today show staged slap
Definition
A choreographed, non-violent physical strike performed for dramatic flair during a guest's appearance on the NBC morning program, Today.
A meta-televisual trope where a soap opera actor demonstrates their trademark dramatic slap on a host, intended to boost engagement and highlight acting techniques.
Examples
Craig Melvin finally lived out his soap opera fantasy when he requested a today show staged slap from Deidre Hall, proving that even news anchors have a dramatic streak.
The today show staged slap was executed with such theatrical precision that one almost expects the morning news segues to be interrupted by a sudden cliffhanger organ sting.
If your resume doesn't include receiving a today show staged slap from a legendary daytime star, can you truly say you've mastered the art of morning television?