Order in Advance
The best way to get tickets is to order in advance through vendors such as Audiences Unlimited or hollywoodtickets.com, both of which feature sitcoms and talk shows. www.tvtix.com is also a good resource for talk shows, and On Camera Audiences specializes in reality TV shows.
*Note: Peak production season runs August through March, so plan to come during this time frame.
If you can’t find tickets through any online vendors, check the show’s website. Some talk shows such as the “Jay Leno Show” or the “Ellen Show” offer tickets directly through their sites.
Standby Tickets
Another way to get tickets is to try your luck with standby tickets. Just like with airlines, standby means you wait in line and if any seats open up, you’re free to go in. Here are a few shows that offer the possibility of "flying" stand-by:
- "The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien"
- "Last Call with Carson Daly"
Get the most out of your TV show taping experience by knowing before going. A few helpful tips:
• Get there early…really early: Studios overbook their tickets, so it’s a good idea to show up at least 90 minutes early to wait in line. If you get there too late, you may not get in.
• Plan to be there for about three to four hours: Sitcoms can take a while to film, and the audience is required to stay for the entire time.
• Bring layers: Studios are notoriously cold, since all the lights and cameras heat everything up.
• Dress for a cameo: Want to get on camera? Studio staff place the best-dressed audience members up front, where you’re most likely to get filmed.
Available TV Show Tapings
You can visit online ticket vendors for a complete list of TV show tapings that are available, but here is a quick list of some of LA’s most popular tapings:
• Accidentally on Purpose
• Two and a Half Men
• America’s Funniest Home Videos
• Gary Unmarried
• New Adventures of Old Christine
• Rules of Engagement
• Dr. Phil Show
