Visit New York City's Official tourism website (see Resource 1). Here you will find a complete listing of all the television shows currently being taped in New York City and where to find them.
Sort through the list, looking for the shows which interest you and read the individual instructions on how and when tickets for each taping are distributed. Each show has its own system but many hand out free tickets at the door to those waiting in line for the show. Others ask that viewers write in for studio tickets and still others operate a telephone number where tickets can be requested in advance.
Order tickets from one of the online ticket resellers if you are unable to secure tickets for the show of your choice from the studio itself (see Resource 2). These ticket distributors charge for tickets that might otherwise be free, but if you want to get into the show and have no other option, this is a quick and easy way to find a ticket.