is the sony studio tour worth it

Sony Pictures Studios Tour

Betsy Malloy Photography

Back in the early days of movie-making, MGM Studios made its home in Culver City, producing legendary films like The Wizard of Oz , National Velvet and Singin' in the Rain . They produced as many as 52 films a year on two lots near Jefferson Avenue and Overland.

Over the years, the studio had many owners, but the most recent act of the old film giant's Culver City studio began in 1989 when Sony bought Columbia Pictures and formed Sony Pictures Entertainment. 

Sony poured hundreds of millions into renovating the buildings and facilities, eventually naming their venture Sony Pictures Studios. Today, the studio mostly records television shows, but you can still visit the lot for a dose of movie history.

Sony Studios has a fascinating history and you may enjoy the real working studio atmosphere better than the theme park-style studio tour at Universal. However, their tour goes to fewer parts of the studio than Warner Bros or Paramount, and it involves a lot of walking.

Tips for Enjoying the Sony Pictures Studios Tour

Have the right expectations so that you won't be disappointed. You probably won't see a big-name movie star. In fact, you'll be lucky to see a minor one. And you definitely won't get to watch a movie being made. What you will see is the inside of a working film studio, your experience based on the day's activities.

If you're a big fan of the Wizard of Oz , don't expect to see much. While the film was done on no less than six stages, none of them contains a shred of the old sets and even if you get inside, it will look more or less like a large warehouse.

• To improve the chances of having a great tour, avoid the summer and end-of-year holidays when many shows are not working.
• If you're visiting several Hollywood attractions on the same day, you can save money on the Sony Tour if you  buy a GoCard online in advance. You can also use the card to tour Warner Bros. Studios.
• You'll walk 1.5 to 2 miles on your tour, much of it outdoors. You'll also climb a few steps to get into the game show sets.
• Dress for the weather and be aware that a cloudy morning in Culver City often becomes a very hot, sunny day a few hours later.
• If you have small children under the age of 12, this is not the tour for them and children aged 12- 17 must be accompanied by an adult.
• Sony checks ID for anyone who's old enough to have one, so everyone should bring theirs.
• Sony says on their website that no cell phones, video or sound recording is allowed during the tour - and they mean it. But don't leave your camera at home because of it. You can take pictures in the lobby and at selected spots if allowed by your tour guide.
• They ask you to arrive at least thirty minutes before your tour time, which will give you just enough time to look around the mini-museum in the lobby before your tour starts.

Sony Pictures Studio Tour Options

Sony gives several tours daily, Monday through Friday only ( check current hours ). They also give twilight tours on summer Thursdays. However, the studio doesn't work on weekends and they don't give tours, either. Reservations are required. You can  buy your tickets online . 

If you're willing to pay the price, you can try their VIP Lunch Tour, a three-hour tour that avoids the walking. Instead, you travel by golf cart, eat a meal at the Commissary and get into the Sony museum

Tour offerings change frequently. Check the Sony Studio Tour website for current information.

What Happens on the Sony Pictures Studio Tour

The tour leaves from the Sony Pictures Productions office building. While you're waiting, someone will take your photo in front of a green screen to create a souvenir photo you'll pick up at the end. The tour starts with a 15-minute film montage about the studio history.

Highlights of the tour:

• The studio's Oscars collection is on display in the headquarters lobby.
• Depending on production schedules, you may visit the sets for Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. One of these is almost always open, and sometimes both are.
• You'll also visit a few sound stages. Which ones depend on what's going on and what your tour guide can get you into.
• Near the end of the tour, you'll get a chance to visit the gift shop. If you're in the market for mugs, t-shirts, hats and the like, you'll find some here that you can't get anywhere else.

About the Game Shows

The long-running game shows "Jeopardy!" and "Wheel of Fortune" are both produced at Sony Studios. When they're making new episodes, they shoot six of them per day, three in the morning and three in the afternoon. When they are shooting, the studio tour can't get inside their set. However, the two shows work on alternating schedules, so one set is usually open on every tour. 

If you have your heart set on visiting a specific show's set, take a tour on a day when they're not working. Do your homework to find out when that is.  Check the Jeopardy website  and the Wheel of Fortune website for their schedule by beginning the process of getting tickets to be in their studio audience. 

If you want to see how the game show is done from end to end, choose a day when they are working and use these tips to get tickets to be in their studio audience . It's also possible to make a day of it at Sony, being in the audience for half a day and touring the studio, too. 

Getting There

10202 West Washington Blvd Culver City, CA Sony Pictures Studio Tour website

In the past, guests met at the headquarters at Sony Pictures Plaza, but now you should enter the Overland gate on Overland Ave between Culver and Washington Blvd instead. Valet parking is free. 

Sony Studios is in Culver City, southeast of the intersection of Washington and Culver. Visit the Sony website to see a map and get directions. 

As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with a complimentary tour for the purpose of reviewing the Sony Studio Tour. While it has not influenced this review, Tripsavvy.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest.

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STUDIO TOURS

Sony Pictures Studios Tour

Take the Sony Pictures Studios Tour and step back into a legendary time. Located on one of the world's most famous studio lots, our walking tour gives you a rare glimpse of old Hollywood's glory days and an insider's view of a state-of-the-art motion picture studio.

Not only is this the studio where the Yellow Brick Road once wound through Munchkin Land, it is also the place where the agents from "Men In Black" battled aliens from outer space and Spider-Man catapulted from skyscraper to skyscraper. Our dynamic studio tour guides will shed light on the film and television production process by taking you to various soundstages and by sharing tales of days gone by. You may even have the chance to visit the sets of the hit game shows "Jeopardy!" or "Wheel of Fortune."

Filled with movie, television and commercial productions on any given day, you never know what- or who- will be just around the corner!

For more information or to make reservations, please call  310-244-TOUR (8687)  or purchase tickets online at:  http://www.sonypicturesstudiostours.com .

© 2024 Sony Pictures Digital Productions Inc.   All rights reserved

Which Is The Best Hollywood Studio Tour For You?

Posted on Published: June 29, 2019  - Last updated: February 26, 2024

Categories North America , California , Travel

There are four major Hollywood studio tours that you can go on in and around Los Angeles : Warners Bros., Sony, Paramount, and Universal Studio Tours.

It’s really not necessary to do all of them , especially on the same trip. There’s quite a bit of overlap between each studio tour, and the ticket prices can really add up.

Throughout my visits to California, I’ve managed to visit all 4 Hollywood studio tours in Los Angeles (and some more than once!).

Here’s my in-depth reviews of all the major Hollywood studio tours in Los Angeles. This is what to expect from each one so you can decide which is the best studio tour in los Angeles for you!

Psst! This blog post contains affiliate links in it which sends me a bit of extra money if you use them… at no extra cost to you!

Why Should You Go On A Hollywood Studio Tour?

Hollywood Studio Tours in Los Angeles are a great way to gain an “ all-access” pass to the biggest backstage lots in California .

They give you a chance to go behind the scenes on some of your favourite movies and TV shows.

You’ll get to see the sets and props, and learn about the magic of making movies. And, if you’re lucky, you might get the chance to either see a live film set or a celebrity at work . 

Let’s just say, visit a movie set is a quintessential Los Angeles activity … p.s. see my L.A. guide here .

Which Is The Best Hollywood Studio Tour For You ?

The best Hollywood studio tour for you will depend on three main factors :

• Your favourite films and TV shows

The studio tours vary in budget and tour length. The price ranges between $55 to $110 / ticket . And the tour can last anywhere between one to three hours .

But your favourite movies and TV shows are the most important factor when deciding which studio tour in Los Angeles to go to. If you haven’t watched anything the studio has produced, you’ll be less interested in what you’re seeing and learning about.

Best Studio Tours In LA: Overview

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Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour

Universal Studios is a bit of a unique studio tour in Los Angeles. The studio tour can only be accessed if you buy a ticket to the entire theme park .

This also puts the studio tour at a much higher price point compared to the others around Los Angles. But, on the other hand, it is an ENTIRE day of activities instead of a few hours.

