Which political party will emerge victorious in the 2022 midterm elections? Which films, albums and television shows will be deemed award-worthy? Who’s going to win the year’s big sporting events at home and abroad? Each December, we ask a group of CNN contributors to predict the outcome of some of the biggest events of the year ahead. Some picks are expected, some surprising, and sometimes even our intrepid prognosticators admit they haven’t a clue what to choose. To find out whose predictions were right for 2021, read here.
2022
Which television show will win the Emmy for best drama? Best comedy?
“Succession” and “Ted Lasso” were awarded Emmys for outstanding drama and comedy series, respectively.
Best drama goes to “Squid Game.” Best comedy goes to “The Great,” for Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult’s fantastic performances.
Best drama goes to “Squid Game.” Why did I watch it twice? Best comedy goes to “Ted Lasso.” And, yes, I did make Lasso’s biscuits.
Best drama is “Succession.” Best comedy is “Ted Lasso.”
Best drama has to be “Succession.” Best comedy is “Ted Lasso.”
“Succession” will win best drama, after offering the entertaining psyches of damaged souls, along with the palliative claim that the uber-rich and powerful are not really happy. “Hacks” will win best comedy (even though it has a good dose of sorrow and drama, too).
“The Crown” didn't have a new season this year, so best drama will likely go to the other show about a corrosive institution full of unlikeable people and unqualified heirs: “Succession.” For best comedy, I predict “Ted Lasso.”
“Succession” wins for best drama, though “The Morning Show” is a formidable challenger. “Ted Lasso” wins for best comedy.
Best drama goes to “Succession” for its intensity and realness. Best comedy goes to “Ted Lasso.”
Best drama is “Succession.” Best comedy is “Hacks.”
With “The Crown” finally out of the way, I’d love to see “Succession” win the Emmy for best drama. Best comedy goes to “Ted Lasso.”
Best drama is “Succession.” Best comedy is “Ted Lasso.”
Best drama is “Succession.” Best comedy is “Ted Lasso.”
Best drama will be "Succession," and best comedy will be “Ted Lasso.”
Best drama goes to “The Morning Show” – you have got to love Jennifer Anniston and Reese Witherspoon. As for best comedy, without a doubt it will be "Ted Lasso.”
“Succession” will likely be the best drama. “Reservation Dogs” will hopefully be the best comedy, but I'd be happy with "Hacks” or "Ted Lasso.”
Everyone’s going to say “Succession” for best drama, aren’t they? I think “White Lotus” could be a more interesting pick, but it will suffer the “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” problem of straddling both drama and comedy. Comedy-wise, I'd love to see “Only Murders in the Building” edge out “Ted Lasso.” It’s a pretty glorious revival for Steve Martin and Martin Short, and throwing Selena Gomez into the mix was a stroke of genius.
For best drama, I’d say “Squid Game.” For best comedy, I’ll go with “Ted Lasso.”
“Succession” has never been better and should win best drama. “What We Do in the Shadows” should win for best comedy, but it’ll be “Ted Lasso.”
2022
What will be the Grammy’s album of the year?
Jon Batiste earned Album of the Year honors with “We Are.”
Olivia Rodrigo’s “Sour.” Sorry, Taylor Swift.
Olivia Rodrigo’s “Sour.” My kids played it nonstop!
Doja Cat’s “Planet Her.”
Lil Nas X’s “Montero.”
Jon Batiste’s “We Are.”
If Adele's new album had dropped just a few months earlier, this would be easier. But since it's not eligible, I think Billie Eilish's “Happier Than Ever” will win.
Olivia Rodrigo’s “Sour.”
Justin Bieber’s “Justice.” Musically speaking, he has come a long way.
Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga’s “Love for Sale.”
“Montero” by Lil Nas X is fun music that's thought-provoking, bold and sexy. Lil Nas isn't just a champion for the LGBTQ+ community, he's a champion for the world I want to see.
Billie Eilish's “Happier Than Ever.”
Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga’s “Love for Sale.”
The Grammys will recognize the vocal chemistry of Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga on "Love for Sale." It will be a sweet coda to Bennett's incredible career.
As much as I love Jon Batiste and his song "I Need You,” Taylor Swift is unbeatable, and I expect "Evermore" to win Album of the Year.
Even though Lil Nas X's music doesn't quite live up to his fabulous persona, I think "Montero" could still pull out the big win.
