ed sullivan theater tours

Expedia Rewards is now One Key™

Ed sullivan theater tours.

• Things to do

I only need accommodations for part of my trip

Visit Ed Sullivan Theater

Broadway is full of iconic theaters, but the Ed Sullivan Theater is one of the most famous. In fact, this historic building is not a theater in the conventional sense, but a studio where television broadcasts take place in front of live audiences. Come here to join the audience for such U.S. television institutions as The Late Show , Good Morning America and many more.

Learn about the theater’s history. The Ed Sullivan Theater opened in 1927 under the name of Hammerstein’s Theater. The 13-floor building was established by songwriter Arthur Hammerstein and designed by architect Herbert Krapp. In its early days, it hosted traditional stage shows. The very first production here featured Cary Grant. In 1935, The Ed Sullivan Show , a popular television variety show, started shooting in the building. The show continued to be filmed here for 23 years, and the building was eventually renamed The Ed Sullivan Theater in the host’s honor.

Come here today and see how the interior has retained much of its early 20th-century charm, particularly in its old-fashioned main auditorium. Look up and see the beautifully ornate domed stained-glass ceiling overhead. Red velvet chairs add a touch of traditional character to the relatively compact and intimate seating area.

Although a wide range of television shows have been filmed here, from sitcoms to chat shows, the most famous is probably The Late Show , which was originally hosted by David Letterman and is now hosted by Stephen Colbert. Book well in advance to secure tickets to this mainstay of U.S. television, a talk show that regularly takes the top ratings spot for late-night programming. The best part is that tickets to the shoot are absolutely free. However, they are in great demand, so planning ahead is essential.

Find the Ed Sullivan Theater in the heart of Broadway, New York City’s buzzing theater district. Filled with bright lights, big crowds and internationally renowned venues showing big-name stage shows, this district guarantees a truly memorable night out.

Plan a trip to see Ed Sullivan Theater

The Westin New York Grand Central

Reviewed on May 14, 2024

The Towers at Lotte New York Palace

Reviewed on Apr 22, 2024

Hotel Riu Plaza New York Times Square

Reviewed on May 13, 2024

Browse tours and tickets to explore Ed Sullivan Theater

Attractions.

New York CityPASS®: Experience 5 must-see attractions

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Tickets

New York Explorer Pass: 2 to 10 Activities including Edge

9/11 Memorial & Museum: General Admission

Empire State Building General & Skip-the-Line Ticket Options

One World Observatory Tickets

Circle Line: 60-Minute Statue of Liberty Cruise

The New York Pass®: Access 100+ Attractions including Empire State Building

American Museum of Natural History Tickets

Edge Observation Deck at Hudson Yards Admission Ticket

Cruises & boat tours.

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour: All Options

New York Hop-On Hop-Off Open-Top Bus Tour

Circle Line: New York Harbor Lights Evening Cruise

All City Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Harbor Cruise

Fully Guided Statue of Liberty Tour with Ellis Island

Overnight Niagara Falls and Shopping Trip from New York City

Spirit of New York Signature Dinner Cruise

Bateaux New York Premier Dinner Cruise

Circle Line: New York Landmarks Cruise

Wildlife & nature.

VIP Central Park Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride

Official NYC Horse Carriage Rides in Central Park since 1979 ™

Carriage Ride in Central Park (VIP - PRIVATE) Since 1964™

SEA LIFE New Jersey Aquarium

NYC: Visit Central Park Zoo & 30+ Top Sights Walking Tour

American Dream: Angry Birds Mini Golf Ticket

Official Private New York City Central Park Horse Carriage Ride Since 1965™

CHAMPAGNE RIDE Central Park with Photos (50 min) ~ Skip the line

50 Minutes Central Park Horse and Carriage Tour Up to 4 Adults

Shows & concerts.

The Lion King On Broadway

Aladdin On Broadway

Moulin Rouge! The Musical on Broadway

Wicked On Broadway

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway

Chicago The Musical On Broadway

Blue Man Group

The Book of Mormon on Broadway

New York City: Harlem Jazz Crawl Tour

NYC: City Lights Yacht Cruise with Drink Included

Adventure & outdoor.

Downtown Super Tour with Hop-On Hop-Off Bus with Harbor Cruise

NYC: Central Park Bike Rental

Brooklyn Bridge and Waterfront 2-hour Guided Bike Tour

A New York Date Night Tour

American Dream: Blacklight Mini Golf Entry Ticket

Inside Central Park Bike Tour

Uptown to Midtown Roosevelt island tour

Guided Bike Tour Of Central Park

Radical & Weird History Bike Tour of New York City

Popular places to visit, broadway theatre.

See a big-name show in the opulent auditorium of this well-known theater, which is beautifully designed and full of history.

Winter Garden Theatre

You can make plans for a show at Winter Garden Theatre during your stay in New York. Experience the acclaimed theater scene and entertainment choices in this vibrant area.

Carnegie Hall

Whether you’re performing here or more likely watching a performance, enjoy the rich surroundings of one of the world’s most renowned music performance halls.

Eugene O'Neill Theatre

You can enjoy a show at Eugene O'Neill Theatre on your trip to New York. Experience the acclaimed art scene and fascinating museums in this vibrant area.

Hearst Tower

Admire the architectural beauty, innovation and environmental sustainability of one of New York City’s best-known modern skyscrapers, which rises 46 floors high.

New York Convention and Visitors Bureau

Enjoy a stop at New York Convention and Visitors Bureau, an entertaining place to visit in New York. Experience the acclaimed theater scene and fascinating museums in this vibrant area.