The tour itself is only 60 minutes but there are no shortage of other rides and shows to see once you’re in the park.

Quick Information & Links

Total Time : 1 hour (not including wait time in line) Admission : $109 -$119* (includes access to the entire park, price varies depending on the season) Book Tickets for Universal Studios Hollywood . Parking : Starts at $32* (General Parking)

*Updated January 2024

Movies Referred To/ Filmed Here:

You should check out this Hollywood studio tour if you’re a fan of…

• Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas
• Jurassic Park
• Fast and the Furious
• Jordan Peele’s horror epic, NOPE

Pros Of The Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour

You are on the LARGEST film and TV studio in Hollywood and the world! You get to drive by some of the most iconic sets in all movie history.

You drive-by the sound stages, new and old sets.

But this is still a ride in a theme park so they’ve added some more ride-like adventure elements to make things more exciting, unlike any other Hollywood studio tours in Los Angeles.

At times you feel like you’re in the movie rather than just seeing where one was filmed!

And it’s not all for show either, they do still use these sets to film. In fact, this was the only Hollywood studio tour where I caught a live taping , so it’s still possible to see!

One thing’s certain though, you won’t be bored for a second on this tour even if you don’t happen to see an active film set during your tour. 

P.S. Make the most of your time at Universal Studios and book an Express Line ticket through Viator here . It gives you one-time express access to each ride, show, and attraction at the park !

Cons Of The Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour

It’s the least personal studio tour in Los Angeles. You’re on a tram the entire time for 60 minutes straight, with about 30 other people!

As I said, this tour is sometimes more of a ride than a studio tour (so it’s both a pro and a con!).

At times, the tour felt very streamlined , because most of it is. You still have a guide, but he’s following a script on a set path so it’s the same tour every time (unlike the others which have a bit more variance based on your guide).

The tram is on a set course and there are timed animatronics and effects throughout the tour.

Value For Money – Movie Location Los Angeles

I will admit, you get pretty good value for your money with your tickets to Universal studios. But that’s only if you wanted to visit the theme park.

If you were already planning on visiting Universal Studios Hollywood, then the studio tour is a must-do ride! 

But if you don’t like theme parks, and your only interest is the Hollywood studio tour, I wouldn’t recommend paying for the entire theme park just for the tour.

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• How To Plan Your Los Angeles Vacation

Logistics: What To Know Before You Go

A tram leaves about every 30 minutes for the Universal Studios Hollywood studio tour so the line builds up pretty quickly. I’d prioritize this as one of your first rides of the day.

As I said, don’t expect reality with this one, they do show you real sets but it’s also still a ride. So you’ll get a lot of gimmicky routines created specifically for this tour. 

Also, some advance warning, you might get wet at certain points during the ride. If you’d prefer to not get wet, try to sit in the middle of the row.

Book Universal Studio Tours Tickets In Advance Through Viator

Book General Admission tickets →

Book Skip the Line Express Tickets →

Book the VIP Experience on Viator (giving your exclusive access to off-limits areas of the park) →

For more Los Angeles organized tours from Viator, click here .

Warner Bros. Studio Tour

Warner Bros. Studio is actually in Burbank California , but it’s close enough to Los Angeles.

Warner Bros. studio tour takes you on a tram around different parts of the studio, with only around 12 guests at a time on the tour.

So unlike Universal Studios Hollywood studio tour, it’s a lot more personal and you’re only on the tram to get from place to place (because their lot is HUGE!).

You drive by sound stages and countless outdoor sets. But you’ll get off and walk around a bit, even walking in some sets if you’re lucky. So you should be prepared for some walking on this studio tour in Los Angeles!

Total Time : ~3 hours (1 hour guided, 2 hours unguided). Leaves every 30 minutes from 9:30 to 3:30 Admission : 70$* Parking : 15$* Website

What Was Filmed Here (Sets You Might See!)

Check out this Hollywood studio tour if you’re a fan of…

• Harry Potter
• Gilmore Girls
• Back to the Future
• The Big Bang Theory
• Pretty Little Liars

So Much More Than A Studio Tour

Over the years, the Warner Bros. studio tour has grown. It’s no longer just a backlot tour, now, that’s just one part of it…

Museums, Props, Sets, & Photo Ops At Warner Bros. Studio

Tickets to the Warner Bros. studio tour also includes interactive museums where you’ll want to take all the pictures you can!

You can interact with different sets from your favourite movies and TV sets, like Friends, the Big Bang Theory and Harry Potter! on the magic of movies, costume

There’s also an entire exhibit on the DC universe with all superheroe and villain props. They have Aquaman’s lair, Wonder Woman’s study, Superman’s office, and the Batman’s bat cave.

And finally they have an in-depth exhibit on all things filmmaking. Staring with the writing process and finishing with the special effects of movie making.

Book Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tickets With Viator

General Admission tickets →

Pros Of The Warner Bros. Studio Tour

They are constantly updating the Warner Bros. studio tour – that means you can even go back the next time you’re in Los Angeles, I’ve already gone back twice!

There was some over lap with the sets and information, but very little. A lot had been updated and added to the tour. And I’ve already noticed that they’ve added a lot more content since I’ve gone!

Also, the guided portion of the tour will rarely be the same. For starters, where you go will all depend on what they’re filming at the time. So not only can it change over the years, but it can change within the hour!

It’s also a very personal tour with only being 12 people on the tram. You can also all your questions about movie magic!

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Cons Of The Warner Bros. Studio Tour

With all the new additions to the tour every year, I’ve noticed the guided portion has become less and less…

The guided tour portion is only hour , and then two hours are a self guided tour through the museums.

But it’s the guided portion of the tour that’s always fresh and what brings me back! I’m a bit disappointed that the museums seem to have taken over the tour now, making the tour a bit more gimmicky and less about touring real sets and sound stages…

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Bring government I.D. when you visit, and make sure to arrive early!

You have to go through security and there might be a lineup. They suggest arriving 30 minutes in advance.

Don’t worry about getting lost on your way to the studios (if you’re driving there)! I followed the instructions we were given on how to get to the visitor’s centre, but my GPS brought me to the wrong gate. No need to panic if this happens to you too! The patrol was very understanding (I’m sure this happens all the time) and told us exactly where to go.

If you’re driving, there’s a parking lot across the street from the visitor’s centre (paid, of course). The studio is in a pretty secluded area, but there’s a Starbucks in the visitor’s centre .

You can book Warner Brothers Studio tour tickets in advance on Viator here .

Paramount Pictures Hollywood Studio Tour

Paramount Pictures is really interesting because it’s the last Hollywood studio still in Hollywood (well in Los Angeles). 

So it’s only about a 15-minute drive from Hollywood Blvd. FYI, Warner is in Burbank, and Sony is in Culver City.

It was very similar to Warner Bros. Hollywood studio tour in terms of the scale of the studio. They have several sound stages, a water tank, and a totally customizable New York set.

Like the other Hollywood studio tours in Los Angeles, there’s a museum portion of the tour with props. Paramount Pictures one had a lot of “ unwanted ” props (those that could only be used once for the film they were designed for).

There was A LOT of props from the Transformers franchise, but there were also Star Trek, Gladiator, and Dream Girls props.

Time : 2 hours * They leave every 30 minutes from 9:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. Admission : 65$* Parking : $22 – (used to be cash only)* Website

What Was/ Is Filmed Here

• The Godfather
• OG King Kong (In Set 19)
• Breakfast at Tiffanys
• Forrest Gump

Pros Of Paramount Pictures Studio Tour In Los Angeles

The best part about the Paramount Pictures Hollywood studio tour tour was the small size of the group. There’s a max of 7 people on the tour (you’re in an 8 seater golf cart).

The tour also provided earphones to be able to perfectly hear your tour guide at all times, so they didn’t have to shout at you! There can be a lot going on on sets with a lot of noises, so the earphones were definitely appreciated.

