Jenna Bush Hager Is Producing Her First Scripted TV Series for NBC

By Alexus Mosley

Jenna Bush Hager is starting the year with a major new role—this time behind the scenes.

The longtime cohost of Today has officially stepped into scripted television as a producer on a new NBC drama titled Protection. The series is being developed alongside Quantico creator and showrunner Josh Safran, with Eva Longoria: Searching for Mexico executive producer Ben Spector also on board.

Speaking on the Jan. 14 episode of Today, Jenna revealed that the show’s subject matter is particularly personal. Protection centers on various levels of law enforcement, including elements inspired by the Secret Service, a world she knows well as the daughter of former President George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush.

“So, y’all know I know about that,” she joked while discussing the project with her new cohost, Sheinelle Jones. Jenna shared that the series is hoping to begin filming this spring and that she was deeply involved throughout the pitching process. According to her, the pilot’s central twist has consistently impressed network executives. “The twist is so good,” she said, noting how visibly surprised decision-makers were during presentations.

The project marks the first scripted production under Jenna’s first-look deal with NBC-owned Universal Studio Group and the debut release from her production company. Known for her work as a correspondent, host, and founder of Read With Jenna, this move signals a notable expansion of her career into narrative television.

Reflecting on the moment, Jenna added, “Who knew I would ever do something like this, ladies and gentlemen?”

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