Remember that TV episode when Oprah told everyone in her studio audience “You get a car! You get a car! You get a car! You get a car! Everybody gets a car!”? It was one of the most unforgettable moments in daytime television history that left many wondering, “How did those people get to be a part of a studio audience?” The answer is simple: they signed up for it.
Studio audiences add a layer of enthusiasm and spontaneity to TV shows. It’s one of the reasons why producers put seats into studios for daytime and late-night talk shows. Think back to the days of the pandemic when hosts were Zooming from makeshift home studios. Those episodes were slightly more exciting than watching a news broadcast. But it’s a win-win situation for all involved. For live studio audience members, seeing a taping is a great way to witness a behind-the-scenes view of how a TV show is put together while getting an up-close view of their favorite celebrity hosts and guests. Best of all, it’s free! All you need to do is sign up for it.
Here’s a list of 14 popular TV shows that tape right here in New York and how you can sign up to be a part of their studio audiences – but plan ahead because it’s all in the timing. Some of these shows have ticket request lists that fill up fast. You may also want to sign up for multiple shows on the same date to see which list pans out for you.
Are you ready? Lights, Camera, Action!
Saturday Night Live
Since its debut in 1975, Saturday Night Live has brought A-list celebrity talent and the hottest musical acts into living rooms all over America. And for nearly 50 years, getting a ticket to the live broadcast has been tougher than scoring seats to The World Series, Super Bowl, and Taylor Swift combined. Lucky audience members who get tickets feel like they’ve hit the lottery because there is actually a lottery for seats.
Where it tapes: NBC Studios at 30 Rockefeller Plaza
When it tapes: Weekly on Saturday Nights at 11:30 p.m.
When/where to sign up: Entries for the ticket lottery take place from August 1 to August 31 every year. Information on how to enter the SNL Ticket Lottery here.
Last minute standby tickets: Feeling lucky? Every Thursday before the show, a standby reservation link is posted online at 10 a.m. You can request up to 4 standby spots, with the option to reserve for either the 8pm dress rehearsal or the 11:30 p.m. live show.
The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon
Since 2014, Emmy and Grammy Award-winning comedian Jimmy Fallon has brought a high-tempo energy to the storied NBC franchise with his welcoming interview style, love of audience participation, spot-on impersonations, and innovative sketches.
Where it tapes: NBC Studios at 30 Rockefeller Plaza
When it tapes: Daily at 3:45 p.m.
How to sign up: Available taping dates are posted two weeks out and fill up fast. Sign up online here.
Last-minute standby tickets: Standby cards for every taping in the event there is last-minute availability on the day of the taping. Cards are available in the Shop at NBC Studios, located at 30 Rockefeller Plaza (via the 6th Avenue entrance between 49th & 50th st.) from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. the morning of a show.
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
The Peabody and Emmy Award-winning Late Show brings Cobert’s signature satire and comedy with an eclectic mix of guests chatting about what is new and relevant in the worlds of politics, entertainment, business, music, technology, and more.
Where it tapes: The Ed Sullivan Theater, 1697 Broadway
When it tapes: Daily at 4:30 p.m.
How to sign up: Available taping dates are posted one month in advance and fill up fast, but there’s a waitlist and you could get lucky! Sign up online here.
Last-minute standby tickets: Sometimes, you can get lucky if ticket holders don’t show up. Stop by the Ed Sullivan Theater around 3:30 p.m. and ask the security guards if there is any standby availability.
Late Night with Seth Meyers
Hosted by Emmy Award-winning writer/comedian Seth Meyers with some help from his occasional sidekick and fellow SNL alum Fred Armisen (who serves as drummer and house band leader), Late Night boasts A-list celebrity guests, memorable comedy and topical monologue jokes.
Where it tapes: NBC Studios at 30 Rockefeller Plaza
When it tapes: Daily at 4:00 p.m.
How to sign up: Available taping dates are posted one month in advance and fill up fast, but there’s a waitlist and you could get lucky! Sign up online here.
