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Airport rules apply -

On series like 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show' and 'The Oprah Winfrey Show,' absolutely no sharp objects are allowed, even knitting needles. You also have to walk through a metal detector.

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Clap and cheer (and ooh and ahh) on cue -

All reactive noises are only allowed when instructed, and the audience is told exactly when and how to respond by a designated staff member.

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It's always chilly -

Most people might think studios are warm from all the lights and equipment, however, it's actually kept quite cold! It's recommended that you bring a sweater.

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Careful audience arrangement -

Audiences are specifically arranged to look good, by gender and/or shirt color, so you might not sit with the people you came with.

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No snacks allowed -

Snacks are forbidden on nearly every talk show. If caught with food or drink on set, you can be escorted off the premises. Eat a big meal before!

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No autographs -

Both Ellen DeGeneres and Dr. Phil warn audiences that there will be no autographs, and some previous audience members say Jimmy Fallon will only give you high-fives.

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Dress code is usually "smart casual" -

The dress code for most talk shows is smart casual, and if you fail to meet this vague guideline, shows like 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon' reserve the right to deny you entry.

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Say goodbye to your phone for a little while -

While some shows let you bring in your phone if it remains off, others like 'Dr. Phil' don't allow any electronics in the studio at all.

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Strict age limits -

While other shows require you to be at least 18, it's 16 for 'The Tonight Show,' regardless if a guardian is present. On 'Dr. Phil,' 16- and 17-year-olds can come if accompanied by a parent.

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No gifts -

Hardly any TV host accepts gifts, and if they do it must go through heavy security first. Unfortunately, this is not the time to win them over.

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There's a limit of how many tapings you can attend -

Some say once a month, like 'Dr. Phil,' while others only allow the same person to sit in the audience once every six months.

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You must dance on 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show'... a lot -

You simply can't go on the show if you don't want to dance on national TV, and the audience is constantly busting a move during every break. Good shoes are recommended!

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Come in your biggest car for 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show' -

Audience members are reportedly advised to arrive at the studio in the largest cars that they can, just in case they need the space for all the freebies.

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There's an enthusiasm screening in line -

For 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show,' if you're visibly high energy in line, you may be selected for further screening, and that's how they pick the “random” guests to play games with the host.

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You will always be surprised on 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show' -

As lineups can last for hours, and sometimes without the promise of getting a ticket, you'd think people might be strategic with which show they want to attend, but audiences only find out the celebrity guests when they walk out on stage.

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Do not coordinate outfits on 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show' -

For reasons unclear, groups coordinating outfits are frowned upon. You also can't wear Ellen merchandise for the taping, despite being encouraged to buy it backstage.

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Wear colorful outfits on 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show' -

Audience members are encouraged to wear their most colorful, upscale, or business-casual outfits, and all-black or all-white is not allowed.

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On the other hand, 'Dr. Phil' wants you to wear dark clothes -

The show reportedly asks audiences to dress in dark solid color business attire, with no busy patterns, no jeans, and no hats.

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Two shows for the wait-time of one with 'Dr. Phil' -

Though you should expect a long wait to be seated, you get to enjoy two back-to-back shows. Between the two, you'll be rearranged to make it look like a different audience.

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'The Dr. Oz Show' wants ladies in jewel tones -

Women are reportedly urged to wear jewel-tone colored clothing, while men are asked to wear bright solid colors, button-down dress shirts, and jeans or neutral pants. If you don't follow the dress code, you won't be allowed inside.

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You won't see an entire episode of 'The Dr. Oz Show' -

They film various segments on taping days, which are later edited into different episodes for air. The good news is you'll be in the audience for more than one show when it airs!

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The ticket application for 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' was closely examined -

The "random" guests could actually be picked according to their responses to the ticket application. The fans involved in the 2004 car giveaway were reportedly asked questions about their current transportation methods, to ensure that cars were given to those in need.

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'The Oprah Winfrey Show' wanted to get to know audiences -

Oprah's show involved a lot of audience engagement, from asking audiences to share their stories, to getting them to ask her questions during breaks.

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Paramedics for overjoyed guests on 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' -

During Oprah's biggest giveaways, she arranged to have paramedics on standby just in case any of her audience members were overcome with emotion.

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Not a straightforward seating order on 'The Tonight Show' -

An online review says that  the order for the seating is semi-secretive, as you're given either one letter, two letters, a white ticket, or a number, and that determines who gets to go in first.

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Buy monologue tickets separately -

For 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,' tickets for the monologue are separate! You will reportedly have to wait in line for about two hours, then enjoy a 15-minute monologue.

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Tickets are non-transferable -

For 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon' as well as many other shows, tickets are non-transferable—so you can't make cash off them—and everyone in your party must be present for check-in.

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You can't step out -

According to a review from an audience member of 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,' if you leave the room for any reason, even to go to the bathroom, you won't be allowed back in.

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'The Tonight Show' is serious about photos -

One review noted that if you are caught taking a photo, they will make you delete the photo, and make you delete the file from your deleted items folder. Then, of course, you'll be asked to leave.

See also: Reality TV secrets that producers won't tell you.

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