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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!

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.
  1. Background image for Willie Nelson
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    #1 - Willie Nelson

    S1:E1

    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.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  2. Background image for Jason Isbell / Neko Case
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    #2 - Jason Isbell / Neko Case

    S39:E9

    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.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  3. Background image for Sarah Jarosz / The Milk Carton Kids
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    #3 - Sarah Jarosz / The Milk Carton Kids

    S39:E12

    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.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  4. Background image for John Mayer / Buddy Guy and Double Trouble
    9.5/10(8 votes)

    #4 - John Mayer / Buddy Guy and Double Trouble

    S29:E6

    No description available

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  5. Background image for Fats Domino
    9.2/10(7 votes)

    #5 - Fats Domino

    S26:E13

    No description available

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  6. Background image for Tweedy
    9.1/10(25 votes)

    #6 - Tweedy

    S40:E3

    Tweedy, led by Wilco's Jeff Tweedy, perform selections from the 2014 “Sukierae” album.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
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    The 20 WORST Episodes of Austin City Limits

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  8. Background image for Los Lobos / Thao & The Get Down Stay Down
    9.0/10(15 votes)

    #7 - Los Lobos / Thao & The Get Down Stay Down

    S40:E5

    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.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  9. Background image for John Prine
    9.0/10(14 votes)

    #8 - John Prine

    S44:E2

    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.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  10. Background image for Stevie Ray Vaughan: A Retrospective
    8.8/10(7 votes)

    #9 - Stevie Ray Vaughan: A Retrospective

    S20:E8

    Combing footage of previous ACL appearances, Stevie Ray Vaughn and Double Trouble give great blue performances.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  11. Background image for The Best of John Prine
    8.8/10(18 votes)

    #10 - The Best of John Prine

    S46:E1

    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.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  12. Background image for Brandi Carlile
    8.7/10(13 votes)

    #11 - Brandi Carlile

    S44:E4

    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.”

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  13. Background image for The Arcade Fire
    8.6/10(9 votes)

    #12 - The Arcade Fire

    S33:E6

    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.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  14. Background image for Kacey Musgraves / Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real
    8.5/10(7 votes)

    #13 - Kacey Musgraves / Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real

    S44:E6

    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.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  15. Background image for Susan Tedeschi / Ruthie Foster
    8.4/10(15 votes)

    #14 - Susan Tedeschi / Ruthie Foster

    S29:E2

    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.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  16. Background image for The Black Keys / J. Roddy Walston & the Business
    8.4/10(7 votes)

    #15 - The Black Keys / J. Roddy Walston & the Business

    S40:E12

    The Black Keys feature songs from their 2014 "Turn Blue" album; and J. Roddy Walston and the Business spotlight selections from their 2013 "Essential Tremors" album.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  17. Background image for Foo Fighters
    8.3/10(12 votes)

    #16 - Foo Fighters

    S40:E13

    Foo Fighters perform selections from their 2014 "Sonic Highways" album.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  18. Background image for Stevie Ray Vaughan on Austin City Limits: 30 Years On
    8.2/10(13 votes)

    #17 - Stevie Ray Vaughan on Austin City Limits: 30 Years On

    S46:E3

    Thrill to an hour of classic Austin City Limits performances from late Texas blues rocker Stevie Ray Vaughan and his band Double Trouble. Songs include "Pride and Joy," "Crossfire" and "Texas Flood."

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  19. Background image for Lyle Lovett and His Large Band
    8.2/10(11 votes)

    #18 - Lyle Lovett and His Large Band

    S48:E6

    Celebrate singer-songwriter Lyle Lovett, joined by his iconic Large Band. Lovett makes his first appearance in a decade with songs from his first new album in 10 years: “12th of June.”

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  20. Background image for Brandi Carlile
    8.1/10(20 votes)

    #19 - Brandi Carlile

    S48:E1

    Celebrated Americana singer/songwriter Brandi Carlile raises the roof for a full hour of passionate and powerful songs from her acclaimed album “In These Silent Days.”

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  21. Background image for B.B. King
    8.0/10(6 votes)

    #20 - B.B. King

    S8:E5

    “B.B. King personified blues music for the whole world...He was larger than life, but a gentle man with a kind soul and big heart. His ACL performance ranks as one of my personal favorites, and I was never more proud than when he somehow slipped ‘Austin City Limits’ into the lyric of his classic rendition of Willie Nelson’s ‘Night Life.’ We’ve lost a giant.” Terry Lickona, ACL Executive Producer

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  22. Background image for Crowded House
    8.0/10(6 votes)

    #21 - Crowded House

    S33:E11

    Reunited after 12 years, New Zealand favorite Crowded House makes its first television appearance since the mid-90s supporting its new album Time On Earth.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  23. Background image for Ryan Adams / Jenny Lewis
    8.0/10(1 votes)

    #22 - Ryan Adams / Jenny Lewis

    S40:E11

    Ryan Adams and Jenny Lewis perform. Adams spotlights songs from his self-titled 2014 album; and Lewis features selections from her 2014 "The Voyager" album.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  24. Background image for TV on the Radio / The War on Drugs
    8.0/10(6 votes)

    #23 - TV on the Radio / The War on Drugs

    S41:E6

    Dig the best in modern rock with TV on the Radio and The War On Drugs. TVOTR showcases cuts from their latest LP Seeds, while TWOD features songs from its most recent album Lost in the Dream.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  25. Background image for Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
    8.0/10(9 votes)

    #24 - Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue

    S44:E9

    Revel in an hour with New Orleans funk masters Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, with special guest Cyril Neville. Shorty lays down the grooves with highlights from his recent “Voodoo Threauxdown” tour.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  26. Background image for Sturgill Simpson / Asleep at the Wheel
    7.9/10(10 votes)

    #25 - Sturgill Simpson / Asleep at the Wheel

    S41:E3

    Sturgill Simpson performs songs from his 2014 "Metamodern Sounds in Country Music" album, including "Life of Sin"; and Asleep at the Wheel perform songs from their 2015 "Still the King: Celebrating the Music of Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys" album.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

Best Episodes Summary

"Willie Nelson" is the best rated episode of "Austin City Limits". It scored 10/10 based on 1 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 1/1/1975. This episode scored 0.0 points higher than the second highest rated, "Jason Isbell / Neko Case".