How to Get Tickets to Live Tapings in NYC

Did you know you can get tickets to live tapings of TV shows in New York City…for free?

One of the best things about being in New York is getting to see live tapings of many of your favorite shows. Some of the best shows on television, from late-night to talk shows, are taped daily in New York City.

But after going to some shows, everyone seems to ask. How do you get tickets? I wanted to pull together information on securing tickets to some of the most popular show tapings in New York City.

I try to keep the info up to date. If there is a show you want me to add or one I’m missing do let me know!

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How to get Daily Show tickets

The Daily Show tapes on Monday through Thursday at their studios on 11th Avenue. You can get up to 4 tickets to a taping.

The show has 2 types of tickets: guaranteed entry and non-guaranteed entry.

• Guaranteed entry as it states, gives you a guaranteed seat to the show taping.
• Non-guaranteed fills any remaining seats not covered by guaranteed tickets.

You must be in line before 5 pm, and can line up as early as 4 pm. You will be given a number based on when you arrive (which gives your seat; lower numbers are closer to the front).

Your entire party must be with you to get your numbers and check in.

Taping Info

• Ticket Website: Showclix DailyShow
• Taping Time: 5pm – 730/8pm
• You can get up to 4 tickets to a taping.
• Price: Free

Getting There

• Theater Address: 733 11th Avenue (W 52nd and 11th)
• There is no subway stop close to the theater. Closest subway stop is 50th Street (A/C/E), which is about a 10-minute walk away.

Other Info

• Guaranteed entry tickets fill up fast! If you see any, be sure to get them soon.
• You can get non-guaranteed tickets more easily, but you must arrive early if you want a chance of getting a seat.
• There are no bathroom breaks during the show. It’s best to go when they give you a chance before entry.
• Bags will be searched and checked for taping.
• Check the ticket site regularly. Sometimes people cancel and give you an opportunity to see the taping.

How to Get Tickets to Saturday Night Live

Saturday Night Live is one of the hardest tickets to get in New York. The live tapings of the show is one of the top things most people have said they wanted to see while in New York. Here’s some information on how to get tickets.

Ticket Information

• Tickets for SNL are only available through an email lottery that takes place each August. You can get two tickets. Yes, that’s it. You can submit only between August 1st and August 31st. 
• You can get tickets for either the 8 pm Dress Rehearsal or the 11:30 pm live broadcast
• To enter, you must send an email to [email protected]
• For those who didn’t get a ticket via the lottery, there is an option for getting a Standby Ticket
• Standby Tickets must be booked through this website for NBC standby tickets. Standby reservations open on Thursday before a taping. You can choose either the 8 pm dress rehearsal or the 11:30 pm live show.
• Up to 4 ticket reservations can be made for standby

Taping Information

• All guests must be 16 years or over
• Proof of Vaccination is required for all guests
•  Line up at 49 W. 49th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues

For standby reservations

• If you received a standby reservation and number, you need to be in line between 6 pm and 7 pm on the day of taping
• Your entire party must be present at the time as well.
• For those without a reservation, you may still get in, but you must line up only after 7pm. You’ll need a standby card, which will be distributed starting at 7 am on Saturday. 
• No one is guaranteed entry on standby. 

There are definitely both positives and negatives based on whether you do the Live vs. the Rehearsal. Live is obviously fun, in that it’s live and many unpredictable things can happen. And it’s the opportunity to maybe be seen in a shot on television and see the same broadcast your friends do.

The dress rehearsal is cool in that it’s a bit more relaxed. You might get to see changes to skits or ones that were cut from the final broadcast. Overall, it’s a different experience.

How to get Late Show with Stephen Colbert Tickets

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert shows Monday through Friday at the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City. One of the most popular shows, getting tickets can fill up fast.

There are also two shop tapings on Thursday (back to back)

All general tickets are wait list. There is no guaranteed entry.

Taping Information

• Ticket Website
• Taping is Monday through Thursday
  • Monday – Wednesday (430pm)
  • Thursday (5 pm)
• Check-in starts at 3 pm – 4 pm, depending on the type of ticket (there are VIP tickets available occasionally on eBay and charity sites)
• If you want to sit closer to the front, try to arrive in line by about 12 pm.
• Taping generally lasts about 60-90 minutes.
• You can get up to two tickets per person
• Price: Free

Getting There

• Theater Address: Ed Sullivan Theater at 1697 Broadway (Broadway between 53rd and 54th)
• Closest Subway Stop (7th Avenue (B/D/E))

Other Information

• Arrive Early: There is NO Guaranteed Entry
• Tickets are generally listed for about 4 weeks ahead of time and sell out quickly
• You can get tickets again once every 6 months
• Bags, etc., are not allowed in the theater
• You are required to stay for the whole taping
• Must be at least 16 years old to attend
• Check regularly if you are looking for a specific date. Sometimes, additional tickets are listed on the site for previously “sold out” shows.

