After more than a decade as one of America’s most familiar morning TV faces, Jenna Bush Hager is stepping into a bold new chapter — and it’s far beyond the studio lights of the “Today” show.
After 16 years as a staple of NBC’s beloved morning program, Bush Hager is officially dipping her toe into scripted television. The longtime talk show host announced Tuesday that she will serve as an executive producer on an upcoming NBC drama titled “Protection.”
The unexpected career move marks a major milestone for Bush Hager, who joined “Today” in 2009 and has since become one of the network’s most recognizable and trusted personalities.
She celebrated the news on Instagram Stories, sharing a screenshot of Deadline’s exclusive report alongside an enthusiastic caption.
“What a day!!!” she wrote, tagging the show’s creator Josh Safran, whom she will be collaborating closely with on the project.
According to Deadline, “Protection” will center on the mysterious disappearance of a U.S. Marshal — a dramatic departure from Bush Hager’s daytime TV roots, but one that signals her growing influence behind the scenes.
The project is part of Bush Hager’s first-look deal with Universal Studio Group, secured through her production company Thousand Voices, which she launched last year. The venture reflects her broader ambition to help shape meaningful stories across platforms, expanding her reach beyond morning television.
The career pivot comes at a time of significant change for Bush Hager on “Today” as well. The announcement coincides with the beginning of a new era for the show’s fourth hour, following the arrival of Sheinelle Jones as her permanent co-host.
NBC confirmed the co-hosting shakeup on December 9, with Jones officially stepping into the role earlier this week. She replaces Hoda Kotb, who announced her departure from the network in September 2024 after an impressive 26-year run.
Bush Hager and Kotb had co-anchored “Today with Hoda & Jenna” for more than five years, building a close on-air and off-air bond that made Kotb’s exit an emotional moment for viewers — and for Bush Hager herself.
Despite the bittersweet transition, Bush Hager has been outspoken about her excitement for Jones joining her at the desk.
During the December 9 broadcast, she shared heartfelt words about the show’s evolution and her new partnership.
“Over the last year, you guys, I’ve had the privilege of co-hosting this show with 60 incredible friends — I didn’t think I was going to cry before we even started — who’ve opened up to me, who inspired me,” she said.
“Today, I’m so thrilled to announce that I’ve found my forever friend and we are going to start a brand new journey in January.”
She continued by praising Jones not just as a broadcaster, but as a reflection of what the show stands for.
“I couldn’t be more excited to share this person with you all. You all know her — she’s an extraordinary broadcaster, but more importantly, she exemplifies what this show is all about.”
Bush Hager even gushed about the show’s refreshed title, saying, “‘Today with Jenna & Sheinelle’ has a nice ring to it.”
Jones, for her part, revealed during the episode that the bond between the two women runs deep. She credited Bush Hager with offering unwavering support following the tragic death of her husband, Uche Ojeh, in May.
“The country hasn’t seen a Jenna and Sheinelle,” Jones said. “I see a higher purpose in it. I feel like it’s divine, but I actually feel a responsibility — where we can bring joy, we can bring hope, I think we can bring comfort.”
“So just as healing as it is for me,” she added, “I hope we can bring that for people at home.”
As Bush Hager balances her expanding role as a producer with her continued presence on “Today,” her latest move signals something clear: she’s no longer just a morning TV favorite — she’s becoming a creative force shaping stories both in front of and behind the camera.