Best Lodging Options Near Ed Sullivan Theater

Check availability on hotels close to ed sullivan theater.

• Vacations and getaways similar to Ed Sullivan Theater
• Other Hotels near Ed Sullivan Theater, Manhattan
• Hotels near popular New York Attractions
• Expedia's Latest Trends
• Times Square
• Central Park
• Statue of Liberty
• Manhattan Cruise Terminal
• Grand Central Terminal
• Empire State Building
• Madison Square Garden
• Rockefeller Center
• One World Trade Center
• Yankee Stadium
• Barclays Center Brooklyn
• New York University
• Brooklyn Cruise Terminal
• Columbia University
• Tempo by Hilton New York Times Square
• Ameritania Hotel at Times Square
• Hard Rock Hotel New York
• New York Hilton Midtown
• The Westin New York at Times Square
• M Social Hotel Times Square New York
• Motto By Hilton New York City Times Square
• Romer Hell's Kitchen
• New York Marriott Marquis
• Hilton Garden Inn New York/Central Park South-Midtown West
• Dream Midtown, by Hyatt
• Hilton Garden Inn New York Times Square North
• Hotels near Times Square
• Hotels near Central Park
• Hotels near Statue of Liberty
• Hotels near Broadway
• Hotels near Manhattan Cruise Terminal
• Hotels near Grand Central Terminal
• Hotels near Empire State Building
• Hotels near Madison Square Garden
• Hotels near Cape Liberty Cruise Port
• Hotels near MetLife Stadium
• Hotels near Rockefeller Center
• Hotels near One World Trade Center
• Hotels near American Dream
• Hotels near Yankee Stadium
• Hotels near New York University
• Hotels near Barclays Center Brooklyn
• Hotels near Brooklyn Cruise Terminal
• Hotels near Columbia University
• Hotels near Bronx Zoo
• Hotels near 5th Avenue

Ed Sullivan Theater

Top ways to experience Ed Sullivan Theater and nearby attractions

• 7th Ave • 2 min walk
• 57th St – 7th Ave • 3 min walk

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travellers

Ed Sullivan Theater - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2024)

• Times Square Delicious Donut Adventure by Underground Donut Tour (From AU$137.75)
• Media Moguls of Midtown Walking Tour in New York (From AU$53.57)
• New York News and Media Walking Tour (From AU$59.69)
• New York City Broadway Evolution Self Guided Audio Tour (From AU$30.60)
• The Beatles in NYC Private Walking Tour (From AU$295.24)
• (0.03 km) Ameritania At Times Square
• (0.06 km) Residence Inn New York Manhattan/Central Park
• (0.06 km) Courtyard New York Manhattan/Central Park
• (0.06 km) Courtyard by Marriott New York Manhattan/Central Park
• (0.15 km) WestHouse Hotel
• (0.00 km) La Spaghettata Restaurant
• (0.03 km) Angelo's Pizza
• (0.03 km) Food City Cafe & Pizza
• (0.03 km) Starbucks
• (0.04 km) Pret A Manger
• (0.01 km) The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
• (0.05 km) King Kong
• (0.06 km) Iguana NYC
• (0.13 km) Small Bus Tours NYC
• (0.13 km) Jersey Boys

Coney Island

Brooklyn's beachside attraction holds the Cyclone roller coaster, the Wonder Wheel, the New York Aquarium, the original Nathan’s Famous and a boardwalk.

Queens Night Market

This expansive open-air night market celebrates the rich cultural diversity of NYC.

Historic Richmond Town

Watch history come alive at this living history village.

Yankee Stadium

Home to baseball's 27-time champs, the new Yankee Stadium was built in 2009 across the street from its former location.

American Museum of Natural History

This Upper West Side museum explores human cultures, the natural world and the universe beyond.

‘And Now, Right Here on Our Stage…’ The Ed Sullivan Show – A Landmark of American Entertainment

TO MARK THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BEATLES’ FIRST U.S. TV APPEARANCE, INSIDE THE SUNDAY NIGHT SHOW THAT REVOLUTIONIZED LIGHT ENTERTAINMENT.

There could never be another  Ed Sullivan . And there could never be another Ed Sullivan to showcase what was a 24-year global potpourri of music, theater, opera, comedy and drama. Yet, with the help of several dedicated individuals, the show that gave us everything from Connie Francis to  The Doors , from  Camelot  to  Bye, Bye Birdie , from Erich Blenn’s plate spinning to The Carals’ acrobatic stunts, has been and continues to be a source of cultural and historical significance that can’t be duplicated ever again.

The Ed Sullivan Show  (and its previous incarnation from 1948-1955 as  Toast of the Town ) brought the studio audience and the viewers at home up close to their favorite movie stars and musical performers. While most of the recognition was and has been deemed earth-shattering firsts —  Elvis ‘ primetime appearance,  The Beatles’ live U.S. debut  — those moments are part of a much larger picture.

Serendipitously,  The Ed Sullivan Show  was able to bring together a group of people based on their love for the show, then and now. “From the moment I first saw it, I was hooked on it,” revealed Andrew Solt. Solt and his son Josh, with their company SOFA Entertainment, are for all intents and purposes, the caretakers of  The Ed Sullivan Show . And as  Q  discovered in interviews with the Solts and Sullivan’s granddaughter Margo Precht Speciale, wherever it’s seen or heard — at the show’s site, on the official  YouTube channel  and  many  other  outlets  – there’s no shortage of enthusiasm in bringing it all back to life.

