How to be part of a live studio audience in New York City

07.11.2024 - 21:29 / lonelyplanet.com

Nov 7, 2024 • 6 min read

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. And unlike NYC’s streets – where you should act like New Yorkers by leaving celebs alone – you’re not only allowed to cheer for your favorite stars at live tapings; you’re encouraged to do so. 

Here’s everything you need to know about joining the studio audience for shows like SNL, Late Night with Seth Meyers, the View and more.

There are three types of live tapings you can join in NYC. For weekday programming, look out for Today (NBC’s cheery news-and-entertainment broadcast), Live with Kelly and Mark (ABC’s talk show featuring the famous wife-and-husband duo), Good Morning America (news headlines reported live from Times Sq), the View (distinguished gals gabbing about hot topics), along with humor and heart-filled talk shows hosted by Kelly Clarkson and Drew Barrymore. 

There’s also an array of weeknight comedy talk shows, which tape in the afternoon and early evening, including NBC’s the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Late Night with Seth Meyers, plus ABC’s the Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Comedy Central’s the Daily Show and HBO’s Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, which airs once a week. 

Finally, there’s Saturday Night Live, NBC’s long-running late-night sketch show, which offers two Saturday performances: the live broadcast at 11:30pm and the dress rehearsal at 8pm, featuring sketches that get cut before taping – an exciting look at what makes it big or bombs.

You’ll find most tickets on 1iota, the go-to platform for live tapings. 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. Just don’t pin your hopes on this – guests occasionally change at the last minute.

Some shows are easier to see than others. For instance, you won’t need a ticket to wave at Today’s hosts from the Today Plaza, where standing-room spots are first-come, first-serve. Others require serious preparation, like SNL, which opens a ticket lottery throughout August. If you’re selected at the end of the month, you’ll receive a set number of tickets for a random show between October and May, and be expected to plan accordingly. For most shows, planning a few weeks ahead reaps rewards.

Don’t assume that tickets guarantee seats. All productions overbook their shows to ensure packed houses. Note your ticket’s check-in time and plan on arriving at least 30–45 minutes prior, if not earlier. If you’re tardy to the party, you might get turned away.

Mo