Get ready for a monumental return! Austin City Limits just dropped the details for its 51st season, kicking off October 4 with none other than FINNEAS. Expect an incredible lineup featuring Grammy nominees and a special tribute to the blues. What artists are you most excited to see on the legendary ACL stage?
Austin City Limits, the iconic live music series, is set to continue its remarkable legacy with the announcement of its highly anticipated Season 51 broadcast schedule, premiering on October 4. This new season promises an electrifying lineup, kicking off with the celebrated artist FINNEAS, and featuring a diverse array of talent that underscores ACL’s enduring commitment to showcasing premier musical performances. The series, a cultural cornerstone for over half a century, continues to be a vital platform for both established legends and emerging stars, solidifying its place in television history.
Viewers can anticipate an exceptional roster of artists making their debuts and triumphant returns. Beyond FINNEAS, the season will highlight multiple 2025 Grammy nominees, including the mesmerizing sounds of The Marías, the dynamic rock of My Morning Jacket, the roots-infused storytelling of Charley Crockett, the introspective indie-folk of Waxahatchee, the soulful jazz of Samara Joy, and the powerful voices of Kelsea Ballerini, Cam, and Jon Batiste. Each episode is meticulously crafted to offer a unique and immersive musical experience, reflecting the rich tapestry of contemporary music.
A significant highlight of Season 51 will be a special hour dedicated to the rich heritage of blues music, titled “Austin City Limits Celebrates Antone’s & the Blues.” This installment will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the legendary Austin blues club, Antone’s, and simultaneously honor ACL’s own five-decade-plus history of championing the blues. Featuring an all-star lineup of blues torchbearers, this special promises to be a powerful tribute to a genre that has deeply influenced American music and culture.
The season premiere on October 4 will feature a revelatory hour with ten-time Grammy-winning artist and producer FINNEAS, marking his solo headlining debut on the ACL stage. Performing songs from his critically acclaimed sophomore album, FINNEAS first graced ACL in Season 45 alongside his sister Billie Eilish. This solo outing allows audiences to delve deeper into his distinctive songwriting and production prowess, showcasing the evolution of a truly gifted musician.
The announcement comes amidst challenging times for public media, with recent PBS funding cuts set to take effect on October 1. Longtime executive producer Terry Lickona recently shared insights with Billboard magazine regarding the critical impact of these federal funding reductions. The importance of Austin City Limits and PBS has been passionately articulated by music icons, underscoring their irreplaceable role in the cultural landscape.
Willie Nelson, who taped ACL’s original pilot in 1974 and holds the record for the most appearances, emphasized that “Austin City Limits and PBS were and are an essential part of education, understanding, curiosity and empathy, which are the essentials and building blocks of humanity.” Similarly, Beck lauded ACL as “one of the only film and TV outlets that documents great musicians at the peak of their powers,” predicting its future value as historical documentation. These sentiments highlight the series’ profound influence and its role in preserving musical heritage through live performances.
Austin City Limits, produced by Austin PBS, continues its extraordinary run as the longest-running music series in television history, offering a front-row seat to the best live performances for an incredible half-century. The series has garnered numerous accolades, including a Peabody Award, a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame designation, and remains the only TV series awarded the National Medal of Arts. Episodes air weekly on PBS stations nationwide and are available for streaming on pbs.org/austincitylimits immediately after broadcast, ensuring widespread access to quality musical programming.
Austin PBS, a locally owned and operated nonprofit public television station, serves as a vital bridge to the community, reaching millions across more than 20 counties. Beyond broadcasting 35,000 hours of curated content across four channels—devoted to education, arts and culture, and news and public affairs—Austin PBS is also home to award-winning original series like “Central Texas Gardener” and “Arts In Context,” underscoring its commitment to enriching the lives of its viewers. Supporting Austin City Limits through donations to Austin PBS ensures the continuation of this invaluable cultural institution for future generations of music enthusiasts.
