TV Show Tapings

A Quintessential LA Experience – For Free!

There are so many fun things to do when you have parents or friends visiting during your time in L.A. I mean…Hello, Disneyland! But if your friends and family are anything like you, they came to the City of Angels with stars in their eyes. And there’s nothing quite as satisfying for a star-struck TV junkie (or a family of star-struck TV junkies) as participating in a “live studio audience” for your favorite TV show. Whether you’re in the mood for a reality show, a late-night show, a game show, or a sitcom, the entertainment world is your oyster.

And here’s the best part: Show tapings are FREE!

Where to Get Tickets

The best two sites for audience tickets are:

• On Camera Audiences
• 1iota

Both those sites offer consolidated listings, allowing you to browse dozens of shows and live events. If you’re looking for something specific, you can also often find tickets to certain shows on their websites like Wheel of Fortune.

Taping Pro Tips

• Order in Advance: The reason most of these websites include a monthly calendar is so you can save your spot well in advance. The more popular the show, the more likely tickets will sell out on the day of posting.

• Get There Early (Super Early): It is customary for studios to overbook their tickets, so it’s best to show up at least two hours early to find parking and wait in line. If you get there too late or exactly on time, chances are you won’t get in.

• Set Aside Time: As you probably know, a show that is 20 minutes on TV is rarely 20 minutes in real life. Plan to be at the taping for a few hours and make a day of it. Sitcom audiences in particular are required to stay for the as long as it takes to finish taping.

• Stay Warm! Studios are cold. Bring a jacket. (Or two.)

• Put Your Best Face Forward: Studio staff tends to place the best-dressed audience members up front. Dressing nicely will significantly increase your chances of having a “Look, Ma, I’m on TV!” moment. Some shows even have specific dress codes, so make sure to read any instructions your sent from the audience coordinators.

• Bring ID: You know how it is. If it’s fun, you’re going to get carded before you’re allowed to do it. Most shows have an age minimum that you must have proof of before being allowed inside. If you’re an international student, bring your passport. Foreign drivers’ licenses won’t work.

• Know Where You’re Going: It’s easy to get carried away and start to think that everywhere in LA = Hollywood. And while a lot of popular shows are certainly filmed in Hollywood, there are a considerable number of studios scattered in Burbank, Manhattan Beach and other spots all around LA.