The Tonight Show with Jay Leno

Your cars are beautiful. Consider selling them and donating the money to St Jude Children’s Hospital to help find a cure for those dying children that will never have a chance to live, grow or see tomorrow. Your cars bring you joy, donating to the children and poor abused animals will bring you more joy than looking at those cars. Just a thought

Long Live Jay Leno…
Was lucky enough to catch one Jays last shows… Late Night TV won’t be the same ever again… Hopefully some real talent will take over the Late Night hour.

I just had to leave a review because The Tonight Show with Jay Leno was by far the easiest and most enjoyable live-​audience experience I’ve had. I’ve been to Conan and both Jimmys, where getting tickets and being seated is a madhouse of confusion. Not so with this show. Nowhere else would you have ticket people call you back, get free lemonade while you wait outside on a scorching hot day, and get an opportunity to interact with the host. That’s right, Jay would actually entertain you himself before the show started, and he would let people take pictures with him. There’s not a more gracious talk host in television, and I’ll miss his show just for that.
Yeah, Fallon is funnier and a fit replacement for The Tonight Show, but my experience attending Jay Leno was the only one that made me want to come back (which I did).

This is the kind of thing that you can only do in LA. Showed up here 1 day and got to see Jay Leno live. The lines to get in are long — -you may wait a couple hours — for those without reserved tickets. They also only let a few people sit in the front section where the camera is most likely to see you. Also, they post the schedule of guests online so sometimes the better guests may not be on the day when you show up without planning. Still, a fun thing to do at least once while out here.
EDIT — looks like I made it here just in time. May have to try Kimmel now.

Super Cool, very organized team for getting you in and out for the show! The wait in line was less than an hour because we had tickets, however that’s why there was no real wait; they only send tickets to you once they have availability, unlike the Chelsea Lately Show which sends everyone tickets.
Best Tip about this show: Jay will come out and entertain the audience a little before the show starts. He will ask if anyone has questions — RAISE YOUR HAND!!! Ask him «Could I/​we take a picture with you?» He will say yes, invite you onto stage and have his own photographer take a polaroid for you and sign it before you sit back down. He will only do this 3 – 5 times before he leaves the stage.

This was our first time seeing Jay Leno. We’ve been to other shows similar so we knew what I expect, go early stand in line, no guarantee to get in… etc even though we had a tickets from online we got a white ticket with a number. We got there right at 2:45 and got # 273 I think. They started sending people in and sent the people after us home. Then we were told there’s no room and we can get guaranteed tickets to another show. From reading the reviews I knew that was coming. So I signed up for one day and my husband signed up for another day.
So when we got there the next day with the guaranteed tickets we got a green tag and our name was on a clip board (felt pretty important) and we stood in a different line on the side. From my observation they send in the first 100 people then us with the greens tickets then another 100 I think that’s all the studio holds. So when I saw people with numbers in the kid to upper 200’s I felt bad I knew they weren’t getting in…
Show was awesome and exciting they were kinda rushing. Jay seemed like he wasn’t into it but it’s his last month. Great show. If you are naturally cold all the time it is cold in there. But I was fine.
When we went the next day same thing. And when I say same thing I mean same exact everything down to the mini jokes before the show from Jay word for word. We had somewhere to go so we left early. Bit the cool thing is we got a Jay Leno autographed football! We will miss him on tv!

I’ve been to a few talk show recordings in my day and Leno takes the cake. We found FREE street parking right across the street. We were told to get there by 1:15, we were there by 11:30am and ended up with great seats on the third row! There is seating while you wait with shade! I even got a picture with Jay. I think it was because I dressed in bright clothes and had lots of enthusiasm. He was funny and engaging. The show went by fast. Note there is no tolerance for any pictures in the studio-​not even the hallway by the sign. But there is a cardboard cut out You can pose with while you’re waiting.

