Looking for an event where you can see your favorite celebrities, actors, writers, musicians and comedians for free? Try getting tickets to a TV show filmed in front of a live studio audience! I've attended The Voice, Conan, The Late Late Show with James Corden, Maya & Marty, and Late Night with Seth Meyers.
All you have to do is google search "(TV show) tickets" and a direct link to the show's website should come up. Most major network shows have tickets on 1iota.com, which is where I've reserved all of my tickets. The process for getting tickets is essentially the same for all TV shows; simply make an account on 1iota or the website on which your tickets are available. Once you have an account, feel free to request tickets to shows near you. Most shows approve tickets right away, but for more in-demand tickets like those for Ellen or The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, you will get placed on a wait list and be notified via e-mail whether or not you got a seat. Some shows are harder to get into than others. I've tried getting tickets to see Jimmy Fallon for over a year now. It can be a lottery, but I think it's worth it.
Tickets to TV shows are pretty much always free, despite the differences in networks and guest lineups. I like to see talk shows, but tickets for shows like Ridiculousness on MTV can be reserved as well. 1iota.com is also where you can get tickets to the VMAs and other events. Furthermore, you can input more information on your 1iota profile and become a "Super Fan" to have a higher likelihood of getting tickets. Having good attendance when getting tickets is crucial because missing shows without cancelling your reservation makes you much less likely to get tickets in the future.
1iota.com has a fairly broad selection of shows from which to choose, but it does not have tickets to shows such as The Daily Show with Trevor Noah and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. For tickets to these shows, you have to visit their individual websites, input your e-mail and other information, and request tickets directly.
Once you've acquired your tickets, here are some basic rules to keep in mind:
1. Print out your ticket as early as you can and make sure to read all the rules that come with your ticket. Some shows have specific dress code rules; for instance, if you were to go see James Corden live, you would have to dress in semi-formal clothing. As an overall rule, avoid wearing clothing with logos and avoid wearing plain white (it stands out with the lighting in most studios).
2. Show up at least 30 minutes early to the time on your ticket. Some shows, especially ones filmed in 30 Rock in Manhattan, do not allow people to line up early, but it is always good convenient to hang around beforehand. All shows are first come, first serve.
3. Shut your cellphone off when inside the studio. The pages and security will tell you this, but I have to reiterate this because taking your phone out will get you kicked out.
4. Make sure to bring an extra jacket when attending shows. Most TV studios are cold to ensure that the cameras and other equipment do not overheat.
5. Bear in mind that you are at a TV show, not a concert. Sometimes the hosts will ask for audience participation, but for the most part it is highly discouraged and considered rude to call out during an interview or anytime someone is talking.
Attending TV shows is a fun process and can be simple to achieve if you do your research. Try it yourself