I don’t need an excuse to apply for tickets for a live taping of The Social. Now that they’re in season two, I decided to go back. On my way to the taping, I stopped at Starbucks across the street from the studio. I was delighted to see Jess Allen in line. I spotted her immediately and she was very friendly.
Chloe Bent, The Social’s audience coordinator was as friendly as I remembered. She ensured that everyone was excited to join the live audience and encouraged us to cheer by telling us that the biggest fans would receive gift bags with makeup products. One fan was visiting from San Francisco, so she took home a special prize. According to Chloe, the easiest way to look good on TV is to simply nod and smile, without looking like a cheerleader.
The experience was similar to last time when I went in October 2013. The women:men ratio was about the same too, as there was only one man in the audience. This time I observed how quickly the hosts posed for ‘What We Wore’ outfit photos during a commercial break. I wonder if they take those photos at different times in each episode because the hosts didn’t seem to be expecting it. I loved Cynthia’s black and white Joe pants.
After the Hot Topics segments, the show focused on beauty (specifically eyelash extensions) and photography. The hosts eagerly interviewed Albert Watson, a celebrated photographer who has worked with Prince and Steve Jobs, in hopes of hearing insights of his celebrity encounters. Albert’s work is currently on display at the Izzy Gallery in Toronto until March.
The hosts were happy to talk to the audience members at the end of the episode, but now they only arrange for two of the four hosts to pose with fans in front of the stage. I didn’t mind because I met them all last time, but it seems unfair to fans who may not get to say hi to their favourite host.
I had a good time at the taping and I hope to go back for season three!
The Social airs weekdays at 1 PM on CTV and you can request tickets to see it live here.