How to Attend Live TV Tapings in Los Angeles

In an increasingly homogenized world, attending a live TV taping is one of the few tourist experiences available in only a handful of U.S. cities. And there’s nowhere easier to join the audience of a household-name show than here in Los Angeles!

Witnessing the inner, often surprising workings of televised productions while getting up-close with their celebrity hosts and guests is an unforgettable experience for Angelenos and visitors alike. And tickets are free! Whether you attend a talk show, game show, or talent contest, you’ll never watch TV the same way again.

Here’s how you can apply to join the audience of 10 shows that are produced right here in L.A. – but plan ahead, as many have a waiting list and most fill up fast.

The enormous success of American Idol has transcended television to become a pop culture phenomenon, spawning not only many similar shows but also music stars including Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, and Adam Lambert. You can sign-up to rub shoulders with all the show’s glamor, A-list judges, and star-reaching singers as part of its on-camera audience. Enter your info on the online form and you’ll be notified when tickets are released. Children as young as 12 can attend (accompanied by an adult), with proof of up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination or negative lab PCR test.

Television City (7800 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles 90036)

Created by original American Idol judge Simon Cowell, America’s Got Talent is one of many shows heavily indebted to the Idol format (albeit open to all ages and not restricted to just singing). You can witness its diverse performances and famed judges, including Cowell and actress Sofia Vergara, by signing-up for tickets. There are two ticket distributions each show day, to minimize lines, so be sure to choose only one arrival. If tickets are not yet available for your chosen date or all shows are full, submit your info to be notified when tickets are released. Children aged 8 and older can attend (accompanied by an adult).

Pasadena Civic Auditorium (300 E Green St, Pasadena 91101)

After 16 years of airing on ABC, Dancing with the Stars returns for season 31 exclusively on Disney+. Tyra Banks is joined as host by DWTS season 19 champ, and former Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star, Alfonso Ribeiro. You can apply for tickets to join the show’s all-new cast of celebrity contestants, each paired with a professional dancer, as they compete for judges’ points and audience votes. Be sure to arrive early on the day, as there’s a line to join and entry is first come, first served and not guaranteed. As you’ll be seated up front and close to all the DWTS talent, full, up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination is required.

Television City (7800 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles 90036)

Airing since 1964, Jeopardy! is one of those shows that everyone knows – which makes being in its studio audience even cooler! Tickets for this trivia-fest are free, but also extremely limited and only available on a first come, first served basis. Jeopardy! tapes five shows a day with two different audiences: mornings (10:15 a.m.-2:15 p.m.) and afternoons (2:15 p.m-5:15 p.m.) So be sure you’re a true fan, as you’ll be watching the taping of either two or three episodes. Jeopardy! allows children as young as 8, accompanied by an adult, but remember that tapings take around three hours and may test the patience of youngsters.

Sony Pictures Studios (10202 W Washington Blvd, Culver City 90232)

Long-running late-night talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live! accepts ticket requests for its studio audience and is conveniently filmed right on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. If selected, you’ll need to arrive 30-45 minutes prior to the check-in deadline. Fans are processed on a first come, first served basis and tickets are issued in excess of capacity, so arrive early. Taping typically lasts around 90 minutes. Cellphones, cameras, backpacks etc. will need to be checked with security and retrieved as you exit. You need to be at least 18, fully vaccinated, and remain masked and socially distanced while on site.

El Capitan Entertainment Centre (Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles 90028)

The first winner of American Idol and still among the most famous, Kelly Clarkson has hosted her eponymous variety talk show since 2019. Free tickets to attend a taping of the multiple Emmy Award-winning Kelly Clarkson Show are sometimes available just a week in advance (but don’t bank on it), with 200 tickets released for each of two tapings per day on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and some Fridays. Tapings are at 9:30 a.m. and 1:15 p.m., with the actual filming spanning around 90 minutes. Same day tickets are sometimes available 45 minutes before the listed times from the standby line in Universal City’s Curious George Parking Garage, Level B1.

Universal Studios Hollywood (100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City 91608)

TV’s longest-running game show, The Price Is Right has brightened American homes since 1956. You can play your part in this legendary production, currently hosted by comedian Drew Carey, by signing up for updates on the show’s next season. Tickets are generally released about a month in advance. A “Priority Ticket” guarantees admission as long as you arrive prior to the time on your ticket, while a “General Ticket” is first come, first served (though you’ll normally be admitted if you arrive 30-60 mins early). Group bookings (parties of 15-25 people) should contact groupbooking@ocatv.com for further information.

Television City (7800 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles 90036)

Attending a taping of The Voice is a commitment, requiring ticket holders to join a line outside a full hour in advance and spanning up to six hours at the studio. For Season 22, beginning in September 2022, The Voice welcomes the return of coaches Blake Shelton, John Legend, and Gwen Stefani, plus new coach (and former Fifth Harmony member) Camila Cabello. Tickets for The Voice require attendees to be fully vaccinated and tested for COVID-19, and to wear appropriate face coverings. No phones are permitted. If you can spare an entire day to fill with behind-the-scenes studio memories, The Voice is for you.

Universal Studios Hollywood (100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City 91608)

Pat Sajak and Vanna White form one of the most recognizable and longstanding duos on TV. You can join Pat and Vanna – Wheel of Fortune hosts since 1981 and 1982, respectively – at twice-daily tapings of the classic game show, noon or 3:15 p.m., at Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City. Tickets are often available just days in advance and can be requested for up to four people, age 8 and up. A limited number of VIP seats are available to members of the show’s Wheel Watchers Club. Valid ID and up to date proof of COVID-19 vaccinations/boosters is required to attend. (For larger groups, call 818-772-6788.)

Sony Pictures Studios (10202 W Washington Blvd, Culver City 90232)