I also liked that they provided visuals for what you were looking at during the tour. Our tour guide carried around an iPad showing examples of what a specific set was used for over the years. So instead of looking at a giant green screen, they showed us how that green screen was used in different films.

Cons Of Paramount Pictures Studio Tour

Paramount Pictures studio tour taught me a few things about Hollywood studio tours in Los Angeles…

First, the quality of the tour really depends on your tour guide – they can make or break your visit. And unfortunately, you won’t really know who you’re going to get beforehand.

Unfortunately for me, my tour guide at Paramount Pictures wasn’t the best. There’s so much history to this Hollywood studio that I ended up lost most of the time because I didn’t know who or what he was referring to, I guess the references were also a bit ahead of my time…

Paramount Studio tour also really showed me how important it is to have seen (or at least heard of) the films or shows the studio produced. 

So if you’re a fan of classics like I Love Lucy, Alfred Hitchcock, or the original King Kong then Paramount Pictures studio tour is a must for you!

For me, Paramount Pictures studio tour was a bit of a mixed bag. I really see the potential of this tour though, but I think you have to be a really big movie buff to enjoy Paramount Pictures studio tour.

The visitor parking is across the street from the main gates. Be wary of the address on Google Maps, it brought me to the wrong gate.

When I visited, parking was cash only, so it’s always good to be prepared. There’s an ATM you can use at the end of the tour if you need (apparently no one does cash back in the area…).

Like the other tours, you have to show I.D. and go through security, so they ask you to arrive 30 minutes before your tour . But, in case there’s no wait at all, there’s a mini-exhibit you can visit to pass the time before your tour starts. 

Make sure to bring water and food, there’s really not much in the area. But drinks aren’t allowed on the tour itself, so leave it in the car!

SONY Studio Hollywood Tour

SONY Hollywood studio tour ended up being my favourite studio tour . We were only about 5 people on this tour, so it was very personal. But I don’t know if this was the max, or that fewer people happened to sign up for it.  

I know online there are 25 spots per time slot. I don’t know if that’s the typical tour size on a busier day, or if they would always split you up into smaller groups once you get there.

There are famous cars on display from movies and shows (like Breaking Bad and Ghostbusters). They also have a prop museum at the start of the tour. There’s even an Oscar and an Emmy award you can see (and even hold!). 

Time : 2 hours * Leaves 4 times a day: 9:30, 10:30, 1:30 and 2:30. Admission : 55$* Parking : Free Valet Website

What Was Filmed Here

• Breaking Bad
• Wheel of Fortune
• Ghostbusters
• The Goldbergs

Pros Of The SONY Studio Tour

SONY is a MUCH smaller studio than the other three Hollywood studio tours in Los Angeles. That means you don’t even need a tram to get around, we walked everywhere (so you should also be prepared to walk!). This made it easier to take appreciate it all and take pictures!

I also absolutely loved our tour guide, he was by far my favourite out of all the ones we had on any tour. It didn’t seem like he simply memorized a script. It was as if he lived and breathed SONY and films in general. I would’ve believed it if he’d told us he grew up on set.

We also got the chance to walk on to a sound stage from one of my favourite TV Shows – The Goldbergs. And our guide brought us onto a working foley stage (where they create extra sounds for movies). 

If a sound or foley stage isn’t available to see, you are guaranteed to see either the Wheel of Fortune or Jeopardy set . They film on opposite days, so you’ll always be able to see one of them.

But the best perk of all is… You get your picture taken on the set of either Jeopardy or Wheel of Fortune, which they’ll print out and give to you as a souvenir… FREE OF CHARGE! ! Seriously when is anything ever free these days…

Cons Of The SONY Hollywood Studio Tour

As I mentioned, there’s no tram for the SONY Hollywood studio tour. Although the studio isn’t as large as the others, you have to be prepared to walk quite a bit.

Another sort of pro and con is that it’s 80 % outdoors . So you really want to go when it’s decent weather. And be prepared to be in the sun!

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Value For Money – Hollywood Studio Tours In Los Angeles

I think you get a lot of value for your money at SONY studio tour. It’s the cheapest out of any of the Hollywood studio tours in Los Angeles and they give you some nice freebies (like parking and a photo souvenir!).

The scale of the studio might be smaller than the other three major studios, but there’s still a lot to see. And despite the lack of big blockbuster sets, they make up for it in different ways (like seeing the inside of a game show set, and a foley stage).

Like Warner Bros. and Paramount Pictures studio tours, they ask that you arrive 30 minutes early to go through security. 

If you drive there, they offer FREE valet parking in the Overland lot. 

The studio is very much out of the way, so plan your meals and snacks in advance. All they had at the studio was a vending machine .

Don’t expect to see large outdoor sets like from Warner Bros. or Paramount, SONY is a lot smaller, so most of their sets are on sound stages. So if you’re interested in the big New York outdoor sets, SONY isn’t for you!

Overview, What’s The Best Studio Tour In Los Angeles?

Like I said before, Universal Studios is the most expensive, but you do get an entire days worth of activities. But if your intent is to learn about movie magic, the other three are better choices. 

If you have time for more than one, you don’t need to see both Warner Bros. and Paramount Pictures. There’s quite a bit of overlap between the two. Instead, choose one of those, and then either Universal or SONY as your second option.

P.S. Need A Place To Stay In L.A.? Hotel Recommendations

Finding a place to stay in Los Angeles can be quite overwhelming – it’s HUGE!

I stayed at the Sofitel and would highly recommend it. It was in a safe area, and across the street from the Beverly Hills mall (which proved to be very convenient). It was also within walking distance to some local restaurants you need to try – like the Kings Road Cafe! See room rates & availability here .

If you want to stay on the beach outside of the city life instead, we stayed at The Georgian in Santa Monica and couldn’t recommend it enough! It’s only about a 25 minute drive from the city. This was a beautiful art deco hotel that is begging you to go there! It’s a minutes walk to the beach, Santa Monica Pier, and the Third Street Promenade. See room rates & availability here .

For more accommodation options in Los Angeles, click here . Interested in longer stays in L.A. check out Plum Guide here .

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Last update on 2024-06-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Tuesday 26th of September 2023

You've gotten me excited about my next trip to Los Angeles. I've done the Universal tour and the Warner Bros tour, so I may do what you suggested and do Paramount and Sony next.

You're right about Universal's tour being more of a ride from what I remember. However, it was cool to see sets from The Good Place, Jaws, and Psycho. Being on the tram the whole time was a little different, and my experience was a bit thrown off because I hadn't expected Universal, CA to have such similar rides to Universal, FL, and I loved how Universal, FL made it really seem like you were on a set walking through various cities. Definitely not the same as CA. I think I was there for about 2 hours and was done. The weather was weird where it was kindof warm at first, but then turned super cold while I was in line for a ride, so I was done sooner than I expected.

I absolutely loved the Warner Bros tour. The guide was super nice and knowledgeable. I almost died when I saw the Gilmore Girl house and Luke's Diner. Of course I took pictures at the Central Perk. To me, the prop museum was a tad boring, but still overall decent. The tour was partially walking and partially riding. There were so many moments where I was like...."this looks familiar" and had to think of where the set had been used. Super cool. I highly recommend it.

Wednesday 27th of September 2023

That's awesome!! Definitely I enjoyed that the Warners brothers was mixed with walking and a tram ride you were able to get so much further that way - and the lot is HUGE! It really is cool seeing sets from your favourite TV shows and movies! I really liked the SONY tour but it was definitely a lot smaller than Warner bros!

Sunday 19th of February 2023

Hi Meghan, great article. Easy to read and allowed me to choose the studio we should visit in the short time we will be in L.A. Thanks you.

Monday 20th of February 2023

That's awesome to hear! Glad I could help :D :D

How To Plan Your Los Angeles Vacation | Afternoon Tea Reads

Thursday 1st of October 2020

[…] sure which one to visit? Read my overall review of each studio tour to help you […]

Monday 1st of July 2019

Wow what a great list of tours to choose from! I personally don't like these types of things however I think your post will be super useful for those who do!

