Attending a Colbert Report taping
 

I have tickets for a Monday evening show -- December 3rd. The taping starts at 7:30 pm and the email says to be in line by 6. I have found some reviews that say to get in line no later than 4, actually, which is fine, but those were for the summer months. Seems it could get cold in Dcember! I am guessing it might be like Oprah where they let you in and you sit around for a few hours before the taping starts.

Anyway, I'm wondering if any of you have been and if you have any good recent advice. Thank you!

Since, as you pointed out, it's seasonal, why not be in line by 6?

They'll have you in your seats by/before 7.

Apparently, they "oversell" the seats. To ensure the house is full, they issue more tickets than the house will hold.

Most shows give out two or three different kinds of tickets. If your tickets state that you may not get a seat depending on how many people show up, then you need to get there between 4:30 and 5. However, if the tickets merely state to arrive by 6, you probably have the upgraded ones and will be in a different line-up/queue of people who get in first. Then there are VIP tickets which you'd probably know that you had based on who gave them to you.

We were told to show up no later than 5:45. We got there shortly before 5 and got in line behind a half dozen of people. Not long after 5 someone came out and verified that we had tickets and gave us numbered chits. We were eventually allowed inside for a security check and more of a wait before being directed into the studio and where to sit. There were others who went into the studio first so I assumed they had VIP tickets. All worth it. A total hoot.

Thanks. I definitely don't have VIP tickets. I got these when I saw an announcement on Facebook that they had released more tickets for fall and winter tapings. I always try when this happens, but they seem to be gone in minutes. This time, I got through. The confirmation email says this:

"Tickets will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis. We recommend you get on line no later than 15 minutes prior to 6:00pm. Your guests may meet you on line until 6:00pm. Past 6:00pm no one will be allowed to join the line. All shows are overbooked to ensure capacity and no one is guaranteed entry. You will not receive physical tickets. You must bring this ticket confirmation with you to the taping. It will serve as your proof of reservation and allow you to stand in our line."

Did you go recently, OBX? I have been to Stewart but not Colbert. I know it's going to be a blast!

I went in March 2010 when a friend got a pair of tickets just like you described -- a random announcement on Facebook. She jumped. The rest of those tickets disappeared in a heartbeat.

I would LOVE to see the Daily Show. Have a great time!