Savannah Guthrie, the esteemed co-anchor of NBC’s ‘Today’ show, unexpectedly shared a playful personal anecdote during a recent television segment, admitting that she once ‘spanked’ a male network correspondent at an office holiday party. The confession, made on the December 23, 2025, episode of ‘Jenna & Friends,’ where she guest co-hosted with Jenna Bush Hager, quickly garnered attention for its humorous and surprising nature.
The revelation unfolded during the show’s ‘Girl Code’ segment, a regular feature where the hosts address viewer-submitted questions about social and professional etiquette. Guthrie and Bush Hager were pondering a fan’s dilemma concerning a co-worker who tends to become inappropriately flirty after consuming too much alcohol at holiday parties. It was in this context that Guthrie interjected, saying, ‘I just have to say, as someone who has spanked a network correspondent at a holiday party…’
Guthrie was quick to clarify that the spanking was an ‘air spanking,’ implying she mimicked the gesture without actual physical contact. She did not name the individual involved but confirmed it was a male colleague, adding to the intrigue. Bush Hager, seizing the moment, revealed that Guthrie had spanked her as well, prompting Guthrie to note that with Bush Hager, there was contact because of their deep friendship.
When addressing the fan’s concern, Guthrie recommended steering clear of the issue, asserting that confronting the co-worker would likely backfire. She elaborated, ‘She doesn’t remember it. I don’t think any good can come of it,’ and humorously admitted her own reluctance to get involved, calling herself ‘wimpy.’ This advice underscored the complexities of navigating workplace relationships during informal gatherings.
The episode highlighted the evolving dynamics of ‘Jenna & Friends,’ which was rebranded after Hoda Kotb’s exit from the ‘Today’ show in January 2025. Guthrie has been a frequent guest co-host this year, and the program recently announced that Sheinelle Jones will become the permanent co-host starting January 12, 2026, marking a new chapter for the show.
Guthrie’s lighthearted confession, while entertaining, also invites reflection on the unwritten rules of office holiday parties and the fine line between camaraderie and inappropriate behavior. In today’s professional environments, such moments can spark discussions about HR policies and personal boundaries, even when shared in jest.
Ultimately, the segment served as a reminder of Guthrie’s relatable and down-to-earth persona, endearing her to audiences. Airing just before Christmas, it added a touch of levity to the holiday season, resonating with viewers who appreciate candid moments from their favorite television personalities.
