Opinion: We asked CNN’s contributors to predict what will happen in ’22. Here’s what they said

Paul Callan CNN legal analyst

Best drama goes to “Squid Game.” Best comedy goes to “The Great,” for Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult’s fantastic performances.

Laura Coates CNN senior legal analyst

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.

SE Cupp CNN political commentator

Best drama is “Succession.” Best comedy is “Ted Lasso.”

Jill Filipovic CNN opinion contributor

Best drama has to be “Succession.” Best comedy is “Ted Lasso.”

Frida Ghitis CNN opinion contributor

“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).

Nicole Hemmer CNN opinion contributor

“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.”

Elie Honig CNN senior legal analyst

“Succession” wins for best drama, though “The Morning Show” is a formidable challenger. “Ted Lasso” wins for best comedy.

Joey Jackson CNN legal analyst

Best drama goes to “Succession” for its intensity and realness. Best comedy goes to “Ted Lasso.”

Scott Jennings CNN political commentator

Best drama is “Succession.” Best comedy is “Hacks.”

Roxanne Jones CNN opinion contributor

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.”

Peniel Joseph CNN opinion contributor

Best drama is “Succession.” Best comedy is “Ted Lasso.”

Dean Obeidallah CNN opinion contributor

Best drama is “Succession.” Best comedy is “Ted Lasso.”

Raul Reyes CNN opinion contributor

Best drama will be “Succession,” and best comedy will be “Ted Lasso.”

Alice Stewart CNN political commentator

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.”

Sara Stewart film critic

“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.”

Holly Thomas culture critic

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.

Elliot Williams CNN legal analyst

For best drama, I’d say “Squid Game.” For best comedy, I’ll go with “Ted Lasso.”

Jeff Yang CNN opinion contributor

“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.”

Paul Callan CNN legal analyst

Olivia Rodrigo’s “Sour.” Sorry, Taylor Swift.

Laura Coates CNN senior legal analyst

Olivia Rodrigo’s “Sour.” My kids played it nonstop!

SE Cupp CNN political commentator

Doja Cat’s “Planet Her.”

Jill Filipovic CNN opinion contributor

Lil Nas X’s “Montero.”

Frida Ghitis CNN opinion contributor

Jon Batiste’s “We Are.”

Nicole Hemmer CNN opinion contributor

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.

Elie Honig CNN senior legal analyst

Olivia Rodrigo’s “Sour.”

Joey Jackson CNN legal analyst

Justin Bieber’s “Justice.” Musically speaking, he has come a long way.

Scott Jennings CNN political commentator

Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga’s “Love for Sale.”

Roxanne Jones CNN opinion contributor

“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.

Peniel Joseph CNN opinion contributor

Billie Eilish’s “Happier Than Ever.”

Dean Obeidallah CNN opinion contributor

Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga’s “Love for Sale.”

Raul Reyes CNN opinion contributor

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.

Alice Stewart CNN political commentator

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.

Sara Stewart film critic

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.

Holly Thomas culture critic

On the strength of “Drivers License” alone, I’d say Olivia Rodrigo’s “Sour” has the best chance.

Elliot Williams CNN legal analyst

Olivia Rodrigo’s “Sour.”

Jeff Yang CNN opinion contributor

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).

Paul Callan CNN legal analyst

“Belfast.”

Laura Coates CNN senior legal analyst

“Belfast,” but best actor will go to Will Smith for his performance in “King Richard.”

SE Cupp CNN political commentator

“Belfast.”

Jill Filipovic CNN opinion contributor

“Belfast,” though I may not be the best judge, since I haven’t seen a single new film this year.

Frida Ghitis CNN opinion contributor

“The Power of the Dog,” which is another masterpiece written and directed by the extraordinary Jane Campion.

Elie Honig CNN senior legal analyst

“Belfast.”

Nicole Hemmer CNN opinion contributor

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.”

Joey Jackson CNN legal analyst

“King Richard.”

Scott Jennings CNN political commentator

“King Richard.”

Roxanne Jones CNN opinion contributor

My bet is all in for “The Harder They Fall.” I loved everything about this beautifully done film.