“Over the years I developed a relationship with the family, especially with Bob Precht, who was the son-in-law of Ed,” Andrew said. “At one point in the late ’80s I said to him, “What’s going on with the library?” and he said, “Well, we’ve tried a couple of things. Do you have any ideas?” I said. “Yeah, sure.” I started thinking Bob was opening a door to having some kind of a relationship. And when I was working on a project on  The Rolling Stones  in 1989, I said, ‘Well, what if we made an offer?”

Read more at qthemusic.com

Recent Articles

• The Beatles song that left Brian Wilson in tears: “I’ve never heard anything like this in my life”
• Carol Burnett Recalls ‘Bombing’ on ‘The Ed Sullivan Show’ Before Elvis Presley: ‘Nobody Wanted to See Me … It Was Awful’
• 60 Years Later: How The Beatles Met the Moment on Ed Sullivan
• Looking Back on the Beatles’ Star-Making Ed Sullivan Performance on the 60th Anniversary
• Beatlemania 60 Years After Band’s Landmark ‘Ed Sullivan Show’ Appearance

Ed Sullivan Theatre

About this theatre.

LIST OF PRODUCTIONS

Cbs studio no. 50, cbs radio playhouse no. 1, manhattan theatre.

• Productions

Billy Rose's Music Hall

Hammerstein's theatre.

Ed Sullivan Theater

Top ways to experience Ed Sullivan Theater and nearby attractions

• 7th Ave • 2 min walk
• 57th St – 7th Ave • 3 min walk

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travellers

ED SULLIVAN THEATER: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

• Times Square Delicious Donut Adventure by Underground Donut Tour (From $151.50)
• Media Moguls of Midtown Walking Tour in New York (From $58.92)
• New York News and Media Walking Tour (From $65.65)
• New York City Broadway Evolution Self Guided Audio Tour (From $33.65)
• The Beatles in NYC Private Walking Tour (From $324.72)
• (0.03 km) Ameritania At Times Square
• (0.06 km) Residence Inn New York Manhattan/Central Park
• (0.06 km) Courtyard New York Manhattan/Central Park
• (0.06 km) Courtyard by Marriott New York Manhattan/Central Park
• (0.15 km) WestHouse Hotel
• (0.00 km) La Spaghettata Restaurant
• (0.03 km) Angelo's Pizza
• (0.03 km) Food City Cafe & Pizza
• (0.03 km) Starbucks
• (0.04 km) Pret A Manger
• (0.01 km) The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
• (0.05 km) King Kong
• (0.06 km) Iguana NYC
• (0.13 km) Small Bus Tours NYC
• (0.13 km) Jersey Boys

Colbert News Hub

The Nation's News Leader

Ticket Info

CLICK HERE: ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’ – Tickets

1. watch the official ticket page.

Tickets for the Late Show with Stephen Colbert are in high demand and will generally sell out within days of, if not the day of their release. Tickets are available from the 1iota website, and are released one calendar month at a time. Their release is announced on the Late Show’s official Twitter and Facebook pages, approximately three to four weeks in advance. If you plan on visiting New York on a certain day, continue checking these sites, as extra tickets have, on occasion, been announced the day of the taping.

2. VIP Tickets

VIP tickets are occasionally posted for auction on eBay and other charitable websites, with the proceeds raised going to charity. Ticket packages can include 2-4 tickets, backstage passes, and on occasion a (brief) “Meet and Greet” with Stephen Colbert. If you purchase these tickets, you will get priority entrance and access to the best seats.

3. CC Ticket Notifier

CC Ticket Notifier utilises an app called PushBullet , which is capable of sending instant notifications to any iOS or Android device, Windows desktop or via the PushBullet extension for Google Chrome and Firefox.

When a user signs up to this free service, they receive an instant notification to any of these devices, as soon as tickets become available. When the notification is received, users only need to click on the notification to be redirected immediately to the ticket page.

If you do not wish to go through the hassle of fiddling with another app, the service can also send email notifications, however email notifications are a little bit slower than the instant PushBullet notifications.

4. CC Ticket Notifier (Premium)

CC Ticket Notifier’s premium ticket notification service allows users to be notified only for the specific dates on which they wish to attend a taping of the Late Show , and thus prevents users from receiving large amounts of notifications for all available dates.

[Please Note: The premium service requires a payment of $4.00 via PayPal.]

Contact: [email protected]  

  Things to Remember Before Attending a Taping:

• You and your guest(s) must be 16 years old or over to attend a taping.
• Tickets are non-transferable.
• You can only attend one taping every six months.
• All shows are overbooked to ensure capacity, and no one is guaranteed entry.
• A government issued photo ID with visible date of birth is required for admission of all guests.
• Bring your confirmation e-mail confirming that you have tickets. It’s great to keep it with you (or on your smart phone or tablet) in case something goes wrong.

  Ticket Holder Check-In Times and Deadlines

The following timeline outlines the check-in process for ticket holders.

• 3:00PM: Check-in opens
• All arrivals after this time will be submitted on a first-come, first serve basis with the general ticket holders
• 4:00PM: General ticket check-in starts
• 4:30PM: Deadline and check-in closes for all ticket holders
• 5:00PM – 7:00PM: Audience warm up commences, followed by the taping of the show

** Please be aware that due to the needs of each production, the timeline is subject to change.  

  What Time Should I Arrive?

The recommended arrival for each taping will be clearly printed on your ticket, however, should you wish to sit close to the front of the stage it is recommended that you be in line between 11AM – 12PM (ET).