Thanks! I hope it will be :)

I’ve done the Universal tour but it was like 20 yrs ago! I really want to go back and do all these studio tours. I’m film mad me 😃💕

Oh wow, you really should I'm sure a lot has changed since then. It's a movie geeks dream :)

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Sony pictures studio tour.

10202 W Washington Blvd Culver City CA 90232

Located on one of the world’s most famous studio lots, this walking tour gives you a rare glimpse of Hollywood’s glory days and an insider’s view of a state-of-the-art motion picture studio.

Step back into a legendary time on the Sony Pictures Studio tour! This 2-hour guided walking tour will give guests a behind-the-scenes look at a working studio, where movie magic has been made for almost a century.

Tours will swing by historic stages where Dorothy followed the Yellow Brick Road and where Spider-Man battled bad guys. Tours may also visit the homes of smash-hit games shows, “Jeopardy!” and “Wheel of Fortune,” and only on the Sony tour will you walk under a soaring 94-foot tall rainbow!

TOUR DETAILS:

• Tours run Monday through Friday
• Standard times are 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.
• Additional tour times are added during peak seasons
• Reservations are recommended
• Children age 12 and up are welcome
• Guests under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult on the tour
• Free parking beneath Sony Pictures Plaza

Average Review

While we were in California for vacation, we toured Sony, Warner Bros. and Universal Studios. All three were different experiences, but I thoroughly enjoyed our Sony tour. As opposed to the other two, Sony is a complete walking tour, which I liked because you could stop and look in the individual studios rather than riding by on a tram. Our guide, Keith "Coogan" Mitchell was excellent. I wished I'd realized who he was before we left because I liked his movies back in the '80s (Adventures in Babysitting, Toy Soldiers, Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead). Obviously he knew a lot about the industry and was very informative. My favorite part of the tour was visiting the set of The Goldberg's. We love that show and it was so cool to actually walk through their "home" where it's filmed. We had the LA Go Card to visit a variety of places around L.A. and we had no issues using it for this tour. We even called ahead and scheduled our visit, which I suggest doing. Great studio tour and I highly recommend it to anyone. Full Review

When I visited LA, I bought the LA Go Pass which allowed me to go to a bunch of LA tourist things, including this studio tour and the WB Studio tour. It may have included another one, but I didn't get to it. I enjoyed this studio tour the best, because it was extremely laid back. I went on a weekday morning in January, and it was just me, my husband, another guy, and our tour guide. Full Review

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Hollywood Studio Tours

Which are the best.

This post covers the most enjoyable movie studio tours in and around Hollywood.

With so many historic studios in the area, it might be difficult to pick just one to visit.

Taking a studio tour is one of the top things to do in LA .

• Studio Tours
• Celebrity Homes Tours
• Ways to Save on Tours
• LA TV Show Tickets
• Things To Do in Hollywood
• Tips from Locals and Travelers

Disclosure:  While our recommendations are always unbiased, we may receive a small share of sales through some of the links below at no cost to you. See the  full text .

STUDIO TOURS

Interestingly enough, there are quite a few differences between the tours offered at each studio, and that should make it easier to figure out which tour best fits your expectations.

Ticket prices vary from $62 per person to literally thousands of dollars.

However, 3 of the tours, Warner Bros., Sony Pictures, and Universal Studios are included for free or at a lower cost in several tourist attraction passes. 

It's also worth noting that the length of these tours can run from roughly an hour to almost a week.

With all of that said, let's start talking about what each movie studio offers with their tours.

• Warner Bros.
• Sony Pictures
• Universal Studios
• Paramount Pictures
• Adventures by Disney: Disney Backstage

At the bottom of this post , we share some thoughts and opinions from members of our Los Angeles Travel Tips group on Facebook.

Our group comprises roughly 9,000 locals (like our tour guides), tourists, returning visitors, and newbies to LA.

You don't need to be a member to read the posts, comments, and recommendations.

WARNER BROS. STUDIO TOUR

Below is a summary of our post on Warner Brothers Studio tours , where we also provide tips on planning your trip.

If you're in the market for a somewhat normal tour on the backlot, this might be one of your best bets.

In addition to seeing movie sets and sound stages from some of the most notable movies in film history, you'll also have the opportunity to enjoy a few specific activities.

  While on this movie studio tour, you'll be able to re-create a famous scene from the hit television show Friends , climb aboard Harry Potter 's broomstick, and even create your own Batmobile.

Warner Bros. even offers an interactive sound stage that explores the entire process of making a film from start to finish.

At three hours in length, this tour is probably the longest duration of all of the options in Hollywood.

• $70/adult | $60/child
• Availability: Thursday - Monday
• Hours: Every half hour from 9 am - 3:30 pm
• Duration: 3 hours
• Available in both English and Spanish
• Click here for more information .

TIP: This tour is included for free with the purchase of the Go City Los Angeles Explorer Tourist Pass .

You can also combine this tour with the Universal Studios tour using the combo deal below!

With an overall score of 4.5 out of 5 stars , it's fair to say that this Hollywood studio tour is very well rated ( read reviews here ).

Some guests have gone so far as to suggest that this trip is worth every single penny.

Visitors were typically very happy with their tour guides, referring to them as both friendly and informative. 

SONY PICTURES STUDIO TOUR

This might be the most affordable movie studio tour in Hollywood, and it's also one of the most historic. Do note, that is is a walking tour.

While on this tour, you'll see the sound stages where they recorded classics such as The Wizard of Oz and superhero flicks like Spider-man .

Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to see where Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune are recorded.

Although they don't make any promises, there's always a chance that you'll run into someone famous on this active studio back lot!

They also offer a premium tour which includes transportation via golf cart, access to the Sony Museum, a free souvenir photo, a complimentary beverage, and lower prices at the Sony Studio Store.

Tickets 

• $55 per person | $150 for the Premium tour
• Availability: Monday – Friday at 10:30 am, 1:30 pm and 2:30 pm
• Duration: 2 hours

Tip: Admission is usually included for free with the purchase of at least one Los Angeles tourist pass .

With an overall score of 4 out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor, it's clear that this is a pretty popular Hollywood studio tour.

Customers really appreciated the opportunity to see several historic filming locations and learn a lot about the process of making a movie.

Although some reviewers were unhappy that this is a walking tour, others simply appreciated the opportunity to see where film history was made.

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS TOUR

This is where things get interesting, as Universal Studios has essentially made their tour one of the services offered at their amusement park.

In other words, you need to buy a ticket for Universal Studios Hollywood in order to experience this studio tour.

Clocking in at only one hour in length, this is definitely the shortest studio tour available. Check out this video of Stephen Spielberg giving a tour of the site.

In addition to seeing the back lot, you'll also experience attractions such as the Jaws ride, King Kong 360 in 3D, Bates Motel and Fast & The Furious : Supercharged.

Although it will cost more to take this tour, it's worth noting that your ticket lasts all day and guarantees access to all of the rides. 

• $119-$139/adult | $109-$129/child
• Availability: Daily from 8 am - 6 pm
• Duration: 1 hour
• Click here for ticket information .

TIP:   Universal Studios Hollywood is included for free with the purchase of a tourist pass. Read about all the opportunities for deals in our full post .

Despite the higher price tag, this movie studio tour has still received quite excellent ratings ( read reviews here ). The overall Universal Studios Hollywood experience has a score of 4.7 out of 5 stars .

A few visitors have even suggested that this trip around the studio is worth the price of admission.

Although most customers feel that the ticket price is a bit high, even the critics can't deny that they had a blast. 

PARAMOUNT PICTURES STUDIO TOUR

Unlike the other movie studios, Paramount Pictures offers three different studio tours.

The main tour is 2 hours long and covers quite a lot of ground on the backlot.

However, if you want to experience more, their VIP tour lasts for 4 ½ hours and includes access to several additional areas.

The VIP tour also provides a gourmet lunch at a unique location in the studio.

Alternatively, you can also choose a 2 ½ hour night tour that reveals a lot of historic locations such as notable theaters and original film vaults.