Peniel Joseph CNN opinion contributor

“Belfast.”

Dean Obeidallah CNN opinion contributor

“Dune.”

Raul Reyes CNN opinion contributor

Something’s coming, something good! Best picture will be Steven Spielberg’s reimagining of “West Side Story.”

Alice Stewart CNN political commentator

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.

Sara Stewart film critic

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.

Holly Thomas culture critic

“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.

Elliot Williams CNN legal analyst

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.”

Jeff Yang CNN opinion contributor

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.

Paul Callan CNN legal analyst

The Green Bay Packers. They have the best quarterback and are long overdue.

Laura Coates CNN senior legal analyst

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (but Skol, Vikings)!

SE Cupp CNN political commentator

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Jill Filipovic CNN opinion contributor

I don’t watch sports, but I am originally from Seattle, and my dad probably cares about this, so let’s go Seahawks!

Frida Ghitis CNN opinion contributor

The Green Bay Packers.

Nicole Hemmer CNN opinion contributor

The Green Bay Packers are having a great season, and my loyalties lie with the Midwest, so Packers it is!

Elie Honig CNN senior legal analyst

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It’ll be another repeat victory for Tom Brady.

Joey Jackson CNN legal analyst

The Green Bay Packers win, and Aaron Rodgers redeems himself from his Covid-19 fiasco.

Scott Jennings CNN political commentator

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Brady does it again!

Roxanne Jones CNN opinion contributor

I’m rooting for the Buffalo Bills to win.

Peniel Joseph CNN opinion contributor

Dallas Cowboys.

Dean Obeidallah CNN opinion contributor

Green Bay Packers — but as long as it’s not the Dallas Cowboys, I’m fine with whichever team wins.

Raul Reyes CNN opinion contributor

Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in a great position to repeat their Super Bowl LV victory.

Alice Stewart CNN political commentator

I am confident Tom Brady will add to his seven Super Bowl victories, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will win it all.

Sara Stewart film critic

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.

Holly Thomas culture critic

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.

Elliot Williams CNN legal analyst

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.

Jeff Yang CNN opinion contributor

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.

Paul Callan CNN legal analyst

The Los Angeles Dodgers will win. They have a solid and balanced roster ready to roll when Major League Baseball owners end the lockout.

Laura Coates CNN senior legal analyst

The Los Angeles Dodgers, though I’m a Washington Nationals fan.

SE Cupp CNN political commentator

The New York Mets.

Jill Filipovic CNN opinion contributor

My husband definitely cares about this question, so I’ll say the Boston Red Sox for him.

Frida Ghitis CNN opinion contributor

Can the Atlanta Braves do it again? Sadly, no. It’s the Chicago White Sox this time.

Nicole Hemmer CNN opinion contributor

For family loyalty reasons, I’m going with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Elie Honig CNN senior legal analyst

Philadelphia Phillies, guaranteed.

Joey Jackson CNN legal analyst

The New York Yankees win!

Scott Jennings CNN political commentator

I’m picking my beloved St. Louis Cardinals.

Roxanne Jones CNN opinion contributor

My New York Yankees will win. The Yanks are making strong offseason moves, so 2022 will be their year.

Peniel Joseph CNN opinion contributor

The New York Yankees.

Dean Obeidallah CNN opinion contributor

The New York Mets.

Raul Reyes CNN opinion contributor

Los Angeles Dodgers won in 2020, and they will do it again. Go Dodger Blue!

Alice Stewart CNN political commentator

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.

Sara Stewart film critic

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.

Holly Thomas culture critic

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!

Elliot Williams CNN legal analyst

New York Yankees, duh. Twenty-seven World Series titles isn’t enough, and we are long overdue.

Jeff Yang CNN opinion contributor

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.

Paul Callan CNN legal analyst

Brazil.

Laura Coates CNN senior legal analyst

It’s a close call between Brazil and France, but I’ll choose France.

SE Cupp CNN political commentator

Brazil.

Jill Filipovic CNN opinion contributor

Germany.

Frida Ghitis CNN opinion contributor

Brazil, of course!

Nicole Hemmer CNN opinion contributor

Brazil.

