.
What do today’s Quordle words start with?
C, B, T, and C.
What are the answers for today’s Quordle?
Are you sure you want to know?
There’s still time to turn back.
OK, you asked for it. The answers are:

CLEAT
BLESS
TODAY
CONCH

If Quordle is a little too challenging today, you’ve come to the right place for hints. There aren’t just hints here, but the whole Quordle solution. Scroll to the bottom of this page, and there it is. But are you sure you need all four answers? Maybe you just need a strategy guide. Either way, scroll down, and you’ll get what you need.

What is Quordle?

Quordle is a five-letter word guessing game similar to Wordle, except each guess applies letters to four words at the same time. You get nine guesses instead of six to correctly guess all four words. It looks like playing four Wordle games at the same time, and that is essentially what it is. But it’s not nearly as intimidating as it sounds.

Is Quordle harder than Wordle?

Yes, though not diabolically so.

Where did Quordle come from?

Amid the Wordle boom of late 2021 and early 2022, when everyone was learning to love free, in-browser, once-a-day word guessing games, creator Freddie Meyer says he took inspiration from one of the first big Wordle variations, Dordle — the one where you essentially play two Wordles at once. He took things up a notch, and released Quordle on January 30. Meyer’s creation was covered in The Guardian six days later, and now, according to Meyer, it attracts millions of daily users. Today, Meyer earns modest revenue from Patreon, where dedicated Quordle fans can donate to keep their favorite puzzle game running. 

How is Quordle pronounced?

“Kwordle.” It should rhyme with “Wordle,” and definitely should not be pronounced exactly like “curdle.”

Is Quordle strategy different from Wordle?

Yes and no.

Your starting strategy should be the same as with Wordle. In fact, if you have a favorite Wordle opening word, there’s no reason to change that here. We suggest something rich in vowels, featuring common letters like C, R, and N. But you do you.

After your first guess, however, you’ll notice things getting out of control if you play Quordle exactly like Wordle.

What should I do in Quordle that I don’t do in Wordle?

Solving a Wordle puzzle can famously come down to a series of single letter-change variations. If you’ve narrowed it down to “-IGHT,” you could guess “MIGHT” “NIGHT” “LIGHT” and “SIGHT” and one of those will probably be the solution — though this is also a famous way to end up losing in Wordle, particularly if you play on “hard mode.” In Quordle, however, this sort of single-letter winnowing is a deadly trap, and it hints at the important strategic difference between Wordle and Quordle: In Quordle, you can’t afford to waste guesses unless you’re eliminating as many letters as possible at all times. 

Guessing a completely random word that you already know isn’t the solution, just to eliminate three or four possible letters you haven’t tried yet, is thought of as a desperate, latch-ditch move in Wordle. In Quordle, however, it’s a normal part of the player’s strategic toolset.

Is there a way to get the answer faster?

In my experience Quordle can be a slow game, sometimes dragging out longer than it would take to play Wordle four times. But a sort of blunt-force guessing approach can speed things up. The following strategy also works with Wordle if you only want the solution, and don’t care about having the fewest possible guesses:

Try starting with a series of words that puts all the vowels (including Y) on the board, along with some other common letters. We’ve had good luck with the three words: “NOTES,” “ACRID,” and “LUMPY.” YouTuber DougMansLand suggests four words: “CANOE,” “SKIRT,” “PLUMB,” and “FUDGY.”

Most of the alphabet is now eliminated, and you’ll only have the ability to make one or two wrong guesses if you use this strategy. But in most cases you’ll have all the information you need to guess the remaining words without any wrong guesses.

If strategy isn’t helping, and you’re still stumped, here are some hints:

Are there any double or triple letters in today’s Quordle words?

One word has a twice-occurring letter.

Are any rare letters being used in today’s Quordle like Q or Z?

No.

What do today’s Quordle words start with?

C, B, T, and C.

What are the answers for today’s Quordle?

Are you sure you want to know?

There’s still time to turn back.

OK, you asked for it. The answers are:

CLEAT

BLESS

TODAY

CONCH

Read More