Austin City Limits
By Melissa Camacho,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Texas-inspired concert show has something for everyone.
A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.
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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.
Talk to Your Kids 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?
TV Details
- Premiere date: January 3, 1976
- Network: PBS
- Genre: Variety Show
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Last updated: July 2, 2022
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