Peak TV Seasons from 2016 You Need to Rewatch

Peak TV Seasons from 2016 You Need to Rewatch

February 7, 2026

Traveling Back to 2016

So, as we entered a new year, everybody on social media decided it was time to take a nostalgic trip back to 2016. It sounds odd, doesn’t it? I mean, who really wants to revisit a year that wasn’t exactly a party for most? But wait! The real love isn’t for the year, but for the pop culture goldmine it showered us with.

A Television Renaissance

2016 was like a shiny treasure chest of TV brilliance. This was the year when new shows were popping up like popcorn, and some of our favorite series just hit their stride, delivering seasons that made us stop and say, “Wow, can we hit the rewind button?” And that’s what we’re here to discuss: why these shows deserve a nostalgic rewatch because they captured a fleeting spark we didn’t even know we’d miss.

Fleabag Season 1

First up – let’s chat about Fleabag. Ah, 2016 was the golden hour of Phoebe Waller-Bridge! She was in her element, and we were all just lucky to be invited. While she’s busy conquering Hollywood now, we can’t forget her fabulous explosion into our hearts with this show. It was like watching a friend wear their heart on their sleeve and mess it up hilariously.

The script of Fleabag is practically scripture for anyone who’s ever navigated the waters of adulthood with a series of questionable decisions. What starts as a comedy quickly reveals itself to be a poignant exploration of grief and bad choices. If the second season is the ultimate masterpiece, the first season is like that perfect warm-up act that leaves you breathless and begging for more.

Stranger Things Season 1

Next, we’ve got Stranger Things. Spoiler alert: the finale may have divided opinions, but my goodness, that first season! It’s the kind of show that pulls you in faster than a black hole. I remember marathoning all eight episodes bedridden with a flu, deep diving into Hawkins, Indiana. It’s got that magical suspense that reminds you of Twin Peaks – mysterious and a bit weird but in the best possible way. If you skipped the inaugural season, it’s time to hit that rewind button! You’ll be reminded just how ingrained it was in our culture, with all those classic tees from Hot Topic.

The freshness, the stakes, the unraveling mythos – nothing can replicate that initial buzz. It was a sensation before it even realized it was one, and trust me, this rewatch is like tasting a vintage wine.

The Good Place Season 1

Now, let’s not forget about The Good Place. In 2016, this show strutted in like it owned the place! It spun a tale of Eleanor Shellstrop, an average Joe who found herself in a confusingly perfect afterlife. Oh, and everything she needs to know about being good, she learns… kinda in her own way. The twists in this season kept us guessing and giggling.

This show truly encapsulated the spirit of its era, showcasing a mix of philosophy and humor that is sadly rare today. Michael Schur really hit a home run, creating episodes that left us both laughing and contemplating our existence.

Girls Season 5

Ah, Girls, a staple for millennials. If you had to pick one season to revisit, make it season 5, please! It’s a beautiful mess of hope and confusion, just like being in your 20s. Lena Dunham poured a mix of charm and rawness into this show, creating scenarios that were both relatable and cringe-worthy.

And despite the criticism, Lena served us two of the best episodes ever – “Panic in Central Park” and “Hello Kitty.” This season was a lovely blend of laughter and life lessons, setting up the grand finale perfectly!

RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 8

Next, let’s sashay away to RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 8! After a wobbly season 7, they brought the sass back better than ever. We had Bob the Drag Queen, Kim Chi, Naomi Smalls, and Chi Chi DeVayne strutting their stuff, and darling, it was iconic! The energy, the creativity, and the talent were unmatched.

This season brought us some of the wildest challenges that made us laugh and inspired us to channel our inner queens. Make no mistake – Bob may have been a bit rough around the edges, but her charisma was undeniable. It’s a fabulous rewatch that you won’t regret!

Crashing Season 1

And speaking of Phoebe Waller-Bridge, let’s talk about Crashing. This hidden gem might not have gotten as much love as its sister show, but it’s a wickedly funny look into the lives of young folks trying to adult while navigating a world that’s cramped and chaotic.

A group of quirky characters squatting in an abandoned hospital? Sign me up! It’s hilariously relatable, capturing all the struggles of being young and broke. Rewatching it today feels nostalgic, echoing that vibe where being a hot mess was kind of poetic.

Netflix Presents: The Characters Season 1

Finally, let’s wrap it up with The Characters. Oh boy, if you haven’t discovered this little treasure, you’re missing out! Eight comedians each get a chance to be hilariously weird, and let me tell you, they delivered sketches that left us gasping for air from laughing so hard.

Every episode might not hit the jackpot, but there’s always something memorable that sticks with you. The freedom they gave these comedians to be quirky and outrageous is what made it such a unique watch. If you’re looking for a comedy series that stands the test of time, give this one a shot.”