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Popular Kid-Friendly Shows that Tape in NYC

Live with Kelly and Mark – Soho

Recommended ages: This family-friendly talk show, filmed at 7 Hudson Square, allows children ages 10 and up (accompanied by an adult) to attend tapings. According to some reports, Kelly and Mark frequently come out into the audience during commercial breaks, making this an extra fun taping to attend with the kids.
Typical taping schedule: Tapings are made early in the morning (starting around 7:30am) several times a week—the schedule is currently Monday through Wednesday—and sessions last about an hour. You can request tickets for a specific day on 1iota, where you can also see some of the upcoming guests.

Today – Rockefeller Center

Recommended ages: This is the only television taping that's accessible and open to all ages. As a bonus, you don't need tickets—just show up for a chance to watch the taping and potentially be featured in crowd shots.
Typical taping schedule: Today films on weekday mornings in Rockefeller Center. Show up around 6am for a chance to watch the filming live, and be prepared for possible crowds. Standing room only spots are available outside the studio on Rockefeller Plaza, and visitors can glance inside to watch the taping in Studio 1A at 48th Street and Rockefeller Plaza. Anchors head outside to interact with the crowd throughout the show, which ends at 9am. A form is available to fill out ahead of your arrival on the Today website, but completing it doesn't guarantee you a space. Posters are welcome—and might attract a camerperson's gaze! Don't miss out on everything else that Rockefeller Center has to offer for families when you're done here.

Late Night with Seth Meyers – Rockefeller Center

Recommended ages: This late-night show is open to ages 16 and up with an adult—and you must provide an ID with proof of age. Seth Meyers delivers satire on current events and politics, but younger attendees may be more interested in his celebrity guest interviews.
Typical taping schedule: The show is filmed three times a week, sometimes twice a day, but the specific filming days vary week by week. Tapings are done at Studio 8G at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, and although they begin at 4 or 6:30pm, guests must check in up to two hours beforehand. You can join a waitlist for a show day to be notified if you get the tickets.

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert – Midtown Manhattan

Recommended ages: The tapings for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert are open to attendees ages 16 and up attending with a parent or guardian. Like Meyers' show, an ID is required for all guests. Visitors of all ages can enjoy Colbert's humorous take on modern life and current events, and the varied list of guests he presents on his show.
Typical taping schedule: Filmed at the historic Ed Sullivan Theater on Broadway in Midtown Manhattan, this iconic late-night show is officially ending its run in May 2026. This means it's the last chance to sit in for a live Colbert taping, which lasts about two hours on average. Unsurprisingly, many days are fully booked, and at the time of this writing, the first available taping is in October—so, if this is an experience you want to be a part of, you may want to act fast!

Saturday Night Live – Rockefeller Center

Recommended ages: All visitors for the live filming at 30 Rockefeller Plaza must be 16 years old or older, but teens can attend with or without an accompanying adult. The show isn't necessarily "family-friendly," but its hilarious skits and timely satire make it a fun experience for mature teens.
Typical taping schedule: Getting to see a live taping of the iconic 50-year-old (and counting!) show takes much more planning and work, but it's worth it. To participate, keep an eye out for when the annual lottery—for instance, the lottery for the 2025-26 live tapings ran in August and required a written note about why you should be chosen to attend (full instructions on the NBC website). If you missed the lottery, you can enter the standby list each Thursday of a show week on Events Booker for a chance to get to see the live taping. Taping begins at 8pm on Saturdays, but if you receive standby tickets, you'll be required to wait in line from 6pm until midnight on the previous Friday—so it's best to aim for that SNL tickets drawing! See the full details for standby tickets here.

Tamron Hall Show – Hudson Square

Recommended ages: This show features a mix of heartwarming and uplifting stories and guest appearances. Tickets are open to ages 16 and up.
Typical taping schedule: Unlike many of the other live tapings in NYC, Tamron Hall ticket listings show who the guest stars are in advance, so you can request tickets for a day when someone the family loves is featured. Live shoots are held at the ABC Studios on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and last about an hour (plus wait and sign-in time). Hall often records twice a day on those days.

The View – Hudson Square

Recommended ages: Guests must be 16 years or older to attend a taping of The View.
Typical taping schedule: The hosts of The View have the gift of gab, and audience members can catch co-hosts Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Sara Haines, Sunny Hostin, Alyssa Farah Griffin, and Ana Navarro in conversation with big-name celebrities, politicians, and newsmakers four days a week. Tapings last about an hour, and you can view a list of upcoming guests online and request tickets for your desired date.

Audience members at Live with Kelly and Mark are often greeted by the hosts or guests. Photo by Lorenzo Bevilaqua via ABC detpress.com

Getting Tickets for Live Tapings: Tips and Tricks

Getting tickets for live tapings in NYC requires a bit of luck. All live show tickets are completely FREE, but you may have to request tickets for multiple days until you're notified that you've been selected to attend. You can enter the waitlist or request tickets for every show except SNL and Today on 1iota.

It's also worth noting that schedules and availability can change frequently, and you may need to free up time in your day to accommodate a show taping. Always check the official websites, the confirmation email, and e-tickets for the most up-to-date information.

Frequently Asked Questions About NYC TV Tapings for Kids

Why attend an NYC TV taping with kids?
NYC is one of the few places around the US where you can experience the excitement of being part of a live audience during a TV taping. It's a bucket list experience for little New Yorkers that's worth doing with the family at least once.

What should I bring to a live TV taping?
Most filming locations require a state-issued ID to be admitted, even for kids. Indoor locations generally don't permit large bags or food, so all you need to bring is your IDs, tickets, a small bag if you need one, and yourselves.

How long will the show last?
The length varies by show, but it can take anywhere from 1-3 hours to complete a full show taping. Note that audience members are usually not allowed to leave once the taping has started, which is something to note in the very few locations that allow younger kids. Expect the lead-up to the show to take some time, as well, as all audience members are screened and processed.

What should I expect from the live show?
When you're part of a live audience, you become a part of the show as a whole. Some hosts interact with the audience and some don't; either way, your role is to laugh, clap, and react accordingly on cue. Of course, you can also expect to have a great time!

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