Me and my husband love Jay Leno and watch him all the time; we’re going to miss him when he’s gone. (Hey NBC you lost some viewers with this one.)
If you want to go to the show, there’s a few things you need to do:
1) request tickets early. I put in our preferred dates about 4 weeks in advance. We were coming to visit from Arizona, and put that in the notes, don’t know if that had anything to do with it, but we got a confirmation the next day!
2) show up early. We arrived at around 12:45, and even then we were #50 in line. We were really hoping to sit in the floor section, but they literally let only 15 regular people from the beginning of the line to sit there; the rest if the seats were taped off for special people who had hookups or something. /​:(
3) bring a snack and a sweater. Since this is a good 5-​hour long event, it’s smart to have something to eat in line. It’s also 60 degrees inside, didn’t feel as cold as I was expecting, but I’m still glad I brought a jacket. Go to the bathroom before they start herding people in; while you *can* leave during the show, you can’t come back in until commercial.
4) expect to wait and then wait some more. Luckily I think they’ve done away with the separate pens; if you’re the first 200 or so people that show up, you get to sit on benches in the shade. Then they just go down the line and hand you a line number, and after that you can leave if you want, just be back by 2:45. Then they have everyone get in order and they start letting people in the studio.
Once we were in it took a while to seat everyone; they were very particular about who sat where. There must be some method to their madness, but this is why I can’t give the experience 5 stars. Their seating method is really jacked and not fair. They also give out way too many tickets and I’m sure there were a ton of people outside that weren’t able to come in.
5) When Jay comes out before the show and asks if you have any questions, get your hand up quick and make some noise if you want a photo with him. He only chose 3 people out of the whole audience of 300 for this, I wish we had more of an opportunity to meet him.
6) be ready to laugh and clap a lot, sometimes it’s forced and fake sometimes it’s not. My hands really hurt towards the end
7) parking was easy, just $ 5 across the street. Studio 11 is right off of Bob Hope Dr., when we went it was kind of hard to find because the road was closed and there was a detour. To avoid the crowds leaving, we hung out a bit and got pictures with the cardboard Jay. Their gift «shop» sucks by the way. Just a little table outside with a few cups, t-​shirts, and weird peacock slippers.
Overall it was a fun experience, like I said, I really wish the seating was more fair and that we had a chance to meet Jay. At the very least it was cool to be a part of the live audience and see all the behind the scenes stuff

All in all, that was an amazing experience. Though I’ve lived next to Burbank my entire life, I just went to The Tonight Show with Jay Leno for the first time. Heads up, parking is right infront of the enterence for $ 5. Don’t bother with the streets, they got too many limits.
My friend reserved tickets online for us. She chose the day we wanted, and backup days. We received notification a day prior to the show. They inform you to be there BY 2:45; however, if you do that you most likely will be far in the back of the line. People start lining up around 10am. Taping starts at 4 and last an hour.
We ended up being 300, but the guest list and people with tickets got in first. The first time we went, we couldn’t get in as there were too many people seated already. Luckily this entitled us to a day we could come back for guaranteed entry; and a day of our choosing with the guest we wanted to see. We chose Robbin Williams on 8÷8÷13. To our surprise, Betty White was there too.
Before the show started, Jay came out to say hello to everyone and explain some stuff about the show. Then he took three people from the audience, introduced himself, then took photos with them. Afterwords you get this peppy guy that tells you to look happy and smile and clap until your hands bleed.
With all the cameras around, it can get hard to see what’s going on behind them but it’s still nice to be there. I would say it’s worth the wait so you should totally try it out.
If I had anything bad to say, or something I’d like to see improve, it would be to not treat adults like children, though I know it can be required sometimes. I just felt really annoyed that the guy from guest services informed us of the rules, then yelled and said COME ON GUYS, WE’RE GIVING YOU A FREE SHOW. I kinda of rolled my eyes and thought, well I don’t really NEED to be here.

