The Oprah Winfrey Show taping schedule: Ms. Winfrey is much too important to be tied down to a production schedule like regular talk-show hosts. Therefore, your guess is a good as mine as to what days the show tapes. A specific list of days is given to those lucky enough to get through by phone to request tickets. I can tell you a few things: tapings occur only on weekdays and there are generally 2 shows on taping days -- you'll need to arrive by 7:00 a.m. for the morning taping, and 11:00 a.m. for the afternoon taping. Oprah's season generally airs from August - November and January - May.
Getting Oprah tickets by phone: For the most part, you must request Oprah tickets by phone. The reservation line is available for only one day to call to request tickets for a taping in the following month. As you can imagine, you'll get as many busy signals as trying to win a radio contest, so block out some time and exercise your dialing finger. The phone number is 312-591-9222. Current reservation line availability dates can be found on Oprah's website.
Getting last minute tickets: There is a small opportunity to get tickets at the last minute by filling in an online form request, but there's a catch -- the "Audience Department" is generally looking for someone that has a story to tell that matches that show's topic. The upside is that perhaps you'll get to be on television to tell your story or ask the guest a question. Current shows with possible last minute reservations can be found here.
What to know about Oprah tickets:
- The Oprah Winfrey Show tapes at Harpo Studios, located at 1058 West Washington.
- You must be 18 or older to attend.
- A photo ID is required.
- Everyone goes through security when entering the studio (i.e., your purse or bag will be checked)
Be On the Show: Of course, the best way to be at a taping of the Oprah Winfrey show is to actually be a part of it! The producers put up a list of regularly updated show topics, along with an online form for you to tell your story and potentially be a guest. Just make sure to tell the truth, we know what happens when people lie to Oprah.
