Each year, when the clock strikes midnight, the same phrases resurface: Where did the time go? How did we get here? Time really does fly. It’s safe to assume that most of you reading this have asked yourself these same questions as the New Year settles in. However, as soon as 2026 began, a new trend hit. Instead of looking forward, celebrities, influencers, and people all over the world took a nostalgic look back ten years, sparking a viral question across social media: Is 2026 the new 2016?

The whole trend surfaced when the series finale of Stranger Things was released on December 31st, taking fans back to when it originally launched on July 15th, 2016. What started as a long-awaited release quickly became a reminder of an era many people didn’t realize they missed so deeply. Social media is flooded with clips from the show’s earliest seasons, throwback edits, and posts reminiscing about watching episodes for the first time. For many people, Stranger Things wasn’t just a show – it was a snapshot of what 2016 life was all about, making its final release feel less like an ending and more like a time capsule reopening.

Another big throwback moment came to life when popular singer Fetty Wap was released from jail. While his initial breakout was in 2015, he really began trending in the music scene during 2016 with songs like “679” and “Trap Queen.” Shortly after his release, videos of him appearing at different events, social gatherings, and casually performing his most well-known songs began circulating online. Seeing Fetty Wap back in the spotlight instantly transported people to a different time. A time when his music was everywhere, and life felt simpler. His return didn’t just bring back songs, but memories tied to an era that feels like it just happened yesterday.

Along with Stranger Things and Fetty Wap, another huge comeback is straight out of 2016: filters. Iconic filters like Rio de Janeiro, retro, and rose filters are suddenly everywhere again, taking over TikTok, Instagram Stories, and Snapchat flashbacks – making it almost like we have never left.

Hoping on the trend, celebrities like the Kardashians, Hailey Bieber, Ryan Seacrest, Kevin Jonas, and so many more are reposting iconic photos from 2016, and fans are living for it. Even influencers like James Charles, Alix Earle, and Tana Mongeau have had their old 2016 photos resurface, creating a huge blast from the past.

Even our own school is joining in on the trend. Students, teachers, football games, and more have been featured on the CCHS Dons Instagram, all reminiscent of 2016. It’s not just students loving the trend; teachers and staff are embracing it just as much.

“2016 was EPIC!” Mrs. Martinez says, “I graduated from TCU with a double degree in Anthropology and Writing. Moved back home to San Diego and started a job in Marketing. Met my husband (Mr. Martinez), [and] I traveled and had so much fun!”

Now, onto Mrs. Barber, who shares a glimpse into her 2016: “I was spending time in my college’s ceramics studio finishing up a project. 2016 was a fun and busy year for me. I was living in Tacoma, Washington, starting my senior year of college, splitting time between the sculpture studios and finishing my art major, and consulting with a real estate company in Seattle for my business major. I was in a sorority too, so I filled whatever time was left with charity work and

house events!”

2016 was also a huge year for one of our Nurses Mrs. Spooner, filled with lots of family time, baby bumps, Starbucks, and dates with her husband!

So, is 2026 really the new 2016? Maybe not in every way, but the memories and sense of connection feel just as powerful. From iconic shows and music making comebacks to filters, celebrities, and even our own school community reminiscing, this trend proves how deeply that era still resonates. Looking back reminds us of simpler moments, shared experiences, and milestones that helped shape who we are today.