It is best advised to arrive earlier than the time stated on your ticket, as all tapings are booked in excess of audience capacity to account for people who do not show up on the day. Only VIP’s and priority ticket holders are guaranteed entry.

Staff from the audience department cut off arrivals at approx. 4:30PM (ET).  

  What Time Is the Show Taped?

The Late Show tapes Monday through Wednesday nights at approx. 5:30PM (ET).  

  When Is Friday’s Episode Taped

Two episodes of the Late Show are taped on Thursday. The first taping takes place at approx. 3:30PM (ET) and will air on Thursday night, the second taping commences at approx. 6:30PM (ET) and will air on Friday night.

During the summer of 2017, the Late Show will be testing the “ summer Friday format ” in which Friday night’s show will feature a newly taped opening and monologue along with highlights from the weeks shows.

In light of this, only one taping will take place on Thursday night at approx. 6:00PM (ET).  

  How Long Does a Taping Last?

Tapings usually last between 60-90 minutes. Once entering the theatre, guests are required to stay for the duration of the taping, and may not leave the theatre.  

  What Happens if a Taping is Cancelled?

If a taping is cancelled due to bad weather or for unforeseen circumstances, ticket holders will be notified via email or telephone by the Late Show audience department.  

  How Do I Cancel My Reservation?

For further questions regarding tickets or to cancel your reservation, please contact: [email protected]  

  Can I Request Tickets to Multiple Tapings?

1iota allows users to submit ticket requests for up to three future dates at a time. However, you cannot “rank” which taping(s) you would prefer to attend.

You can only attend one taping of the Late Show every six months.  

  Can I Change the Date I Have Submitted a Ticket Request For?

No, ticket requests cannot be transferred to a different date. If you are unable to use your ticket(s) for a specific date, you must decline those tickets, and re-submit a ticket request for a date that you can attend.

  What Are “Priority” Tickets?

Priority Tickets are handed out by 1iota using an automated system, in which the first x number of ticket reserved will be designated as “priority”.

Ticket holders with priority status will have a slightly earlier check-in time (printed on the their ticket) than general ticket holders, and are guaranteed entry into the theatre, provided they arrive by their designated check-in time.   What Are “General” Tickets?

General Tickets holders are not guaranteed entry into the show, and will only be admitted until the theatre is full.

For those who have received general tickets, there is still a chance that you may be upgraded to a priority ticket(s). If a priority ticket holder cancels their ticket(s), the system automatically upgrades the next person(s) on the general ticket holders list. While possible, it is unlikely that this will happen.

[Please note: You cannot upgrade from a general ticket to a priority ticket, it is however, possible to downgrade from a priority ticket to a general ticket.  

  What Does the “Waitlist” Mean?

The waitlist is simply the 1iota ticket queue. Once tickets for a specific date have been posted, tickets requests are then opened. Generally, everyone who submits a ticket request is “joining the waitlist”.

Tickets will then be made available to those on the waitlist in the order the ticket requet(s) were received. Tickets are generally approved approx. two weeks before a taping and are released in batches on a first-come, first-served basis. You will be notified via email if your ticket request is approved.

Simply being on the waitlist does not mean that you have ticket(s) to the show. It is important that you confirm your ticket as soon as you receive it, or you may find that your “available” ticket has been claimed by someone else.

  How Can I Obtain Tickets to be Auctioned Off for Charity?   Email charity ticket requests to [email protected] . Be sure to include detailed information about the organisation and the event.  

The Late Show is committed to making tapings accessible to guests with disabilities. Accessible seating (including companion seating) and other accommodations are provided at all tapings. The availability of accessible seating cannot be assured if the number of audience members requiring accessible seating at a taping exceeds the allotted number of accessible seats. If you or anyone in your party requires an accommodation to attend the show because of a disability, please contact us as soon as possible after receiving your ticket confirmation by e-mail at [email protected] or by phone 212-975-8800 with the accommodation request, and a representative from The Late Show will get back to you accordingly.

  Where Can I Purchase ‘Late Show’ Merchandise?

Official Late Show merchandise can be purchased online through the CBS Store .

Alternately, if you are attending a taping of the show, a selection of official Late Show merchandise is available for purchase at the Hello Deli , located just around the corner from the Ed Sullivan Theater at 213 W 53rd St.  

  Where is ‘The Late Show’ Studio?

Venue: Ed Sullivan Theater 1697 Broadway New York, NY 10019 212-975-8800

Neighborhoods: Hell’s Kitchen, Midtown West

Share this:

• Click to print (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Mastodon (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)

The Definitive Voice of Entertainment News

Subscribe for full access to The Hollywood Reporter

site categories

Stephen colbert celebrates “beautiful” audience in ‘late show’ return to ed sullivan theater.

"This is a slightly different energy than the converted storage room eight floors above us, as lovely as that was," the late night host joked as he returned to a live audience Monday night.

By Katie Kilkenny

Katie Kilkenny

Labor & Media Reporter

• Share this article on Facebook
• Share this article on Twitter
• Share this article on Flipboard
• Share this article on Email
• Show additional share options
• Share this article on Linkedin
• Share this article on Pinit
• Share this article on Reddit
• Share this article on Tumblr
• Share this article on Whatsapp
• Share this article on Print
• Share this article on Comment

For the first time in over a year, The Late Show With Stephen Colbert aired live from New York’s Ed Sullivan Theater with a full audience on Monday night.

