Want to see Jimmy Kimmel Live! in New York City for free? There may be a way to get into the audience without spending a dime—and it involves knowing where to look when those coveted studio seats become available.
First, an important distinction: Jimmy Kimmel Live! is normally taped in Los Angeles, but the show is making a special return to Brooklyn from September 28 through October 2, 2026, with tapings at the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s Howard Gilman Opera House. Tickets for the NYC shows are being handled through the show’s official Brooklyn ticket site.
For people looking specifically for free seat filler tickets, the trick is to watch for standby or last-minute audience opportunities. During the show’s previous Brooklyn run, standby tickets were sometimes available on the day of a taping when space remained. Audience coordinators determined whether standby was available, meaning there was no guarantee—but for free TV, a little uncertainty is hardly a dealbreaker.
You can also keep an eye on established NYC seat-filler services. Companies such as OTL Seat Fillers offer members complimentary invitations to participating shows and events when available. Opportunities vary depending on production needs, so you won’t necessarily find Kimmel tickets every time—but it’s another potential route for bargain hunters.
And remember: legitimate TV audience tickets are free. ABC’s official ticket page confirms that studio-audience tickets for its shows come at no charge.
If you do score a spot, arrive prepared. TV tapings can have strict check-in windows, identification requirements and wardrobe rules, and being late can mean watching the show from your phone instead of the audience.
So if your dream NYC night involves Jimmy Kimmel, celebrity guests and a completely free ticket, keep checking for standby availability and audience releases.
Because sometimes the best ticket in New York is the one that costs exactly $0.00.
