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Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Photograph: Courtesy Disney/Randy HolmesSnoop Dogg and Jimmy Kimmel

Find the best live TV show tickets in Los Angeles for free

Trade your couch for a seat at Jimmy Kimmel, ‘The Voice’ and more with our guide to the best live TV show tickets in L.A.

Written by
Danielle Torres
&
Kai Oliver-Kurtin
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Looking to catch the live taping of your favorite talk show or competition? Lucky for you, there’s a pretty good chance it’s filmed in Los Angeles, and if there’s a live studio audience you can bet that there’s a way to get free tickets for a filming. We’ve rounded up TV shows to watch live in studios from Hollywood to Culver City, along with tips for procuring free taping tickets. (We’ve also got you covered on the best hotels in Los Angeles if you’re visiting from out of town.)

Some shows permit day-of standby lists for any last-minute planners, but it’s always best to try and reserve tickets in advance. Tickets are typically non-transferrable, so make sure to bring your ID. Many shows ask for audience participation in the form of cheering and clapping, so don’t be surprised if your involvement is bigger than that of a seat filler. Depending on the series, audience members may be able to bring cell phones into the studio, but some will direct you to leave your devices behind. On the flip side, for some programs you may have an opportunity to interact with the host—so come camera-ready.

Snag a seat on the set of Jimmy Kimmel or American Idol with our guide to getting TV show tickets in L.A. Be sure to check the ticket websites for updates on hiatus schedules and more.

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Talk show tapings

The Jennifer Hudson Show
Photograph: Courtesy Chris Millard/Warner Bros.

The Jennifer Hudson Show

You first heard her powerful voice on American Idol before she captivated listeners on the radio, Broadway and even the big screen. Her unwavering talent has earned her a membership to the ultra-exclusive EGOT club. Adding to her list of accolades is the host of her very own The Jennifer Hudson Show. With celebrity appearances, giveaways, music and community heroes, this Daytime Emmy-nominated show has audiences in for a real treat. The one-hour show films five times per week at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank.

Taping times:
Most weekdays Mon–Fri, TBA

Location:
Warner Bros. Studios
400 Warner Blvd., Burbank

The Talk
Photograph: Courtesy Cliff Lipson/CBS

The Talk

Led by TV personalities Amanda Kloots, Akbar Gbajabiamila, Natalie Morales, Jerry O’Connell and Sheryl Underwood, this Daytime Emmy Award-winning talk show is not to be missed. From pop culture to current events, family, trending topics and everything in between, these five hosts cover it all with engaging discussions—often featuring celebrity guests who join in on the fun.

Taping times:
Typically Mon–Thu, 9:45am

Location:
Radford Studio Center
4024 Radford Ave, Studio City

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Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Photograph: Courtesy Disney/Randy Holmes

Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Attend a taping of Emmy Award-winning ABC late-night talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live! to see a diverse lineup of guests including celebrities, athletes, comedians and more. The show has comedian and host Kimmel sussing out his take on pop culture topics and events in the news. Scope out the schedule for musical guests and performances. For day-of tickets, a standby line forms in front of the studio about 90 minutes before call time.

Taping times:
Typically Mon–Thu, 3:45pm

Location
El Capitan Entertainment Centre
6840 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles

After Midnight
Photograph: Courtesy Ramona Rosales/CBS

After Midnight

You’ve likely seen comedian Taylor Tomlinson’s Netflix stand-ups or even caught her live on tour. Now, she’s the late-night host of CBS’ After Midnight, a spiritual successor to @midnight that pokes fun at what captures the internet’s attention. Each episode, expect a low-stakes competition between three witty guests from the world of entertainment, comedy, music and beyond. You must be 18 years or older to sit in on the live audience.

Taping Times:
Typically Mon–Wed, Sun at 3:15pm

Location:
Paramount Studios
898 N Gower St, Los Angeles

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Real Time with Bill Maher
Photograph: Courtesy HBO

Real Time with Bill Maher

Immerse yourself in the pulse of politics, current affairs and entertainment as Maher and his guests tackle the most pressing issues, making HBO’s roundtable conversation a must-attend event for those who crave engaging discourse. Be prepared for bold-faced opinions and insights. Reserve tickets online or call 323-575-4321.

Taping times:
Typically Friday, 5:30pm

Location:
Television City
7800 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles 

Competition show tapings

The Voice

The Voice

Settle in for a one-to-four-hour taping at this music competition show, where celebrity judges (season 25 brings John Legend, Reba McEntire, Chance the Rapper and Dan + Shay) look for the strongest vocalists in the U.S. The show progresses in four different stages: blind auditions, a battle phase, the playoffs competition and the live performance shows. Warm up your own voice before you get there because they’re looking for fans who are willing to scream and yell loudly for performances they like (and don’t like).

Taping times:
2024 info TBA

Location:
Various studio locations
Los Angeles

America’s Got Talent
Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/Jim Larrison

America’s Got Talent

Witness some of America’s top talent, from musicians, comedians and dancers to magicians, acrobats and more hopeful stars, at one of the live tapings in Los Angeles. This past season, the show welcomed host Terry Crews, along with celebrity judges Howie Mandel, Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum and Sofia Vergara. Cheer, gasp and awe at contestants vying for their chance to win America’s hearts and the $1 million prize.

Taping times:
TBA

Location:
Pasadena Civic Auditorium
300 E Green St, Pasadena

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The Price is Right
Photograph: Courtesy Cliff Lipson/CBS

The Price is Right

If you’ve ever spent a sick day in front of the TV, you already know everything about this storied game show. Fervent fans start lining up at Haven Studios (the show had long shot at Television City but recently relocated to the edge of Glendale) hours before tapings in order to be screened. Expect the audience to be filled with a range of folks, from college students from the Midwest to grandparents who watch the show religiously.

Taping times:
Typically Mon–Wed, 8am, noon, 2:30pm

Location: 
Haven Studios
4561 W Colorado Blvd, Los Angeles

American Idol
Photograph: Courtesy ABC/Eric McCandless

American Idol

The nationwide search for the country’s top vocalists have begun, and now you can catch the top singers during the live studio audience shows starting in the spring. With host Ryan Seacrest and judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan, the show continues its 22nd season in its quest to find the next American Idol. Be on the lookout for taping times and available tickets. 

Taping times:
TBA

Location: 
TBA
Los Angeles

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Jeopardy!
Photograph: Courtesy Tyler Golden

Jeopardy!

America’s favorite trivia show has everyone’s friends, parents and grandparents gathering around the couch for game night. The longtime show, which first aired back in 1964 and was hosted for decades by the late Alex Trebek, tapes right here in Los Angeles. Now, Jeopardy! has a new host running the show: Ken Jennings, who had a 74-game steak on the series, winning over $2.5 million and making him the highest-winning player in regular season play. Be prepared to catch a taping of two or three episodes, as they usually tape five shows per day with two different audiences.

Taping times:
Typically Mon–Fri, 10am, 2pm

Location:
Sony Pictures Studios
3970 Overland Ave, Culver City

Dancing With the Stars
Photograph: Courtesy Disney/Eric McCandless

Dancing With the Stars

Watch your favorite celebrities waltz, cha-cha and tango across the stage in Hollywood’s star-packed dance competition, Dancing With the Stars. You can witness these dance-offs live in the audience and witness the pulsating energy, hypnotizing ballroom, and music that'll make you want to dance in your seat. This long-running show has captivated audiences since 2005. Be sure to join the waitlist for upcoming season tickets and check for show updates including the all-star cast to be announced.

Taping Times:
TBA

Location:
Television City
7800 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles 

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