Smile, you're on camera!
Why watch your favorite TV show on a television screen at home when you can watch it live? Laugh in person on the Hollywood movie sets of "American Idol", "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?", or how about the all-time favorite, "Family Feud". Browse for your fave TV shows online (click HERE).
Depending on the show, you can reserve tickets for specific times directly online through On Camera Audiences TV (OCATV). For some popular TV shows, it's on a first come, first serve basis. Once you submit your contact info, they will email you the voucher and hopefully you will be available. It doesn't hurt to submit your email address. Needless to say, this won't work for a surprise date or spontaneous activity.
However, it's a great idea for a group date! Actually, you might have a better chance of getting in as a large group. For groups of 10 or more on "Family Feud" or "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?", your group can earn money as a fundraiser. These shows are family-friend activity with a minimum age of 14 years. The online form is simple and easy to fill out online, and they will contact you to set up a time.
Be prepared to spend some quality time on the set though, because an "hour episode" usually takes more than an hour. This is something good to do at least once in your life. In one aspect, consider it as a perk from living in Los Angeles or Orange County. How many people can say they've watched a live taping on a Hollywood set? Not just a cheap date idea, but better yet a unique and free date idea.
UPDATE 04/21/10: Here's another online resource for tickets to local tapings of your favorite TV shows, including Price is Right, Dr. Phil, and more at HollywoodTickets.com and TVtix.com.
Approximate cost of creative date idea = FREE.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Kiss & Tell Idea by my fellow Tweeter in Detroit @freeismylife