Penn Badgley Lights Up “The Jennifer Hudson Show” with Iconic Spirit Tunnel Dance: A Must-See Moment

When Penn Badgley walked onto The Jennifer Hudson Show, fans expected charm, wit, and maybe a few surprises but no one was ready for the viral energy he brought to the show’s now-famous “Spirit Tunnel.” The actor, promoting the final season of his brooding role as Joe Goldberg in You, flipped the script with a fun and unexpected dance that lit up social media.

Before we break down Penn Badgley’s moment, it’s important to understand the hype behind the “Spirit Tunnel.” Introduced as a recurring segment on The Jennifer Hudson Show, the Spirit Tunnel is a lively backstage tradition where the show's crew forms a tunnel and cheers on the guest’s entrance, complete with music, dancing, and infectious positivity.

Guests don’t just walk through they perform their way in. It’s become one of the show’s standout elements, generating viral clips and millions of views on platforms like TikTok and YouTube. Think of it as a red carpet-meets-dance battle vibe that sets the tone for the guest’s entire appearance.

Penn Badgley, usually known for his intense, mysterious roles, caught everyone off guard with his hilarious and confident Spirit Tunnel entrance. Dressed in a clean beige suit, Badgley danced his way through the cheering staff, blending dad moves with genuine swagger.

The clip instantly made waves online with millions of views within 24 hours across Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.

Thousands of fans commented on how “free” and “funny” he looked and major entertainment outlets, from E! News to BuzzFeed, featured the moment.

Have a favorite Spirit Tunnel moment or want to see more behind-the-scenes fun? Drop your thoughts below or share this article with a fellow pop culture fan!