Elie Honig CNN senior legal analyst

England.

Joey Jackson CNN legal analyst

Brazil.

Scott Jennings CNN political commentator

Brazil.

Roxanne Jones CNN opinion contributor

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.

Peniel Joseph CNN opinion contributor

England.

Dean Obeidallah CNN opinion contributor

Italy.

Raul Reyes CNN opinion contributor

Brazil will win the 2022 World Cup, bringing their total World Cup victories to six.

Alice Stewart CNN political commentator

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.

Sara Stewart film critic

France.

Holly Thomas culture critic

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.

Elliot Williams CNN legal analyst

England.

Jeff Yang CNN opinion contributor

Brazil, though I’m more interested in 2023 and the women’s World Cup.

Paul Callan CNN legal analyst

Norway.

Laura Coates CNN senior legal analyst

Team USA, of course.

SE Cupp CNN political commentator

The United States.

Jill Filipovic CNN opinion contributor

USA, baby.

Frida Ghitis CNN opinion contributor

The United States will edge out Norway.

Nicole Hemmer CNN opinion contributor

Norway tends to dominate the Winter Games. Barring any boycotts, they’ll likely do it again in 2022.

Elie Honig CNN senior legal analyst

China.

Joey Jackson CNN legal analyst

USA! USA! USA!

Scott Jennings CNN political commentator

USA! USA! USA!

Roxanne Jones CNN opinion contributor

When it comes to the Olympics, the United States will always come out on top.

Peniel Joseph CNN opinion contributor

United States.

Dean Obeidallah CNN opinion contributor

United States.

Raul Reyes CNN opinion contributor

In Beijing, winter sports powerhouse Norway will win the most medals. Russia will come in second, and the US will come in third.

Alice Stewart CNN political commentator

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.

Sara Stewart film critic

USA!

Holly Thomas culture critic

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!

Elliot Williams CNN legal analyst

Norway.

Jeff Yang CNN opinion contributor

It’s hard to imagine that it won’t be the Chinese on their home turf.

Paul Callan CNN legal analyst

A gallon of gas will be $3.40, and a gallon of milk will be $4.10.

Laura Coates CNN senior legal analyst

A gallon of gas will be $3.25. A gallon of milk will be $3.50.

SE Cupp CNN political commentator

A gallon of gas and a gallon of milk will each cost $3.15.

Jill Filipovic CNN opinion contributor

A gallon of gas and a gallon of milk will each cost $5.

Frida Ghitis CNN opinion contributor

A gallon of gas will be $2.59, and a gallon of milk will be $2.99.

Nicole Hemmer CNN opinion contributor

A gallon of gas will be around $2.50, while a gallon of milk will be around $3.50.

Elie Honig CNN senior legal analyst

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.

Joey Jackson CNN legal analyst

A gallon of gas will be $3.89. A gallon of milk will be $3.79.

Scott Jennings CNN political commentator

A gallon of gas will cost $3.55. A gallon of milk will cost $3.85.

Roxanne Jones CNN opinion contributor

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.

Peniel Joseph CNN opinion contributor

A gallon of gas will cost $4.00. A gallon of milk will cost $4.50.

Dean Obeidallah CNN opinion contributor

A gallon of gas will cost $3.50. A gallon of milk will cost $4.00.

Raul Reyes CNN opinion contributor

A gallon of gas will be $3.50. A gallon of milk will be $3.75.

Alice Stewart CNN political commentator

A gallon of gas will remain around $3.79, and a gallon of milk will remain around $3.75.

Sara Stewart film critic

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.

Holly Thomas culture critic

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.

Elliot Williams CNN legal analyst

A gallon of gas will be $3.55. A gallon of milk will be $3.70.

Jeff Yang CNN opinion contributor

A gallon of gas will be $2.00. A gallon of milk will be $3.90.

Paul Callan CNN legal analyst

As he struggles with inflation, crime and a divided Democratic Party, Biden’s approval rating will hover at 45%.

Laura Coates CNN senior legal analyst

50%. I’m a glass half-full kind of person.

SE Cupp CNN political commentator

40%.

Jill Filipovic CNN opinion contributor

42%.

