Behind the Scenes at New York's NBC

Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of a television show or what the stars look like when they're not on screen? Find out by taking your family on a television studio tour. These behind-the-scenes explorations give children (and adults) a new appreciation for the hard work that goes into producing all those hours of entertainment that we all sometimes take for granted.

In fact, studio tours have become so popular in recent years that many broadcasters have opened company museums and visitors' centers to further educate and entertain the curious. These outings make for great day trips and many include free souvenirs. In addition to the one listed below, look to the links on the left for more fun, behind-the-scenes tours of institutions located across the country.

NBC STUDIOS
NEW YORK, NEW YORK

While you'll see sophisticated hardware such as the Automated Record Playback System, the highlight of this television studio tour is visiting the sets of well-known shows and possibly meeting a TV star in the hallways. During your tour, you'll learn about NBC company history, tour the new High-definition television theater and try your hand at a replicated control room. Tours are conducted by reservation only, from 8:30 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. Monday through Saturday, and 9:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. on Sunday. Admission is $17.95 for adults and $15.50 for kids ages six to 16. Children under six are not admitted. For more information, call 212-664-3700.

Karen Axelrod and Bruce Brumberg wrote Watch It Made in the U.S.A. (John Muir Publications).

Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated August 2005.