Live with Kelly and Mark
It’s been all in the family for the past year with longtime daytime personality Kelly Ripa as she’s shared hosting duties with her husband Mark Consuelos. Expect celebrity interviews, musical performances, helpful life hacks, cooking demonstrations, and more!
Where it tapes: ABC Studios at 7 Lincoln Square
When it tapes: Daily at 9:00 a.m.
How to sign up: Available taping dates are posted one month in advance. Sign up online here.
The View
Now in its 27th season, this popular women-centric show features lively conversations on news, politics, relationships, parenting, and more with moderator Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Sunny Hostin, Sara Haines, Alyssa Farah Griffin, Ana Navarro, and a daily lineup of the biggest names in today’s headlines.
Where it tapes: ABC Studios at 57 West 65th Street
When it tapes: Daily at 11:00 a.m.
How to sign up: Available taping dates are posted six weeks in advance. Sign up online here.
The Drew Barrymore Show
Known worldwide for her quirky humor and infectious positivity, host Drew Barrymore shares her undeniably relatable point of view while celebrating every part of humanity along the way.
Where it tapes: CBS Broadcast Center on West 57th Street
When it tapes: Tuesday through Thursday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
How to sign up: Available taping dates are posted six weeks in advance. Sign up online here.
The Kelly Clarkson Show
Join Grammy Award-winner Kelly Clarkson as she takes her popular daily show to New York to celebrate top musicians, actors, film, and television casts with everyday people doing extraordinary things in their communities.
Where it tapes: NBC Studios at 30 Rockefeller Plaza
When it tapes: Tuesday through Thursday at 9:30 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.
How to sign up: Available taping dates are posted six weeks in advance. Sign up online here.
Tamron Hall
From the deeply moving to the purely fun, Tamron Hall is a daily destination for all things topical and a platform for viewers to connect with the people shaping our world through meaningful, engaging, and entertaining conversations.
Where it tapes: ABC Studios at Lincoln Square
When it tapes: Tuesday through Thursday at 9:30 a.m. and 12:45 p.m.
How to sign up: Available taping dates are posted four weeks in advance. Sign up online here.
Sherri
Daytime Emmy Award-winning talk show host, comedian, actor, and best-selling author Sherri Shepherd brings her inimitable, authentic, and comedic perspective to daytime with her own nationally syndicated talk show.
Where it tapes: Chelsea Studios on West 26th Street
When it tapes: Monday at 10 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
How to sign up: Available taping dates are posted three weeks in advance. Sign up online here.
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
A pioneer in comic investigative journalism, comedian John Oliver brings his biting satirical wit to world issues that you probably never knew about, but should! Oliver’s studio is tiny, and tickets are in high demand. Like Saturday Night Live, there’s a lottery.
Where it tapes: CBS Broadcast Center on West 57th Street
When it tapes: Saturdays
How to sign up: Available taping dates are at the beginning of each season. View information on the ticket lottery here.
The Daily Show
The Emmy Award-winning news/comedy show has been without a host since Trevor Noah left the show in late 2022, but that hasn’t stopped production of the popular Comedy Central staple. Since Noah’s departure, lucky studio audience members have been treated to the talents of Leslie Jones, Al Franken, Sarah Silverman, John Leguizamo, Wanda Sykes, and Chelsea Handler, to name a few.
Where it tapes: Daily Show Studios, 11th Avenue at 52nd Street
When it tapes: Monday through Thursday at 4:30 p.m.
How to sign up: Available taping dates are posted seven weeks in advance. Sign up online here.
TV Al Fresco
Personalities from morning news programs Good Morning America and The Today Show regularly step outside to chat with fans who pack the sidewalk outside their studios. Both shows are famous for their live outdoor performances by top musical acts and Broadway shows. You won’t need a ticket, but be prepared to dress warm and go through security.
The Today Show
Where it tapes: Rockefeller Plaza
When it tapes: Weekday mornings until 9 a.m.
How to sign up: There is a quick online questionnaire for all guest groups here.
Good Morning America
Where it tapes: ABC Times Square Studios (Broadway at 44th Street)
When it tapes: Weekday mornings 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
How to sign up: No signup. Just show up!