Obtaining tickets to Jay Leno was a relatively easy process. You just have to check the website and put in your requested show dates. A few weeks later, you will be emailed confirmation of your request. It is imperative to note that just because you receive confirmation, it does not guarantee that you will get in.
I am not sure if taping times vary, but our tickets said to be there no later than 2:45. We ended up arriving shortly after 1 which was a good idea because a lot of people behind us did not make it in. The studio fits around 300 people but even if there are 300 people outside waiting, not all will get in. There are a handful of people already in the studio… they either know someone or were having some type of tour.
You wait on benches outside under a covered area. There are restrooms outside (similar to out houses) as well as a pop-​up souvenir shop. Before you enter the holding area, you go through a metal detector and bags are checked. They say you need to have a picture ID to present along with the ticket but they never checked ours. The waiting is the most boring part. You just sit and sit some more. They never confiscate phones so you can entertain yourself that way. If you get there early enough, you are lucky enough to snag a bench to sit on. If you get there closer to 2, you will have to stand… in the sun.
While we waited several announcements were made about that night’s guests as well as what not to do during the taping. You are also warned that the studio is very cold, and it is. Probably the coldest A/​C I’ve ever been in. If you have a sweater or light jacket, be sure to bring it in.
The taping itself is only an hour and the time goes by super fast. It really is a neat experience but don’t try to sneak any pictures. Security watches you like a hawk and there is no photography/​video allowed once in the studio. I’m assuming they will kick you out if you don’t follow the rules.
Oh, and there is a parking lot across the street for only $ 5.

Loved the experience. A few comments on other comments
— there is a parking lot directly across the street between the taping location and the hospital. Cost last week was $ 5.
— I’m not sure how you wouldn’t get in if you arrive early as seat tickets are handled out in order of arrival? We arrived at 1pm — entered the studio at 315 and we seated in 2^nd row. (The seats right in front are probably the worse due to camera obstruction.)
— if you want a picture with Jay get that hand up fast and first when he asks for questions.
Enjoy. We did!

Be prepared to wait around outside for about 2 hours before the show starts. (even if you show up early) Entrance is not guaranteed. Bring water & things to occupy yourself. They do allow you to bring electronic devices inside during the show, however you are required to not utilize them. The show taping lasts about and hour and a half. It’s a great experience and is totally worth the wait.
*street parking only! come early as it is VERY hard to find.

I have attended what feels like HUNDREDS of TV show tapings because I get paid to be an «audience model». The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, however, was not a paid gig. Nor am I a Leno fan. Why did I attend? The reunited boyband 98 Degrees was a musical guest. My 14-​year old inner teeny bopper couldn’t turn it down.
The process to obtain tickets for Leno is straight-​forward: you simply request the date desired on their website and wait for confirmation. Obviously, it is not a guarantee so they suggest requesting alternate dates, as well. Luckily for me, I requested a Friday show ticket on Wednesday and was confirmed within an hour. Speaking of no guarantees: a «ticket» (it is a confirmation email you have to print out) does NOT guarantee admittance. First come, first serve!
As I headed to the Burbank Studios (formally NBC Studios); the Leno gate is easy to find. Simply look for the big Leno sign on Stage 11 across the street from Jimmy Carson Park. A paid parking lot is offered ($ 7) but I had no issues finding immediate street parking adjacent to the park and studios. The street sign says a 2-​hour limit but I was there longer than that and did not receive a ticket. Don’t hold me responsible if you do though!
The initial Leno wait begins near the street in a fenced-​in, shady «pen». Although there are some trees, I suggest bringing an umbrella to block the sun, snacks/​water, and a book to read. I went alone and was nicely entertained. From there, audience members are filed toward the outside of the stage where you go through metal detectors and purses are checked. You are allowed to keep your water (for now) but food gets taken away. Another note: You are NOT allowed to have posters or photos of the guests. I had a small photo of when I met 98 Degrees 11 years ago and it was taken away (they don’t take your name so you have to hope that no one stole it after the show).
After the metal detection spiel, the audience are given ticket numbers and are proceeded to sit in another area for an hour or more. Luckily, this area has benches, a tarp roof, water coolers, and access to outdoor potties. Don’t fear if you weren’t first in line because being first does not mean «first row». In fact, larger groups, no matter the line order, are generally seated higher up in the seats and the front row is for «pretty faces» (mostly all girls). So, no need to come 8 hours early. However, don’t come TOO late or you will simply be on stand-​by if the audience is full.
Once this waiting is done, the studio is filled (I got first row with the pretty gals by the music performance stage!) at which point Jay comes out to prep the audience. He was surprisingly funny and VERY approachable allowing individuals to ask silly questions, take photos with him, and even sit at his desk on stage. Once this is done the audience-​prep guy comes out who is actually very professional and not annoying like all the goofy wannabe comedians who wrangle audiences at other shows. The live Jay Leno band adds to the pumped up vibe.
The taping is fun as Leno is actually (somehow) MUCH funnier in person. In fact, as I’ve stated, I’ve attended petty much every taping in this city and this was smoother and more enjoyable than many others. To those who claim that the studio is FREEZING like Antarctica? You must not have attended other tapings because I’ve been in some sub-​zero studios and this one was actually pleasant. It is chilly but not too bad at all. For the record, the front row are the ones who shake Leno’s hand in the beginning of the show (I was on TV doing this).
That’s about it! Once the show is over, the audience is relieved by section and you are off to your cars (or to attempt to stalk the guests). Overall, it is a fun experience and again, much better than many other shows I have attended. Plus, it was good that I went alone because I got to yell «I love you, Drew!» to my favorite 98 Degrees member after the cameras shut off who smiled at me and replied, «You have good taste!». Sorry to my boyfriend!

