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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 Maggie Rogers / Gracie Abrams
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    #4 - Maggie Rogers / Gracie Abrams

    S50:E3

    Enjoy a hit-filled hour with Grammy-nominated indie pop singer-songwriters Maggie Rogers and Gracie Abrams. Maggie Rogers shines with dancefloor gems from Don’t Forget Me and Gracie Abrams performs standouts from her latest The Secret of Us.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  5. Background image for Aimee Mann / Iron & Wine
    9.0/10(8 votes)

    #5 - 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.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  6. Background image for Foo Fighters
    9.0/10(10 votes)

    #6 - 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:

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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 Sturgill Simpson / Asleep at the Wheel
    9.0/10(1 votes)

    #7 - 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
  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 R.E.M.
    8.9/10(11 votes)

    #9 - 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.

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

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  12. Background image for The Raconteurs / Cat Power
    8.6/10(7 votes)

    #11 - 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.

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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 Ms. Lauryn Hill
    8.6/10(6 votes)

    #13 - 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.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  15. Background image for Brandi Carlile
    8.6/10(12 votes)

    #14 - 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
  16. Background image for Elvis Costello
    8.5/10(7 votes)

    #15 - 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.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  17. Background image for Andrew Bird; St. Vincent
    8.5/10(8 votes)

    #16 - 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.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  18. Background image for Willie Nelson and Asleep at the Wheel
    8.5/10(7 votes)

    #17 - 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.

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

    #18 - 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
  20. Background image for Mos Def / K’naan
    8.4/10(6 votes)

    #19 - 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.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  21. Background image for Jon Batiste
    8.4/10(14 votes)

    #20 - Jon Batiste

    S47:E3

    Rejoice in a high voltage hour with New Orleans-born R&B/jazz/gospel musician Jon Batiste. The Stephen Colbert bandleader performs songs from his album “We Are,” including “I Need You” and “Freedom.”

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  22. Background image for Paul Simon
    8.3/10(9 votes)

    #21 - Paul Simon

    S42:E1

    Simon makes his Austin City Limits debut performing songs from his classic catalog and from his 13th solo album “Stranger to Stranger.”

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  23. Background image for Ed Sheeran
    8.3/10(10 votes)

    #22 - Ed Sheeran

    S43:E1

    Relish an hour with bestselling pop sensation Ed Sheeran. The British singer/songwriter performs hits and songs from his latest album “÷”

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  24. Background image for Miranda Lambert with Jack Ingram and Jon Randall
    8.3/10(13 votes)

    #23 - 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.”

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

    #24 - 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
  26. Background image for Sufjan Stevens followed by Calexico
    8.1/10(14 votes)

    #25 - Sufjan Stevens followed by Calexico

    S32:E5

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

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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".