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The Best Episodes of Austin City Limits

Documentary

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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
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  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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
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  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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
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  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

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
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  5. Background image for Coldplay / Michael Stipe
    9.3/10(10 votes)

    #5 - 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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  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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
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  7. Trending NowTRENDING NOW

    The 20 WORST Episodes of Austin City Limits

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  8. Background image for Aimee Mann / Iron & Wine
    9.0/10(8 votes)

    #7 - 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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  9. Background image for Foo Fighters
    9.0/10(10 votes)

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

    #9 - 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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  11. Background image for John Prine
    9.0/10(14 votes)

    #10 - 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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  12. Background image for R.E.M.
    8.9/10(11 votes)

    #11 - 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. Background image for Stevie Ray Vaughan: A Retrospective
    8.8/10(7 votes)

    #12 - 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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  14. Background image for The Best of John Prine
    8.8/10(18 votes)

    #13 - 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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  15. Background image for Patty Loveless / the Del McCoury Band
    8.7/10(7 votes)

    #14 - Patty Loveless / the Del McCoury Band

    S27:E3

    No description available

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

    #15 - 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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  17. Background image for The Raconteurs / Cat Power
    8.6/10(7 votes)

    #16 - The Raconteurs / Cat Power

    S32:E10

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

    #17 - 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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  19. Background image for Ms. Lauryn Hill
    8.6/10(6 votes)

    #18 - Ms. Lauryn Hill

    S42:E8

    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:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
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  20. Background image for Elvis Costello
    8.5/10(7 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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  21. Background image for Andrew Bird; St. Vincent
    8.5/10(8 votes)

    #20 - 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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  22. Background image for Willie Nelson and Asleep at the Wheel
    8.5/10(7 votes)

    #21 - Willie Nelson and Asleep at the Wheel

    S35:E7

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

    #22 - 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.

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

    #23 - 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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
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  25. Background image for Mos Def / K’naan
    8.4/10(6 votes)

    #24 - Mos Def / K’naan

    S35:E10

    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:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
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  26. Background image for Randy Newman
    8.4/10(6 votes)

    #25 - Randy Newman

    S37:E7

    Songwriting legend Randy Newman takes the ACL stage with a selection of his greatest tunes.

    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".