Frida Ghitis CNN opinion contributor

47%.

Nicole Hemmer CNN opinion contributor

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.

Elie Honig CNN senior legal analyst

46%.

Joey Jackson CNN legal analyst

44%.

Scott Jennings CNN political commentator

40%.

Roxanne Jones CNN opinion contributor

53%.

Peniel Joseph CNN opinion contributor

44%.

Dean Obeidallah CNN opinion contributor

49%.

Raul Reyes CNN opinion contributor

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.

Alice Stewart CNN political commentator

46%.

Sara Stewart film critic

At best, it will just crack 50%.

Holly Thomas culture critic

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%.

Elliot Williams CNN legal analyst

45%.

Jeff Yang CNN opinion contributor

35%.

Paul Callan CNN legal analyst

Democrats will retain control of the House. Republicans will gain control of the Senate.

SE Cupp CNN political commentator

Republicans will win control of both the House and the Senate.

Jill Filipovic CNN opinion contributor

It pains me to say this, but I think Republicans will win both houses.

Frida Ghitis CNN opinion contributor

The Republicans will capture both, but the margin will be minimal — giving every member of Congress enormous power.

Nicole Hemmer CNN opinion contributor

Republicans will win control of the House. The Senate will be closer, but they’ll almost certainly win control there, too.

Elie Honig CNN senior legal analyst

The Republicans take control of the House. The Democrats hold onto the Senate.

Joey Jackson CNN legal analyst

Republicans win the House. Democrats will retain control of the Senate.

Scott Jennings CNN political commentator

Republicans sweep both, winning full control of Congress.

Roxanne Jones CNN opinion contributor

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.

Peniel Joseph CNN opinion contributor

Republicans will win the US House of Representatives. Democrats will retain control of the US Senate.

Dean Obeidallah CNN opinion contributor

Democrats maintain control of both chambers of Congress.

Raul Reyes CNN opinion contributor

If Covid-19 subsides — and the Democrats do better on messaging — Democrats can hold onto both the House and the Senate.

Alice Stewart CNN political commentator

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.

Sara Stewart film critic

The Republicans win both, though I desperately hope to be wrong about this.

Holly Thomas culture critic

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.

Elliot Williams CNN legal analyst

History is the guide here, and it’s hard to see how it’s not Republicans winning control of both houses.

Jeff Yang CNN opinion contributor

The terrifying reality is that Republicans are likely to take control of both.

Paul Callan CNN legal analyst

Yes, in May, US employment will return to pre-pandemic levels.

Laura Coates CNN senior legal analyst

Yes, in August, US employment will return to pre-pandemic levels.

SE Cupp CNN political commentator

Yes, in August, US employment will return to pre-pandemic levels.

Jill Filipovic CNN opinion contributor

I don’t think it will return to pre-pandemic levels at any point in 2022.

Frida Ghitis CNN opinion contributor

When the flowers are in full bloom, jobs will continue sprouting. By May, unemployment will be back at pre-pandemic levels.

Nicole Hemmer CNN opinion contributor

Unemployment was very low right before the pandemic, but it will likely return to those levels in May 2022.

Elie Honig CNN senior legal analyst

Yes, in June, US employment will return to pre-pandemic levels.

Scott Jennings CNN political commentator

No, US employment will not return to pre-pandemic levels.

Roxanne Jones CNN opinion contributor

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.

Peniel Joseph CNN opinion contributor

Yes, in December, US employment will return to pre-pandemic levels.

Dean Obeidallah CNN opinion contributor

Yes, in September, US employment will return to pre-pandemic levels.

Raul Reyes CNN opinion contributor

US employment will return to pre-pandemic levels, but not until August 2022.

Alice Stewart CNN political commentator

Yes, in December, US employment will return to pre-pandemic levels.

Sara Stewart film critic

No, it won’t. Employment will stay down unless more corporations start treating workers like people.

Holly Thomas culture critic

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.

Elliot Williams CNN legal analyst

Yes, in July, US employment will return to pre-pandemic levels.

Jeff Yang CNN opinion contributor

No, I don’t think the US will reach a pre-pandemic unemployment low until 2023, at the earliest.