We like the new state-of- the-art studio but the moving lines behind the newscasters is very annoying. It would be nice to stop the movement and just leave the solid lines. Thank you. read more

The NBC Tower was amazing! Super clean and well organized. The employees were super kind & helpful - we were attending the Steve Harvey show. Bathrooms were clean; which is always a plus! read more

NBC Tower - Steve Harvey was da bomb! - Television Stations Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Steve Harvey show was great! I'm such a fan of his books! I was here for the 5th and final season taping of Steve Harvey for Mothers day week. Upon entering NBC tower we were checked in and all by security with a metal detector all of our bags/belongings. Please remember to pack light so the line can move quicker. You can see all the shows posters they taped from the news, entertainment, Steve Harvey, and Judge Mathis. After security check-in we went up the elevator to the waiting area where we received donuts and water. They call out your name in the order it was received and you form a single file line as you enter the studio. The set was beautiful all jazzed up (shades of purple) for mothers day week. The taping took a while to start like an hr or two to behind so we were watching old episodes of his show which were funny. I can tell you he looks better in person. Be prepared to move, dance, wiggle to get the energy flowing prior to taping. While taping he is so funny and energetic!! His staff was fun, lively, and enthusiastic. Sad to say you will be missed, this is his last season in Chicago but good luck Steve Harvey and crew onto bigger and better things! read more

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It seems if you don't have cable TV, you can't get NBC channel 5-1 or 5-2 in my neighborhood these days. I thought perhaps I hadn't rescanned my TV properly last October 2019. Turns out a neighbor can't get these channels either. His family doesn't watch TV much, so it is no big loss for them. I try not to watch TV too much, so it is probably a blessing in disguise for me. The show that I used to watch most often was Frazier on 5-2 at 7 PM. No problem - - I went back to watching The Andy Griffith Show on ME-TV, channel 26-3. BTW, I emailed NBC a few months ago to let them know that my neighbor and I have not been able to receive their stations since last October. I never received a reply, so I guess NBC doesn't "miss" our viewership any more than we "miss" their programs. Bye-bye, NBC! read more

Came here for a taping of the Judge Mathis show. We arrived early as they requested, but they were almost an hour late letting us in. They didn't even have a restroom in the area where we were initially lined up. We finally got to the green room and had a long wait there too. When we got seated in the studio we were greeted by the bailiff Doyle. He was a lot of fun. Judge Mathis, however, had no time for us. He didn't address us when he came in, and when taping of the final episode was over, he said "Thank you," and exited stage right. Next time I'm going to Steve Harvey. read more

NBC Tower - Television Stations Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I've been to the NBC Tower twice--once for the Jerry Springer show and most recently for the Steve Harvey show. The tower is not open to the public. You need to be on the reservation list to enter the building so make sure to bring any confirmation emails stating your reason to be there. The line for security is long so make sure to get there early. We were told to arrive at 4pm. We promptly arrived at 4pm but waited in line to get through the security check for almost 45 minutes. After security, we were escorted to the audience holding area. Steve Harvey's holding area was really small and there were not enough seats for everyone. I had to stand the entire time I was there. The area had snacks for purchase and even meals (burgers, hot dogs) for purchase. I'm not sure where or how to order the meals though because I never saw a menu. We waited 20-30 minutes in the holding area. We were finally led to be seated in the stage area around 5:00pm-5:15pm. The show lasted almost 3 hours so we were not released until around 7pm. There are NO bathroom breaks during taping so make sure to go beforehand. There is also NO food or beverages during the taping. We were told that we were not here to watch the show but to be part of the show. They really mean it when they say that. I missed parts of what was said because I could barely hear what was going on. There are no microphones for the audience to hear better. Being there for three hours actually took a lot of work. There was a lot of standing and clapping and cheering and intermittent periods of dancing. After 3 hours of this experience, we were exhausted. But I'm grateful that we were able to snag some tickets. The audience coordinator was fun and energetic. I can't imagine how he does it everyday! I've been to a taping of Oprah (when she was till on TV), and she ignored her audience. Not a hello or a thank you. Steve Harvey was much nicer than Oprah. He talked to us for a little bit after the taping was over and thanked us for being there and for supporting him and his show. We have a lot more respect for Steve Harvey and his team after watching this show taping. read more

