Tonight Show with Jay Leno
- mrazzino423
- First Reviewer
- 5 out of 5
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Tonight Show with Jay...Conan...hmmm...
- November 6, 2009
- Rated 5 of 5 by
Red Mezz from Inverness, Scotland
Ok. So this review gets a little bit complicated.
The tricky thing is - that when I visited Burbank in December 2008 - this was the best thing to do in the area. It's one of the coolest sights and things to do, and best of all it's free.
It was so good; I couldn't possibly review Burbank with out giving it a nod, even though as most of you know, things aren't like they used to be.
So, first things first. The NBC Tour.
You get a lot of mixed reviews about this. Some people love it; some people think it's kind of cheesy and a waste of time. If you're interested in studios and don't mind a little touristy attractions, then you should probably give the NBC studio tour a visit. Located in central Burbank on West Alameda Avenue - this is quite a nice spot. Though there's not much else to do on foot in the area, if you are with out wheels, in the day time you can wander about and there are a few nice benches to chill out on, and a park around the corner.
I actually do recommend you visit this site if you get the chance - given how much changes in Hollywood (all of NBC studios are making moves around at the moment, and apparently are going to be in a new headquarters in Universal City by 2011. As this is the historic site of all the Jay Leno and Johnny Carson tapings, it's a great and historic part of Burbank - and Hollywood - to see.)
It's also worth mentioning that NBC is the only television studio in the area that lets you get behind the scenes in the studio tour.
It's not free, but at around $8 is still a very reasonable price for a day out in Burbank - and as I said, seeing a bit of history that might not be around for long.
But whether or not you want to do the actual NBC tour - a taping at NBC studios is a must for any visitor to Burbank.
When I went to my taping (which are free, by the way) it was still Jay Leno doing the Tonight Show. In fact I got to see one of his last shows - a pretty cool thing to have done.
As of June 2009 - Conan O'Brian took over the Tonight Show, and I have heard that that show has moved into Universal City as well.
However, I have also heard that you can still see free tapings at the old NBC studio, and of Jay Leno - though now it's his new prime time TV show.
To be honest, if you can get a chance to do either or both of these experiences, it's well worth spending the day doing it. It was one of the highlights for our trip - a quirky day of patiently waiting in line. (Tickets are first come, first serve. You pick them up at the studio early in the morning, and arrive as early as you can to wait to make sure you get in.)
There was a heightened bit of security just as we were going it - but other than that it was all very pleasant - and very cool indeed.
I'm not sure about exactly how the process works now - though you'll be able to find out exact details on their websites - depending on which show you would like to go to a taping of. When we went in December you just checked the TV guide that week to see who you might want to see on a taping and then try to get tickets for that day. Keep in mind that the bigger the celebrity the bigger the lines, so you'll want to arrive even earlier.
The entire thing was very cool. We got to see Jamie Foxx with a surprise visit by Betty White. The atmosphere is great - and much more intimate than you might imagine. Jay Leno got up and joked with the crowd before and in between the show and commercials, as did Jamie Foxx.
This is something - even if you're not a huge fan - that I highly recommend you give a go. Please check first for what the new arrangements are, and dates for changes of locations - but then show up for a great, free show!
From journal Glendale, Burbank and the Studios
Tonight Show with Jay Leno
- September 20, 2006
- Rated 4 of 5 by
DEANNADILLION from Puyallup, Washington
We were excited for this as we had tried last year for tickets and couldn't get them. My husband shares Jays love of autos. The morning of the show I called as directed to confirm taping and was told I should be there by 2:00 instead of 3:30 as printed on the tickets. Good Advice! Even with advance tickets we had to wait in a very long line for 2 1/2 hours in 109 degree heat. Apparently in order to insure a full audience they "overbook" the seats. I was disappointed to see about 50 people who got their tickets that day at Universal Studios being ushered by us for a tour and premier seats. The show itself was great although by that time I definitely didn't want my sweaty face on TV. My advice to all is to get "Guaranteed Tickets" the day of the show at Universal. They are free to anyone over 16 years old. Our preplanning was a complete waste of time .
From journal California Dreaming
Jay Leno
- June 21, 2006
- Rated 5 of 5 by
mrazzino423 from Alexandria, Virginia
The Jay Leno show is wonderful. The tickets are completely free! Make sure to get to the ticket office very early the day of (like 7am or so, they open at 8am or 9am.) If a very popular guest is on, be sure to go EXTRA early (some people said they were out all night!). Be prepared to spend half the day waiting out front of NBC Studios to get in, but it was worth it. I got my picture with Jay Leno himself and he is very funny to watch. It is much more exciting to see the show in person!
From journal Spring Break