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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)

    #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.

    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)

    #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.

    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)

    #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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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

    #4 - Coldplay / Michael Stipe

    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)

    #5 - John Mayer / Buddy Guy and Double Trouble

    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)

    #6 - Fats Domino

    S26:E13

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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    7. Trending NowTRENDING NOW

    The 20 WORST Episodes of Austin City Limits

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  7. Austin City Limits Season 40 Episode 3 - Tweedy
    9.3/10(25 votes)

    #7 - Tweedy

    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)

    #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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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

    #9 - 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.”

    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)

    #10 - Stevie Ray Vaughan: A Retrospective

    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)

    #11 - Aimee Mann / Iron & Wine

    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 34 Episode 1 - R.E.M.
    8.9/10(11 votes)

    #12 - R.E.M.

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

    #13 - Foo Fighters

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

    #14 - 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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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

    #15 - 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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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

    #16 - fun. / Dawes

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

    #17 - 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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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

    #18 - Patty Loveless / the Del McCoury Band

    S27:E3

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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

    #19 - Elvis Costello

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

    #20 - Florence + The Machine / Lykke Li

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

    #21 - Bon Iver

    S38:E2

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

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  22. Austin City Limits Season 48 Episode 1 - Brandi Carlile
    8.6/10(21 votes)

    #22 - 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.”

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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

    #23 - Andrew Bird; St. Vincent

    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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  24. Austin City Limits Season 47 Episode 1 - Miranda Lambert with Jack Ingram and Jon Randall
    8.5/10(13 votes)

    #24 - Miranda Lambert with Jack Ingram and Jon Randall

    S47:E1

    Relish an hour of Texan singer/songwriters Miranda Lambert, Jack Ingram and Jon Randall in an intimate acoustic setting. The trio showcase their collaborative LP The Marfa Tapes, including “Tin Man” and “Am I Right or Amarillo.”

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  25. Austin City Limits Season 47 Episode 13 - The Best of Nanci Griffith
    8.5/10(11 votes)

    #25 - The Best of Nanci Griffith

    S47:E13

    Enjoy an hour of late Texas singer/songwriter legend Nanci Griffith's best Austin City Limits performances.

    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".