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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!

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Now the longest-running music series in American television history, ACL showcases popular music legends and innovators from every genre.

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
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    Austin City Limits Season 1 Episode 1 - Willie Nelson
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  2. Austin City Limits Season 39 Episode 9 - Jason Isbell / Neko Case
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  3. Austin City Limits Season 39 Episode 12 - Sarah Jarosz / The Milk Carton Kids
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  4. Austin City Limits Season 31 Episode 8 - Coldplay / Michael Stipe
    9.7/10(10 votes)

    S31:E8

    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:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  5. Austin City Limits Season 29 Episode 6 - John Mayer / Buddy Guy and Double Trouble
    9.6/10(8 votes)

    S29:E6

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  6. Austin City Limits Season 26 Episode 13 - Fats Domino
    9.4/10(7 votes)

    S26:E13

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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    The 20 WORST Episodes of Austin City Limits

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  7. Austin City Limits Season 40 Episode 3 - Tweedy
    9.3/10(26 votes)

    S40:E3

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

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  8. Austin City Limits Season 44 Episode 2 - John Prine
    9.2/10(14 votes)

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  9. Austin City Limits Season 44 Episode 4 - Brandi Carlile
    9.2/10(13 votes)

    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.”

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  10. Austin City Limits Season 20 Episode 8 - Stevie Ray Vaughan: A Retrospective
    9.0/10(7 votes)

    S20:E8

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

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  11. Austin City Limits Season 34 Episode 7 - Aimee Mann / Iron & Wine
    9.0/10(8 votes)

    S34:E7

    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:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  12. Austin City Limits Season 52 Episode 2 - ACL Hall of Fame Honors Brandi Carlile
    9.0/10(7 votes)

    S52:E2

    Austin City Limits inducts 11-time Grammy Award winner Brandi Carlile into the 12th Annual ACL Hall of Fame. Bonnie Raitt performs in tribute and inducts Carlile and the honoree takes the stage with favorites and songs from Returning to Myself.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  13. Austin City Limits Season 34 Episode 1 - R.E.M.
    8.9/10(11 votes)

    S34:E1

    In their debut Austin City Limits appearance, influential superstars R.E.M. take the stage in support of their latest acclaimed record Accelerate.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  14. Austin City Limits Season 34 Episode 9 - Foo Fighters
    8.9/10(10 votes)

    S34:E9

    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:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  15. Austin City Limits Season 40 Episode 5 - Los Lobos / Thao & The Get Down Stay Down
    8.9/10(15 votes)

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  16. Austin City Limits Season 33 Episode 6 - The Arcade Fire
    8.8/10(9 votes)

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  17. Austin City Limits Season 39 Episode 10 - fun. / Dawes
    8.8/10(7 votes)

    S39:E10

    The Grammy-winning fun. plays hits from the platinum-selling “Some Nights”. Folk-rockers Dawes perform tunes from their LP Stories “Don't End.”

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  18. Austin City Limits Season 46 Episode 1 - The Best of John Prine
    8.8/10(18 votes)

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  19. Austin City Limits Season 27 Episode 3 - Patty Loveless / the Del McCoury Band
    8.7/10(7 votes)

    S27:E3

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  20. Austin City Limits Season 48 Episode 1 - Brandi Carlile
    8.7/10(23 votes)

    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.”

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  21. Austin City Limits Season 30 Episode 8 - Elvis Costello
    8.6/10(8 votes)

    S30:E8

    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:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  22. Austin City Limits Season 37 Episode 14 - Florence + The Machine / Lykke Li
    8.6/10(11 votes)

    S37:E14

    Experimental modern rock rules with Florence + the Machine and Lykke Li. Bluesy singer Florence showcases her LP Lungs, while Swedish chanteuse Li highlights her LP Wounded Rhymes.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  23. Austin City Limits Season 38 Episode 2 - Bon Iver
    8.6/10(8 votes)

    S38:E2

    The Grammy-winning Bon Iver performs material from its self-titled second album.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  24. Austin City Limits Season 32 Episode 5 - Sufjan Stevens followed by Calexico
    8.5/10(15 votes)

    S32:E5

    The underground rock scene is alive and well. Two of its most popular acts appear on ACL.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  25. Austin City Limits Season 35 Episode 4 - Andrew Bird; St. Vincent
    8.5/10(8 votes)

    S35:E4

    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:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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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".