After producing 211 episodes remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic, the late night show returned before audience members — the Ed Sullivan Theater can seat over 400 — who had to provide proof of full vaccination, though masks were optional. In the opening moments of Monday night’s show following the cold open, host Stephen Colbert embraced bandleader and musical director Jon Batiste as the in-person audience cheered and chanted “Ste-phen, Ste-phen.”

“So how you been? It’s great to be back. We never really left. But we certainly weren’t here. This is a slightly different energy than the converted storage room eight floors above us, as lovely as that was,” Colbert told his audience. Comparing the return to the stage to a nerve-wracking first day back at school, the host joked that the production had installed “Remember how to applaud” signs for the audience. “I don’t know if I even remember how to pander to the most beautiful crowd in the world,” Colbert said.

Related Stories

Josh charles thought he was being punk'd by ethan hawke about starring in taylor swift's "fortnight" music video, jerry seinfeld almost offered daniel day-lewis a role in his pop-tart comedy 'unfrosted'.

Colbert also fit in a jab aimed at New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who he said has made the show’s return to a full audience possible. Colbert claimed to have a note from the governor which read, “If you remember me for one thing this year, let it be bringing back the Late Show ’s audience. That’s it.” The show also projected images of the Late Show staff that made the show happen during the pandemic on the theater’s dome.

The show made the most of its full-audience return in other ways: Monday’s cold open showed Colbert getting dressed for the episode and forgetting to don pants. His pants then began speaking, counseling Colbert about his trepidation to return to traditional office wear. Before long, the pants erupted into a song (“When you do your show / it would be apropos / that we would go out together”) and Colbert and the pants sang a duet.

During a segment called “The Vax-Scene,” Colbert and a group of dancers in shot costumes danced among the audience.

And Colbert brought his wife, Evelyn McGee-Colbert, onstage, who for a time amid the pandemic was Colbert’s only live audience member: “Audience, he’s all yours now. And don’t forget to laugh because he really needs it,” she said.

Comedian Dana Carvey also made an appearance playing President Joe Biden and former Daily Show host Jon Stewart stopped by as a guest: “There’s nothing I wanted to do more than breathe everyone’s air,” Stewart joked.

In recent weeks, Colbert has been filming the show from a small venue within the theater’s building with crew members that the show said were tested on a regular basis, a standard that will continue as the show returns to its full audience.

The Late Show joined the roster of other late night shows, such as Saturday Night Live and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon , that have returned to their original locations and brought back in-person audiences. Some talk shows, including Good Morning America and The Daily Show , are still being produced without live audiences . The Late Show r eturned to a full audience in adherence with recent changes to New York’s COVID-19 restrictions.

THR Newsletters

Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day

More from The Hollywood Reporter

‘vanderpump rules’ reunion brings tom sandoval and ariana madix together after fourth-wall breaking finale, inside the racy disney upfront: bob iger and amorous golden retrievers take center stage, jimmy kimmel unleashed at disney upfronts: “we’re building one big ad-supported pile of s–t”, ‘agatha all along’ is the official title of marvel’s ‘wandavision’ spinoff (no, really), tom brady on why he wouldn’t do another roast: “the way that it affected my kids”, ‘yellowjackets’ buzzes into production on season 3, with showrunners behind the camera.

Ed Sullivan Theater

Top ways to experience Ed Sullivan Theater and nearby attractions

• 7th Ave • 2 min walk
• 57th St – 7th Ave • 3 min walk

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travellers

Ed Sullivan Theater - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Times Square Delicious Donut Adventure by Underground Donut Tour (From C$123.02)
• Media Moguls of Midtown Walking Tour in New York (From C$47.84)
• New York News and Media Walking Tour (From C$53.31)
• New York City Broadway Evolution Self Guided Audio Tour (From C$27.32)
• The Beatles in NYC Private Walking Tour (From C$263.68)
• (0.03 km) Ameritania At Times Square
• (0.06 km) Residence Inn New York Manhattan/Central Park
• (0.06 km) Courtyard New York Manhattan/Central Park
• (0.06 km) Courtyard by Marriott New York Manhattan/Central Park
• (0.15 km) WestHouse Hotel
• (0.00 km) La Spaghettata Restaurant
• (0.03 km) Angelo's Pizza
• (0.03 km) Food City Cafe & Pizza
• (0.03 km) Starbucks
• (0.04 km) Pret A Manger
• (0.01 km) The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
• (0.05 km) King Kong
• (0.06 km) Iguana NYC
• (0.13 km) Small Bus Tours NYC
• (0.13 km) Jersey Boys

Trend Chaser

The Ed Sullivan Show: Behind The Scenes

Posted: May 14, 2024 | Last updated: May 14, 2024

Take a nostalgic journey back to The Ed Sullivan Show, a captivating variety show that held audiences spellbound with its entertainment and wonder. Beyond the dazzling performances and controversial moments, lies a world of secrets and surprises known only to a privileged few.

Read on through as we delve into the hidden gems of this iconic show and relive its magic once more.

He Knew What An Audience Wanted

Delivering to the audience is paramount in any form of media, and Ed Sullivan possessed an unparalleled understanding of what would resonate with viewers. His keen sense of knowing which acts would captivate and be adored by the American audience was invaluable. The intuition he displayed throughout his remarkable 50-year career in entertainment is truly priceless.

He Hosted Many Forms Of Entertainers

The Ed Sullivan Show went beyond musical performances, showcasing a diverse array of entertainers from various fields. Ed Sullivan welcomed writers, comedians, dancers, circus acts, actors, and an extensive range of talent. The show boasted a guest list that included renowned acts like The Supremes, Broadway actors, Bob Dylan, The Doors, and even featured Jim Henson and The Muppets in a remarkable 25 appearances. It was a platform that celebrated the richness and diversity of the entertainment world.

