Ed Sullivan Theater
1697 Broadway , New York, NY 10019
Directions & Box Office
- Directions:
By Subway:
- Take the 1, A, C, B, or D train to 59th Street–Columbus Circle.
- Walk south on Broadway to reach 1697 Broadway, located between 53rd and 54th Streets.
By Bus:
- The M7 and M104 buses run along Broadway and stop near 53rd and 54th Streets.
By Car:
- Drive along Broadway and look for 1697 near the intersection of 53rd Street.
- Entrance: The main entrance is on Broadway between 53rd and 54th Street. Stage Door is 53rd street.
Ed Sullivan Theater History
The Ed Sullivan Theater, located at 1697 Broadway in New York City, is a historic landmark best known for its association with television and entertainment. Built in 1927, it was originally designed by architect Herbert J. Krapp as a Broadway venue called the Hammerstein's Theater after its owner, Arthur Hammerstein, nephew of Oscar Hammerstein I. Over the years, it underwent several name changes and was used for a variety of purposes, including vaudeville and film screenings.
In 1936, CBS acquired the theater and began using it for radio broadcasts. It was renamed the Ed Sullivan Theater in 1967 to honor Ed Sullivan, who famously hosted The Ed Sullivan Show from 1948 to 1971. This show introduced legendary performances by The Beatles, Elvis Presley, and many other iconic artists, making it a cultural touchstone in American entertainment history.
After Sullivan’s era, the theater continued to serve as a television venue. It became home to The Late Show in 1993, first hosted by David Letterman and later by Stephen Colbert, continuing its legacy as a prime location for live television.
The theater’s grand architecture includes a neo-Gothic facade, and despite its changes in function, it has retained much of its original design. Today, the Ed Sullivan Theater remains a significant part of New York City's entertainment and cultural landscape.
After The Ed Sullivan Show ended in 1971, the Ed Sullivan Theater hosted several game shows, though they were relatively short-lived and not as well-known as the shows it housed before and after. Some of these game shows included:
- What's My Line? - A revival of the classic panel show filmed in the early 1970s.
- To Tell the Truth - Another revival of the popular panel game show, also filmed in the early '70s.
- Password - Some episodes of the original Password game show were filmed at the Ed Sullivan Theater in the 1970s.
These productions only used the theater briefly, and it was primarily used for various special events and productions until CBS invested in its renovation for The Late Show with David Letterman.
Ed Sullivan Theater Notes
The Ed Sullivan Theater has hosted a variety of iconic television shows over the years, evolving with the entertainment industry:
- The Ed Sullivan Show (1948–1971) – The theater’s most famous program, hosted by Ed Sullivan, featured a mix of comedy, music, and variety acts. It introduced legendary performances, such as The Beatles' American debut and Elvis Presley’s controversial appearance, and became a cultural landmark.
- CBS News Productions (1971–1993) – After The Ed Sullivan Show ended, CBS used the theater for news broadcasts and game shows, including What’s My Line? and To Tell the Truth.
- The Late Show with David Letterman (1993–2015) – David Letterman brought his brand of late-night comedy to the Ed Sullivan Theater in 1993, making it home to The Late Show. Known for celebrity interviews, comedic sketches, and the iconic "Top Ten List," Letterman’s show became a staple of American television.
- The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (2015–present) – After Letterman’s retirement, Stephen Colbert took over The Late Show in 2015, bringing a mix of comedy, satire, and political commentary. Colbert continues the theater’s legacy as a hub for late-night entertainment.
Throughout its history, the Ed Sullivan Theater has maintained its status as a venue for iconic television moments, hosting performances and shows that shaped American entertainment culture.
Now Playing The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
- Opened: September 8, 2015
- Show Closes: Open ended
Previous Shows
The Late Show with David Letterman
- Opened: August 30, 1993
- Show Closed: May 20, 2015