At a Glance
- Jenna Bush Hager will executive-produce NBC drama “Protection” this spring
- Show centers on law enforcement, including Secret Service storylines tied to her family background
- Project partners include “Quantico” creator Josh Safran and Eva Longoria producer Ben Spector
- Why it matters: Marks first scripted series from her production company under NBCUniversal deal
Jenna Bush Hager is expanding her role at NBC. The “TODAY With Jenna & Sheinelle” co-host revealed she is executive-producing her first scripted television drama, “Protection,” set to begin filming this spring.
Bush Hager disclosed the project during the January 14 episode alongside new co-host Sheinelle Jones. The 44-year-old television personality has partnered with Josh Safran, creator and showrunner of “Quantico,” and Ben Spector, executive producer of Eva Longoria’s “Searching for Mexico.”
The forthcoming series draws directly from Bush Hager’s unique personal history. “It’s about different levels of law enforcement, some based on Secret Service,” she explained on air. “So, y’all know I know about that.”
As the daughter of former President George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush, Bush Hager grew up around Secret Service protection. That firsthand experience now informs the storytelling approach for “Protection.”
Production timeline remains tentative. “So, we’re hopefully going to start shooting this spring, cross your fingers, y’all. I’m so excited,” Bush Hager said during the broadcast.
Her enthusiasm extends beyond simple production credit. Bush Hager actively participated in network pitches, motivated by the pilot’s compelling twist. “I joined all the pitches because every time, to watch these sometimes jaded executives’ – not all of you, not all of you – faces drop with the twist,” she recounted. “The twist is so good.”
The project represents the first television production from Bush Hager’s company under a first-look deal with NBCUniversal Studio Group. She signed the agreement after establishing the successful “Read With Jenna” book club segment on “TODAY.”
Bush Hager’s television career spans more than a decade. She joined NBC in 2009 as a correspondent after teaching in Washington, D.C. public schools for four years. In 2019 she transitioned to co-hosting the morning program’s fourth hour following Kathie Lee Gifford’s departure.
The mother of three – Mila, 12, Poppy, 10, and Hal, 6 – expressed amazement at her career trajectory. “Who knew I would ever do something like this, ladies and gentlemen?” she remarked during the show.
While Bush Hager balances daytime hosting duties with developing scripted content, she continues sharing personal milestones with viewers. Jones, who officially joined as co-host, recently detailed her journey finding joy nine months after husband Uche Ojeh’s death.
“Protection” joins a growing slate of NBC dramas. No premiere date has been announced.
