10.0/101 votesLoading...#1 - Willie Nelson
Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 1/1/1975
The Texas-born singer and songwriter performs in the pilot episode of Austin City Limits shot on October 17, 1974 covering such tracks as Whiskey River, Stay all Night... and Bloody Mary Morning.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
10.0/101 votesLoading...#2 - Jason Isbell / Neko Case
Season 39 Episode 9 - Aired 1/11/2014
ACL presents modern roots rock with Jason Isbell and Neko Case. Isbell performs tunes from his acclaimed LP Southeastern, while Case sings songs from her latest album.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
10.0/101 votesLoading...#3 - Sarah Jarosz / The Milk Carton Kids
Season 39 Episode 12 - Aired 2/1/2014
Sarah Jarosz performs selections from her 2013 "Build Me Up From Bones" album; the Milk Carton Kids perform songs from their 2013 "The Ash & Clay" CD.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
- 9.5/108 votesLoading...
#4 - John Mayer / Buddy Guy and Double Trouble
Season 29 Episode 6 - Aired 11/15/2003
No description available
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
- 9.3/109 votesLoading...
#5 - Coldplay / Michael Stipe
Season 31 Episode 8 - Aired 12/17/2005
This English band has made a name for themselves in the world of rock and roll. Special guest, Michael Stipe from R.E.M., drops by to play some songs with the band.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
- 9.2/107 votesLoading...
#6 - Fats Domino
Season 26 Episode 13 - Aired 1/27/2001
No description available
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
9.1/1024 votesLoading...#7 - Tweedy
Season 40 Episode 3 - Aired 10/25/2014
Tweedy, led by Wilco's Jeff Tweedy, perform selections from the 2014 “Sukierae” album.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
9.0/108 votesLoading...#8 - Aimee Mann / Iron & Wine
Season 34 Episode 7 - Aired 11/15/2008
Singer/songwriter Aimee Mann debuts on the ACL stage with tunes from her latest album @#%&*! Smilers. Folk rockers Iron & Wine, showcasing their acclaimed The Sheperd’s Dog CD, follow.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
9.0/1010 votesLoading...#9 - Foo Fighters
Season 34 Episode 9 - Aired 1/17/2009
Grammy Award-winners the Foo Fighters rock the ACL stage with songs from their latest album Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace. Taped: September 29, 2008:
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
9.0/1014 votesLoading...#10 - Los Lobos / Thao & The Get Down Stay Down
Season 40 Episode 5 - Aired 11/8/2014
Los Lobos celebrate their 40th anniversary by performing songs from throughout their career. Also: Thao and the Get Down Stay Down showcase songs from their 2013 "We the Common" album.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
9.0/1014 votesLoading...#11 - John Prine
Season 44 Episode 2 - Aired 10/13/2018
Savor an hour-long set with songwriting legend John Prine. The veteran musician performs songs from his critically acclaimed recent album “The Tree of Forgiveness,” as well as gems from his catalogue.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
8.9/1011 votesLoading...#12 - R.E.M.
Season 34 Episode 1 - Aired 5/24/2008
In their debut Austin City Limits appearance, influential superstars R.E.M. take the stage in support of their latest acclaimed record Accelerate.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
- 8.8/107 votesLoading...
#13 - Stevie Ray Vaughan: A Retrospective
Season 20 Episode 8 - Aired 3/5/1995
Combing footage of previous ACL appearances, Stevie Ray Vaughn and Double Trouble give great blue performances.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
8.8/1018 votesLoading...#14 - The Best of John Prine
Season 46 Episode 1 - Aired 10/3/2020
Savor an hour of stirring performances from the late singer/songwriter John Prine's episodes of Austin City Limits. Songs include "Paradise," "Sam Stone" and "Angel from Montgomery," with special guest Bonnie Raitt.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
- 8.7/107 votesLoading...
#15 - Patty Loveless / the Del McCoury Band
Season 27 Episode 3 - Aired 10/27/2001
No description available
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
- 8.6/107 votesLoading...
