Austin City Limits has done what no other television series has been able to do in the history of American television. Inspired by the music scene that continues to thrive in Austin, Texas, the show has, for more than 36 years, presented viewing audiences with live concerts from many of the world's most acclaimed, accomplished and pioneering talents. And while other televised concert shows have come and gone, ACL has consistently provided musical artists the platform of a nationally televised performance, in an intimate concert setting, with a straightforward production style. This format is what enables ACL to attract such a stellar lineup of performers year after year and what has allowed it to last for over three decades.

In recent years, Austin City Limits has done more than just present quality music television. The PBS show, produced by KLRU-TV, streams episodes online so fans can experience the music anytime. ACL has spawned the annual Austin City Limits Music Festival, featuring more than 130 bands on eight stages over a three-day weekend each Fall in Austin. ACL was also recently designated an official Rock & Roll Landmark by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, and has been honored with an exhibit in the museum itself. Additionally, Austin City Limits is the only television show in American history to be awarded the National Medal of the Arts by the President of the United States.

Select CDs and DVDs of Austin City Limits are available through New West Records. These DVDs include never before seen material from the tapings. ACL has also been the subject of three books: Austin City Limits (1987) by Clifford Endres, Austin City Limits: 25 Years of American Music (2000) by John T. Davis and Austin City Limits: 35 Years in Photographs (2010) by Scott Newton and Terry Lickona.

Beginning with Season 37, ACL moves production from KLRU's Studio 6A on the University of Texas campus to the state-of-the-art music venue Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater in downtown Austin.