2026 marks a decade since the year 2016, and users on TikTok are bringing many of the year’s trends back to today’s social media. Believing that the internet was in its prime in the mid 2010s, people have been using the hashtag #BringBack2016, as well as the phrase “2026 is the new 2016,” to express yearning for simpler times. Many award-winning television shows came out in 2016 that helped shape the year.

Let’s go back in time to review some of 2016’s most popular and favored shows.  

“Stranger Things”

When Will Byers goes missing, all the town’s secrets begin to unfold. Set in 1980s Hawkins, Indiana, its inhabitants must uncover government experiments, supernatural monsters and everything in between to save their friend. This science fiction series is rich in its portrayal of the ’80s and its trends, as well as creating strong characters that audiences will immediately become attached to. With the series finale airing just a few weeks ago, it’s the perfect time to pick the show up. 

Alyx Shaw, a sophomore studying journalism and public relations, said that “Stranger Things” is her favorite 2016 show due to the nostalgia it creates from when she watched it as a kid. Shaw thinks that the unique sci-fi and mystery world of “Stranger Things” broke out to set up trends in 2016 and grab viewers’ attention. Now that the finale has ended, Shaw understands that the trends have not only grown and changed, but have also remained relevant for the past decade in the media. 

“We miss our childhood, especially in the climate nowadays. We don’t really want to go out into the real world. Things are not looking the best,” Shaw said. “And so being able to kind of reminisce on the past and how it was for us then and how we felt and all of that stuff … I feel like people need something like that to think back on to keep morale.”

“Fleabag”

Adapted from the one-woman play at the Edinburgh Festival, this British comedy stars Fleabag as the main heroine struggling to go about life in London after the death of her best friend. With fourth wall breaks and witty humor, “Fleabag” is the unfiltered journey of this entrepreneur coming to terms with her past. 

Lilah Williams, a sophomore studying literature and art history, said that “Fleabag” was her favorite 2016 show due to its fun and humorous way of handling heavier topics. Williams touched on the situational relationship of two of the main characters in “Fleabag,” believing that it still holds relevance today. She thinks that the show was very prevalent in Tumblr culture in 2016 and that has carried over into how many clips of the show are used on TikTok now. 

“I think the year 2016 is coming back because, obviously, trends a lot of times work in a ten-year cycle, but also because I think it was a simpler time,” Williams said. “I think nostalgia is a very strong drug, and especially young adults today weren’t fully fledged humans in 2016 that could really dress that way, and be very immersed in the culture.”

“Game of Thrones” (2011), Season 6 (2016)

Based on George R.R. Martin’s famous book series, “A Song of Ice and Fire,” this high fantasy world is brought to the screen in a way that viewers cannot look away from. The show exhibits multiple plotlines, character arcs and dramatic scenes as noble families across the Seven Kingdoms fight for the treasured Iron Throne. 

“The Flash” (2014), Season 2 (2016)

This television series portrays the classic origin story of the DC superhero, the Flash. Struck by lightning and given the powers of super speed, former crime investigator Barry Allen must protect his city from those who would use their powers for evil. The show keeps audiences curious with the lingering mystery behind the death of Allen’s mother, as well as the threatening Man in the Yellow Suit. 

“Designated Survivor” 

The president and all his successors tragically die in an explosion that destroys the Capitol Building, leaving only the designated survivor: Thomas Kirkman. Originally a lower-level cabinet member of housing and urban development, Kirkman needs to learn to keep the country in balance. This shocking story showcases an aspect of politics that many people don’t know about that comes with the preparation of doomsday.

“The Crown”

Portraying one of the most influential figures in the world, this series begins with the life of Queen Elizabeth II around the 1940s. The historical drama goes on to cover nearly six decades up to present day, showcasing other famous royals such as Prince Philip, Prince Charles and Princess Diana. Loved for its view into the life of British royalty, “The Crown” showcases brilliant acting, cinematography and storytelling. 

“The Good Place”

Exploring the afterlife in this comedic fantasy sitcom, “The Good Place” showcases Eleanor Shellstrop, a recently deceased woman who seems to be somewhere she does not belong. Along with her other residents, Shellstrop strives to become a more ethical person while hiding from the afterlife architect, Michael, to avoid being sent to the Bad Place. Praised for its originality, this show will teach you what it means to be human in a humorous light. 

“Shadowhunters: The Mortal Instruments”

Thrown into a world of demons and monsters, Clary Fray’s eighteenth birthday is not what she expected. Discovering she is half angel, half human, a Shadowhunter, Fray joins a group of other shadow hunters to help find her mother, who has been kidnapped. The show is based on the book series “The Mortal Instruments” by Cassandra Clare, showcasing many fantasy tropes, details and a bit of cheesy 2010s romance that everyone can love. 

“Lucifer”

Unentertained with being Lord of Hell, the famed fallen angel Lucifer moves to Los Angeles for a change of scenery and opens a high-end nightclub. When someone is murdered outside of his club, Lucifer meets Chloe, a homicide detective. This life-changing event begins Lucifer’s journey in wondering if there can be good in others, and maybe even himself. 

“Atlanta”

Earn and his cousin Alfred Miles are broke and trying to break into the rap scene in Atlanta. One a Princeton dropout and the other trying to start his career, both men struggle to navigate upcoming fame and issues in their relationships as they figure out their new lives. The episodes follow a short story style, featuring multiple plotlines that keep viewers hooked. Known for its satirical and bold tones, the show explores themes of race, identity and class in this surrealist show. 

Now that many of us are entering our twenties and waving goodbye to our teens, 2016 is a way of returning to the trends that encapsulate those years. These television shows allow us to return to the things we fondly remember and take a moment away from the fast-paced pop culture of the current time.