This post is all about live tv tapings in NYC.
One of the most popular free activities in New York City for both tourists and locals is attending live tv tapings. You get a behind-the-scenes look at how the most popular talk shows are made AND you get to see some big names. Fun, right?
Although it’s an exciting experience, snagging a ticket isn’t always straightforward, and there are a lot of rules for attending. As somebody who lives in New York and has been lucky enough to go to nearly every major show, I’m going to explain the ins and outs of what to expect at a live taping in NYC and how you can score tickets.
What It’s Like Attending Live Tapings in NYC
The first live taping I went to, I had no idea what to expect. But having been to many since then, I can say the process is fairly similar. Here’s how it works.
Guests are asked to arrive much earlier than the filming starts. Most shows film for about 60 to 90 minutes, but you’ll be asked to arrive at least 2 hours early, sometimes more if you’re in a standby line.
Once you arrive, you’ll go through a security process and then be in a waiting room until the show starts. Some shows will provide lockers to leave bags and coats in, but many allow you to keep your things with you. I always bring a book to read while I wait, but many people will strike up conversations about the show.
There’s always a thorough system for seating people, you’ll notice that everything is very organized. During a taping, guests are not allowed to leave or use their phones, which you’ll hear repeated a lot as you’re prepared for the show. But don’t worry, there’s always a chance to use the restroom before you’re seated in the theater.
Once you’re in the theater, a comedian will open the show. They’ll warm up the crowd and give instructions on queues for when to clap and cheer. Right before the show starts, the host will come out and talk to the audience before the filming starts. Most will even do a Q&A session. And then it’s show time!
How to Get Tickets to Live Tapings in NYC
Let’s talk about how you can secure your tickets for a live taping. Many will be distributed through 1iota, where you can enter a lottery to be selected for shows. It’s helpful if you have a range of dates that you’re available as I’ve found it sometimes takes a couple tries to get tickets to a show. If you’re planning a vacation to New York City, try entering for all the days that you’ll be here.
Here’s the process for some of the major shows.
Jimmy Fallon
The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon is one of the most popular live shows. It’s a bucket-list experience for many folks! Advance tickets are distributed through 1iota, but you can also try your luck at day-of standby tickets.
For standby tickets, head to the Shop at NBC Studios, located at 30 Rockefeller Plaza (via the 6th Avenue entrance between 49th & 50th St). The tickets will be given out from 8am-3pm on the day of the show.
They’re issued on a first-come, first-served basis and are limited to one card per person. You’ll return to the studio at the designated time for filming and they’ll fill the empty seats based on your place in the standby line. It’s definitely a gamble but you could get lucky, especially if you have a low-numbered card for the standby line.
Filming Days and Times: Monday-Friday, 5-6:30 pm
Address: 30 Rockefeller Plaza (via the 6th Avenue entrance between 49th & 50th St)
Stephen Colbert
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is a must! His studio is right off Times Square and feels so iconically New York. Although many shows don’t release their guest list, you can find the week’s lineup for Stephen Colbert’s show here.
You can sign up for tickets to his show on 1iota.
Filming Days and Times: Monday-Thursday, 5:30-7pm
Address: Ed Sullivan Theater, 1697 Broadway
Drew Barrymore
Drew Barrymore shows are a lot of fun and super inspiring! It’s not super difficult to get tickets through 1iota if you request in advance but there’s also a standby line at the studio from 9am on the day of the show.
Filming Days and Times: 3 days a week, 9:30am and 1:30pm
Address: CBS Broadcast Center
Saturday Night Live
Attending Saturday Night Live requires a bit more planning. Tickets are distributed through a random lottery which you can enter only during the month of August by emailing snltickets@nbcuni.com and you can’t request a specific date.
If you’re super eager to go or are only in the city on specific dates, you can try the standby line, which forms at 48th St and the South Plaza. The tickets will given out on Saturday at 7am but people start lining up on Friday night and spend the night waiting. Standby guests have the option of getting a ticket for the 8pm dress rehearsal or the 11:30pm live show.
Filming Days and Times: Saturday at 11:30pm
Address: NBC Studios, 30 Rockefeller Center
Seth Meyers
I recently attended a Late Night with Seth Meyers taping with James Cordon as the guest and had the best experience. It’s in 30 Rock, right across from the studio where Jimmy Fallon films. Attending a show in the building is a really fun experience, and Seth is a great host and extremely engaged with his audience.
To get your tickets, sign up on 1iota.
Filming Days and Times: Monday-Thursday, 6:30-8pm
Address: 30 Rockefeller Plaza (via the 6th Avenue entrance between 49th & 50th St)
Kelly Clarkson
The Kelly Clarkson Show is always a good time, especially because she’s known to surprise her audience with gifts.
Sign up for where you can also see the guests for the week.
Filming Days and Times: 3 days a week, 11am and 3pm
Address: 30 Rockefeller Plaza (via the 6th Avenue entrance between 49th & 50th St)
Good Morning America
Get a chance to be in the audience of Good Morning America. Seats are filled on a first-come-first-served basis for those who come to the studio at Broadway and 44th St. Many people will come at least several hours early to secure their spot.
Filming Days and Times: Monday-Friday, 7-9am
Address: Broadway and 44th St
That concludes this post about live tv tapings in NYC.
I hope you have the chance to attend at least one of these shows, it’s a memory that will last a lifetime!