The NBC building is located by the hotel we were staying at. Stepped inside the building and then stepped right out again. The guard gave me a look that said "get out". Since, I was not there to watch any taping of any show, I just left. Still, I enjoyed looking at the colorful peacock logo every time we looked in that direction. read more

NBC Tower - Television Stations Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Upon entering the facility with 120 twinkies for news reporter Marion Brooks I was approached by security. Friendly and in shock as he glanced over the yellow sponge cakes. I was then directed down a long hallway where a 2nd security attendant greeted me. Flatscreen televisions everywhere with every NBC broadcasted show. Seriously comfy couches had me a coma where I was about to doze off. About 5 mins later my name was called by the "The Talk" show manager with instructions to follow her to the live taping area. Keep in mind I am carrying 120 twinkies and just about everyone stopped with all eyes on me as if Julia Roberts from Pretty Woman walked in. Of course I was an instant celebrity amongst the crew and even got reporter Rob Elgas to pose for some funny pics holding twinkies. Super duper experience, treated like royalty. NBC you guys really made my day. Might I add Marion Brooks is even hotter in person. read more

NBC Tower - Television Stations Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The NBC Tower is the home to Channel 5 in Chicago. It is not that old of a building, but its design does have a sleek retro look to it. The tower faces west onto Pioneer Court, a popular plaza for the lunchtime crowd. There is a street-level studio for Channel 5 in the nearby Equitable Building. read more

NBC Tower - View of NBC Tower - Television Stations Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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If you are coming to see the taping of a show, such as, The Steve Harvey Show or The Judge Mathias Show, you better make sure you have a good meal in your tummy before you arrive. Bring single dollar bills or quarters in case you want to buy something from a vending machine. Food and drinks are not allowed so don't bother sneaking these inside your backpack or tote bag or purse. This was a long-ass day of waiting and waiting like a herd of cows on a farm. It was interesting to see how a show is taped, the work that goes into it and what is involved. You may stand for long periods of time, so my tip is to wear comfortable shoes and bring a nice pair with you. When you finally get seated you can put on your nice shoes. Steve Harvey is a class-act. I love his sense of humor. I also appreciate the way he treated his audience (with respect, professionalism and dignity). He is a very compassionate individual, which surprised me. He may wear $15,000 designer suits and $3,000 alligator shoes, but he is very down-to-earth in that he had the professional courtesy to thank everyone for coming to his show. At that point the audience responded with a wonderful round of applause (without being prompted to "clap"). We got to see Patti LaBelle in early September. She was demonstrating how to make her healthy salmon made with ketchup, beer, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder and mustard. The studio smelled fab-u-licious! Ms. LaBelle also looked fantastic. She was glowing and very beautiful. I also went to a taping of The Oprah Show over one decade ago. When I used to watch the Oprah Show, a long, long, long time ago, I always thought that Oprah was a genuinely down-to-earth person that everyone can relate to, but I quickly found out that Oprah is a snob who was a cold ice queen to her audience. I found the experience to be A-OK, and now I understand why tickets are free. The organization of it all was chaos, because communication to the people attending the show was minimal. This is the same building where The Jerry Springer Show used to be filmed. Of course, the Jerry Springer Show moved to Stamford, CT in 2009, and it was not renowned for being a classy show with a big budget. The show thrived on a parade of often trashy guests, like trailer trash guests, whose primary interests tended to be fighting and rolling around on the floor stage or once in a while a paternity test ("you are not the father") and cheaters or prostitutes or a crazy love triangle situation. Jerry, Jerry, Jerry, Jerry, Jerry, Jerry (with fists pumped up and down in mid air)! read more

