Catch it Live
New York City has always been a popular place for films, documentaries and weekly television dramas. But, that's not all that's taking place in the city that never sleeps. Today, an increasing number of daytime and late night shows are taped here live. In addition the popularity and success of many shows on the food network have brought celebrity chefs to the gastronomical capital in search of a good live audience. Whether it's late night comedy, popular cooking shows or early morning news and talk shows that you prefer, plan to attend a live studio taping during your next visit. Here is a partial list of television shows currently taping in New York City and some tips on how to go about getting tickets.
Good Morning America
ABC Studios
44th Street and Broadway
212-580-5176
This popular morning show hosted by Diane Sawyer tapes Monday-Friday and airs from 7am-9am. To obtain tickets to be in the live audience, complete an on-line form at www.abcnews.go.com/gma/story?id=144752. All ages are welcome, however, for security, a picture I.D. is required for each member of your party.
 The Late Show with Dave Letterman
CBS Ed Sullivan Theater
1697 Broadway (at 54th Street)
lateshowaudience.com
See the stage on which the Beatles first appeared and enjoy one of today's wackiest late night talk show hosts. There are several ways to get tickets to this popular groupie show: 1.) Visit the box office Monday through Friday from 9:30 am - 12:30 pm or Saturday and Sunday from 10-6. There is no charge for the tickets that are given out in lottery fashion. 2.) Request tickets on line at www.cbs.com. 3.) Obtain tickets (if available) on the actual day of taping by calling 212-247-6497 at 11:00 am. The show tapes at 5:30 pm Monday-Wednesday and 4:30 - 7:00 pm on Thursday.
The Daily Show With John Stewart
The Comedy Network
523 West 54th Street
This show airs on Comedy Central at 11:00 pm EST. Taping, however, occurs at 5:45pm. Tickets must be obtained in advance and there is no guarantee of admission even with a ticket. Reserve tickets on line at www.comedycentral.com/shows. Must be 18 or older.
 Late Night With Conan O'Brien
NBC Studios
30 Rockefeller Plaza
To obtain tickets call 212 664-3056. There is a four ticket limit per request and guests must be 16 or older to attend. Stand-by tickets are available at 9:00 am on the day of taping. Simply go to the 49th Street entrance (between 5th & 6th Avenues).
Saturday Night Live
NBC Studios
30 Rockefeller Plaza
This cult classic introduced more comedians that went on to succeed in the business than perhaps any other show in history, including Eddie Murphy, Jane Curtin, Gilda Radner, Phil Hartman, Dan Aykroyd, Dennis Miller, David Spade, Jamie Fox, Dana Carvey, Chris Rock, Adam Sandler, Chris Farley, Will Ferrell, Mike Myers and more. Today after more than 30 years, it remains the toughest ticket in town. The network accepts email requests once a year in August for the show's next season. To request your tickets email snltickets@nbc.uni.com. You cannot request a specific date and, if you are lucky enough to be picked in the lottery style drawing, tickets will arrive in the mail. Each lottery winner receives two tickets. If you are more the spur of the moment type, go to the box office at 7:00 am and try for stand-by tickets. Tickets may be available for the 8:00 pm rehearsal or the 11:30 pm taping. Guests must be 16 or older to attend. Be aware that stand-by tickets do not guarantee that you will get in.
Live With Regis & Kelly
ABC Studios
67th Street at Columbus Avenue
Many thought that the Regis and Kathy Lee Gifford duo was a partnership that could never be matched ... then came Kelly Ripa. Without as much as a momentary falter, this show continued with one of the highest television ratings. In fact, there is currently a 12-month wait for tickets. If you are both determined and patient send a post card to: Live Tickets, Ansonia Station, P.O. Box 230-077, New York, NY 10023-077. Provide your name, address, phone number, preferred date and the number of tickets desired. If you're not willing to wait that long or don't want to plan that far in advance, stand-by tickets are available at the studio's box office at 7:00 am. You will be issued a stand-by number. That evening, once ticket holders have been seated, stand-bys, with an assigned number, will be admitted on a first come first served basis.
Emeril Live
The Food Network Studio
Chelsea Market
15th Street between 9th & 10th Avenues
Unlike many other New York based television shows that tape within the midtown area, Emeril Live starring renowned chef Emeril Lagasse tapes in a brand new studio built for him at the Chelsea Market. The show tapes Monday-Friday at 4:00 pm and taping lasts 1 1/2 hours. Audience members are asked to arrive 2 - 2 1/2 hours in advance to receive a number. Don't worry, once you receive your ticket there's lots to see at the Chelsea Market. You can even enjoy lunch. Before you know it, it's time for the show to start.
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