Editor's Note: This article was updated on August 2, 2023.

Rockefeller Center is where NBC comedy shines. The television giant has been a 30 Rockefeller Plaza mainstay since the early 1930s, and it’s helped usher in several eras in comedy. Some of NBC’s most notable shows — Saturday Night Live, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and Late Night with Seth Meyers — are filmed right on campus. But how do you land a coveted spot in the studio audience to watch the shows live? Each show has its own ticketing system and in-the-know tricks, so we put together this guide to give you your best shot at landing a seat.

Note: For all shows at NBC Studios, audience members must be at least 16 years of age, whether or not a guardian is present. A valid photo ID is required upon arrival; guests without proper documentation will not be admitted. Tickets are complimentary and may not be sold or auctioned.

Saturday Night Live

Getting into SNL is no easy feat, but the first and simplest strategy is to enter the SNL ticket lottery. To enter, send an email to [email protected] with your first and last name and why you want to be a part of the show's studio audience. If selected, you’ll receive a set number of tickets for a random date and time. The lottery for the 2023-2024 season is now open and will run until 11:59pm EST on August 31, 2023. Emails submitted after the ticket lottery window will not be considered and entering the lottery does not guarantee tickets.

If you're successful, consider yourself one of the lucky few. If not, there's still another way. There’s a virtual standby reservation line available to fans that is open from 10am to 5pm EST the Thursday of a show week. To enter, email the address provided above with your first and last name and the first and last names of up to three others. (You may only request up to four standby tickets.)

Timing is everything with this method — and it requires a little footwork. Emails sent before 10am and after 5pm EST will not be considered, and only the first 500 requests will be sent a reservation number. These numbers are issued in the order they’re received. If you’re one of the chosen ones, you’ll have to check in at the in-person standby line under the 49th Street NBC Studios Marquee between 6pm and 7pm EST the Friday of a show week with your reservation. Everyone in your party must be present, and any member who isn’t will forfeit their place in line. Standby cards are handed out at 7am EST the Saturday of a show, and you can then choose whether you want to attend the 8pm dress rehearsal or 11:30pm live broadcast. Standby cards, however, do not guarantee admission.

The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

Your chances are a little better with The Tonight Show, but you'll still have to stay on your toes. First, sign up at 1iota to stay up-to-date on show and ticket availability. You can also follow the official @FallonTix Twitter account for ticket release updates.

You can then apply for free tickets to a live taping by going to tonightshowtix.com, where all available dates are listed on a calendar. After applying, you’ll be automatically placed on a waitlist and if selected for the broadcast, you’ll be contacted by 1iota.

If this doesn't work out, there’s also a standby option. Standby cards are available in the Shop at NBC Studios located at 30 Rockefeller Plaza via the 6th Avenue entrance. Standby cards are distributed between 10am and 3pm EST the day of a show on a first-come, first-served basis. Just like Saturday Night Live, standby cards do not guarantee admittance.

Late Night with Seth Meyers

If you’ve got The Tonight Show ticketing process down, then you’re already ahead of the game for Late Night. Head to the official Late Night 1iota website and use your login to stay apprised of show dates and apply for tickets. After applying, you’ll be placed on the waitlist. If the show can fulfill your ticket request, you'll be contacted through 1iota.

Standby cards are also available every morning from 9am to 10am EST at the Greeter Stand located in the center of the 30 Rockefeller Plaza lobby. After 10am EST, standby cards will be available in the Shop at NBC Studios until 1:30pm.

For more information on attending the above shows and more, head to the NBC Studios ticketing page.