Last year, I had one of those pinch-me moments — I got to attend a live taping of Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, and it was everything I hoped it would be… and then some.

No, I didn’t win a giveaway or slide into Andy’s DMs (though no judgment if you try). I actually got in through work. Perks of being in advertising!

I work in advertising, and my client happens to buy ad space with NBCU. One of my coworkers, who leads our investment team (and clearly knows how to make things happen), reached out to her NBCU sales rep and asked if they could help us get into a taping.

And guess what? It worked.

Before the show, our sales rep took us out for lunch at Jack’s Wife Freda (always a win), and then we headed over to the studio for the taping.

As soon as you walk in, the vibes are immaculate. You get two drink tickets (bless), and the bar had a very on-brand menu of just two options. Naturally, I went for the Fresca Tequila — aka Andy’s fave.

They were also selling copies of Andy’s latest book, Daddy Diaries, and if you bought one, he’d sign it right there. Obviously I had to. I asked him to write:
“Mazel on your engagement.”
Iconic.

What shocked me the most? How small the studio is. Like truly tiny. There are maybe ten seats total, arranged in just a couple rows of benches. It feels like being at a friend’s loft party — if your friend were a Bravo king interviewing celebrities on live TV.

They give you fun prompts to say during the show so you can interact with Andy. It’s casual, intimate, and totally surreal.

I totally lucked out. The guests were:

• Bryan Cranston (yes, Breaking Bad royalty)
• Catherine O’Hara (Schitt’s Creek queen!)
• And even the Harlem Globetrotters made an appearance

Before the show started, Andy came out to chat and take questions. He was warm, funny, and totally game to dish. Just as personable in person as he is on-screen.

In. A. Heartbeat.

The whole experience was such a blast. I only wish a Housewife had been on that night — but hey, it gives me a reason to manifest another invite, right?

If you ever get the chance to attend a taping of WWHL, do it. It’s intimate, hilarious, and a total Bravo fan fever dream. Fingers crossed I get to go again someday… and maybe catch a glimpse of one of the OGs of the Housewives universe.

Until then — mazel, baby.