Score some cheap tickets to New York City and then get prepped to see some of your favorite TV shows as a member of a live studio audience.  I've attended quite a few tapings of shows, myself, and they have been some of the most fun and memorable experiences I've had (including an almost guaranteed chance to get fairly up close and personal to your favorite celebrities!).  

  

In general, although all TV audience tickets are free, they tend to sell out quickly, so get your tickets as soon as you know you are heading to the Big Apple.  Be cautious on minimum ages, these activities might be best for taking your older teens and collage age kids to!  Here's a few of NYC's best shows to enjoy with your older teens:

 

106 & Park 

To snag tickets to this Rap and R&B music video countdown show that runs on BET, head to bet.com and fill out the online form.  Kids 16 and up can attend the taping, which is actually not taped at 106 & Park.  

  

Bethenny

Teens over 16 will love watching Bethenny Frankel (Real Housewives of New York City) in her syndicated daytime talk show covering love, beauty, and pop culture. Head to bethenny.com to request tickets.

 

Dr. Oz

For those interested in health, The Dr. Oz Show covers all health related topics in a fun, engaging atmosphere. Tickets are available on doctoroz.com and day-of-the-show standby tickets are available starting at 8am on taping days outside the NBC Studios at 30 Rockefeller Center.

  

Good Morning America

Every Monday-Friday, GMA tapes in front of a live audience in Times Square.  If current events, fun recipes, and news are your kids' thing, you can get yours at abcnews.com/GMA.

 

Late Night with Jimmy Fallon

Fans of Fallon's late night comedy shticks and popular celebs will love tickets to Jimmy Fallon.  Tickets should be requested at least a 6 weeks in advance or check for day-of-show standby tickets at 30 Rock each morning before 9am.  Other opportunities include attending Fallon's live audience monologue rehearsal, or even snagging a seat on the Band Bench to be up-close-and-personal to your favorite live band.  Visit latenightwithjimmyfallon.com for more information or follow @LateNightJimmy on twitter for ticket updates.  (17)

  

Late Show with David Letterman 

A CBS staple since the early 90s, David Letterman hosts celebrity guests and offers his angle of comedy with his famous Top Ten Lists and Stupid Human Tricks.  Visit cbs.com for tickets or head to the Ed Sullivan Theater box office for same day lottery tickets weekday mornings at 9:30am. (18)

  

Live! with Kelly & Michael

Not exactly a kid favorite, I've included this show in the lineup because the minimum age is so low.  Kids as young as 10 may attend with a parent or guardian.  Request your tickets a year in advance.

 

Saturday Night Live

This famous live comedy show is one of the most popular in NYC.  Snagging tickets here is only available through a lottery and you can't pick your show date.  If the stars allign and you are able to make it to a taping, you are in for a treat.  If they don't, try to get a standby ticket by being the first in line at 7am on taping days.  Dress rehearsals are also ticketed events. (16)

 

The Colbert Report

Comedy Central's political parody show, The Colbert Report, generates a lot of interest and shows tend to sell out quickly.  Standby tickets are available on the day of the show in case of no-shows from ticket holders, but there is no guarantee.  Head to colbertnation.com to try to score your tickets!  Good luck! (18)

 

Personal Note: I would probably give my right leg to score tickets to this show.  If anyone reading this wants to fly me from west to east coast to sit in on a taping of the Colbert Report, I would be thrilled! 🙂  

  

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart

The original nighttime political comedy show, Jon Stewart comments on American politics, pop culture, and entertainment each night.  Just like The Colbert Report, snagging tickets can be a challenge, but head to thedailyshow.com to try your shot. (18)

 

Personal Note: My left leg.

 

The Rachael Ray Show 

Culinary teens 16 and up will love watching Rachael Ray cook, eat, and host celebrity guests.  Rachaelrayshow.com has information on tickets and standby seats are available on a limited basis.  

 

Today

Although not typically known for focusing on kid's programming, the Today Show is one of your best bets at snagging some dedicated camera time as visitors have the chance to stand in front of the camera during segments.  And since no tickets are required, advance planning is completely unnecessary!  Head to 30 Rock between 7am-11am to try to sneak your way into view.

 

Who Wants to Be a Millionaire

This fun game show gets you in the game as the contestants have the chance to poll the audience for assistance with questions.  If your whole party is 18 or over, dadt.com offers free audience tickets for this syndicated show.

 

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Photo credit: goodrob13