On the strength of “Drivers License” alone, I'd say Olivia Rodrigo’s “Sour” has the best chance.
Olivia Rodrigo’s “Sour.”
Lil Nas X's “Montero” deserves it, because no one has challenged the pop establishment more. Which means Billie Eilish’s “Happier Than Ever” will win (or, perhaps, Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga’s “Love for Sale” for sentimental reasons).
2022
What film will win the Oscar for best picture?
“CODA” became the first film produced by a streaming service to win best picture.
“Belfast.”
“Belfast,” but best actor will go to Will Smith for his performance in “King Richard.”
“Belfast.”
“Belfast,” though I may not be the best judge, since I haven’t seen a single new film this year.
“The Power of the Dog,” which is another masterpiece written and directed by the extraordinary Jane Campion.
“Belfast.”
With theaters closed for much of the past two years, this is another weird year for awards. I'll go with the star-packed "The Power of the Dog."
“King Richard.”
“King Richard.”
My bet is all in for "The Harder They Fall.” I loved everything about this beautifully done film.
“Belfast.”
“Dune.”
Something's coming, something good! Best picture will be Steven Spielberg's reimagining of "West Side Story."
Steven Spielberg is a legend, and I love that he has decided to direct his first musical. My money is on his remake of "West Side Story" to win.
Steven Spielberg's "West Side Story” will win, because I think we're in the mood for a big nostalgic musical. If there was any justice, though, it'd be "Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar," a win for female screenwriting and a very silly comedy -- two things not traditionally super-important to Oscar voters.
“Don't Look Up” is getting so much buzz. Anyone who's anyone in Hollywood is in it (even Jennifer Lawrence is back) -- and it has the air of “Melancholia” meets “Birdman,” a very Oscar-friendly combination.
I watched a lot of superhero movies with my son this year, but apparently there isn’t a category for my best pictures, “Thor: Ragnarok” and “Avengers: Endgame.” So, I’ll go with “Belfast.”
I haven't even seen it, but I think Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story” will win. The Academy has changed but not that much.
2022
Which team will win the Super Bowl?
The Los Angeles Rams triumphed over the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20.
The Green Bay Packers. They have the best quarterback and are long overdue.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (but Skol, Vikings)!
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
I don't watch sports, but I am originally from Seattle, and my dad probably cares about this, so let's go Seahawks!
The Green Bay Packers.
The Green Bay Packers are having a great season, and my loyalties lie with the Midwest, so Packers it is!
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It’ll be another repeat victory for Tom Brady.
The Green Bay Packers win, and Aaron Rodgers redeems himself from his Covid-19 fiasco.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Brady does it again!
I'm rooting for the Buffalo Bills to win.
Dallas Cowboys.
Green Bay Packers -- but as long as it’s not the Dallas Cowboys, I’m fine with whichever team wins.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in a great position to repeat their Super Bowl LV victory.
I am confident Tom Brady will add to his seven Super Bowl victories, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will win it all.
Like the lovely Brett Goldstein, I don't get football at all. But I hear the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a good bet, unless their team is still decimated by Covid-related suspensions.
I'd love to bypass this question entirely in light of the busy halftime show planned next year (for me, it's a tough call between Kendrick Lamar and Mary J. Blige), but with the caveat that I am both British and supremely un-sporty, I’ll say the Green Bay Packers.
Honestly, Tom Brady makes all of us 40-somethings look bad and will keep winning Super Bowls until he’s 70. Tampa Bay Buccaneers win.
More informed sports watchers tell me the answer is Tampa Bay Buccaneers, so I’ll stick with that since football is a dead zone for me.
2022
Which team will win the World Series?
The Houston Astros defeated the Philadelphia Phillies in six games.
The Los Angeles Dodgers will win. They have a solid and balanced roster ready to roll when Major League Baseball owners end the lockout.
The Los Angeles Dodgers, though I’m a Washington Nationals fan.
The New York Mets.
My husband definitely cares about this question, so I’ll say the Boston Red Sox for him.
Can the Atlanta Braves do it again? Sadly, no. It's the Chicago White Sox this time.
For family loyalty reasons, I’m going with the St. Louis Cardinals.
Philadelphia Phillies, guaranteed.
The New York Yankees win!
I’m picking my beloved St. Louis Cardinals.
My New York Yankees will win. The Yanks are making strong offseason moves, so 2022 will be their year.
The New York Yankees.
The New York Mets.