No matter which option you choose, you'll learn a lot about the history of Paramount.

• $65 for the studio tour | $215 for the VIP tour
• Availability of Studio tour: Mon-Fri, every half hour from 9 AM - 3:30 PM
• Availability of VIP tour: Mon, Wed, Fri at 9:30 AM
• Duration of Studio tour: 2 hours
• Duration of VIP tour: 4 ½ hours
• Click here for additional information .

Reviews for the Paramount Pictures Studio tours are very positive, averaging a rating of 4 ½ out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor. 

Some visitors referred to the excursion as a movie buff's dream, while others were just impressed with how much they learned and discovered.

Some reviewers indicated that Paramount alters the tour slightly depending on the season, ensuring a nice variety of topics and locations to cover no matter when you decide to buy a ticket.

ADVENTURES BY DISNEY: DISNEY BACKSTAGE

You had to figure that Disney was going to be a little more expensive, but the actual cost of this week-long experience might shock you.

To be fair, the package includes meals and accommodation at both the Loews Hollywood Hotel and Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.

This Disney backstage adventure includes a tour of the Walt Disney Studios & Archives, an Imagineering tour, a Hollywood walking tour, and a tour of the Jim Henson Company.

Most of these tours are only available via this week-long package. The entire itinerary takes six days to complete, and it will keep you busy with plenty of fun activities from start to finish. 

• $4,999 for Adults | $4,749 for Children
• Availability: 2-4 times per month
• Duration: 6 days
• Hotel accommodation included
• 11 Meals included
• VIP Disneyland ticket included

As you can probably imagine, the testimonials for this experience are quite positive ( read reviews here ).

Some guests even noted that they made friends with their tour guides and continue to stay in touch with them to this very day.

Additionally, customers also appreciated the opportunity to see some behind-the-scenes areas that bring the history of Walt Disney to life.

One visitor even suggested that this trip allowed them to become kids again as they explored secret and wonderful locations at the happiest place on earth.

COMBO DEALS

If you're looking for a better price on these tours and other activities in Hollywood, you might want to consider one of the following combo packages.

Studios like Warner Bros. and Universal often work with tour companies to provide their services at lower prices.

There are several options to mull over, and almost all of them provide additional tours and services.

If you plan on spending more than one day in Hollywood, these combo deals are definitely worth a look.

GO CITY LOS ANGELES ALL-INCLUSIVE PASS

There's a reason that this is one of the premier attraction passes in Los Angeles.

In addition to offering access to a variety of notable locations, they also provide admission to some studio tours.

In particular, you can enjoy the Universal Studios tour, the Warner Bros. Studio tour and (sometimes) the Sony Pictures Studio tour with one version of this pass or another.

The Warner Bros. Studio tour is currently only offered with their Explorer Pass, and you'll need to purchase at least a 3-Day All-Inclusive pass to get admission to the Universal Studios tour .

Given that this tourist pass also supplies tickets to Six Flags Magic Mountain and Knott's Berry Farm, it's fair to say that the Go City Los Angeles All-Inclusive Pass could be a real bargain.

• $109 for 1-day pass
• $164 for 2-day pass
• $284 for 3-day pass
• $344 for 4-day pass
• $374 for 5-day pass
• $434 for 7-day pass
• $99 for 2 choices
• $119 for 3 choices
• $144 for 4 choices
• $154 for 5 choices
• $189 for 7 choices
• This attraction pass is available every day of the week
• Includes up to 3 movie studio tours

Read our post comparing the different tourist attraction passes available in Los Angeles.

TRANSPORTATION COMBO PACKAGES

If you're looking for transportation to and from each movie studio tour, the following services are available.

The advantage of these combo deals is that you won't have to pay for parking, gas, or car rental in order to visit each location.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included with each package.

Take your time and enjoy the studio tour without having to worry about anything else!

• Not currently available as of January 2024

CELEBRITY HOMES TOUR COMBO PACKAGES

These combo deals provide both a celebrity home tour and a movie studio tour.

Each option includes transportation not only around Hollywood but also to and from the studios.

While some of these services use a mini-bus, others drive you around town in a luxury sedan or an SUV.

Each company offers both hotel pickup and drop-off.

Expect these outings to last for between 6-8 hours on average.

• Warner Bros. Studio Tour & Movie Star Homes Tour (Starline Tours) - $119/Adults | $99/Children
• Alternatively, we offer our own self-guided celebrity homes tour .

This might be a good way to save even more money if you don't mind doing a bit of driving around Hollywood and Beverly Hills.

TIPS FROM LOCALS AND TRAVELERS

While we provide the details of what each tour offers, costs, and other information, here you can see what members of our Los Angeles Travel Tips group on Facebook have to say.

There are plenty of fans of the Warner Brothers tour.

And some enjoyed Paramount as well.

If you have to choose only one, between Warners or Paramount, these members’ insight may help.

Universal Studios received mixed reviews. Some people felt it was a waste of time and money.

On the other hand, Issa had a fantastic time, so much so that she wrote a very long post detailing her time there and how to make the most of your visit.

Take a look at our Los Angeles Travel Tips group for more recommendations, opinions and advice.

You don't need to join to read comments, but if you do join you can post a question regarding the studios!

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DAILY TOURS

PREMIUM STUDIO TOUR

VIP LUNCH TOURS

TWILIGHT TOURS

GROUP TOURS

BOOK TODAY!

Reservations are required. Children ages 12 and over are welcome. Tours include a stop at The Studio Store.

Tours run Monday through Friday. Standard times are 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. Additional tour times are added during peak seasons. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to tour.

Step back into a legendary time on the Sony Pictures Studio tour! Walk through the famed gates and you’re behind the scenes at one of the most historic and exciting studio lots in the world. Our two-hour guided walking tour will give you the real experience of a working studio. Visit soundstages once home to iconic films like “The Wizard of Oz,” “Men in Black” and “Spider-Man.” Swing by smash-hit games shows “Jeopardy!” and “Wheel of Fortune.” You might even catch a glimpse of the Barbra Streisand Scoring stage. Keep your eyes open... You never know what – or who – will be around the next corner.

TOUR DETAILS

• 2 hour guided walking tour
• Standard times are 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. Additional tour times are added during peak seasons
• $55 Per Person
• Sony Museum access
• Sony Studio Store access
• Free souvenir photo
• Tours offered Monday-Friday

Out of the Loop: A look at Sony Pictures Studios Twilight Tour

There are weekday tours of Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, Calif. However, in summer months, additional tours are scheduled in the evening hours. This gives guests an opportunity to see some areas that are not available during working hours, as well as an opportunity to see the studio lot at night. Let’s take a look.

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Grayson Murray's parents say the two-time PGA Tour winner died of suicide

Grayson Murray's parents said Sunday their 30-year-old son took his own life, just one day after he withdrew from a PGA Tour event. The family asked for privacy and that people honor Murray by being kind to one another.

“If that becomes his legacy, we could ask for nothing else,” Eric and Terry Murray said in a statement released by the PGA Tour.

Murray, a two-time PGA Tour winner, spoke in January after winning the Sony Open in Honolulu about turning the corner in his life, his golf and battles with alcoholism and mental health. He died Saturday morning.

EDITOR’S NOTE — This story includes a discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988. There is also an online chat at 988lifeline.org .

Murray had to go through the Korn Ferry Tour to get his PGA Tour card back. And then he birdied the last hole at the Sony Open to get into a playoff, and made a 40-foot birdie putt on the first extra hole for an emotional win.

“It's not easy,” Murray said immediately after winning. "I wanted to give up a lot of times. Give up on myself. Give up on the game of golf. Give up on life, at times.”

Murray tied for 43rd last week in the PGA Championship, which enabled him to hold his position among the top 60 to earn a spot in the U.S. Open next month at Pinehurst No. 2 in his native North Carolina.

He shot 68 in the opening round at Colonial. The next round, he was 5 over and coming off three straight bogeys when he withdrew citing an illness.

PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan said he spoke with Murray's parents about halting play at Colonial and they insisted the golf tournament continue.

