TV Show Tapings in New York City
Tickets to tapings of TV shows are free but can be hard to get, especially on short notice. Most shows accept advance requests by email or phone, or online—but for the most popular shows, you might have to wait a few months. Same-day standby tickets are often available, but be prepared to wait in line for several hours, sometimes starting at 5 or 6 am, depending on how hot the show is, or the wattage of that day's celebrity guests. Remember that standby tickets do not guarantee a seat in the audience.
The Shows
The Daily Show with Trevor Noah. Jon Stewart may have moved on, but host Trevor Noah is glad to welcome you to free tapings of The Daily Show just like his predecessor did. Reservations can be made online only, with tickets released gradually for future shows, so check the website often to RSVP for your preferred date. Only the person whose name is on the reservation can check in, and all attendees must be at least 18. The big caveat is that a reservation doesn’t guarantee entry, so get in line early. Check the website for more details. 733 11th Ave., at 52nd St., Midtown West, New York, New York, 10019. www.showclix.com/event/TheDailyShowWithTrevorNoah. Free.
Good Morning America. Robin Roberts, George Stephanopoulos, and Michael Strahan, among others, host this early-morning news and entertainment show. It airs live, weekdays from 7 to 9 am, and ticket requests (free but required if you want a studio tour after the show) can be made online. If you just want to be part of the outdoor audience, you can gather on the corner of West 44th Street and Broadway to participate in outdoor segments. Check the website for more information. 7 Times Sq., at 44th St. and Broadway, Midtown West, New York, New York, 10036. www.abcnews.go.com/GMA/part-times-square-audience/story?id=12883468.
Late Night with Seth Meyers. Saturday Night Live alum Seth Meyers took the reins as host of Late Night on NBC in 2014, when former host Jimmy Fallon departed for the Tonight Show. Tickets are available online up to two months in advance. Same-day standby tickets are handed out at 9 am at the NBC Experience Store (49th Street entrance). Monologue-rehearsal tickets are available at the NBC Experience Store at 11:30 am. Guests must be 16 or older to be in the audience. 30 Rockefeller Plaza, Midtown West, New York, New York. 212/664–3056; www.1iota.com/show/461/Late-Night-with-Seth-Meyers.
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. After hosting the Late Show for 22 years, David Letterman passed the torch to former Colbert Report host Stephen Colbert in 2015. While Colbert's fictional conservative persona did not follow him to his new gig at the Ed Sullivan Theater, his loyal audience did, so expect competition for tickets. The show is usually taped daily at 5:30 pm; check the website and the show's social media for updated details and new ticket releases. You must be 16 or older to sit in the audience. Ed Sullivan Theater, 1697 Broadway, between 53rd and 54th Sts., Midtown West, New York, New York, 10019. 212/975–5853; colbert.1iota.com/show/536/The-Late-Show-with-Stephen-Colbert.
Live! with Kelly and Ryan. Sparks fly on this morning program, which books an eclectic roster of guests to chat with hosts Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest. Tickets are available online about six weeks in advance. Standby tickets become available weekdays at 7 am at ABC Studios. Children under 10 are not permitted in the audience. 7 Lincoln Sq., at 67th St. and Columbus Ave., Midtown West, New York, New York, 10023. 212/456–3054; www.1iota.com/Show/326/LIVE-with-Kelly--Ryan.
Saturday Night Live. After four decades of laughs, SNL continues to push buttons, nurture comedic talents, and captivate audiences. All "live from New York." Standby tickets (only one per person) are distributed at 7 am on the day of the show at the West 49th Street entrance to 30 Rockefeller Plaza. You may ask for a ticket for either the dress rehearsal (8 pm) or the live show (11:30 pm). Requests for advance tickets (two per applicant) must be submitted by email only, during the month of August, to [email protected]; recipients are determined by lottery. You must be 16 or older to sit in the audience. NBC Studios, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, between W. 49th and W. 50th Sts., Midtown West, New York, New York, 10020. 212/664–3056; www.nbc.com/tickets.
Today. The Today Show doesn't have a studio audience, but if you get yourself to the corner of Rockefeller Center and West 49th Street well before 7 am, with some posterboard and markers (fun signs always get camera time), comfortable shoes (you'll be on your feet for hours), and a smiley, fun attitude, you might get on camera. America's first morning talk-news show airs weekdays from 7 to 10 am in the glass-enclosed, ground-level NBC studio. Rockefeller Plaza, W. 49th St., Midtown West, New York, New York, 10020. www.today.com.
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. In 2014, Saturday Night Live veteran Jimmy Fallon packed up his impressions and sketches, his roster of star friends, and his house band (The Roots) and moved from Late Night to the Tonight Show, filling the big comedic shoes of Jay Leno and Johnny Carson before him. He also moved the show back to New York from Los Angeles, where it had originally resided until 1972. Visit the website to reserve free tickets; they're released during the first week of the month prior to the show. The show's Twitter feed (@FallonTonight) has up-to-date information. 30 Rockefeller Plaza, Studio 6B, Midtown West, New York, New York, 10112. 212/664–3506; www.tonightshow.com/tickets.
The Wendy Williams Show. If you're interested in saying "How you doin'?" to the queen of celebrity gossip and news and one of the top-rated talk shows on daytime TV, Wendy tapes live at 10 am, Monday through Thursday, and tapes a second show on Thursday at 2 pm. Check the online calendar to select the show you would like to attend; you'll receive an email response if there are seats available. Guests must be over 18. The dress code is business casual and bright colors are preferred. 221 W. 26th St., between 7th and 8th Aves., Chelsea, New York, New York. www.wendyshow.com.
