Everything to Know About the Jimmy Kimmel Live! Experience in LA

My friends and I went to the Jimmy Kimmel Live studio audience taping last week! Here is everything I would have wanted to know about the process. Note: we went on a Wednesday with popular guests, but not the *most* popular guests, which impacted our experience (especially wait times). **Timeline of Day (although may vary slightly by day):** * 3:00pm – Check-in opens * 3:15pm – Priority check-in begins * 3:45pm – General check-in begins, Priority Check-In Closes (priority ticket holders arriving after the priority check-in deadline join the back of the general line) * 4:15pm – Check-in closes * 5:00–6:30pm – Filming **Getting Tickets**  * Apply for up to 3 tickets on [https://1iota.com/](https://1iota.com/) after making an account. Tickets are completely free. You must be 18+ to attend. You can only attend once every 3 weeks. My friend and I both applied for our group (I wrote two paragraphs, she wrote two sentences) and we both got tickets.  * When we applied (about 1.5 weeks before the taping we wanted to attend), we didn't know who the guests would be. On the 1iota website, it seems you can't see who the guests are until a few days before the taping. * If you’re selected, you’ll be notified by email. Check your junk mail (that’s where mine showed up). * There is no 100% guarantee you’ll get in, even with a ticket. They overbook, so people who check in later may not be admitted. * I believe there are two types of tickets: General and Priority. Priority is not something you pay for, it’s assigned by them. A week before the show, we were initially given general tickets, and then 2 days before the show got an email that our tickets were now priority.  **Before** * There is a dress code: No white, bright/fluorescent colors, sportswear, ripped clothing, tank tops, sweatpants, etc. I did see some people in tank tops though so I’m not sure how much they actually care about this. * Everyone must bring their Photo ID!  * There is a bag policy: Clear bag OR Small non-clear bag (max \~4.5” x 6.5”). They don't actually measure this though. My friend brought her bag which was probably like 5" x 8" and it was fine. Not sure how much you'd be able to push this... * There is paid underground parking at Ovation Hollywood across the street. Jimmy Kimmel validates parking for $3 for 4 hours which I would highly suggest because parking in that area is busy and expensive!  **Check-In Experience** * Priority check-in is about 45 minutes before general. We arrived 30 minutes early at 2:45pm (priority check-in started at 3:15pm) and they opened check-in early because they let us in right away and I noticed there were tens of people in front of us already. We were in the first 1/3 of people seated. If we arrived 30 minutes later at 3:15pm we would have still gotten in. Entire party must be present to check in. * The check-in line is pretty long (\~45 minutes), so be prepared to stand. You can bring food/drinks while waiting but will have to throw them away before entering. * You’re given a wristband (after ID check). Your phone is locked in a pouch (you won’t have access for \~2.5–3 hours). Before you enter the building, you go through a security screening like at the airport (they are thorough with bags, keychains, etc.).  * If you need to use the bathroom during check-in, you’ll have to leave the line (make sure to do this AFTER getting a wristband) and go to a nearby store. Ideally have someone from your party hold your place in line. Else, hope you have nice people around you that will let you cut back in. * They will throw away vapes/e-cigarettes. You’re also not allowed to bring in cameras so you have to return that to your car.  * There isn’t a ton of direction during check-in. If you’re in a group, you can have people step out and come back (this is what we did because we wanted water and they don’t provide any), but I would ask staff first. * If you’re in a wheelchair, they provide assistance and guide you in first. **Once You Enter...** * After check-in, you are brought into the studio and assigned a seat (you cannot choose) but will be seated with your party. I noticed earlier arrivals tend to sit closer to the front, but not always. There is a bathroom break after seating, done by section. * They do some audience coaching. They tell you to laugh at things that might sound like jokes even if they aren’t funny (i.e. saying “if you think something is a joke, laugh.”) Sometimes they use the applause / stop applause signs overhead. There are three scripted standing ovations (two for the guests and one when Jimmy first enters). * There are basically two types of audience managers — some who manage the flow of people, and others who are more like hype people. The hype staff will do little comedy bits or jokes before the show to get everyone in a good mood and make sure the audience is loud and energetic. They also had a decibel meter to show how loud we were and encourage us to be louder. * It was actually really nice because there are TVs everywhere, so you can see both what’s happening live on stage and what the audience at home would see on TV (before it’s cut and organized).  * Jimmy was friendly and had a short segment where he talked to one audience member about their job and where they’re from, but overall there wasn’t a ton of audience interaction. * On our taping day, first he did his monologue. Then, he interviewed the two guests back-to-back. Then, the team asked us to clap for an artist while he held up their album cover standing in front of the audience (unfortunately, we didn't get to see the artist). Overall, I would recommend! Felt fun and novel. Not a MUST do (unless you love Jimmy Kimmel) but I had a good time and would definitely bring guests again when they come into town.