Elvis' Debut Appearance Broke Records

A momentous event in American culture occurred on September 9, 1956, when the legendary Elvis Presley made his debut on The Ed Sullivan Show. The ratings he garnered that night remain unmatched to this day. A staggering 60 million viewers, accounting for an 86.2% share, tuned in to witness Elvis's electrifying performance. It was an unprecedented milestone, demonstrating the profound impact that rock and roll had on the nation and solidifying Elvis's status as a cultural phenomenon.

He Had Several Recurring Acts

While Ed often booked completely new, world-famous acts in entertainment, there were a few acts and individuals that appeared on a recurring basis. Two of the most famous examples of this were his puppet sidekick Topo Gigio, a children's puppet character on an Italian TV show, and a ventriloquist named Señor Wences.

Both appeared frequently on the show. Ed once asked the Italian puppeteers of Topo Gigio to step out and take a bow, which they did, revealing their all-black wardrobe. The puppet even appeared on the final show, in 1971.

The Buddy Holly Feud

One of the most infamous of Ed Sullivan's grudges was against Buddy Holly and his band, The Crickets. Sullivan thought the lyrics to their song "Oh Boy" were too suggestive for his audience and asked (or demanded) that they perform a different song.

Holly refused though and, as retribution, Sullivan mispronounced Holly's name when introducing the band and made sure that his guitar amplifier was turned off. Now that's what we call petty!

The Theater Was Renamed In Honor Of Ed Sullivan

The theater where The Ed Sullivan Show was filmed, located in Studio 50, at 1697 Broadway in New York City, is now named after the television hosting legend. From 1993 to 2015, the studio was also the home of The Late Show when David Letterman was the host.

Today, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is filmed there today. It was originally named Hammerstein's Theatre when it opened in 1927.

Ed Sullivan's Magic Could Not Be Matched

After decades of success, the Ed Sullivan show eventually started to fall in ratings. In 1964, 14,190,000 viewers were tuning in. But by 1970, that number was down to 11,875,500, although more households owned televisions. Soon, it was canceled.

Show producers tried numerous times with a bunch of different programs to catch the magic again, but the magic and success of The Ed Sullivan Show in its prime could not be matched, no matter what they tried.

The Ed Sullivan Show Has More Episodes Than The Simpsons

The show was able to produce over 1,000 episodes. When most people think of show longevity, they immediately think of shows like The Simpsons .

But in fact, The Ed Sullivan Show continues to have more episodes than The Simpsons despite it no longer being produced and The Simpsons still being on the air.

Appearing On The Show Was A Big Deal

With the massive audience that his show generated every time it was aired (along with Sullivan's aforementioned ability to find talent), anyone who appeared on the show dramatically increased their visibility. In 1954-55 the show had 12,157,200 viewers. In 1963-64 it garnered 14,190,000.

The Ed Sullivan Show was the biggest ticket in town and gave every guest who appeared a chance to go from a nobody to a star in just one night.

Ed Sullivan Butted Heads With The Best Of Them

While Sullivan's show was the biggest ticket in town, certain people either never got an invite or didn’t get invited back after appearing. Sullivan had some big controversies with various artists and even years after the disagreements took place, he still wouldn’t allow them back or forget about the grudge.

Artists that Ed butted heads with include the Rolling Stones, The Doors, Jackie Mason, Bob Dylan, and Bo Diddley. Both artists and their managers must have been disappointed with never being invited back on the hit show.

CBS Had Problems With Some Of The Guests

In addition to Ed himself having some issues with guests, the network also had problems with some of the guests who appeared. There were numerous times when certain acts were censored and asked to change their songs or acts in some way. Some of the acts obeyed, while others disregarded the rules.

Jim Morrison, the frontman of The Doors, was basically banned from the Ed Sullivan show after his first appearance.

The Doors Were Banned From The Show

During The Doors' 1967 performance on "The Ed Sullivan Show," singer Jim Morrison was asked specifically not to sing one line from their hit song "Light My Fire." He was supposed to replace the line "Girl we couldn’t get much higher" with the tamer version "Girl we couldn’t get much better."

When the time came to sing the questionable lyric, Jim Morrison acted in his typical rebellious format. Not only did he sing the original words, which referenced illegal substances, but he did so loudly and in an exaggerated way. Sullivan was livid and the band was never allowed back on the show.

The Show Was Originally Titled Toast of the Town

The show debuted on June 20, 1948, on CBS. The official title for the show's first few years on the air was Toast of the Town, hosted by Ed Sullivan, a known New York entertainment columnist at the time.

However, soon people realized that Ed Sullivan had the personality of a star and began calling it The Ed Sullivan Show. The network and producers recognized this and so, that became the official title of the show in 1955.

Ed Sullivan Was As Awkward As They Come

While most television hosts exude a sense of confidence and are charming in nature, Ed Sullivan was the complete opposite. He was awkward, kind of shifty, and was famous for messing up his lines throughout the program on some occasions. Initially, the show was given poor ratings by television critics.

But as it turned out, it was this type of fun freestyle that made watching Ed Sullivan so entertaining to viewers.

The List Of Bands He Aired Breakout Performances For Is Staggering

Sullivan became famous in North America for his ability to seemingly predict which new talent would end up becoming big stars. Many now-famous acts first got their big break on his show.