Los Angeles Dodgers won in 2020, and they will do it again. Go Dodger Blue!
I have to admit I'm still basking in the Atlanta Braves winning the World Series this year. That being said, the defending champs will have a tough time against Houston. My money is on the Astros winning the World Series next year.
The New York Mets, because in pro-baseball, money often buys happiness, and they just threw a whole bunch of it at pitcher Max Scherzer.
This is such a tough one to call given the standoff between Major League Baseball bosses and the players' union. If all the doom-mongering proves empty and it goes ahead, I'll say the New York Mets. Then, at least, the $130 million they're planning to spend on Max Scherzer will be worth it!
New York Yankees, duh. Twenty-seven World Series titles isn’t enough, and we are long overdue.
I'd normally pass on this one since Major League Baseball has locked out players, and I don't want to undercut a union. But, as a Yankees fan, I am rooting for them to win big.
2022
Which nation will win the World Cup?
Brazil.
It’s a close call between Brazil and France, but I’ll choose France.
Brazil.
Germany.
Brazil, of course!
Brazil.
England.
Brazil.
Brazil.
My bet is on Brazil to keep the crown and win the 2022 World Cup. But I expect a golden boot from Ghana’s Kamaldeen Sulemana to knock out a few top-seed nations on the way to victory.
England.
Italy.
Brazil will win the 2022 World Cup, bringing their total World Cup victories to six.
This is a toss-up between France and Brazil. Given the number of veterans from 2018, I'm going with France to win the World Cup.
France.
England! Manager Gareth Southgate has put together a brilliant group of young players, who are as lovely as the fans make them out to be. Southgate took them from a World Cup semi-final to a Euro final. The natural next step is a World Cup win.
England.
Brazil, though I'm more interested in 2023 and the women's World Cup.
2022
Which country will take home the most medals at the Beijing winter Olympics?
Norway won 37 medals, including 16 golds, to top the medal count.
Norway.
Team USA, of course.
The United States.
USA, baby.
The United States will edge out Norway.
Norway tends to dominate the Winter Games. Barring any boycotts, they'll likely do it again in 2022.
China.
USA! USA! USA!
USA! USA! USA!
When it comes to the Olympics, the United States will always come out on top.
United States.
United States.
In Beijing, winter sports powerhouse Norway will win the most medals. Russia will come in second, and the US will come in third.
As much as I'd love to see the United States at the top, I have to go with Norway to win the most medals. I do have high hopes for Team USA to win gold in hockey.
USA!
As always, I’m going to say America – there are just so many of you guys, and you dominated in 2021. That being said, watch your backs. China only got one less gold than America this year!
Norway.
It's hard to imagine that it won't be the Chinese on their home turf.
2022
How much will a gallon of gas in the Midwest cost by the end of 2022? How much will a gallon of milk cost in the United States by the end of 2022?
A gallon of gas will be $3.40, and a gallon of milk will be $4.10.
A gallon of gas will be $3.25. A gallon of milk will be $3.50.
A gallon of gas and a gallon of milk will each cost $3.15.
A gallon of gas and a gallon of milk will each cost $5.
A gallon of gas will be $2.59, and a gallon of milk will be $2.99.
A gallon of gas will be around $2.50, while a gallon of milk will be around $3.50.
A gallon of gas will cost $3.80. A gallon of milk will cost $2.70. And not that you are asking, but a pack of Slim Jims will cost $1.99.
A gallon of gas will be $3.89. A gallon of milk will be $3.79.
A gallon of gas will cost $3.55. A gallon of milk will cost $3.85.
The Midwest should expect gas to hover around $5 a gallon by end of 2022. Milk has become a pricey specialty item for those struggling to make ends meet. I see it topping $5.50 by the end of 2022.
A gallon of gas will cost $4.00. A gallon of milk will cost $4.50.
A gallon of gas will cost $3.50. A gallon of milk will cost $4.00.
A gallon of gas will be $3.50. A gallon of milk will be $3.75.
A gallon of gas will remain around $3.79, and a gallon of milk will remain around $3.75.
Gasoline will be $200 a gallon, and we'll be referring to it as “guzzoline,” Mad Max-style. Cows will be part of the ongoing mass extinction, so "milk" won't be a thing anymore. Or, somewhat less catastrophically, I'll say $5 for each.