Monahan flew to Fort Worth, Texas, to be with players. Many of them wore black-and-red pins on their caps Sunday in honor of Murray. Those are the colors of the Carolina Hurricanes, his favorite NHL team.

“We have spent the last 24 hours trying to come to terms with the fact that our son is gone. It’s surreal that we not only have to admit it to ourselves, but that we also have to acknowledge it to the world. It’s a nightmare,” his parents shared in their statement.

"We have so many questions that have no answers. But one. Was Grayson loved? The answer is yes. By us, his brother Cameron, his sister Erica, all of his extended family, by his friends, by his fellow players and — it seems — by many of you who are reading this. He was loved and he will be missed.

“Life wasn't always easy for Grayson, and although he took his own life, we know he rests peacefully now.”

Grayson was a raw talent after taking up golf at age 8. He won his age division three straight years at the prestigious Junior World Championship in San Diego. But he struggled to fit in at college, going to Wake Forest, East Carolina and then Arizona State.

His first coach was Ted Kiegel in North Carolina, who like so many others was devastated.

“Words cannot express the tragedy of this moment,” Kiegel said in a statement sent to The Associated Press. “Grayson came from something that was ordinary and made it EXTRAORDINARY. ... He burned bright for the 30 years he gave us.”

Murray won as a 22-year-old rookie at the Barbasol Championship in Kentucky, and frustration began to set in as he didn't improve as quickly as others whom he routinely beat as amateurs.

He was always open about depression and anxiety, and his bouts with alcohol. One of his darker moments was at the Sony Open in 2021 when he was suspended for an incident in a Hawaii bar. Murray took to social media to say, "Why was I drunk? Because I’m a (expletive) alcoholic that hates everything to do with the PGA Tour life and that’s my scapegoat.”

He also accused the tour of not giving him proper help, which the tour denied.

Monahan said Saturday at Colonial that he called Murray right after that posting and subsequently spent a lot of time with him.

“I think one of the elements of his legacy is his resiliency,” Monahan said. "So you think of going back to 2017, winning the Barbasol Championship, going back and forth between the Korn Ferry Tour and the PGA Tour. ... self-assessing, coming back, becoming in his own eyes a stronger human being, and then winning three times in the past year.

“To me, that’s a level of resiliency that is extraordinary.”

When he won on the Korn Ferry Tour last year, Murray talked about his parents having “been through hell and back basically for the last six years for me fighting some mental stuff.”

“Everyone has their battles,” Murray said a year ago. “Sometimes people are able to hide them and function, and sometimes you're not. I think our society now is getting better about accepting that it's OK to not be OK. I've embraced that mentality. I'm not ashamed that I go through depression and anxiety.”

He also used social media to reach out to others dealing with similar issues in a sport where losing takes place far more than winning.

Murray said in January after he won the Sony Open that he often felt like a failure who had wasted his talent.

“It was a bad place, but like I said, you have to have courage," he said. "You have to have the willingness to keep going. Lo and behold, that’s what I did, and I’m here, and I’m so blessed and I’m thankful.”

He saw that Sony Open victory — which got him into the Masters for the first time — as the start of a new chapter. He said he had become a Christian and was engaged to Christiana Ritchie. He said in January the wedding had been planned for late April.

“My story is not finished. I think it’s just beginning,” Murray said in Hawaii. “I hope I can inspire a lot of people going forward that have their own issues.”

AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf

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What's New on Universal Studios Hollywood's 60th Anniversary Studio Tour in 2024?

NBC Insider took the summer glow-up Studio Tour for its Diamond Anniversary and we've got tips to share!

It's a big year for the Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour . In operation since 1964, the tours have evolved massively across six decades, originating with their iconic red and white Glamor Trams to today's multi-car shuttles which wind around the sprawling Universal backlot. 

To celebrate their Diamond Anniversary of the Studio Tour, Universal Studios Hollywood is giving guests lots of new experiences from now through August 11 to get a taste of what the tour was like back in the day mixed with all of its innovations today. 

NBC Insider recently jumped on a tram car to get a first hand perspective on the tour and we've got some tips on how to plan your day at the theme park with the Studio Tour for efficiency.

When should you plan to take the Studio Tour?

The entrance to the Studio Tour is on the Upper Lot of Universal Studios Hollywood. Make a right at The Simpsons  cross section and the dedicated escalators take guests down to the queue for the trams. If you want shorter lines, go earlier in the day. That's the best time to get on trams with less crowds. However, if you're looking for an escape from the sun, the Studio Tour queue is completed shaded and the tour itself keeps you covered even during the hottest times of summer days. 

Know that the Studio Tour is about one-hour long, but the special summer tour will add some extras that may extend your experience beyond an hour. Keep that in mind too if you have other places to be, are hungry or have timed shows to see.

What's different about the anniversary Universal Studio Tour in 2024?

Plenty! Going on a decade now, we're well-versed on all of the minute changes to the Studio Tour which are usually pretty subtle. But this special iteration has whole new routes, a lot of new video material with Master of Ceremonies Jimmy Fallon and Universal Pictures luminaries like Steven Spielberg, John Carpenter, Jordan Peele and Jack Black, along with plenty of fresh movie history shared from the mouths of the tour guides.

Since the back lot is a working studio, not every attraction on the Studio Tour route will be available during the week. However, weekends give Studio Tour riders a better shot at seeing all stops because film and television shows are rarely in production on Saturdays and Sundays. That being said, the new route will oftentimes take riders through the city facades, past many of the massive sound stages and standing sets like Little Europe and the Western streets and the flooding street area used in many films and TV shows.

RELATED:  Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift Ride at Universal Studios Hollywood Finally Revealed

The Courthouse Square is another area of note which features the clocktower from Back to the Future. This tour will feature a DeLorean and Doc Brown to greet you as you pass through. There's a temporary return of the 1976 Runaway Train which used to be part of the Studio Tour and featured warning bells and sirens to scare riders. There's also an amped up Jurassic World section which features a dimensional Tyrannosaurus rex dinosaur and pens holding some cranky Dilophosaurus that screech and roar as you pass by in the tram.

As for attractions that are part of the Studio Tour, riders will still experience Peter Jackson's 3D Kong Island; a newly renovated Earthquake—The Big One attraction that reproduces the effects of a major quake; the Jaws lagoon attack; a ride through Jupiter's Claim from Nope and the 3D enhanced Fast & Furious - Supercharged finale. 

What's at the new step-off point in the middle of the Studio Tour?

Outside of the Halloween Horror Nights Terror Tram experience, this summer's updated Studio Tour is the rare time when riders can get out of the tram to walk amongst the Psycho motel and experience some unique photo opportunities. 

Midway through the tour, the tram will stop at a drop off point at the Bates Motel. There, you can walk amongst movie props, or take a picture next to Marion Crane's car, or an original, fully restored 1964 vintage Glamor Tram. There's also the best place to frame a photo op with the perfectly scaled replica of the Hollywood Sign setup just for this anniversary tour. 

Once you've had your fun in this area, around the corner is an even bigger area of photo ops where you can get yourself sitting pretty between two Fast and the Furious picture cars; cuddle up inside King Kong's fist or proudly reveal your humongous catch of the day, which is a more than life-sized reproduction of the shark in Jaws . 

Things to know as you plan your visit: on less crowded days, you can make the rounds of these photo ops quickly and then hitch a ride back on revolving trams that are ready to pick you up and continue the rest of the tour. On busier days, you will need extra time to queue for each photo op as there will be lines. Regardless, there will be a tram waiting for you to get back on when you are ready. And don't worry, there is cold bottled water available at this stop to purchase if you're feeling hot or thirsty. 

Are there collectibles to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Universal Studios Tour?

Absolutely! Throughout the theme park and in the Universal Studios Store at the entrance, you'll find an array of fun shirts, mugs, magnets, and more emblazoned with vintage art that features the Glamour Tram. There's also a collectible popcorn bucket with Woody Woodpecker at the wheel of the Glam Tram that holds a lot of popcorn you can refill through the day, then take home to remember your trip. 