So much fun!!!
–The whole time I was here, I kept comparing my experience to another show I visited, and one thing I really appreciated about things here is that they don’t force audience laughter. We didn’t spend time going over how/​when to laugh. It seemed much more natural.
Ok, so for those of you wondering what to expect:
–I requested tickets about a week beforehand through a third-​party ticket site. Easy.
–Get there early! Since our tickets weren’t guaranteed, I wanted to make sure we arrived super early. We got there at about 12:30pm for a 1:45pm check-​in time and stood in the first «holding pen.»
–At about 1pm, they moved us into a second area and gave us a number. (#83/​84)
–Then we waited another 1.5 hours before we got into the studio. On the plus side, they have a covered area with benches so you don’t have to stand in the hot sun (like another late night show I went to).
–Got in the studio around 2:30. The warm-​up guy was awesome! He was funny and had a lot of energy to get us ready for Jay. Then Jay came out beforehand and chatted with the audience.
–The show taped in an hour flat and we were out by 4. We danced and clapped between commercials.
Awesome show! Everything was so professional and smooth. Definitely a highlight of my vacation.

I was planning a trip to Vegas and I figured what the heck, I would put my name in for tickets for The Tonight Show. First off you have to pick several dates, I only had one day that worked for me before I had to be in Vegas and much to my surprise my pick was selected. I made a few changed with my flight and headed to Burbank.
First thing they ask you to arrive early, about 2pm for a 4pm taking. Basically you wait in a long line outside in the parking lot and they let smaller groups into the area outside the studio, basically you have two opportunities to get cut. Luck must have been on my side, because I managed to get in the studio for a taping with Christoph Waltz, Animal Expert Dave Salmoni, and musical guest Joan Jett.
Before the show the staff comes out, and entertains the audience and goes over a few ground rules. One thing that was fun is that the show is taped in real time, so we actually had to sit through commercial breaks where Jay would talk to the guests off camera. Overall it was a great experience and I just missed being on TV by one row.

As with all TV tapings (that I’ve been to at least) you’re signing yourself up for at least half a day of waiting.
So you request tickets online and have to put in several dates, and you won’t hear back about getting your request fulfilled until maybe two weeks before the show. So if you’re coming from out of town, you might need to be flexible with your travel.
We arrived at 1PM and got number 30 in line. Parking is $ 5 but we were able to find street parking across from the park.
They have an initial holding pen where there’s not really a formal line but you just keep an eye on who came in before you, and you can come and go as long as someone is holding your party’s place, not that there’s really anywhere to go around there, though. We grabbed lunch at Weinerschnitzel a few blocks away as that was the only nearby carryout option.
At 2PM they let the first holding area into the second holding area. There you get a numbered pass and get to sit around for another hour.
At 3PM they let us in and spent almost the full next hour seating people. On the day I went, there weren’t many reserved seats taped off, so it appeared that they let most, if not all, of the audience line in. But typically they overbook so don’t get there after 2PM even though the confirmation says be there by 2:45!
Jay came out and took «questions» for a few minutes which turned out to be just photos with people who had floor seats… no real warmup comedian, there was kind of a hype guy that gave an intro and stuck around through the show, but he didn’t tell jokes.
The audio was very low, to the point where it was really hard to hear Leno or the guests. That was probably the most frustrating part of the whole thing.
Compared to when I saw Conan on The Tonight Show and his TBS show, and Craig Ferguson, this experience was less than smooth. It’s an experience I’m glad I tried, but wouldn’t do again.

