Austin City Limits

Review

Common Sense Media says

Texas-inspired concert show has something for everyone.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

Find out more

Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

Find out more

Parents say

Not yet rated

Kids say

Not yet rated

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this long-running music concert series -- which features taped musical performances from a wide variety of artists -- is relatively mild,  though there are some occasional curse words (but they're fully that are fully bleeped). Some of the lyrics also mention/touch on mature content, including sex and addiction, but the amount of that kind of content varies widely depending on who's performing.

  • Positive messages3
    The series highlights the diverse nature of American music, as well as the audiences who listen to it.
  • Positive role models2
    The performers are from all walks of life and represent various American musical styles and cultures.
  • Violence0
    Not applicable.
  • Sex1
    Some lyrics may include some sexual innuendo/references, but most will likely go over younger viewers' head.
  • Language2
    Words like "hell" are occasionally audible, while occasional curses like "s--t" and "goddamn" are fully bleeped.
  • Consumerism1
    Like most PBS programs, show sponsors and underwriters are highlighted before the show begins.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking1
    Some lyrics include references to drugs and alcohol. During his performance, Keith Urban briefly talked about his recovery from addiction in between songs.
CloseExpand to see more details

What's the story?

AUSTIN CITY LIMITS -- America’s longest-running concert music TV program -- offers viewers the opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of performances from some of today’s most talented musicians. The series, which originated in 1976 to showcase original Texas music, now features a wide range of concerts from performers like R&B singer John Legend and Keith Urban to bands like Coldplay and The Foo Fighters. It also includes occasional performances from international acts. The acts are taped live on the University of Texas at Austin campus. 

Is it any good?

 

The series, which has become a staple of PBS programming and the inspiration for a major Austin music festival, owes its longevity to its willingness to move beyond the local Texas music scene and embrace the diverse sounds of American root music. The wide array of music styles showcased here --  including alternative country, rock and roll, jazz, swing, and even Tejano music -- also reflects the multicultural nature of American music and the audiences who are listening to it.

The show is kid- and family-friendly overall, but you will hear the occasional swear word (which is usually bleeped) and some adult-oriented lyrics. But the bottom line is that it’s a show that offers music fans of all ages a chance to see some of their favorite artists, as well as some new and innovative musical talent.

Sign Up Message
Sign up for our weekly newsletter
Each week we send a customized newsletter to our parent and teen subscribers. Parents can customize their settings to receive recommendations and parent tips based on their kids’ ages. Teens receive a version just for them with the latest reviews and top picks for movies, video games, apps, music, books, and more.
Please enter an email address.
Please check your email address for possible typos.
Sorry, you must be 13 or older to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
Sign me up!

What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about music. What's your favorite kind of music? What exactly is "American root music"?

  • How does watching a live musical performance differ from watching one on television? Which do you like better?

This review was written by Melissa Camacho

There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title below.
This review was written by Melissa Camacho
TV rating:TV-PG
Network:PBS
Genre:Variety Show
This review was written by Melissa Camacho
 

Review It

Share your review with others

Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.
Our child development rating guidelines

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

More picks for roots music fans
For kids who love music
Browse more TV
 

vote now

Will you see Austin City Limits?

Won't miss it
We'll try
Change it

Already seen it? What do you think?

I recommend it
It's a pass
 
More from Common Sense Media
Age-appropriate reviews
Top advice and articles

Been There? Tell us about it