I've been to the NBC Tower three times now. Two times to attend the taping of the Judge Mathis show and once now for The Steve Harvey Show. There's nothing special about being at the tower except for attending a show taping. I would just say be prepared to wait and wait...then wait some more. Also be prepared to stand for some time too. It isn't much of a problem for me but it gets to the older people and then they scramble in the lobby for any available place to sit. When you do finally get to the waiting room...you wait some more. This last visit there was a cashier and convenient snacks for purchase but I'm usually good without. For a Mathis taping you get to sit through about four cases or so and the more your crowd reacts the more lively Mathis will be. One cool part is that the Court Officer Doyle is actually a pretty funny comic. One time he was raggin' on Judge Judy about her being a bitch but what else is new. Glad they feel the same but solid court show as well. For me the Harvey Show was a surprise. On this green Earth I couldn't tell you what makes Steve Harvey qualified to hand out love/ relationship advice but whatever the qualifications check out the show. The crowd control is lively with so much damn dancing. Pretty cool though. If anyone is going for a taping then have fun and if it's for the Harvey Show you definitely will. Very live. read more

I've been to the NBC tower a few times for taping of several different shows and I will say in my experience with the Steve Harvey show it was quite an experience. You definitely need to be very energetic for the taping of this show.. Be prepared to be there an entire day! Unless you wear a diaper you WILL NOT be allowed a bathroom break so please go prior to entering the studio. Had a great time at the show! Can't wait to be a part of it again.. read more

So we went here for a Steve Harvey taping. All I can say is that it's no Oprah Winfrey taping!! The waiting room is crap. Floors are dirty, tables broken and dirty, vending machines filled with crap. It was just a bad experience. Especially since we got there at 3:30 for a 4pm taping and then had to wait in that crappy room for 2.5 hours!!! They didn't start seating us until 6:30pm!! They were running late and didn't think it proper to tell us anything. Then we got in there and they had their 'comedian' guy warmed us up for another hour and a half. It got to the point where it was not fun or funny any more. Then Steve came out and blah blah blah. The show was totally disrespectful of our time and patience. They even said something like, "I know it's been a while but you didn't pay anything to be here." Yeah it was the worse use of my free time. read more

okay so i get it's the olympics and i am an avid watcher of shaun white and the girl that's all drugged up for figure skating. However, i am throughly disappointed by the lack of new episodes of jimmy fallon's HIT tv show THATS MY JAM! this show is the perfect pass time for my roommate and i and it is simply the best combination of almost irrelevant songs and slightly famous singers, comedians, and actors. it is comedy GOLD, and my feathers are ruffled that there aren't new episodes. On a deeper note, i feel a whole in my heart without seeing people get soaked with water in slow motion while wearing unflattering glasses. please bring us more episodes or i will continue to leave reviews. thanks xoxo read more

I LOVE the morning news team. I guess I should start at the beginning. I love NBC 5 news for all news - it's a much better station than CBS or ABC. I also enjoy their national coverage more than any of the other stations (can you say MSNBC? Keith Olbermann? Rachel Maddow?). But the NBC 5 Morning News Team - they're my absolute favorite. Rob, Zoraida, Andy, Matt - you make my morning nice and calm. I wake up everyday at 5:15, so I'm always ready for some news, traffic and weather. They give comprehensive reports about all the day's news, traffic and intense weather reports. They even give national updates about politics and economics. I love the rapport that the all of the members of the team seem to have with each other - they have a great banter that makes the news watchable. I also love Wayne's Weekends (on Thursdays) because he always has fun entertaining ideas. Seriously, my favorite news period. Suggestion: make your way out to the NBC 5 Plaza on Michigan Ave. It's fun because sometimes you can actually talk to one of the anchors and you can call a friend and tell them to look for you on the news (you can see people out on the plaza in the background of the news anchors). It's always a fun time. Thanks, NBC 5. You're my favorite news. read more

I went to NBC Towers to attend The Steve Harvey Morning Show, which was tons and tons of fun, because Steve Harvey is freakin hilarious and wise. Security is serious in this building. If you go there to watch a show, I recommend working out your trip so that you can leave immediately (cab, CTA, parking garage, whatever). Basically, if you plan on waiting in the lobby for a ride, security will definitely be on your case. The annoying part is that you can't use your phone during the show taping (which is expected), but that also means that you cannot contact the person picking you up until after the taping is over. Had I known this, I would have made different plans or told the person picking me up to meet me somewhere else. I completely understand that they need to secure the building, and they do not want to encourage loitering, but it just felt like they were ready to kick us out within minutes of the taping ending. Other than that, not a bad experience. read more