Throughout the '50s and '60s, the show aired breakout performances for a number of legendary acts including Elvis Presley, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, the Beach Boys, the Doors, and more. Keep reading for more about these artists' memorable performances later.

The Show Aired Across Four Different Decades

While most TV shows are lucky to secure a few seasons of airtime, The Ed Sullivan Show experienced a 22-year run and ran over the course of four different decades. The show aired in the '40s, '50s, '60s, and '70s.

It was one of the longest-running shows ever, setting the record for the longest-running variety show in US broadcast history. When it was finally canceled, television critic David Hinckley said, "It was, by almost any measure, the last great TV show."

74 Million People Watched the Beatles Debut

In their debut performance on the show, the Beatles played their rock and roll music to a massive audience of nearly 74 million people who watched the program. Now, this performance took place in 1964, when the population of the U.S. was only 191 million people.

This shows just how big the show's audience was at this point. "It's one of our fondest, dearest pop culture memories," said television critic David Hinkley.

Ed Sullivan Helped To Raise Public Awareness About Mental Illness

On one of his shows in 1953, Ed and his guest spoke about the guest’s time in a mental institution. This episode and conversation were credited as a big help in the fight for America to become more aware of mental illness and drop the negative stigma.

Out of all he has accomplished, Sullivan was extremely proud of this fact, deeming it the most important episode in the entire first decade of the show's airing.

Wayne And Shuster Appeared On The Show The Most

With the show having well over 1,000 episodes, it was bound to have a few repeat guests. Numerous big acts had multiple appearances, but no one appeared more than the Canadian comedy duo Wayne and Shuster.

They appeared on the show as a live act an amazing 67 times (58, according to Frank Shuster), signing a one-year contract for $7,500 a show. Ed rarely made edits to their act, as they had agreed on.

Jerry Stiller And Anne Meara Found Fame On The Show

Actors Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara made their first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show as the husband-and-wife comedy team "Stiller & Meara," on April 7th, 1963. The duo was such a hit that they were invited back for a total of 36 appearances on the program throughout the '60s and '70s

Years later, Stiller discovered a resurgence in his fame playing the cranky Frank Costanza on Seinfeld , a role that earned him an Emmy nomination. Anne Meara passed away on May 23, 2015. She was 85. Nearly five years later, Stiller passed away at the age of 93. They both had long, successful careers.

He Provided Huge Opportunities For African American Entertainers

In a time when African American entertainers had little or no outlet to show their skills to the world, Ed Sullivan's show offered black performers a platform. He helped launch dozens of careers such as The Supremes, James Brown, and Louis Armstrong.

Sullivan received criticism from some bigoted people in the industry but chose to continue supporting entertainers equally. He also made sure that nothing made it onto the show that would offend any of his audience members, even if it was culturally acceptable at the time.

A Long-Lasting Marriage

In 1926, Sullivan met Sylvia Weinstein. The couple dated on and off for three years before their 1930 City Hall wedding. Weinstein's family was Jewish and opposed to her marrying a Catholic, so she initially told them that her fiance's name was Ed Solomon.

Her brother didn't buy the ruse and figured out who she was really engaged to. The Sullivans were married for 42 years and welcomed a daughter named Elizabeth "Betty" Sullivan.

The Ritz Brothers

Moe Howard of "The Three Stooges" once said that Sullivan had a problem with his memory at times. As an example, Howard cited a time when the Stooges made a reoccurring appearance on the show and Sullivan had seemingly forgotten their names.

Instead, the iconic host accidentally introduced them as "The Ritz Brothers." He corrected himself by adding the improvised line, "who look more like the Three Stooges to me."

A Real Variety Show

Viewers were never certain what they'd see when they tuned in to watch The Ed Sullivan Show . One favorite guest was the flamboyantly flashy pianist Liberace.

During his appearances on the show (there were six performances total), Liberace performed a few songs, did some comedy bits, and even taught Sullivan to play the piano. The show included a highly-specialized symphony orchestra. The gig was extremely demanding, as they had to adjust to the wide variety of guest artists on the show.

Lions And Tigers And Bears, Oh My!

One example of just how much variety there was on the show was when animal tamer Clyde Beatty appeared. Beatty discovered during rehearsal that the stage was much too small for his tigers to perform safely. Sullivan convinced him to go ahead with the act, however.

During Beatty's performance, he lost control of the tigers. Luckily, he was able to subdue them. Sullivan later said that this appearance was "the roughest act, I've ever featured." No doubt that Beatty felt the same way, but a clip of this performance was included in a "best of" DVD compilation of "The Ed Sullivan Show."

Ed and Sylvia's Daughter Betty

Ed and Sylvia Sullivan had one child, a daughter named Elizabeth or "Betty" after Sullivan's mother, who died the same year that his daughter was born, in 1930.

While Betty's father continued having success in the spotlight, she lived a more reserved, normal life, choosing not to fall into the glamourous life of the entertainment industry. She later became a Navy wife and full-time mother. She passed away in 2014 at the age of 83.

Out On The Town

The Sullivan family was frequently spotted out on the town and reportedly ate out five nights a week. Among their favorite dining spots were Jimmy Kelly’s, Danny's Hideaway, and the legendary Stork Club. They only visited the hottest spots, of course.

As the talented host of the top show on television, Sullivan was a powerful figure in the entertainment industry and beyond. He was associated with celebrities, presidents, and Popes-- his reach seemingly limitless.

He Was Truly A Star

Ed Sullivan received a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame on February 8, 1960. His honorary star is located at 6101 Hollywood Boulevard. This is just one of the many awards that Sullivan received over the years -- others include a Golden Globe and a Peabody Award.

