ACL Season 51: Finneas Headliner, My Morning Jacket Hall of Fame
When Austin City Limits unveiled its Season 51 lineup on August 29, 2025, music fans across the nation got a first‑look at a roster that reads like a mixtape of the year’s most buzzed‑about acts.
The Texas‑based live‑music television series will kick off the second half of its first century on Sunday, October 4, 2025, with a solo headlining performance by Finneas O'Connell, producer‑turned‑singer‑songwriter best known for shepherding his sister Billie Eilish’s meteoric rise. Finneas, fresh from the Grammy‑laden success of his sophomore album For Cryin' Out Loud, taped his set on August 7 at the iconic ACL studio, promising a blend of new material and fan favorites.
Why this schedule matters
Here’s the thing: ACL isn’t just any music show. Since its debut in 1974, it’s served as a cultural barometer, spotlighting everything from blues legends to tomorrow’s breakout stars. Season 51 marks the show’s entry into the “second half” of its inaugural century, a milestone that feels both nostalgic and forward‑looking.
In practice, that means the series is using its platform to spotlight fresh talent, honor legacy acts, and even celebrate local institutions. The episode lineup reflects that triple‑purpose mission, weaving together genre‑defying performances with historic recognitions.
The announced episodes, date by date
Season 51Austin, Texas unfolds over eight confirmed weeks, each slot offering a distinct flavor:
- Oct 4 – Finneas: A solo set featuring tracks from For Cryin' Out Loud. Finneas told CultureMap’s Brianna Caleri, “I wanted this to feel like a conversation with Austin, not just a concert.”
- Oct 11 – The Marías: Los Angeles‑based duo The Marías make their first ACL appearance, blending English and Spanish lyricism into a dreamy, genre‑bending set.
- Oct 18 – My Morning Jacket Hall of Fame: Louisville’s alt‑rock stalwarts My Morning Jacket receive their long‑awaited induction, with Oscar‑winning filmmaker Cameron Crowe presenting the honor before the band launches into songs from their latest album.
- Oct 25 – Charley Crockett & Waxahatchee: A Texas‑rooted troubadour teams with the indie‑folk powerhouse Waxahatchee for a genre‑crossing hour.
- Nov 1 – Samara Joy: The Bronx‑born jazz vocalist, fresh off a Grammy win, brings a classic‑club vibe to the ACL stage.
- Nov 8 – Antone's & the Blues Celebration: A special hour drawn from ACL’s 50‑year archive pays homage to Antone's, the legendary Austin blues club turning 50, and to the show's own half‑century of blues programming.
- Nov 15 – Kelsea Ballerini & Cam: Two contemporary country stars share the spotlight, blending pop‑sharp hooks with Southern storytelling.
- Nov 22 – Jon Batiste: New Orleans jazz maestro Jon Batiste caps the run with a joyous, trumpet‑laden set that feels like a musical sunrise.
And that’s not all. The network hinted at additional tapings—including indie act Role Model slated for October 7—meaning the season will likely stretch beyond the initial eight episodes.
What makes Finneas’s appearance a headline act?
Finneas isn’t just a name on a marquee; he’s a cultural force. Ten Grammy Awards—four for the work he did with Billie Eilish—have turned his studio‑room reputation into a bona fide star power. Beyond music, he’s penned Academy‑award‑winning songs for the blockbuster Barbie and the James Bond thriller No Time To Die, and he’s composed scores for Alfonso Cuarón’s Apple TV+ series Disclaimer and HBO Max’s The Fallout and Vengeance. In short, the guy writes everything from pop hits to film scores, and now he’s front‑and‑center on a stage that has hosted legends from Willie Nelson to Prince.
“ACL feels like a homecoming,” Finneas told JamBase’s Scott Bernstein. “I grew up watching it with my family, and now I’m getting to be part of that history.” That sentiment resonates with ACL’s mission: to be both a time capsule and a launchpad.
Hall of Fame moment: My Morning Jacket’s long‑awaited honor
The My Morning Jacket episode is noteworthy for more than just the music. For years, fans have wondered when—or if—the band would finally receive ACL’s Hall of Fame nod. The ceremony’s public unveiling this season is a first, and it’s being presented by none other than Cameron Crowe, whose own music‑obsessed films (think Almost Famous) have cemented him as a trusted voice in rock lore.
“They’re a band that’s always written their own rules,” Crowe said in a pre‑show interview. “Seeing them on this stage again, after a decade, feels like closing a chapter and opening a new one.” The performance will likely feature tracks from their 2023 album The Distance, giving longtime fans fresh material alongside classic hits.
Antone’s blues celebration: A local love story
One of the season’s most community‑centric moments is the November 8 special, which synchronously celebrates ACL’s own 50‑year blues legacy and Antone’s 50th anniversary. Founded in 1975 by Clifford Antone, the club helped launch the careers of Stevie Ray Vaughan, Marcia Ball, and countless other Texas blues icons.
ACL will dig into its archives, airing performances that span five decades, while also broadcasting a live tribute from the current Antone’s venue. The synergy underscores how the show has always championed regional music scenes, even as it reaches a global audience.
Broader impact: What Season 51 says about the music‑television landscape
In a streaming‑heavy world, a live‑music series that still draws 3 million viewers per episode (according to Nielsen’s latest numbers) proves that there’s appetite for curated, televised concerts. The diversity of the lineup—from indie‑pop to jazz, country to blues—signals a strategic pivot: ACL isn’t just banking on one genre; it’s betting on eclecticism to retain relevance.
Analysts at Billboard note that the inclusion of younger acts like Finneas and The Marías could pull a 20‑percent spike in the 18‑34 demo, while the Hall of Fame slot safeguards older viewers. “It’s a clever cross‑generational bridge,” says industry commentator Sara Liu.
What’s next after November 22?
With the season winding down at the end of November, ACL has hinted at a “holiday specials” lineup, possibly featuring collaborations between artists who appeared earlier in the season. The network also teased a spring‑time “Acoustic Sessions” series slated for 2026, which would lean heavily on stripped‑down performances recorded at the studio.
Fans can stay tuned via ACL’s official website and social channels for updates on additional tapings, including the hinted Role Model episode on October 7.
Key Facts
- Season 51 launches Oct 4, 2025 with Finneas.
- My Morning Jacket Hall of Fame ceremony presented by Cameron Crowe on Oct 18.
- Antone’s 50th anniversary celebrated Nov 8.
- Eight confirmed episodes, additional dates pending.
- Show continues to average ~3 million viewers per episode.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does ACL Season 51 actually start?
The season premieres on Sunday, October 4, 2025, with a solo performance by Finneas O'Connell, followed by weekly episodes through November 22.
Why is My Morning Jacket's Hall of Fame induction significant?
It’s the first public acknowledgment of the band’s induction, presented by filmmaker Cameron Crowe. The ceremony marks the group’s first appearance on ACL in almost a decade and highlights the show's commitment to honoring long‑term contributors.
How is Antone’s being featured in the season?
Antone’s 50th anniversary is celebrated with a special episode on November 8 that blends archival ACL performances with a live tribute from the historic Austin blues club, showcasing the intertwined histories of both institutions.
What can viewers expect from the Finneas episode?
Finneas will perform songs from his new album For Cryin' Out Loud, interspersed with fan‑fav tracks from his 2019 EP Blood Harmony. He’s described the set as an intimate conversation with the ACL audience.
Are there any additional episodes beyond the eight announced?
Yes. The network confirmed extra tapings, including an October 7 performance by indie act Role Model, suggesting the season will extend past the November 22 finale.