RELATED:  Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood Celebrates 1-Year with New Power Up Cafe

If you're more of a foodie, there's a Dining Pass celebrating the 60 th  anniversary with special food offerings just for the summer event. Or you can individually purchase themed items at Hollywood & Dine or Mel’s Diner. And for snacks, check out Studio Scoops and City Snack Shop standalone outdoor food car on the Upper Lot.

Regardless of how you tackle the Studio Tour, remember that it's part of your Universal Studios Hollywood admission ticket so make space for it when you visit. You won't be disappointed. 

More information is available at  www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com

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Grayson Murray, a 2-time PGA Tour winner, dies by suicide

Emma Bowman

Grayson Murray holds the trophy after winning the Sony Open golf event, on Jan. 14, 2024, at Waialae Country Club in Honolulu. The 30-year-old died on Saturday, according to PGA Tour officials. Matt York/AP hide caption

If you or someone you know may be considering suicide or is in crisis, call or text 9-8-8 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Grayson Murray, a 30-year-old professional golfer and two-time PGA Tour winner, died on Saturday.

He died by suicide, his family said.

"We have spent the last 24 hours trying to come to terms with the fact that our son is gone," his parents Eric and Terry Murray said in a statement on Sunday shared by the PGA Tour. "It’s a nightmare."

Murray had spoken publicly about his struggles with depression and unhealthy alcohol use and how those issues fueled some of his lowest points in his professional career.

"Life wasn’t always easy for Grayson, and although he took his own life, we know he rests peacefully now," his parents said in the statement.

His death came a day after he withdrew from the Charles Schwab Challenge, citing an unspecified illness. Playing in Fort Worth, Texas, on Friday he was 5 over par when he pulled out during the second round of the tournament with two holes remaining.

The PGA Tour announced his death in a statement on Saturday: "We were devastated to learn — and are heartbroken to share — that PGA TOUR player Grayson Murray passed away this morning. I am at a loss for words,” PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan said in the statement . “The PGA TOUR is a family, and when you lose a member of your family, you are never the same. We mourn Grayson and pray for comfort for his loved ones. “

At age 23, the Raleigh, N.C., native won his first PGA Tour title with the Barbasol Championship in 2017 — his rookie year. But his game struggled in the seasons that followed, according to the PGA Tour press release.

At the Sony Open, he recalled that first year on the PGA Tour. “I was young and thought I was invincible — wasn’t doing the correct stuff off the course to really give myself the best chance to succeed out here,” he told reporters.

Last year, he found success again on the Korn Ferry Tour, placing fourth and earning back his spot on the PGA Tour.

He appeared to be on a career comeback after winning the Sony Open in Hawaii in January — his first PGA Tour victory in seven years.

At the time, he credited sobriety and his supportive family for helping him feel “more at peace inside the ropes.”

“I’m over eight months sober now. I have a beautiful fiancée that I love so much and who is so supportive of me, and my parents are so supportive of me,” he said . “They’re right there with me when I do have those hard days.”

In addition to his parents, Murray is survived by his brother Cameron and sister Erica.

His parents thanked the golfing community for its support in the wake of their son's death.

They also issued a plea — to "honor Grayson by being kind to one another."

"If that becomes his legacy, we could ask for nothing else," their statement read.

Sony Shuts Down ‘The Afterparty’ and ‘Lucky Hank’ Studio TriStar Television, Jennifer Turner Exits

By Jennifer Maas

Jennifer Maas

TV Business Writer

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Sony Pictures Television is closing TriStar Television, the studio behind Apple TV+’s “The Afterparty” and AMC’s “Lucky Hank.”

As Sony shutters the division and folds the studio into the larger TV org, executive vice president Jennifer Turner and senior vice president of development Nicole Norwood are exiting the company. Other staff cuts are not expected as a result of TriStar TV closing and the Sony TV drama department will take oversight of current TriStar’s current TV projects.

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Turner was promoted to head of TriStar Television in January 2022 upon the exit of Kathryn Busby, who left the Sony-owned studio for Starz. Prior to her promotion, Turner was senior vice president of scripted programming for Sony Pictures Television , overseeing creative for shows including “The Good Doctor,” “The Blacklist,” “The Boys,” “For Life” and “Woke.” She previously held leadership roles at NBCUniversal and ABC Entertainment.

Sony reps did not immediately respond to request for comment.

The Hollywood Reporter was the first to report the news that TriStar TV is shuttering.

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Grayson Murray death: What to know of PGA, Arizona State golfer who passed away at 30

Editor's note: This story has been updated with a statement from Grayson Murray's parents confirming his cause of death.

The golf world is reeling from tragedy this weekend after it was announced that PGA Tour player Grayson Murray died on Saturday . He was just 30 years old.

Murray had withdrawn Friday from the second round of the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial in Fort Worth, Texas with what was described by the PGA Tour as an illness .

A Raleigh, North Carolina native, Murray finished his college golf career at Arizona State. Even before arriving in Tempe, he had displayed prodigious talent, winning the Junior World Championship in San Diego three consecutive years and becoming the youngest player ever to make the cut at a Korn Ferry Tour event when he was 16 years old. At 19 years old, he competed in the 2013 U.S. Open at Merion Golf Club in Haverford Township, Pennsylvania as an amateur.

REQUIRED READING: PGA Tour star Grayson Murray dead at 30

Murray had been admirably open about his struggles with depression and alcohol consumption, both of which he discussed after winning at the Sony Open in January.

“I would drink during tournament weeks," Murray said . "It was my outlet. I thought I was invincible coming out here as a 22-year-old, winning as a rookie, played three days hungover when I won. Best thing and worst thing that ever happened to me was winning my rookie year, but also feeling like I was invincible.

"It took me a long time to get to this point. That was seven years ago, over seven years ago. I'm a different man now. I would not be in this position right now today if I didn't put that drink down eight months ago."

On Sunday, Grayson Murray's parents, Eric and Terry Murray, released a statement confirming he took his own life.

Here’s more on Murray, his life and career:

Grayson Murray PGA Tour career

After his U.S. Open appearance in 2013, Murray began competing in PGA Tour events in 2016, taking part in what was then known as the Safeway Open just two weeks after his 23rd birthday. He didn’t officially join the tour until 2017.

Over the course of his career, Murray earned two PGA Tour victories, winning the 2017 Barbasol Championship and the 2024 Sony Open. He picked up the latter of those two wins in dramatic fashion, hitting a wedge to within 3 feet of the hole for birdie on the final hole to force a playoff with Keegan Bradley and Ben An. He won the tournament in the playoff by sinking a 39-foot putt .

Murray had three top-five and 10 top-10 finishes, earned $6,277,049 in PGA Tour winnings during that time.

Those achievements came with occasional struggles.

The PGA Tour placed Murray on probation three years ago for an incident at a hotel bar in Hawaii. Murray later posted on X , the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, saying, “Why was I drunk? Because I’m a f—ing alcoholic that hates everything to do with the PGA Tour life and that’s my scapegoat.” He went on to say that the PGA Tour didn’t provide him with the proper help he needed, a claim that the tour denied.

A run of poor performances caused him to lose his PGA Tour card for the 2023 season, but he improved his game on the Korn Ferry Tour, on which he won two tournaments and eventually earned his PGA Tour card back for the 2024 season.

Murray credited his turnaround to a renewed sense of faith and the supportive presence of his fiancée, Christiana Ritchie, whom he met at The American Express Tournament in 2021.

In addition to his victory at the Sony Open, he finished in the top 10 at the Wells Fargo Championship in May and in the top 25 at the Arnold Palmer Invitational in March. He was 51st at the Masters and tied for 43rd at last week’s PGA Championship, the latter of which would ultimately be his final full tournament.

At the time of his death, Murray was 58th in the Official World Golf Ranking .

"My story is not finished,” he said in January after his win at the Sony Open . “I think it's just beginning. I hope I can inspire a lot of people going forward that have their own issues."

