Carnivàle

Series Spotlight

Carnivàle

Carnivàle is an American television series set in the United States during the Great Depression and Dust Bowl. In tracing the lives of two disparate groups of people, its overarching story depicts the battle between good and evil and the...

Story Overview

About Carnivàle

Carnivàle is an American television series set in the United States during the Great Depression and Dust Bowl. In tracing the lives of two disparate groups of people, its overarching story depicts the battle between good and evil and the struggle between free will and destiny; the storyline mixes Christian theology with gnosticism and Masonic lore, particularly that of the Knights Templar.

Quick Facts

Streaming Snapshot

Release Year

2003

TMDB Rating

7.9

Available Sources

20

Watch Path

/tv/carniv-le-185

Seasons & Episodes

Pick a season from the carousel, then browse its episodes inside a focused scroll container built for mobile, tablet, and desktop viewing.

2 seasons available

Season 1

12 episodes | 2003-09-14

Season 1 MilfayE1

Milfay

Episode 1
58 min2003-09-14TMDB 6.8

Ben reluctantly joins the carnival after the bank forecloses on his family's Oklahoma farm. Brother Justin has a bizarre encounter with a poor parishioner. Sofie has a run-in at a small-town gas station.

Season 1 After the Ball Is OverE2

After the Ball Is Over

Episode 2
57 min2003-09-21TMDB 6.6

Ben uncovers a piece of his past as a result of Jones' sense of humor. Justin tries to persuade a parishioner to make a deal in real estate. Sofie endures a frightening mishap involving her mother. Samson changes the carnival's course.

Season 1 TiptonE3

Tipton

Episode 3
50 min2003-09-28TMDB 8.3

Ben is the main attraction when Samson refashions the carnival as a religious revival to satisfy a town's moral underpinnings. Justin has a powerful ally in a fight against city hall. Sofie accompanies Ben on a journey into his past.

Season 1 Black BlizzardE4

Black Blizzard

Episode 4
47 min2003-10-05TMDB 6.9

Jones looks to management when the crew turns mutinous. Appolonia is displeased with Sofie's romantic tastes. Justin faces a difficult choice between his congregations. Ben is tested by Lodz.

Season 1 BabylonE5

Babylon

Episode 5
49 min2003-10-12TMDB 6.9

Samson tries to improve the troupe's spirits with a night of revelry. Ben has an enlightening experience at the bottom of a mineshaft. A group of miners is anxious for entertainment.

Season 1 Pick a NumberE6

Pick a Number

Episode 6
57 min2003-10-19TMDB 8.4

Revenge-minded carnies practice their own form of retribution. Justin encounters a group of hobos on his journey of self-discovery. Ben returns from another strange experience.

Season 1 The RiverE7

The River

Episode 7
52 min2003-10-26TMDB 8.6

After a recent tragedy, Stumpy and Rita Sue debate their future in the carnival. In her brother's absence, Iris receives help from a radio reporter. Ben helps Ruthie with her act.

Season 1 Lonnigan, TexasE8

Lonnigan, Texas

Episode 8
58 min2003-11-02TMDB 8.8

Lodz disagrees with Samson's decision to send Ben on a business trip for the carnival. A radio-show host tries to help find a wandering Justin. Sofie considers a career change.

Season 1 InsomniaE9

Insomnia

Episode 9
46 min2003-11-09TMDB 6.7

Ben tries to escape his dreams by staying awake. Iris uses a radio ally to help locate Justin. Samson goes back to the drawing board to increase business.

Season 1 Hot and BotheredE10

Hot and Bothered

Episode 10
53 min2003-11-16TMDB 6.7

Ben and Samson go in search of the mysterious Scudder. Sofie accuses her mother of foul play. Lodz waits patiently for Ben to fall asleep. Justin returns to Mintern with a new plan.

Season 1 Day of the DeadE11

Day of the Dead

Episode 11
55 min2003-11-23TMDB 6.7

Rita Sue teaches a newcomer a few tricks of the trade. Balthus is nervous about Tommy Dolan's allegations. Lodz gets approval from Management to help Ben.

Season 1 The Day That Was the DayE12

The Day That Was the Day

Episode 12
55 min2003-11-30TMDB 6.6

A distraught Ben finally meets with Management. In California, Balthus and Justin deal with the tragic undercurrents of their ministry. Stumpy and Rita Sue try to save their marriage. Samson must think fast when the law comes to the carnival.