This gets FIVE stars for the Jerry Springer FREE taping that I attended. I haven't been that shocked or laughed that hard in so long - apparently, my friends and I attended a Jerry Springer Uncensored taping - which means pay-per-view. What craziness!! Tips - call in to get tickets - a lot easier than Oprah and quicker than email or online. And another tip - get there at least an hour before they begin letting people in - so if you are seeing a show at 7pm - get there at 5pm cuz they start seating at 6pm. And if there are two showings - try to go to the earlier one at 3pm because then, you have the option to stay for the later one, too. read more

NBC Tower - Television Stations Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

My review is strictly based on the free Jerry Springer taping that I attended. WOW!! Highly recommend this experience. Our topic was "Don't hurt the midget" about a little person who's sister disagreed with his engagement to his girlfriend of one year and mother of his child. As you can imagine, the 2 women (both average height) got into several fist fights and much trash talking as a means of solving their differences. A boob even popped out. Now that's entertainment! The subsequent story, which had nothing to do with 'midgets' at all, involved a man who was cheating on his wife with a much larger, much uglier woman after he got out of jail. He weighed about 80 lbs, was covered in scabs (I know because he wasn't wearing a shirt, like most Springer guests who want to make a point) and prison tattoos, and had his dentures in his pocket for about half the duration of his appearance. After a pretty serious hair-pulling session between the women and some toothless groveling, they worked out their relationship and lived happily ever-after. The audience here is... the type of audience who is taking it seriously, for the most part. Plenty of additional entertainment there. Again, highly recommend this FREE activity right here in our own backyard! read more

I enjoy this grand looking building with the proud peacock at the top. Channel 5 news broadcasts out of this facility. read more

NBC Tower - Television Stations Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The architecture isn't spectacular. I actually consider the building's minimalist exterior to be reminiscent of the downtown prison. The peacock sign brightens things up. Anyway, NBC5 news offers the best news in Chicago - IMO - and this particular building is the site of some great internships. read more

NBC Tower - Television Stations Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I love Allison Rosati the best news anchor in the country nbc rules. I give it 4 stars because I can't stand Steve Harvey and his show. I love Ellen's show watch it if I am at home. Brant Miller and Pete Sack r the most experienced and best meteorologist in the country. read more

I visited the NBC 5 Tower yesterday to attend a taping of the Steve Harvey Show. The reviews from YELP were spot on! I had tickets to attend Show A and was informed to arrive at 10:30 am. I took a LYFT to the studio from Midway Airport. The ride took around 25 minutes. Thank god there was no traffic when I left the airport at around 9:10 am. I was a little early getting to the show, so I decided to go to Whole Foods and Walgreens, both are nearby, to kill time. I would recommend grabbing something to eat, i.e light snacks or food from either place, as we did not get out of the taping until around 2:50 pm. When I went into the studio there was already a line. The lobby is a nice size and there is a special line for audience members. Pictures of some current NBC daytime shows line the walls, for my selfie kings and queens. Security was pretty nice and made sure to explain what was going on as far as security procedures and when we would be allowed to go upstairs. There were no public restrooms in the lobby as other reviewers mentioned, so I would advise to try and go to the bathroom before you actually go inside the building. We waited downstairs for around 30 minutes or so before someone from the show came to check our names/reservations. We then went in groups to take an elevator upstairs. Once upstairs we were put into a holding area, not sure if this room has vending machines as another Yelper mentioned. However, there were restrooms upstairs, which we were allowed to use. The lines were very long. Before I knew it we were then asked to line up to enter into the studio. First those that needed special assistance and then they called off names. Some people seemed really anxious to get in line, but it really doesn't matter because you sit where they tell you to sit. Also even if you're one of the first people in line this doesn't guarantee you a seat(s) up front. Boom! Overall the taping of the Steve Harvey show exceeded my expectations. I was very surprised with the special guest Steve had on! A true treat! The staff members were very nice and friendly. If it wasn't so cold I would have walked around the area, great location, but the weather was just too disrespectful. I can't wait to come back again for another taping in the near future. I'll make sure it's in the spring or early summer! read more

