Austin City Limits

The Best Episodes of Austin City Limits

Genre:Documentary
Network:PBS

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.
Episodes
415
Avg. Rating
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  1. 10.0/10(1 votes)

    #1 - Willie Nelson

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    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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  2. 10.0/10(1 votes)

    #2 - Jason Isbell / Neko Case

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    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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  3. 10.0/10(1 votes)

    #3 - Sarah Jarosz / The Milk Carton Kids

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    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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  4. 9.5/10(8 votes)

    #4 - John Mayer / Buddy Guy and Double Trouble

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    S29:E6

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  5. 9.3/10(10 votes)

    #5 - Coldplay / Michael Stipe

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    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.

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  6. 9.2/10(7 votes)

    #6 - Fats Domino

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    S26:E13

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  7. Trending NowTRENDING NOW

    The 20 WORST Episodes of Austin City Limits

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  8. 9.1/10(25 votes)

    #7 - Tweedy

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    S40:E3

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

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  9. 9.0/10(8 votes)

    #8 - Aimee Mann / Iron & Wine

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    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.

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  10. 9.0/10(10 votes)

    #9 - Foo Fighters

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    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:

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  11. 9.0/10(15 votes)

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

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    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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  12. 9.0/10(14 votes)

    #11 - John Prine

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    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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  13. 8.9/10(11 votes)

    #12 - R.E.M.

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    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.

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  14. 8.8/10(7 votes)

    #13 - Stevie Ray Vaughan: A Retrospective

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    S20:E8

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

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  15. 8.8/10(18 votes)

    #14 - The Best of John Prine

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    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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  16. 8.7/10(7 votes)

    #15 - Patty Loveless / the Del McCoury Band

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    S27:E3

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  17. 8.6/10(7 votes)

    #16 - The Raconteurs / Cat Power

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    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.

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  18. 8.6/10(9 votes)

    #17 - The Arcade Fire

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    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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  19. 8.6/10(6 votes)

    #18 - Ms. Lauryn Hill

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    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.

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  20. 8.6/10(12 votes)

    #19 - Brandi Carlile

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    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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  21. 8.5/10(7 votes)

    #20 - Elvis Costello

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    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.

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  22. 8.5/10(8 votes)

    #21 - Andrew Bird; St. Vincent

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    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.

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  23. 8.5/10(7 votes)

    #22 - Willie Nelson and Asleep at the Wheel

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    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.

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  24. 8.5/10(7 votes)

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

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    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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  25. 8.4/10(15 votes)

    #24 - Susan Tedeschi / Ruthie Foster

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    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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  26. 8.4/10(6 votes)

    #25 - Mos Def / K’naan

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    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.

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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 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".