How to Become Part of a Studio Audience in Los Angeles

No matter how hard you try, the charm of Hollywood is tough to ignore. You might have claimed that your visit to Los Angeles is all about the art galleries, food scene, and hiking adventures, but let's be honest: Tinseltown intrigues you, too. And you’re not alone in that. There’s no harm in exploring the entertainment industry, one of the city’s biggest draws that has shaped LA’s identity—television.

Embrace that curiosity and grab a literal front-row seat to the action. LA boasts numerous sets for talk shows, game shows, competitive programs, and sitcoms eager for your presence. Seriously! Live TV tapings are a regular occurrence in the City of Angels, and production teams are always on the lookout to fill their studio seats. Not only is it a quintessential LA experience, but it’s also free—plus, in at least one instance, you might even leave with “a brand-new car!”

Here’s how to turn your La La Land dreams into reality by joining a studio audience.

Top Shows to Consider Attending

Daytime talk shows, such as The Jennifer Hudson Show and The Talk, are excellent choices since they air five days a week. Similarly, Jimmy Kimmel Live! is another fantastic option. If late nights aren’t your thing, don’t worry—although the show airs at 11:35 PM PT, it actually films much earlier, around 4:30 PM.

Reality competition shows like American Idol, America’s Got Talent, and Dancing with the Stars also provide tickets to the public, but their schedules are more limited each year. For game shows, The Price Is Right offers an exhilarating experience since audience members can become contestants (just imagine hearing your name followed by those magical words, “Come on down!”). Shows like Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune have live audiences in LA, but contestants must apply well in advance. Lastly, for a taste of scripted TV, attend the taping of a sitcom like Lopez vs Lopez, The Conners, or Night Court.

Timing Your Visit for a Taping

Most shows begin their new seasons in the fall, making it an ideal time to visit if you want to explore a variety of options. Early spring is also a great time for tapings, especially for fans of American Idol.

How to Obtain Tickets

You can secure free tickets online up to two months in advance of filming. The shows mentioned earlier provide tickets through platforms like 1iota or On Camera Audiences (just click on the show titles). Talk shows typically list their daily guests, which might influence your choice of date.

Keep in mind that having a ticket does not guarantee admission. Most shows tend to overbook, anticipating that some attendees won't show up. If everyone does arrive and you’re late, you might be turned away. It’s wise to arrive at least 30 minutes before the check-in time.

How to Get Same-Day Tickets

While it’s always best to secure tickets well ahead of time, many shows also offer a standby line for those feeling adventurous. If seats open up, you might just get lucky! Make sure to adhere to all audience guidelines in case you get a chance to enter.

Audience Guidelines

Most shows require attendees to be at least 16 or 18 years old. You’ll need to present a government-issued ID showing your birthdate, such as a driver’s license or passport. Additionally, some shows, particularly sitcoms, may ask you to leave your cell phone at home.

Best Ways to Reach the Venue

Most filming takes place in Burbank, Universal City, Pasadena, Studio City, and Hollywood. If you're on LA's Westside, be prepared for heavy traffic to these areas. It's wise to plan ahead and allow extra time for parking. You'll likely need to pay to park in a nearby garage.

What to Anticipate as an Audience Member

Be prepared to bring your enthusiasm and cheer wholeheartedly. Not only will you enjoy a behind-the-scenes glimpse, but many productions have a dedicated team member whose role is to energize the audience between takes.

At talk shows, the host often comes out to engage with the audience before filming begins. However, if you’re hoping for an autograph, don't count on it—there's typically no time for personal meet-and-greets, as the entire taping usually lasts only 60 to 90 minutes.

Sitcom tapings tend to be longer (though they also don't offer autograph chances) and can extend three hours or more, as scenes are frequently adjusted on the fly. Bring a book for any waiting periods and snacks, if permitted by production.

Dress Code for Taping

Studios often have a chilly atmosphere (to counteract the heat from stage lights), so consider bringing a light jacket or sweater. If you’re attending a talk show or game show with visible audience shots, you may be asked to wear plain, bright clothing without logos to enhance crowd visuals. Check your e-ticket for any specific dress code details.

What to do if no productions are happening

Even if you visit LA during the off-season, you can still soak up some TV magic. The Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood might have its cheesy moments (featuring a video narration by Jimmy Fallon and some special effects), but it's more than just a tourist trap. You'll catch glimpses of backlots where iconic shows like Beverly Hills 90210, CSI, and Knight Rider were filmed, and where current TV productions are still taking place. Similarly, Warner Bros. offers a studio tour showcasing backlots designed to mimic NYC (previously used for ER and The Big Bang Theory) as well as small-town America (featured in Gilmore Girls and Pretty Little Liars). Don’t forget to take a picture in front of the actual fountain from the opening credits of Friends and relax at the real Central Perk set.