Went for the taping of The Steve Harvey show the security line was super cramped and the staff was slightly annoyed. It's not like we are there everyday and know what to do but some of them tried to keep it fun. The show itself was great. Steve is hilarious. Our show was a giveaway show. The only thing I found a little fishy was that one of the woman in line knew a woman who worked there. She took her out of line early on and seated them before the rest of us. Well guess who won a trip? The lady of the friend who was seating people. Could be a coincidence but seemed strange and upsetting. All in all it was a good experience. read more

Went to the Steve Harvey show. Beautiful place. Use spothero to park nearby because it can be pricey.

I came here for a taping of the Steve Harvey Show and had a good experience. I've been to several studios before, in NY and LA, and this one was definitely one of the better ones. Perhaps it's due to the weather, but in LA they always make audiences wait outside which is super annoying to me. Here you walk into the building and wait in the very nice lobby. I felt the staff here treated audiences much better than at other shows I've gone to, and the audience members themselves seemed to be a step up from the folks who go to some of the shows I've seen in LA. The only downside is that, because you have to take an elevator up to the studio where the taping is, and the audience size is so large, there is a slight wait as the elevator takes groups one at a time up and down to and from the studio. Someone joked that they need a larger elevator. Nice building, and I love the location right near Mag Mile. read more

I recently attended a taping of The Steve Harvey Show. When I got to the Tower, it was my very first time ever being in a television studio. Everybody was nice. I saw Art Norman tweeting in the hallway. I saw another guy who helps Art with all the new technology on the show. He was talking to people and being friendly. My entire experience was great but besides Steve making it great, there was Steve Harvey.s security team. One guy in particular checked everyone in and he was absolutely the funniest security office and the tallest that I have ever seen. He made folks laugh that were standing in line waiting for the great Steve Harvey. Later on at the main level of the studio, Steve had us laughing hysterically because he is as funny in person as he is on TV. I only had one bad experience....there was this short little black man who reminded me of Otis the security guard on Martin and he made me get up from sitting by the flower pot. Several security people saw me sitting there waiting and never said a thing, but this short sawed off little man Tate black security guard just had to show how powerful he was and how much authority he had. Other than that, great studio, most professional and great Steve Harvey taping. read more

I remember seeing strikes and people carrying signs in front of the building.

I planned to come shop before I went to the studio next door, but when I entered and asked if they had a trash can the clerk and the security guy yelled at me. They said "NO! There's a sign that says no trash or restrooms!!!!!" I didn't see the sign on the door, but wow. That was totally unnecessary. Guess they didn't need my business after all. read more

I wake up at 5:30 and the first thing I do is turn on the news. I've been like this since high school (with the occasional Buffy episode in there). So when I was leaving Texas and turned on the TV in Chicago, no one was familiar to me! Kind of odd, like they're friends you see every day and then they aren't there anymore. But eventually I found NBC5's morning news. I immediately loved Andy Avalos who does the weather. Nice, friendly, 'dad-like' quality that just makes me smile. My partner makes fun of me when I tell her 'Andy says to take an umbrella' or 'Andy said to run your errands today because it's going to snow tomorrow!'. I was validated on my lil' crush on him when the Today Show came to town to find the couple for their wedding shindig for the summer. There was Dick Johnson I believe interviewing a woman and he asked if she was excited about meeting Al Roker. She kind of giggled and then said, 'actually I think I'm more excited about meeting Andy!'. And I've come to find out that several people think this! This news show is cheesy fun though. The Dance Friday's made me cringe but then I noticed that everyone seemed to be genuinely having a good time, and then I smiled. I've have learned many a cooking tip from Wayne and home tip from Lou. I cheered like crazy when I saw them at the Gay Pride. They're like small town celebrities to me who I would love to meet, although I haven't and let's be honest - it's not that hard!! read more

