How to Get Tickets to See Stephen Colbert Live

Admission is Free, But Reserve Seats in Advance

By
Heather Cross
Heather Cross
Heather Cross is a longtime New York resident who has written about the city since 2002. She is also a travel agent and NYC & Company-certified New York City specialist.
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Updated on 05/26/20
Fact checked by
Jillian Dara
Jillian Dara
Fact checked by Jillian Dara
Emerson College
Jillian Dara is a freelance journalist and fact-checker. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Michelin Guides, Hemispheres, DuJour, and Forbes.
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Stephen Colbert New Marquee Broadway
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Stephen Colbert, of "The Colbert Report" fame, debuted on "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert" in September 2015, following in the footsteps of longtime "Late Show" host David Letterman. If you're going on a trip to New York City and are a fan, you can get tickets to see the show live.

Tickets

You can request free tickets to see "The Late Show." Tickets are generally available three to four weeks in advance. The show releases tickets for one calendar month at a time, so check the website frequently to find newly released tickets, follow the show's social media channels for updates on ticket release dates, or sign up for a free app to receive a push notification once tickets are available. There is a two-ticket limit per request, and you're only allowed to attend a taping once every six months. Guests must be over the age of 16. All attendees need a government-issued photo ID for entry; the person who reserved the tickets must have a government-issued ID with a name matching the reservation to claim the tickets.

This show is virtually always sold out (meaning ticket requests are all booked) well in advance, and it is impossible to get day-of-show tickets. You must plan well ahead if you want to see Colbert live.

Location

The show tapes nightly at the Ed Sullivan Theater at 1697 Broadway, between 53rd and 54th streets. The closest subways are the N/Q/R trains to the 57th/7th Avenue stop and the B/D/E trains to the 7th Avenue stop.

Attending the Show

  • "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert " typically tapes Monday through Wednesday.
  • The show tapes at 5 p.m. and generally lasts until about 7 p.m. The line-up for ticket-holders begins at 3 p.m., and you must arrive no later than 4:00 p.m. or you risk having your spot given to someone on the standby line. All tapings are overbooked, and you are not guaranteed a ticket, so getting in line as early as possible is a must.
  • Large packages, shopping bags, backpacks, and suitcases are not permitted in the studio, so make sure to drop off your belongings at your hotel before you arrive. Small purses are allowed.
  • The dress code for the show is described thusly: "Your mom might see you on TV" casual. Bring along a sweater or jacket if you're attending a taping since they keep the studios pumped full of refrigerated air.
  • You are not allowed to use cell phones, cameras, or other recording devices while in the studio. If you do, you risk having them confiscated or being asked to leave the theater.
  • Food and beverages are not permitted inside the taping.
  • You must stay for the entire show.
  • If a show gets canceled for any reason, ticket holders will be notified via e-mail or phone by the Late Show staff. 

What to Do Before or After You Attend the Show

The Ed Sullivan Theater is located on Broadway just north of Times Square, so it's a very convenient location for New York City visitors with lots of other things to do. You could hit the TKTS booth before lining up for the taping and attend a Broadway show after your taping. If you want to get dinner after seeing Stephen Colbert, there are plenty of restaurants in Times Square, as well as great places for pre-theater dining.