REQUIRED READING: Arizona State athletic department's $300 million debt 'eliminated' in restructuring

Grayson Murray college

Murray began his college career at Wake Forest, where he played the fall season in 2012 before transferring to East Carolina for the spring semester. From there, he completed his college career at Arizona State, where he competed until turning pro.

PGA statement on Grayson Murray death

The PGA Tour and commissioner Jay Monahan released a statement Saturday confirming Murray’s death. The statement read:

"We were devastated to learn — and are heartbroken to share — that PGA Tour player Grayson Murray passed away this morning. I am at a loss for words. The PGA Tour is a family, and when you lose a member of your family, you are never the same.

"We mourn Grayson and pray for comfort for his loved ones. I reached out to Grayson's parents to offer our deepest condolences, and during that conversation, they asked that we continue with tournament play. They were adamant that Grayson would want us to do so."

If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988. There is also an online chat at 988lifeline.org .

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• As Paramount Global Preps For Shareholder Meeting And Town Hall, Details Of Revised Skydance Offer Surface

By Dade Hayes

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As Paramount Global approaches Tuesday’s annual shareholder meeting and a high-stakes town hall for employees the following day, new details are emerging about Skydance Media ‘s latest acquisition offer.

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In a two-step transaction, Skydance would first acquire National Amusements , which controls nearly 80% of the voting shares of Paramount, though only about 10% of its equity value. The second step would see the company pump cash into Paramount, which would then acquire Skydance. Those are just the broad outlines, of course, as the specific structure of the new entity is the subject of considerable back and forth. Adding yet more intrigue was a report from the WSJ that National Amusements has received overtures from other potential acquirers, including one from producer Steven Paul valuing the company at around $3 billion.

While many in Hollywood, among them top filmmakers like James Cameron, have come out in support of the Skydance deal, a separate scenario involving private equity behemoth Apollo Global Management and Sony Pictures Entertainment drew a lot of fans on Wall Street. Prospects of the Apollo/Sony option have seemingly dimmed in recent days. SPE chief Tony Vinciquerra told Deadline last week that talks were “progressing” between the parties but he also declined to cite Paramount or other M&A opportunities during remarks at a recent Sony investor presentation.

The New York Times reported on the remaining hurdles to a deal on Sunday.

Reps from Skydance, Paramount and Redstone declined comment.

The shareholder meeting and the town hall are both set to be significant moments for the three-pronged Office of the CEO installed after Bob Bakish’s ouster earlier this spring. Acquisition news is not expected to be made at the meeting, though the company’s post-Bakish strategy should become a bit more clear. Divvying up the CEO duties are Brian Robbins, President & CEO of Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon; George Cheeks, President & CEO of CBS; and Chris McCarthy, President & CEO Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios and Paramount Media Networks. Each delivered brief remarks on Paramount’s quarterly earnings call in April but did not take questions from Wall Street analysts, instead promising to lay out more details soon about their strategic vision. “Soon” officially arrives this week.

At the shareholder meeting, which will be conducted virtually, the execs will deliver a presentation to investors. They are expected to expand on it on Wednesday during a town hall meeting with employees, who are eager to learn more about leadership’s plans. While Paramount’s recent history has been replete with dramatic moments, the current intrigue has taken on an existential dimension. “There’s a lot of emotion involved because of Shari’s family legacy,” one source observed. “It’s only adding to what is already a really complex financial situation to work out.”

With uncertainty clouding Paramount, having a troika at the top is also introducing new uneasiness among the rank and file. Multiple sources inside the company have described to Deadline an increasingly stressful atmosphere given the fact that three senior execs who have steadily risen through the ranks in recent years are now also responsible for the company’s Wall Street profile. As Robbins, Cheeks and McCarthy look to make a favorable impression, each has considerably more experience in the entertainment realm than with financial operations or corporate governance. As they collectively replace Bakish amid rampant speculation about the company’s future, the intensity of the effort has radiated across their respective silos.

Paramount’s beleaguered stock has slipped 17% this year to date as investors have fretted about its effort to profit from streaming even as linear TV continues its inexorable decline. Shares are worth about one-third what they were in 2019 after Redstone’s long-planned reunion of Viacom and CBS finally became reality.

The company did manage last month to pull off a carriage renewal with Charter , the No. 1 U.S. pay-TV operator, without the damaging blackouts that hit Disney in a tussle with Charter last summer.

“We had expected to see at least some longer-tail networks get dropped, so we would consider this part a win for Paramount,” wrote MoffettNathanson analyst Robert Fishman in a recent note to clients, adding that the financials of the agreement remain unknown. “Of course, the total rate Charter agreed to pay Paramount for the entire portfolio of networks, including CBS, Paramount+ ad-tier, Showtime linear and the cable networks, will determine the true degree of the win or loss. Keeping carriage at the expense of accepting a big discount to prior affiliate fee rates would be just as detrimental to future cash flows.”

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Grayson Murray, Winner of Two PGA Tour Titles, Dies at 30

Murray, who was outspoken about his depression and alcohol abuse, had begun a comeback after several volatile years, winning this year’s Sony Open in Hawaii.

By Emmett Lindner

Grayson Murray, the professional golfer who won two PGA Tour titles and was outspoken about his battles with depression and alcohol, died on Saturday. He was 30.

His death was confirmed in a statement on Saturday by the PGA Tour. He died by suicide, according to a PGA Tour statement that was released on Sunday on behalf of his parents.

“We have spent the last 24 hours trying to come to terms with the fact that our son is gone,” the statement said. “It’s surreal that we not only have to admit it to ourselves, but that we also have to acknowledge it to the world.”

After a successful 40-foot putt to win the Sony Open in Hawaii in January, Murray rose to 46th in the Official World Golf Ranking, a career high. The event marked the height of a comeback run after several volatile years as Murray struggled with his mental health.

In a news conference after winning the Sony Open, Murray said that for a time he would drink during tournament weeks.

“Best thing and worst thing that ever happened to me was winning my rookie year, but also feeling like I was invincible,” he said. “I’m a different man now, and I would not be in this position right now, today, if I didn’t put that drink down eight months ago.”

He added that he had attended rehabilitation for a month. “I hope I can inspire a lot of people going forward that have their own issues,” he said. Murray had failed to gain PGA Tour status for several months last year after a series of off-course events mirrored a decline in his play.

An alcohol-related incident at a hotel bar in Hawaii in 2021 led to his suspension from the PGA Tour. Afterward, he posted to social media.

“Why was I drunk?” he wrote, adding that he was an “alcoholic that hates everything to do with the PGA Tour life and that’s my scapegoat.”

The golfer Phil Mickelson, who has struggled with a gambling addiction , responded at the time on social media , saying “If I can help in any way I’d be happy to.”

This year, Murray played well enough to qualify for the Masters Tournament and P.G.A. Championship. On Friday, he withdrew from the second round of the Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas, citing an illness.

Grayson Murray was born on Oct. 1, 1993, in Raleigh, N.C., according to an ESPN biography. Mr. Murray is survived by his parents, Eric and Terry, and his brother, Cameron, and sister, Erica, according to the statement.

He attended Wake Forest, East Carolina and Arizona State Universities, and at 16 he became the second-youngest player to enter the Korn Ferry Tour, according to the PGA Tour.

He continued to gain prominence, playing in the U.S. Open at the age of 19 and clinching a win at the 2017 Barbasol Championship, sinking a five-foot putt for a one-stroke victory.

After losing his PGA Tour card for the 2023 season, and following an angry outburst directed at Jay Monahan, the PGA Tour’s commissioner, he seemed to have found his swing again. He won two Korn Ferry Tour tournaments last year, regaining his PGA Tour eligibility, and finished in the top 10 at two events.

If you are having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or go to SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for a list of additional resources.

Because of an editing error, the headline on an earlier version of this article misstated the winning record of Grayson Murray. He won two PGA Tour titles, not tours.

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Emmett Lindner writes about breaking and trending news. He has written about international protests, climate change and social media influencers. More about Emmett Lindner