Instagram’s Favorite New Yorker Cartoons in 2022

When one posts something on Instagram, it is also referred to as “sharing.” To share is an act of true, selfless generosity that invariably makes the world a better place—we take what is ours and release it from our grasp so that others may enjoy it, too. It is one of the foundational behaviors that make us who we are, and to experience that essential force of life is the pinnacle of human experience. This is the reason all of us post online.

Over the past year, The New Yorker has participated in this sublime tradition by generously sharing a large number of cartoons on our Instagram accounts, and we have been gratified to see that many people have “liked” them. We are so glad that we were able to bring some cheer into your life. To anyone who has not clicked Like on every post: well, let’s just say that we hope you get coal in your stocking.

In fact, we no longer have to rely on hope! This year, The New Yorker has teamed up with Santa Claus himself to determine who has been naughty and nice, i.e., who has hit Like on the cartoons we’ve posted on Instagram. Anyone who has positively interacted with what we deem to be an adequate number of New Yorker cartoons can breathe a sigh of relief, as you will be spared retribution. You’ll be getting a personal gift from Santa as a thank-you! One of his beard hairs, or something of equal value. They serve as lovely decorations around the house, can be used as an eco-friendly alternative to tinsel, and also make great dental floss.

Although this is the most wonderful time of the year, it feels distinctly un-wonderful to report on what will be given as a gift (if you can call it a gift) to those who have not liked a sufficient number of our posts. Suffice it to say that, at the end of the holiday season, you’ll be wishing you had a piece of Santa’s beard hair between your teeth. You’ll wake up in a cold sweat, ruing the day you neglected to smash the Like button on the cartoons we’ve published. You’ll go through our grid and repentantly like cartoons—maybe this one, the most popular of the year, by Teresa Burns Parkhurst, about the struggles of daily life. Or this, by Sofia Warren—the second most popular cartoon—about the beauty of marriage. But I’m afraid that it will be too late. You will already have been condemned by Santa (in collaboration with The New Yorker), and there’s nothing you will be able to do to stop his iron-mitten-clad fist from coming down on you like a ton of heavy presents.

For those of us who won’t be experiencing a living nightmare, let’s celebrate the season by reviewing some of the most popular cartoons posted to Instagram this year!