Sullivan was truly a pioneer in his field, especially in the show's beginnings. He captivated viewers like no one before him, or after him.

Sullivison, The Documentary

Later, Suzanne Kay and Sullivan's granddaughter Margo Precht Speciale created a documentary called Sullivision . The documentary explores the impact that the show had on Black culture and the Civil Rights movement.

Carroll told her daughter that "you could build a whole career around the exposure you got on Sullivan.” Other black artists who appeared on the show include The Jackson 5, Marvin Gaye, Lena Horne, Smokey Robinson, Nat King Cole, and Ray Charles.

Jackie Mason's Contract

We weren't exaggerating when we said that Ed Sullivan held grudges, although this one might be justified. Comedian Jackie Mason had a contract worth $45,000 to make six appearances on the show. A notorious event led to the contract being tossed out in 1964.

Mason allegedly flipped Sullivan the bird, an act that's been dubbed "the finger incident." During the obscene motion, he said he'd been "getting lots of fingers tonight." Then he began pointing, adding: “Here's a finger for you and a finger for you and a finger for you." Mason's contract was canceled although he claimed that he had only been making a joke about fingers and hadn't directed a rude gesture toward Sullivan. The two later made up.

More for You

Billboard collapses onto group of pedestrians, killing at least 14

Where the 8 Richest People in the World Live

Our Test Kitchen Found the Best Bacon

Sweden may consider sending troops to Ukraine, but under one condition - Minister of Defense

A 24-year-old spent $140,000 buying and converting a Mercedes van. Take a look inside the luxury home on wheels.

Will we see the northern lights again Sunday? Here's the latest forecast

The biggest dog breed in the world—and see how other big breeds compare

Bill Gates: 7 Expenses He Spends the Most Money On

"If it was LeBron, I would say LeBron James" - Reggie Miller responds to the criticism he was taking shots at LBJ

Green Bay Packers rookie suddenly retires following rookie minicamp

85 Best Pasta Recipes

A millennial couple invested in a $143,000 vacation home in Bali. It's become the crux of their early retirement strategy.

25 Singers with Memorables Voices

These Are the Smartest Small Dog Breeds

Cohen’s second day of testimony draws Trump ire

New 'Dream Team'? USA basketball unveils 2024 Paris Olympics roster

Chinese automaker launches EV that could eliminate major issue with electric cars: 'Will completely solve the mileage anxiety'

Cream Cheese Is Your Secret Weapon For The Best Whipped Cream Frosting

Massive COMB data breach reveals info on over a billion people — here's what we know about "compilation of many breaches"

The Gates Foundation is losing its smarter half, Warren Buffett says

Ed Sullivan Theater

Top ways to experience Ed Sullivan Theater and nearby attractions

• 7th Ave • 2 min walk
• 57th St – 7th Ave • 3 min walk

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travellers

ED SULLIVAN THEATER: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

• Times Square Delicious Donut Adventure by Underground Donut Tour (From £71.63)
• Media Moguls of Midtown Walking Tour in New York (From £27.86)
• New York News and Media Walking Tour (From £31.04)
• New York City Broadway Evolution Self Guided Audio Tour (From £15.91)
• The Beatles in NYC Private Walking Tour (From £153.53)
• (0.02 mi) Ameritania At Times Square
• (0.03 mi) Residence Inn New York Manhattan/Central Park
• (0.04 mi) Courtyard New York Manhattan/Central Park
• (0.04 mi) Courtyard by Marriott New York Manhattan/Central Park
• (0.10 mi) WestHouse Hotel
• (0.00 mi) La Spaghettata Restaurant
• (0.02 mi) Angelo's Pizza
• (0.02 mi) Food City Cafe & Pizza
• (0.02 mi) Starbucks
• (0.02 mi) Pret A Manger
• (0.00 mi) The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
• (0.03 mi) King Kong
• (0.04 mi) Iguana NYC
• (0.08 mi) Small Bus Tours NYC
• (0.08 mi) Jersey Boys

Ed Sullivan Theater

Top ways to experience Ed Sullivan Theater and nearby attractions

• 7th Ave • 2 min walk
• 57th St – 7th Ave • 3 min walk

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travellers

Ed Sullivan Theater - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

• Times Square Delicious Donut Adventure by Underground Donut Tour (From ₹ 7,512.52)
• Media Moguls of Midtown Walking Tour in New York (From ₹ 2,921.54)
• New York News and Media Walking Tour (From ₹ 3,255.43)
• New York City Broadway Evolution Self Guided Audio Tour (From ₹ 1,668.61)
• The Beatles in NYC Private Walking Tour (From ₹ 16,101.84)
• (0.03 km) Ameritania At Times Square
• (0.06 km) Residence Inn New York Manhattan/Central Park
• (0.06 km) Courtyard New York Manhattan/Central Park
• (0.06 km) Courtyard by Marriott New York Manhattan/Central Park
• (0.15 km) WestHouse Hotel
• (0.00 km) La Spaghettata Restaurant
• (0.03 km) Angelo's Pizza
• (0.03 km) Food City Cafe & Pizza
• (0.03 km) Starbucks
• (0.04 km) Pret A Manger
• (0.01 km) The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
• (0.05 km) King Kong
• (0.06 km) Iguana NYC
• (0.13 km) Small Bus Tours NYC
• (0.13 km) Jersey Boys

Kari Lake: Arizona Republican Senate candidate in photos