How to get tickets to The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon

The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon has shows Monday through Friday. Tickets are released one month ahead of time and taping is on Monday – Thursdays.

Taping Information

• Ticket Website
• Tickets are for up to 4 people.
• Standby tickets are available day of at the studio (between 5th and Rockefeller Plaza on 49th St)
  • Tickets are given out in order to guests in line by 9 am
  • Arrive early if you hope to get a seat.
  • 1 Standby Ticket per person
• Monologue rehearsal tickets are at 245pm, and taping is at 345pm. There is an additional 645pm taping on Thursdays.
• Tapings usually take 75-90 minutes
• Tapings usually complete by about 615pm
• Price: Free

Other Ticket Options

• #FallonTicketFriday – gives you the opportunity to win VIP tickets to a show the following week. Requires you to answer a question on the official twitter account. First account to respond with the correct answer wins.
• Tickets at 12: Each Thursday the official twitter account or the Instagram Stories will give information about the location of a Tonight Show Intern. The first person to find him/her wins the tickets.

Getting There

• Theater Address: Studio 6B, 30 Rockefeller Center
• Closest Subway: 47-50 Rockefeller Center (B/D/F/M)

Other Information

• No Photography is allowed in the studio
• Larger bags will be prohibited
• Food / Beverages are not allowed (water is permitted, though)
• There is a 2nd taping at 645 pm on Thursdays (Friday’s show)

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Last Week Tonight With John Oliver

Last Week Tonight with John Oliver is a weekly 30-minute news comedy show that airs on Sunday Nights on HBO. The show features the hilarious John Oliver (of The Daily Show fame).

Because this is a very popular show and only tapes weekly, it is very difficult to get tickets, and tickets fill up super fast. Expect that tickets will fill up as soon as they are released.

Taping Information

• Ticket Website
• 4 ticket limit
• Tapings are weekly on Sunday
• You must arrive 40minutes before taping (starts at 6:15 pm)
• Taping lasts about 30-45 mins
• Price: Free

Getting There

• Theater Address: The CBS Broadcast Center:
  530 West 57th Street (between 10th and 11th Avenue)
• Closest Subway: Columbus Circle (1/2/A/B/C/D)

Other Information

• You must be 18 years or older to attend.
• Tickets are released at 3 pm, 2 weeks before taping.
• There is no official standby line. (they try to do all through their online system). However, if you want to try for standby. DO NOT line up before 530pm
• They sometimes have cancellations, and you may get lucky with tickets to sold-out shows.
• If you’ve attended at all, they ask that you don’t attend again. There is such a high demand for tickets
• This is one of the toughest shows to get tickets to, due to limited seasons and weekly taping sessions. Be ready to apply as soon as they are released.
• Large bags are not allowed in the theater.

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How to get Tickets to Late Night with Seth Meyers

Late Night with Seth Meyers is a late-night talk/interview show with an opening monologue. Generally, topical jokes and well-known celebrities. Shows are generally about an hour (40-ish minutes without Commercials)

Taping Information

• Ticket Website
• Tickets released generally 1 month prior.
• Tapings are Monday – Thursday.
• Check in at 2 pm | Taping starts at 4 pm. 
• Most tapings end by 5:15 pm
• Proof of Vaccination Required
• Price: Free

Getting There

• Theater Address: Studio 8G, (30 Rockefeller Plaza)
• Closest Subway:47-50 Sts-Rockefeller Ctr (B | D | F | M)

Other Information

• Must be Age 16+
• 4 ticket limit
• Not everyone who submits for tickets will get tickets.
• You register for the Waitlist and will be notified if you have a ticket. Tickets are oversold though so be sure to line up early.
• No Backpacks, large shopping bags, food/drink
• You need to create an account to register for tickets (they do a lot of other tapings beyond this one)

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Live! Kelly & Mark

Live! Kelly & Mark is a daily morning show on ABC. The show tapes Monday through Wednesday mornings, and tickets are free.

Tickets are oversold. So you may not get seated if you have a ticket. So be sure to go early.

Taping Information

• Ticket Website
• 4 Ticket limit
• Tapings: Monday – Wednesday (arrive before 8 am)
• 2 tapings daily
• Taping lasts about 60-90 minutes
• Tickets are available about 2 months before taping.

Getting There

• Theater Address: 281 Spring Street
• Closest Subways: Houston Street ( 1 ), Spring Street ( A | C | E )]

Other Information

• Individuals under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
• Tickets are not guaranteed. However, if you are turned away, you may receive a VIP ticket for a future taping.
• Minimum age is 10
• Dress is smart casual, solid/bright colors preferred
• Standby tickets are available.  
• Line up early if you want a chance of a standby ticket
• Be sure to check for cancellations if you want a specific date, as there are sometimes cancellations.

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I’ll continue to keep adding more shows as I get time and more info (and get out to actually see more of them as well). If you have a favorite show that tapes in New York, let me know! I certainly want to go to a taping as well as put in the relevant information!

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