I think gas could rise a little higher to about $3.50 a gallon. Lawmakers in some states may waive taxes to control the rise, but the cost of getting oil to the pumps will likely be impacted by the closure of so many refineries this year. Milk looks set to go down by a few cents to $3.60, thanks to lower production forecasts.
A gallon of gas will be $3.55. A gallon of milk will be $3.70.
A gallon of gas will be $2.00. A gallon of milk will be $3.90.
2022
What will be President Joe Biden’s approval rating by the end of 2022?
As he struggles with inflation, crime and a divided Democratic Party, Biden’s approval rating will hover at 45%.
50%. I'm a glass half-full kind of person.
40%.
42%.
47%.
Obama's approval was at 48% at the end of 2010, even after the shellacking he took in the midterms. That seems to be about where Biden will land as well.
46%.
44%.
40%.
53%.
44%.
49%.
Biden's approval rating is low now due to Covid-19, inflation and the rushed pullout of Afghanistan. If he can sell a new version of his Build Back Better program, he can get his approval rating up to 55% by the end of 2022.
46%.
At best, it will just crack 50%.
Given the likelihood of tough midterms, lasting difficulty connecting with the 47% of Americans who voted for Trump and the impact of new Covid-19 variants over the year, I’d be surprised if it topped 35%.
45%.
35%.
2022
Which party will win control of the US House of Representatives in the midterm election? Which party will win control of the US Senate?
The Democratic Party won control of the Senate. The GOP won a majority in the House.
Democrats will retain control of the House. Republicans will gain control of the Senate.
Republicans will win control of both the House and the Senate.
It pains me to say this, but I think Republicans will win both houses.
The Republicans will capture both, but the margin will be minimal -- giving every member of Congress enormous power.
Republicans will win control of the House. The Senate will be closer, but they'll almost certainly win control there, too.
The Republicans take control of the House. The Democrats hold onto the Senate.
Republicans win the House. Democrats will retain control of the Senate.
Republicans sweep both, winning full control of Congress.
I'm going with the Democrats on both accounts. Democrats will keep control of the House of Representatives and eke out enough wins to maintain control of the Senate.
Republicans will win the US House of Representatives. Democrats will retain control of the US Senate.
Democrats maintain control of both chambers of Congress.
If Covid-19 subsides -- and the Democrats do better on messaging -- Democrats can hold onto both the House and the Senate.
The party in power traditionally does not do well in midterm elections, and with the lingering woes of the Biden administration, I expect Republicans to take control of both the House and Senate.
The Republicans win both, though I desperately hope to be wrong about this.
I think the Republicans will take the House. America looks more divided from the outside than the United Kingdom does at the moment, and the shifting congressional map plays to its advantage. The Senate is harder to call, but my money's on the Republicans there, too.
History is the guide here, and it’s hard to see how it’s not Republicans winning control of both houses.
The terrifying reality is that Republicans are likely to take control of both.
2022
Will US employment, measured in nonfarm jobs, return to pre-pandemic levels in 2022 – and if so, in which month?
August 2022 is when the number of nonfarm jobs reached pre-pandemic levels, as measured in February 2020.
Yes, in May, US employment will return to pre-pandemic levels.
Yes, in August, US employment will return to pre-pandemic levels.
Yes, in August, US employment will return to pre-pandemic levels.
I don't think it will return to pre-pandemic levels at any point in 2022.
When the flowers are in full bloom, jobs will continue sprouting. By May, unemployment will be back at pre-pandemic levels.
Unemployment was very low right before the pandemic, but it will likely return to those levels in May 2022.
Yes, in June, US employment will return to pre-pandemic levels.
No, US employment will not return to pre-pandemic levels.
No, the country is in a different place post-pandemic, and I don't see US unemployment levels recovering much in 2022. I expect the economy to take at least until February 2023 to return to anything like the 3.5% unemployment rate we saw before Covid changed the world.
Yes, in December, US employment will return to pre-pandemic levels.
Yes, in September, US employment will return to pre-pandemic levels.
US employment will return to pre-pandemic levels, but not until August 2022.
Yes, in December, US employment will return to pre-pandemic levels.
No, it won’t. Employment will stay down unless more corporations start treating workers like people.
Yes, I'd guess in July. But even when unemployment hits pre-pandemic levels, it will probably disguise a great deal of lasting damage -- more people in part-time work or low-paid work.
Yes, in July, US employment will return to pre-pandemic levels.
No, I don't think the US will reach a pre-pandemic unemployment low until 2023, at the earliest.