#16 - The Raconteurs / Cat Power
Season 32 Episode 10 - Aired 12/30/2006
Four friends gather together to form a new band. Jack White, Brendan Benson, Jack Lawrence and Patrick Keeler make innovative and fun music. Next, Cat Power brings their emotionally charged indie-rock to the ACL studio for some cathartic rock.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
- 8.6/109 votesLoading...
#17 - The Arcade Fire
Season 33 Episode 6 - Aired 11/10/2007
Arcade Fire has gained critical acclaim for their indie rock in Canada. Their two albums, Neon Bible and Funeral, provide plenty of songs to entertain the ACL crowd.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
8.6/106 votesLoading...#18 - Ms. Lauryn Hill
Season 42 Episode 8 - Aired 7/2/2016
Enjoy a career-spanning performance by R&B icon Ms. Lauryn Hill in a rare television appearance. The Grammy-winning singer and songwriter performs a set of solo hits, new songs and Fugees classics.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
8.6/1012 votesLoading...#19 - Brandi Carlile
Season 44 Episode 4 - Aired 10/27/2018
Enjoy an unforgettable hour with acclaimed artist Brandi Carlile. The Seattle singer/songwriter performs highlights from her critically lauded album “By the Way, I Forgive You.”
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
- 8.5/107 votesLoading...
#20 - Elvis Costello
Season 30 Episode 8 - Aired 11/20/2004
Elvis Costello and the Imposters perform songs from their new album and some old favorites. The music is signified by Costello's genre bending style.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
- 8.5/108 votesLoading...
#21 - Andrew Bird; St. Vincent
Season 35 Episode 4 - Aired 10/24/2009
Multi-instrumentalist and singer/songwriter, Andrew Bird has captured audiences around the world with his unique style. Through amazing vocals, whistling, violin, guitar and glockenspiel, this Chicago-born musician seems to have brought about a new phase of folk and indie rock.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
8.5/107 votesLoading...#22 - Willie Nelson and Asleep at the Wheel
Season 35 Episode 7 - Aired 11/14/2009
Singer-songwriter author, poet and actor, Willie Nelson rose to national stardom during the outlaw country movement of the 1970s, but has remained both a musical and cultural icon through the decades. Since their inception in 1970, Asleep at the Wheel has won nine Grammy Awards, released more than 20 studio albums and have charted more than 20 singles on Billboard’s country charts. Tonight these country legends grace the Austin City Limits stage performing songs from their newest release, Willie and the Wheel.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
8.5/107 votesLoading...#23 - Kacey Musgraves / Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real
Season 44 Episode 6 - Aired 11/10/2018
Live it up with contemporary country from Kacey Musgraves and Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real. Nashville-based Texan Musgraves essays tunes from her widely acclaimed album “Golden Hour.” Son of outlaw country legend Willie Nelson, roots rocker Lukas Nelson and his band present songs from their self-titled release.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
- 8.4/1015 votesLoading...
#24 - Susan Tedeschi / Ruthie Foster
Season 29 Episode 2 - Aired 10/18/2003
ACL presents two musicians who have taken their background in soul music and evolved into different genres. Susan Tedeschi is a multi-talented blues guitarist, while Ruthie Foster is a folk-rock specialist.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
8.4/106 votesLoading...#25 - Mos Def / K’naan
Season 35 Episode 10 - Aired 1/16/2010
Hip hop conquers the ACL stage with sets from alternative rapper/actor Mos Def, supporting his latest record, The Ecstatic, and Somalian native K’naan, performing songs from his acclaimed LP, Troubadour.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
The Best Episodes of Austin City Limits
Every episode of Austin City Limits ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of Austin City Limits!
Now the longest-running music series in American television history, ACL showcases popular music legends and innovators from every genre.
Genre:Documentary
Network:PBS
Best Episodes Summary
"Willie Nelson" is the best rated episode of "Austin City Limits". It scored 10/10 based on 1 votes. Directed by N/A and written by N/A, it aired on 1/1/1975. This episode scored 0.0 points higher than the second highest rated, "Jason Isbell / Neko Case".