Pros:
Seeing how the show is produced
House band is awesome
Being part of the audience is just fun
Warmup comic was awesome and hilarious
Jay coming out pre show is great, and nice to seem him interact with fans before the show
They showed the pre taped segments of the show on screens, so you could tell what part of the show was being filmed and what was being added.
They seem to pick and choose where you sit depending on how nice you look, how many are in your party and what they have space for, so dress nice.
Paiges I met were super nice.
Cons:
Holy freakin long wait before the show. We got there at noon and were numbers 14 and 15 –which still doesn’t guarantee you access (even though we did get in)
Committing a whole 5 – 7 hours for a one hour taping is kinda rough
Parking is convenient ($ 5 lot) but is an absolute nightmare to get out of.
They need shade in waiting area and if you don’t bring water you will get dehydrated. But then the closest bathrooms are in the park across the street with a pretty far walk… at least until you go through security. Then there are trailer bathrooms… oh and if you get in, there are NO bathrooms inside you can use, so you will be asked to use those outside.
Other notes:
Depending on your seat and the camera locations which change throughout the taping, you could end up with a completely obstructed view and have to watch the screens which takes out some of the experience
Air conditioning is super freezing… people on Unilocal are totally right, make sure to dress warmly, but still nicely… that ugly sweater may end up on national television.
Oh, also… you will be told to constantly clap and laugh. Like constantly. And the closer to the front you are, the more the cameras pan, so you look like a tool if you aren’t clapping or laughing. Your hands will hurt and be red, but just do it… looks much better.
So what made it four stars for me? I got chosen to be one of the audience members for a skit… and was on tv for friends and family on the east coast which was a cool thing since we were just visiting la. The job came with a free tshirt :) pretty cool experience.

After seeing Jay Leno on TV for over 6 years, I was so excited to finally get to see him live for the first time and the whole experience was so amazing! Guests were Matthew Perry, Meghan McCain and OneRepublic for the day.
There are 2 ways of getting tickets to the show. 1) First way, you can go on the Tonight Show website to request tickets. The earlier you choose a date, the better the chance you will get the ticket of your first choice. I heard some people only needed a week in advance to get the tickets so I would suggest always trying online first. 2) Second way, which was how I got my ticket, was showing up really early at the guest relation office (on California St) to get the same day ticket. I got there around 6:30am and nobody was there which was great. Got my tickets at 8:00am sharp.
Parking is $ 5 at the lot and it is just a short walk to the studio 11 (where they do the filming). If you get there early, you might be lucky to find some free street parking on Bob Hope Dr or Parkside Ave.
The check in process was easy. I showed my ticket and went through a metal detector. You can bring in cell phone but the staff will make you turn them off eventually. I would suggest going there before 1:30pm to ensure a seat on the benches (so that you don’t have to stand while waiting) as well as in the audience. They offered water and lemonade and the bathroom was close to the check-​in area as well.
Seating wise, I am pretty sure it’s all random. Although the earlier you got in, the chance of getting the floor seats might be better. Jay Leno came out about 15 minutes before the show started. When he asked for any questions for him, remember to ask him to take a picture with you cause there is a Polaroid camera guy standing ready.
I am so glad I attended the show today. Definitely made me appreciate of all the people behind the cameras a lot more than ever after seeing all the stuff they did. I would recommend this to all travelers who visit LA or even LA residents like me.

