NBC Studios

Located in Rockefeller Plaza, NBC Studios is home to hit shows such as The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Late Night with Seth Meyers, Saturday Night Live, and more. There are a variety of attractions worth checking out at NBC Studios which are especially relevant to communications students because of the first-hand look they give into the broadcasting world.

First, you can try to attend a taping of a show. There are varying levels of difficulty to obtain tickets to a taping depending on the show. Tickets for late night talk shows can be acquired online in the first week of the month before the show you wish to see, or you can try your luck by waiting in the in-person standby line. You’re likely to see a moderate amount of success with either tactic, and it is definitely an unforgettable experience. We were able to secure tickets online to The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon which was hilarious and after the show he gave us all hugs!

Obtaining tickets to Saturday Night Live is a little bit more difficult. You can either request to be entered into their ticket lottery via email, but they take all requests for the whole year during the month of August only. The more likely way to obtain tickets is to wait in the standby line the morning of the show. Starting at 7 A.M. they give out numbers based on your order in the line and asked to return at 7 P.M. This number then determines the order in which you will receive any extra tickets when you return. Your best bet to actually get into the show is to show up very early or even camp out the night before. It’s a big commitment, but it’s worth it.

For more information of which shows are filmed at NBC Studios and how to attend a taping visit the following link: http://www.nbc.com/tickets-and-nbc-studio-tour

Another worthwhile thing to do at NBC Studios is to take the NBC Studio Tour. This is a much simpler process which only requires buying tickets online. The tour gives an inside look at TV production and distribution. While you’re there, you should also check out the NBC Store, which features merchandise from your favorite NBC shows like Friends posters and SNL T-shirts. The store is open to the public though, not just those who take the tour.