Hold onto your hats, because Jenna Bush Hager is stepping into uncharted territory! The beloved 'Today' show host and daughter of former President George W. Bush is making her mark in scripted TV production. But here’s where it gets exciting: Bush Hager, alongside 'Quantico' creator Josh Safran, has teamed up to produce a new NBC drama pilot titled Protection. During a recent episode of Today, she gleefully shared, 'Who knew I would ever do something like this, ladies and gentlemen? We’ve been working on this for a while, but we’re creating a show called 'Protection' with Josh Safran and my colleague Ben Spector.'
Protection dives into the gripping story of a U.S. Marshal whose routine case spirals into a deadly conspiracy, putting an entire family of law enforcement agents in the crosshairs of a mysterious assassin. Sounds like a recipe for edge-of-your-seat drama, right? And this is the part most people miss: Bush Hager isn’t just dipping her toes into production—she’s diving in headfirst, blending her journalistic roots with a newfound passion for storytelling.
But let’s backtrack for a moment. What exactly is Bush Hager’s role on Today? The 44-year-old mother of three has been a fixture on the show since 2009, starting as a correspondent and snagging a Daytime Emmy along the way. Now, she co-hosts Today with Jenna & Sheinelle, the fourth hour of the iconic morning show. Interestingly, she flew solo for nearly a year after Hoda Kotb’s retirement in January 2025, until Sheinelle Jones joined as her permanent co-host in December 2025. Is this dynamic duo the future of morning TV? You decide.
For those wondering, Jenna Bush Hager is more than just a TV personality. Born on November 25, 1981, alongside her fraternal twin sister, Barbara Pierce Bush, she’s also a bestselling author, journalist, and founder of the Today show’s wildly popular Read With Jenna book club. Many of her picks have soared to New York Times bestseller status, proving her knack for connecting with audiences. In 2019, she welcomed her third child, son Henry Harold 'Hal' Hager, adding to her family with husband Henry Hager, whom she married in 2008.
But here’s the controversial part: In 2022, Bush Hager launched her own production company, Thousand Voices, with a mission to amplify diverse perspectives and spark meaningful conversations. The website boldly declares, 'We’re here for the laughs, tears, growing pains, and light bulb moments!' Yet, some critics question whether a former first daughter can truly represent diverse voices. Is this a genuine effort at inclusivity, or a well-intentioned misstep? Weigh in below.
As Bush Hager continues to expand her empire, one thing’s clear: she’s not slowing down. From morning TV to primetime drama, she’s redefining what it means to be a multimedia powerhouse. But here’s the question we can’t stop thinking about: Can Jenna Bush Hager’s transition from journalism to scripted TV production truly bridge the gap between fact and fiction? Or is this just another celebrity side hustle? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss!
