‘Furious’ Star Emmy Rossum’s (40) Spirit Tunnel Dance Goes Viral, and the Internet Can’t Agree on Whether It’s Joy or Cringe

Daytime talk shows live and die by their rituals, and few are as recognizable as the walk-on gauntlet. A hallway full of cheering staffers, a burst of music and a guest who has to decide in real time how much dance energy to bring. The Emmy Rossum spirit tunnel clip is the latest example of how a few seconds of hallway footage can turn into a full-blown internet debate.

Rossum stopped by ‘The Jennifer Hudson Show’ on Thursday, October 22, alongside ‘Reasonable Doubt’ star La La Anthony. The actress, best known for ‘Shameless’ and ‘The Phantom of the Opera,’ was there to talk about her Hulu series ‘Furious.’ Before sitting down with the host, however, she had to make it through the show’s signature Spirit Tunnel.

The tradition has staff members lining a hallway to cheer, chant and dance as celebrity guests make their way toward the stage. In a clip shared by the show on TikTok, Rossum walked the hallway in a flowing light blue satin slip dress, dancing and laughing while staffers cheered from both sides. The video spread quickly, and the reaction has been anything but unanimous.

Emmy Rossum showing off her dance moves in the spirit tunnel (October 22, 2026)
by u/ilytat in shameless

Some viewers loved it. ‘Shameless’ fans in particular were thrilled to see Rossum let loose, and fans praised her effortlessly chic look as she arrived on set. For many, it’s the kind of lighthearted moment the tunnel was designed for, giving guests a chance to get energized before the interview.

Others aren’t so sure. A Reddit post featuring her entrance sparked a lively discussion, with many commenters questioning the tradition and admitting they would feel uncomfortable participating themselves. One top comment said they wouldn’t mind never seeing another spirit tunnel video, while others called the videos excruciating or described the experience as a humiliation ritual. Some focused on the awkwardness of being expected to dance while walking between two rows of people, though others argued that celebrity guests can’t win no matter how they react.

Once the tunnel was behind her, Rossum got into the substance of her visit. She talked about the intense training she went through for her role in ‘Furious.’ She also shared stories about married life with her writer husband and about her five-year-old daughter’s filmmaking.

The conversation took a musical turn too. Rossum and Hudson bonded over their shared love of opera and their dream of one day making a musical together. She also reflected on recording a duet with Dolly Parton, describing the music legend as a wonderful teacher who was down-to-earth to work with. Hudson also showed a throwback moment from ‘The Phantom of the Opera,’ which Rossum filmed when she was 17.

The series is a psychological thriller from creator Elizabeth Meriwether, who is known for ‘New Girl’ and ‘The Dropout.’ Rossum plays FBI agent Alice Black, who is on the hunt for a mysterious and calculating female serial killer played by Lola Petticrew. The cast also includes Scoot McNairy, Quincy Tyler Bernstine and Jake Lacy, and Rossum is an executive producer.

The eight-episode season premiered on Hulu on July 27, with the finale arriving on August 31. It’s loosely inspired by the 1987 neo-noir thriller ‘Black Widow,’ reimagined as a modern cat-and-mouse story centered on two complex women. For Rossum, it’s a darker role than the one that made her a star.

It’s been a busy year for Rossum. In August, she reunited with her ‘Shameless’ co-star William H. Macy and creator John Wells for a TV Academy panel celebrating 15 years since the show’s premiere. She has also said she thinks the series would be even more popular today because the issues it explores have become more relevant.

Seeing her dance through a talk show hallway only reinforces how much goodwill she still has from that era. Whether the Spirit Tunnel is a delightful tradition or an awkward ritual is a matter of taste, but Rossum clearly had a good time.

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