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Photograph: Courtesy FOX Broadcasting Co/Adam RoseSo You Think You Can Dance?

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

Trade your couch for an in-person seat at Ellen, Dr. Phil and more with our guide to the best live TV show tickets in LA

Written by
Time Out contributors
,
Danielle DiMeglio
&
Kai Oliver-Kurtin
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Looking to catch the live taping of your favorite sitcom, 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 be prepared to show 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 show, audience members may be able to bring cell phones into the studio, but some will direct you to leave your devices behind. Depending on the show and your seats, you may even have an opportunity to interact with the host  so come camera-ready.

Snag a seat on the set of Ellen or Family Feud with our guide to getting TV show tickets in L.A. Be sure to check the ticket websites for updates on hiatus schedules, vaccination requirements, COVID protocols and more. 

RECOMMENDED: 29 Los Angeles attractions for tourists and natives alike 

Talk show tapings

The Ellen DeGeneres Show

The Ellen DeGeneres Show

You love her, your mom loves her, quite frankly, everyone loves Ellen. It’s no surprise, then, that her daytime talk show—packed with celebrity guests and generous giveaways—is one of the toughest tickets to score in town. Check out the tapings calendar and request an audience ticket online where a representative from the show will confirm your booking. Try to check show dates as early as possible, especially for Ellen's 12 Days of Giveaways.

Taping times:
Typically Mon–Thu, 4pm

Location: 
Warner Bros. Studios
4000 Warner Blvd, Burbank

Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Attend a taping at Jimmy Kimmel Live Studios 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 Theater
6838 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles

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The Late Late Show with James Corden
Photograph: Courtesy The Late Late Show/CBS

The Late Late Show with James Corden

British comedian—and Carpool Karaoke king—James Corden hosts CBS’ after-hours chat-show featuring celebrity guests from screen and stage. Given that James Corden and the cast just celebrated their 1,000th show (with guest Mariah Carey and a performance from BTS, no less), it's no surprise these tickets are so in-demand. Typically, day-of standby tickets are doled out on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 3pm.


Taping times:
Typically Mon–Fri, 4pm

Location:
CBS Television City
7800 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles

Real Time with Bill Maher
Photograph: Courtesy Real Time with Bill Maher/HBO

Real Time with Bill Maher

Get political in the audience for HBO’s roundtable conversation moderated by host Bill Maher. Each episode features a mix of bold-faced names from the week’s news and pop culture, ready to share bold opinons. Audience members must be a minimum age of 16 and parents are advised that the material can get a bit mature for young ears. Reserve tickets online or call 323-575-4321.

Taping times:
Typically Friday, 5:30pm

Location:
CBS Television City
7800 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles 

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Dr. Phil
Photograph: Courtesy CBS

Dr. Phil

Things get real on the set of Dr. Phil’s raw talk show, where the psychologist attempts to help people through mental health problems, behavioral issues, relationships and more. Due to the material, audiences must be over the age of 18 (16 with a parent present).

Taping times:
Typically Mon–Wed, 8am

Location:
Paramount Studios
5555 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles

The Kelly Clarkson Show
Photograph: Courtesy The Kelly Clarkson Show/NBC

The Kelly Clarkson Show

The Grammy Award-winning singer spearheads this hour-long talkshow, which draws top actors, musicians, comedians, chefs and personalities for candid conversation and laughs. And when the original American Idol is hosting a show, you can bet there's going to be live performances to boot— often featuring Clarkson herself. Check the show schedule online for details on celebrity guests and tapings.

Taping times:
Mon-Thu, 8:45am (early show) and 12:30pm (late show)

Location: 
NBC Universal
1000 Universal Studios, Universal City

Competition show tapings

The Voice

The Voice

Settle in for a one-to-four-hour taping at this music competition show, where celebrity judges (last season had veteran Blake Shelton, Kelly Clarkson, John Legend and new judge Ariana Grande) 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). Be on the lookout for details on the 2022 season.


Taping times:
Days and times vary depending on rounds (typically Mon–Thu)

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:
Typically Tuesdays and Wednesdays (3pm or 7pm)

Location:
Dolby Theatre
6801 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood

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The Price is Right

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 CBS Television City hours before both tapings in order to be screened. Expect the audience to be filled with a range: college students from the Midwest to grandparents who watch the show religiously. Be on the lookout for upcoming season dates.

Taping times:
Days vary (typically Mon–Thu), TBA

Location: 
CBS Television City
7800 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles 

American Idol
Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/Josh Hallett

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 20th season in its quest to find the next American Idol.

Taping times:
Days and times vary

Location: 
CBS Television City
7800 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles

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Family Feud
Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/Katie Morrow

Family Feud

Steve Harvey’s lively game show invites two teams of families to face off in groups of five to see who can guess the most number of matching answers to general survey questions. The winner of the first competition rounds have a chance to win thousands of dollars in the Fast Money phase. Ticket dates will be announced early 2022 for the upcoming season.

Taping times:
TBA

Location: 
NBC Universal
1000 Universal Studios, Universal City

So You Think You Can Dance?
Photograph: Courtesy FOX Broadcasting Co/Adam Rose

So You Think You Can Dance?

Temporarily on hiatus

Experience this fierce, energy-packed dance competition from the seat of a live studio taping. You’ll witness the skills, passion and talent of top contenders, from intimate audition phases to the finale. The show has a casted audience, so be sure to check the website for details before requesting tickets. 

Taping times:
TBA

Location: 
CBS Television City
7800 Beverly Blvd, Hollywood

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