Forget tuning in from your living room. In New York City , you can see some of your favorite TV shows from the front row of a live studio audience. The best part? Joining one of these tapings is free. There are three types of live tapings you can join in NYC. To score tickets through 1iota, make an account, submit a ticket request then cross your fingers for a confirmation. Most shows list a guest star for each taping, so peruse different dates to see who might be in the studio.
Some shows are easier to see than others. Others require serious preparation, like SNL , which opens a ticket lottery throughout August. For most shows, planning a few weeks ahead reaps rewards.
All productions overbook their shows to ensure packed houses. Most shows have standby lines or issue same-day standby cards check the links above for details. Use of cell phones, cameras and other electronics is almost always prohibited, as is outside food and drink. Prepare to turn all devices off before entering the studio.
If you received a ticket and arrived on time, plan on going through airport-style security and waiting in a holding room before the taping begins. Use this time to take any last-minute bathroom breaks.
The host s of most talk shows chats with the audience for a few minutes prior to taping. Aside from that, expect limited interaction with big-name talent. Tapings usually last between 75 and minutes, but you should budget roughly 4 hours for the entire process — from getting in line to leaving the studio.
