Introduction
Getting tickets to see a live taping of Late Night with Seth Meyers can be a fun and exciting experience. As one of the most popular late night talk shows on NBC, seating is limited and tickets are given away for free, making them highly coveted. While getting tickets is competitive, there are ways to increase your chances to see Seth Meyers and his hilarious show in person. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to get tickets to Late Night with Seth Meyers.
Ways to Get Tickets
There are a few different ways you can get tickets to see a Live taping of Late Night with Seth Meyers:
Join the Ticket Lottery
The most common way to get tickets is to enter the show’s ticket lottery. You can enter the lottery on the show’s website. They accept lottery entries for a specific date about a month in advance. For example, in early September you can enter for tickets in early October.
To enter, you’ll need to provide some basic information including your name, email address, phone number, and the number of tickets you want. The maximum number of tickets you can request is 4.
The lottery entries close about 3 weeks before the show date. At that point, the show randomly selects winners to receive ticket vouchers. If you’re selected, they’ll email you a voucher 2 to 3 weeks before the show. You need to bring the voucher with you to the taping to get your tickets.
Each month, thousands enter the lottery, so winning is competitive. But entering each month gives you an ongoing chance.
Standby Tickets
If you’re willing to take a risk, you can try for standby tickets on the day of the show. A limited number of unclaimed tickets are given away on a first-come, first-served basis.
To get standby tickets, you need to go to the show’s studio in person in the early morning on the day of taping. Go to the standby ticket line and put your name on the list. Arrive as early as possible, as the line gets very long.
Standby tickets are handed out 30-60 minutes before the show starts. You’ll need to wait in line all day, so come prepared. Bring things to keep you comfortable and entertained – like a chair, snacks, books, etc.
The big risk with standby tickets is nothing is guaranteed. You could wait all day and still not get a ticket. But if you’re determined, it’s an option.
Audience Coordinators
Some TV production audience coordinators will give away sets of tickets. The show distributes tickets to these groups to give away to interested fans.
You can find out which audience coordinator services have Late Night tickets by googling something like “Late Night with Seth Meyers audience tickets.” You’ll find services you can subscribe to that will email you ticket offers when they have them available.
The tickets distributed this way are very limited. Often the services require a paid monthly subscription, with no guarantee of getting tickets. But it’s one more option to try.
TV Fan Clubs
Similar to audience coordinators, some TV fan clubs or Meetup groups will occasionally have Seth Meyers tickets to distribute to members. These are groups dedicated to TV fans, live tapings, and behind-the-scenes access.
You can find groups like this on Meetup.com or other websites. Join the groups and keep an eye out for any ticket announcements. Again this option is limited, but worth monitoring in case tickets become available.
Special Connections
If you have any special connections to the show through family, friends, work, etc. you may be able to get tickets that way. For example, if you know someone who works on the show’s staff, they may be able to help you get seats.
Let anyone you know connected to the show that you’re interested in tickets. Be polite in your request – don’t assume tickets will be available. But if they are able to share ticket connections, this inside track could be your ticket in.
Ticket Voucher Details
If you’re one of the lucky lottery winners (or get a ticket through another method), here are the important details to know for your show ticket voucher:
Voucher is for Specific Date
The voucher is valid only for the specific show date listed. You can’t transfer it to another date. Make sure you can attend that date before accepting the voucher.
Arrive Early
You must arrive at the studio by 4pm on the show date to get your tickets. Get there earlier to make sure you have plenty of time.
IDs Required
Bring valid photo ID for yourself and any guests. Your party must be together to exchange the voucher for tickets. Names must match the original lottery entry.
Dress for TV Crowd
Wear stylish, nice-looking clothes and avoid busy patterns or logos. You’ll be on TV sitting directly behind Seth’s desk!
No Cameras/Phones
No cameras or recording devices are allowed in the studio. Phones must be silenced and stowed away during taping.
Following these voucher instructions carefully is key to having a smooth ticket pickup and taping experience.
Attending Taping Day
Once you secure your tickets, here are some tips for attending:
Arrive by 4pm
Get to 30 Rockefeller Plaza at least 30 minutes before the 4pm ticket cutoff time. Give yourself a buffer in case of traffic, delays, etc. Remember that your entire party must be together to check in.
No Bags Allowed
Don’t bring large bags, purses, backpacks, etc. Small clutch purses are ok but expect a search. Leave prohibited items at your hotel or in your car.
Check-In with Security
Have your photo ID and ticket voucher ready. Go through the security checkpoint when you enter the building.
Get Tickets
After security, proceed to the ticket pickup table. They’ll exchange your voucher for physical show tickets.
Studio Entry
A Late Night page will lead you to the studio entrance. Have tickets ready to show staffers. You’ll be escorted to your seats.
Before Taping
A warm-up comedian will entertain the audience before Seth comes out. Enjoy the upbeat atmosphere and laughs before showtime!
During Taping
Have fun! Clap and laugh enthusiastically. Avoid wearing busy patterns or logos to look best on camera sitting behind Seth’s desk. Be an engaged, lively audience!
After Show
Stay until dismissed – there may be additional takes or pickups after the main taping wraps. Then staff will lead you out of the studio.
Increase Your Odds
As mentioned before, getting Late Night tickets is competitive. But you can take steps to improve your chances:
Request Maximum Tickets
When entering the ticket lottery, request the maximum 4 tickets. This gives you a better chance of winning since you take up 4 spots in the lottery.
Enter Every Month
Don’t get discouraged if you don’t win at first. Enter the lottery every single month to increase your overall odds over time. Consistently entering is key.
Be Flexible
Increase your chances by entering for various dates, not just one specific show. Applying to more taping dates gives you multiple shots.
Check All Options
Don’t rely only on the lottery. Check standby tickets, audience coordinators, and fan clubs regularly for other avenues to get tickets. Cast a wide net.
Act Quickly
If you win the lottery, respond right away to secure your voucher. Same with any ticket offers that come your way. Act fast so you don’t miss out.
Try Off-Season
Consider trying for tickets in the summer when shows go on hiatus and Studios do renovations. Less tourists in NYC then, so less competition.
Follow Social Media
Sometimes Late Night will announce special ticket giveaways on their social media pages. So follow Seth on Twitter, Facebook, etc.
Alternative Ways to See a Taping
If Late Night isn’t working out, try for tickets to these other NYC-based talk shows. The processes are similar:
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
Jimmy Fallon’s Tonight Show tapes at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, in the same building as Late Night. You can also request tickets via their online lottery.
The Daily Show with Trevor Noah
The comedy central news show tapes at 733 11th Ave. Request tickets on their website starting 30 days before a taping date.
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
John Oliver tapes at 507 W. 27th St. Email [email protected] to enter the ticket lottery 3-4 weeks in advance.
Trying for these shows as well improves your chances of seeing a NYC show taping live.
Have Fun Seeing Seth Meyers Live!
Seeing Late Night with Seth Meyers in person is a truly memorable experience. Following this guide, being persistent, and staying flexible will help you snag coveted tickets. With some luck and effort, you’ll soon be sitting in the studio audience cheering on Seth!