Local News

The 10 most-read Boston.com stories of 2016

From a story about Tom Brady's diet to the recounting of Casey Affleck's Dunkin' Donuts skit on 'SNL.'

Casey Affleck as a 'real' Dunkin' Donuts customer on 'Saturday Night Live.' Saturday Night Live

When you look back at 2016, it’s clear that the year had many rough spots. Tragic events were in the news all too often, and a bruising election season left many readers (and journalists) mentally drained.

But when you review the biggest Boston.com stories of the year, a pattern emerges. While many of the most-read articles were stories of loss that hit close to home, what also really resonated with people were the diversions that the city loves most: Dunkin’ Donuts, movies about Boston, and of course, Tom Brady.

With that in mind, here are the most-read stories on Boston.com in 2016.

10. Elizabeth Warren brings Dunkin’ Donuts to House Democrats’ sit-in, receives applause

Because Massachusetts.

Elizabeth Warren carries Dunkin’ Donuts to House Democrats partaking in a sit-in on the House floor in June 2016.

9. Boston Marathon bombing survivor dies in car crash overseas

Victoria McGrath was near the finish line in April 2013 when two bombs exploded, sending shrapnel into her leg.

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Victoria McGrath was killed in a car crash in Dubai.

Victoria McGrath was killed in a car crash in Dubai.

8. See the first trailer for Mark Wahlberg’s Boston Marathon bombings movie, ‘Patriots Day’

The film hit theaters in Boston on December 21.

Mark Wahlberg in 'Patriots Day.'

Mark Wahlberg in ‘Patriots Day.’

7. Maine became the first state in the country Tuesday to pass ranked choice voting

Here’s what that means.

A model ranked choice ballot.

A model ranked choice ballot.

6. Woman killed by manhole was elementary school art teacher

Caitlin Clavette taught art in all four of the Milton public school system’s elementary schools, according to statement by the district’s superintendent.

A driver was killed when she was struck by a metal manhole cover that became dislodged.

5. 600-pound pig escapes from NH farm, tries to go vote

The pig wandered through the parking lot full of primary voters in Pelham.

An escaped pig weighing more than 600 pounds strolls up to a polling location in Pelham, New Hampshire.

An escaped pig weighing more than 600 pounds strolls up to a polling location in Pelham, New Hampshire.

4. Milford man’s wife, newborn daughter, and sister die within 2 weeks

Domingos Fraga lost “my soulmate, my best friend, and my amazingly [strong] daughter.”

Brian and Liz Fraga were married five months ago.

3. This faux-trailer for Seth Meyers’s ‘Boston Accent’ movie is literally the most Boston thing ever. Literally ever.

Ever.

‘Late Night’ host (and New Hampshire native) Seth Meyers in the trailer for his fake movie, ‘Boston Accent.’

2. Watch Casey Affleck’s parody of a ‘real’ Dunkin’ Donuts customer on ‘Saturday Night Live’

“This is the face of Dunkin’ Donuts right here.”

Casey Affleck plays a ‘real’ Dunkin’ Donuts customer on ‘Saturday Night Live.’

1. Meet the chef who decides what Tom Brady eats—and what he definitely doesn’t

Allen Campbell talks about why our quarterback rarely eats tomatoes, where he shops for groceries, and why he doesn’t serve mushrooms. Ever.

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Allen Campbell works as the personal chef for Tom Brady, Gisele Bundchen, and their children.

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