Attending a late-night show taping is an exciting experience, and the good news is that tickets to many shows, including The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel Live, are free! However, while tickets don’t have a price, getting them and planning around the taping schedule does require some preparation. Here’s a breakdown of the process and what to expect.
Late Night Show Ticket Costs and Availability
| Show | Ticket Cost | Ticket Process | Minimum Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon | Free | Request via 1iota | 16+ |
| Jimmy Kimmel Live | Free | Request via 1iota | 18+ |
| Late Night with Seth Meyers | Free | Request on 1iota | 16+ |
| The Late Show with Stephen Colbert | Free | Request on 1iota | 16+ |
| Saturday Night Live (SNL) | Free | Lottery (August), Standby tickets | 16+ |
- The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon: Taping takes place at 30 Rockefeller Plaza in NYC. Tickets are free and available through 1iota. Availability is released monthly, and attendees need to be 16 or older. Arriving early ensures a better chance of entry, as tapings are often overbooked to guarantee a full audience.
- Jimmy Kimmel Live: Filmed in Los Angeles, this show also offers free tickets through 1iota. The age requirement is higher, at 18+. Like Fallon’s show, arriving early is crucial, especially since Hollywood’s foot traffic makes spots highly competitive.
- Saturday Night Live (SNL): SNL tickets are the hardest to acquire, available via an annual lottery in August or through limited standby tickets on the day of the show. Both the dress rehearsal and live show are hosted at 30 Rock in NYC. Standby cards are available on Saturday mornings but do not guarantee entry.
Additional Considerations and Costs
- Travel and Lodging: For out-of-town visitors, travel expenses to NYC or LA, along with lodging, can add significant costs. Hotel rates vary but generally start around $150 per night for budget accommodations.
- Parking and Transportation: In New York, parking around Rockefeller Center can cost $20 to $40 daily. Alternatively, subway and bus transportation are affordable options, usually around $2.75 per ride.
- Timing and Standby: It’s recommended to arrive several hours early, as most shows overbook. For The Tonight Show, standby tickets are available on the day of taping at 30 Rock but are first-come, first-served.
For more information, check the official NBC tickets page for Fallon or 1iota’s ticket portal. These sources provide up-to-date details on ticket releases, entry requirements, and standby options.
