What It's Really Like To Be In The Audience Of Beat Bobby Flay

Watching your favorite cooking shows on television is one thing, but seeing them transpire live right before your eyes is a dream for fans of well-known culinary titans. If seeing a live taping of "Beat Bobby Flay" is on your bucket list, it may surprise you to learn it's not as difficult as you might think to score some tickets. Anyone at least 18 years old qualifies to be an audience member and tickets are free. Less than free, since you actually get paid to attend. 

All it takes to get your hands on "Beat Bobby Flay" tickets is to fill out an online form. If selected to be in the audience, you'll have the honor of seeing the "Iron Chef" alum test his skills against competitors in challenges that could involve anything from grilling his favorite skirt steak to making an upgraded French toast. For your trouble, you'll be paid $68 in cold, hard cash. 

However, being in the audience isn't all sunshine and lollipops. You could get stuck behind someone taller than you who obstructs your view of the gastronomic endeavors (if you ask nicely during a scheduled break, the production staff may find you a better spot). Snagging $68 for the privilege of watching the owner of multiple restaurants put his culinary prowess to the test is pretty nifty, but it's not much compensation considering the amount of time you commit to being an audience member.

If being a part of the audience on "Beat Bobby Flay" is something that interests you, it would be wise to invest the money you'll receive into some comfortable shoes because you won't be sitting down for a while. Audience members are required to stand for the entire taping of the show. Two episodes are recorded daily, and it can take anywhere from four and a half to six hours to film the whole episode. As thrilling as it might be to watch "Beat Bobby Flay" live, standing around watching someone cook for that long sounds grueling.

Why so much time to film a half-hour show? Essentially, editing. There are all sorts of things that need to be taken care of behind the scenes. And just like your favorite flicks on the silver screen, much of what gets recorded is left on the cutting room floor. For example, when the stars of the episode are speaking with each other, there are deliberate lapses in the exchanges which make it easier for the video editors to polish the final product.

You might be excited to delight your friends with spoilers and insider info after you get home, but not so fast. Members of the audience sign a non-disclosure agreement before the cameras start rolling, barring them from giving away any secrets before the program airs. Production teams take NDA's seriously. If you talk about what you saw or get caught posting anything about the episode on the internet, Food Network's lawyers will be paying you a visit before long.