Apparently, I’ll be updating the Jay Leno Show versus the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. My friend and I arranged to get tickets for the 11÷11÷11 Show. It is Veteran’s Day and Jay would have some way to show honor to our troops both past and present. Off to the Tonight Show with Jay Leno.
Originally, our show was supposed to have Kermit the Frog to promote the Muppets Movie, but our lineup was changed and I didn’t find out until my friend told me about it. Our new lineup had Modern Family’s Eric Stonestreet, Former U.S. Army Serviceman and now Dancing with the Stars Star, J.R. Martinez, and guest Singer Nicole Scherzinger.
There is street parking and paid parking. Since our arrival was supposed to be 2:45, we left Shakey’s Burbank around 2pm. With Friday being Veteran’s Day, a lot of people did not work today. When we arrived to street parking, the parking on Parkside Ave was full. However, there is paid parking on Parkside Ave Entrance. I don’t know what the fee is, but from the reviews, its about $ 5. Thankfully, I parked on Bob Hope Drive and found a good spot.
There is a holding area… I mean Audience Waiting Area before you go in. A lot of the NBC Representatives (Pages) inform you of procedures before being screened. You will need your ID Card of the main person registering. There is a metal detector and this scared me the most. More than TSA Screening. I thought I had taken out all my unnecessary items and left them in my truck. I thought I had only my wallet, keys, and phone. Apparently, I forgot that I brought my silver business card holder. BTW, the big Securitas Guard with the wand, did seem intimidating. Especially when he is a little bit taller than you at 6’5″. Eeeeek.
Since we did arrive sort of late, we had to stand outside the waiting area since most people are sitting on the benches. My friend and I had # placeholders. We were 201 and 202. I think I heard there was a capacity of 357. However, there were VIPs and thus reducing our chances of getting in. Then, it started to drizzle. 11÷11÷11 was not turning out to be a great day.
As we got closer and closer to the front entrance, WE GOT IN! However, we missed Jay’s off-​air meeting with the audience. However, once we got in, we got great seats. It wasn’t in the front rows, but it was good shot where he would be talking to the audience on one of his skits called, «Meal or No Meal». If I see myself, I’ll upload a photo of myself.
Overall, it was always a GREAT experience. Ricky and the Minor are awesome live and the guests were very cool. Speaking of cool… It was freaking COLD in there. I think other Unilocalers have mentioned it, but its a common ground. Since there is a lot of equipment, you need to cool them. Even if its cool outside. Brrrrrr!!!
I’ll be looking forward to visit 12÷12÷12 show. Today, there were Veteran’s in the audience and this review is dedicated to our Men and Women in the Armed Forces. J.R. Martinez added a good touch to the show and he made a lot of sacrifices to becoming the Nation’s Star.
The Unilocal Universe. Where are you traveling today?

Dear Jay,
I’ve been a loyal viewer of yours for a looong time. I’ve stayed up a many of times to watch Headlines, your Monologues, Jay Walking, and the Interviews. I’m sure most of those segments came from your genius mind and not your writers *sarcasm*.
This year was the first time I was notified by NBC that I had a chance to see your show. As stated in the confirmation letter, the online ticket does not guarantee admission. I understand that perfectly clear. In fact, it says to arrive an hour and half early.
I did everything right, got to the front gate on time, waited patiently in line, walked through security, listened carefully to instructions by your minions in the grey suits. BTW the glasses fella was quite entertaining.
What went wrong you ask? Well, why do you let the last 70 people wait and not get in? If you know how many seats can be filled, then you should know where the cut off is and not waste people’s time. Makes no sense to me. Had I received better instructions after the security check I probably would have gotten in.
What happened was I went into the line immediately after security check and found out later that everyone was suppose to get this sequential numbered card. So I went to the person who was handing them out and of course, was told to return to the back of the line! EPIC RETARDED
Lessons learned, SHOW UP super earlier [1:30PM, instead of 2:30PM] and go to CARD person after SECURITY check. As a courtesy, those who did not make the cut, was guaranteed admit on the next Friday show.
*waiting confirmation from Conan and Jimmy Kimmel now*