Warner Brothers Studios. Supplied.
Warner Brothers Studios. Supplied.

How to Attend a Live TV Taping in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is more than just the City of Angels – it’s a place where the streets are paved with stars and bumping into a film or television legend can occur on almost a daily basis.

If, like me, you’ve grown up on a diet of American sitcoms or talk shows and want to experience what it’s like to be part of a live audience, L.A. is where you need to be.

Want to know how to get tickets for Ellen or the Late Late Show? Here’s how:

The Ellen DeGeneres Show – Warner Bros. Studios

If you’re dying to score a seat as an audience member on Ellen, you’re not alone. That’s why these tickets need to be secured well in advance. Try visiting the show’s calendar at least 2-3 months before you’d like to attend, to submit a request for tickets. It’s important to note a request for tickets is not a guarantee, so you’ll need to keep your eyes on your email for confirmation. The Ellen DeGeneres Show tapes at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank.

Insider Info: a limited number of “Day-of Tickets” are available, so if you don’t get the tickets you want, you can try calling (+1) 818-954-5929 before noon PST the day of a taping to inquire about same-day tickets.

Tickets: send.ellentv.com/tickets/

Paramount Pictures. Supplied.
Paramount Pictures. Supplied.

Dr. Phil – Paramount Studios

If you’re hoping to watch one of the world’s most famous psychologists host the #1 daytime talk show in the nation, Dr. Phil offers tickets for singles, pairs, and even for groups of 10 or more. To see Dr. Phil, visit the show’s website to request tickets online. The Dr. Phil show tapes at Paramount Studios in Hollywood.

Plan Ahead: as seating is available on a first come, first served basis, arrive at your taping early to get a chance at scoring the best seats in the house!

Tickets: www.drphil.com/be-in-the-audience/

Jimmy Kimmel Live! – El Capitan Entertainment Centre

For a classic Hollywood experience, it doesn’t get much better than a taping of Jimmy Kimmel Live! at the El Capitan Entertainment Centre on Hollywood Boulevard. Attending a taping of Jimmy Kimmel Live! can take up to 3.5 hours, including check-in, seating and audience warm up. If you’re requesting tickets online, you’ll be asked to provide your favourite moment from the show’s history, so be sure to binge some Youtube views beforehand.

Look the Part: avoid wearing black, white and red. Steer clear of shorts, t-shirts, sleeveless shirts, hats, or clothing with logos. You could be denied entry if you fail to abide by the nice/casual attire required.

Tickets: 1iota.com/show/1/jimmy-kimmel-live

The Late Late Show with James Corden – CBS Television City

Ever wanted to see the King of Carpool Karaoke IRL? Audience members ages 16+ are welcome to attend a taping of The Late Late Show with James Corden. Choose the date you’d like to attend, and be sure to include why you love the quirky host when you request your tickets online. Individuals may request up to four tickets, all of which are non-transferrable. The Late Late Show with James Corden tapes at CBS Television City near The Grove.

The Fine Print: the person who makes the reservation must be in attendance. Otherwise, all tickets may be forfeited. Be mindful of the check-in deadline listed on your ticket. Late arrivals may not be admitted.

Tickets: 1iota.com/show/439/the-late-late-show-with-james-corden

El Capitan Theatre. Supplied.
El Capitan Theatre. Supplied.

Mom – Warner Bros. Studios

Allison Janney and Anna Faris are arguably the most ridiculous and lovable mother/daughter duo on television, and you’re welcome to laugh out loud at a live taping of Mom at Warner Bros. Studio in Burbank. Plan to secure your tickets at least a month in advance, by requesting online.

Make it a Date: Mom tapes around dinner time so consider booking a late lunch or plan for a late dinner after the laughs.

Tickets: www.tvtickets.com/fmi/shows/browserecord.php?&show=Mom

The Voice – Universal Studios Hollywood

Whether you want to see your favourite celebrity coaches or hear the voices of the future before they become household names, you can do both at a morning or afternoon taping of The Voice at Universal Studios Hollywood. Due to the popularity of The Voice, you’ll want to get in line with your ticket a full hour in advance, and plan to spend up to six hours at the studio. Recording dates and ticket requests can be made online, and it is important to note that the location changes depending on the round.

A Word About Children: The Voice does allow teens age 16+ to attend Live Round tapings, but for pre-recordings, no one under 18 will be admitted, even accompanied by a parent/guardian.

Tickets: 1iota.com/show/178/the-voice#tickets

Universal Studios. Supplied.

The Price is Right – CBS Television City

Tickets to tapings of The Price is Right are available and typically released online 5-6 weeks in advance. Join the audience of one of America’s longest running game shows, as an individual or a group, as The Price is Right accommodates groups up to 25. The Price is Right tapes at CBS Television City.

Check the Theme: The Price is Right has special themed tapings that you might enjoy. From Baby Shower Specials to Holiday Specials, be sure to check online for special events.

Tickets: on-camera-audiences.com/shows/The_Price_is_Right

Jeopardy! – Sony Pictures

Calling all Trivia fans! Jeopardy! tapings are scheduled during the late morning and early afternoon and ticket requests for up to four people may be made online. America’s Favorite Quiz Show® tapes at Sony Pictures in Culver City.

Know It All: get to the studio early to ensure admittance, as entry is available on a first come, first served basis. Large groups need to confirm attendance 5-7 days prior to taping or risk losing their tickets.

Tickets: www.jeopardy.com/tickets

Wheel of Fortune – Sony Pictures

Wheel of Fortune tickets couldn’t be easier to secure, and you don’t need to request them months ahead of time, either. Check for tickets a few as a few days to a few weeks in advance, and request up to four tickets online. You are required to call 818-773-3465 to confirm your attendance 5-7 days ahead of your ticketed taping date. Wheel of Fortune tapes at Sony Pictures in Culver City.

Leave at Home: no cameras, recording equipment, large bags or backpacks are allowed in the studio. 

Tickets: www.wheeloffortune.com/be-a-contestant/request-tickets/

Written by
Chris Ashton

We're Chris Ashton and Simon Ceglinski, two Aussie travellers with a love of exploration and adventure, and the odd bit of luxury thrown in. We seek out street art, street food, and scuba diving wherever we go, and prefer the road less travelled over well-worn tourist paths.

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Written by Chris Ashton