This review is solely based on their news operations. Their anchors definitely lag behind and can be unprofessional at times, Allison Rosati specifically. They need to know when the time to make a joke better. She always seems to have an untimely smirk. Their sports staff seems to lack direction and I would much rather see live than taped sports segment on the Saturday morning news. read more

I had a great experience at the NBC tower. After retiring from retail after over 41 years. Attending a taping of the Steve Harvey show was on my bucket list. I had a great time and dance my a-- off. He really talk to the crowd after the taping. I have been to other taping but this one right here was the best. His talk was Heart felt. read more

JERRY JERRY JERRY! Called in for free tickets for myself and three friends. Getting tickets was a quick and easy experience...they were delivered to my door in just a few days. The woman on the phone wouldn't tell me the story lines for the show...but suggested the Tuesday viewing because it was going to be CRAZY. Hmmmm...I was intrigued and we signed up for Tuesday. We get there and wait in a long line...and sit in a big waiting room full of the most diverse group of individuals EVER. Then we are escorted to our seats. The stage area is much smaller than it appears on TV. We were lucky (?) on this very Tuesday to witness and extremely RAW- PAY PER VIEW special event. Which basically involved strippers on poles and in kiddie pools, a huge obese man getting hosed down by the strippers, and a few shorter story lines that involved hookers, midgets, and lots of punches. read more

Channel Five runs NBC national sports at times. Really bad. The national hockey producer obviously has no knowledge of Chicago and it really shows. He/she is obviously used to the insipid third string singers of the national anthem that stadiums elsewhere think draw crowds. So he/she pans the players and darks out the stadium and shows the players. The national anthem here and the big voice singing it is the best part of the show along with the crowd's participation. Send the national guy home and use the locals. Same with the national coverage of golf. ESPN and the golf channel are much better. I just watched the US Open coverage but then turned it off. The national "announcer" is whispering as if he is right there and the golfers can hear him. Problem is the listeners cannot. (Yes, I could turn up his whisper but then the crowd noise which is at normal volume is overwhelming. ) This station needs a new network affiliation. read more

The whole years review on channel 5 at about 4:45 PM today Christmas day there was not one positive thing not one positive thing over the whole year is a true Nbc channel news??? read more

Thank you to the entire morning staff at NBC Chicago. Please keep up your positive approach on news and events. My daughter and I appreciate the way your team deliver the news. You keep the drama out of news and reley facts and the information we want to know. Channel 5 in the morning allows my 12 year old daughter a chance to hear the news without the negativity other programs combine in their delivery. Keep up the sements that make your program fun and entertaining. Thank you! read more

This was the worst experience I ever encountered. I tried to reserve tickets with sign language interpreters. You must reserve in a month advance. Unfortunately they cancelled twice and they would not accomodate disabilities. Because they had cancelled twice in a row, it was impossible for me to get in the show. The staff were rude through emails and they do not keep any records of who contacted them. I am never going to watch Family Feud or Steve Harvey again. read more

I went on the architectural river tour where they described the Chicago NBC tower's construction and the references to 30 Rock. Back on land I decided to visit the lobby (Tuesday April 25 2017 3:30 pm) as I had done at 30 Rock in NY . I was looking up at the ceiling but noticed that the man at reception was giving me the eye. I started to take a photo of the ceiling detail with my iPhone and he yelled across the lobby "excuse me, what do you think you are doing? May I help you?" I explained that I was visiting from Canada and I would like to take a picture of the amazing interior. He told me that no photographs were permitted and if I didn't leave immediately he would call security to escort me out. Welcome to Chicago and NBC! Very rude and unnecessary. NBC should be celebrating their accomplishments. If this is not their policy the receptionist should be FIRED. If it is, the architectural river cruises should not mention the building in their descriptions. When visiting Chicago avoid the NBC building. It is not like NY. read more

I used to love the old morning team, but the new team is awful. Kyla is cringe worthy and Daniella is not much better. Andy is great, but was not set up with a great team! read more

We were there for the final taping of Steve Harvey, sad about that everyone was wonderful. It was a great experience Thanks

The girls are cute. The commercials about investigative reporting are hilarious since none of them due any real investigative work.Dane Placko is a real investigative reporteron Fox. read more