Lights, Camera, Action! A Warner Bros. Tour

 Lights, Camera… Retirement! Our Warner Bros. Studio Tour Adventure

During our retirement trip, we spent two weeks exploring California, with a few of those days in the Los Angeles area. As we planned how to make the most of our time there, we knew a studio tour had to be on the list. After doing a bit of research, we decided on the Warner Bros. Studio Tour—and it turned out to be a fantastic choice. 

Warner Bros. Studios has been part of Hollywood history for a long time. It was started back in 1923 by four brothers—Harry, Albert, Sam, and Jack Warner—who were among the first big names in the movie business. The studio really made its mark with The Jazz Singer in 1927, the first movie with sound that changed filmmaking forever. Today, the studio sits in Burbank, just outside of Los Angeles, and has become famous for creating some of the biggest movies and TV shows of all time—like Casablanca, Friends, and The Big Bang Theory. It’s a place full of stories, both on screen and behind the scenes.

Television and movies have always been a big part of our lives, and some of our best memories together were simply relaxing on the couch, watching shows like Friends and The Big Bang Theory. So visiting the Warner Bros. Studio felt like the perfect way to peek behind the scenes and see where all that TV magic comes to life.

Riding Through Hollywood History

The tour began in true Hollywood style—with a friendly guide ushering us into one of the open-air carts that whisks visitors around the studio's sprawling backlot. Warner Bros. is still a working studio, so there’s a very real chance of spotting actors or active filming during the day. However, since we were there on a Sunday, the studio was very quiet.  We passed by rows of soundstages, exterior sets that magically transform into New York streets or small-town diners, and even a few “neighborhoods” that have been used in shows and films for decades. One minute we were in New York City, the next we were in a small town in the Midwest.

We made a few stops along our ride around the lot to get out and take a closer look at the sets, most of which were just a facade - the inside of the buildings were empty.

It was at this point in the tour that we made a stop to see The Fountain.  That would be the fountain seen in the opening of the Friends TV show.

Our guide also pointed out Stage 16, one of the tallest soundstages in the world. It’s so big that it’s been used to film indoor flood scenes, including the famous hotel flood in The Perfect Storm. That same stage has also hosted scenes from Inception and Dunkirk. It was amazing to think that while we were laughing and enjoying shows at home, so much effort and artistry was happening behind the scenes.

A Surprise Stop on Ellen’s Set

Because it was a Sunday and no productions were taking place, we were lucky enough to visit the set of The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Although the show was still filming at the time, we were allowed to walk around the studio and even step onto the stage. It was all a little surreal . You could almost hear the audience clapping and guests dancing down the aisles. It was definitely one of the highlights of the tour for me.

Props and Costumes

One of the coolest parts of the tour was getting to spend time up close with a collection of costumes and props from movies such as Aquaman, and Harry Potter, as well as some vehicles from the Batman films.  We couldn’t believe how many different versions of Batmobiles were on display, from the classic, almost comic-book-style cars to the high-tech, tank-like models used in the newer movies.

 

Friends and Big Bang

But the absolute highlight for both of us? Stepping onto the recreated Friends, and Big Bang Theory sets.

Central Perk - the orange couch. The mismatched chairs. The counter where Gunther poured coffee with his signature unamused expression. It was all there, and it felt just as cozy and familiar as it does on screen. (and surprisingly smaller).

The Big Bang Theory set was such a treat. Walking into the apartment where Sheldon and Leonard endlessly debated science, Star Trek, and superhero trivia was surreal. Every inch of the set reflected the quirky genius of the show.

We even saw the broken elevator in the hallway—which, if you’re a fan, you’ll remember was out of order for the entire series. (A running gag that only got resolved in the final season!)

To wrap up our tour we got to hold, and pose with a real Oscar - and yes, they are that heavy!

A Short Guide to Warner Bros. Studio

We enjoyed this tour so much! 

If you're ever in Los Angeles and looking for something a little magical, a little nostalgic, and a whole lot of fun, we highly recommend the Warner Bros. Studio Tour. Whether you're a diehard fan or just curious about the behind-the-scenes world of television and film, it's an unforgettable experience.

Location: Burbank, California (just outside L.A.)
Duration: About 2–3 hours
Tickets: Starting around $70 USD – book ahead online!

What You’ll See:

• Famous backlot sets used in Friends, Gilmore Girls, and more

• Central Perk café and the Friends couch (photo op!)

• Sheldon’s apartment from The Big Bang Theory

• Real Batmobiles and superhero costumes from DC movies

• Props and sets from Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts

Tips:

• Arrive early and wear comfy shoes

• Bring your camera—photos are allowed in most areas

• Every tour is a little different depending on filming schedules

Perfect for TV and movie fans of all ages (5+). A fun, behind-the-scenes look at Hollywood magic!