Series
Carnivàle
“Into each generation is born a creature of light and a creature of darkness.”
Sci-Fi & FantasyMysteryDrama
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.
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Seasons & episodes
1Milfay14 Sept 2003 · 58m · ★ 6.8Ben 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.
2After the Ball Is Over21 Sept 2003 · 57m · ★ 6.6Ben 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.
3Tipton28 Sept 2003 · 50m · ★ 8.3Ben 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.
4Black Blizzard5 Oct 2003 · 47m · ★ 6.9Jones 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.
5Babylon12 Oct 2003 · 49m · ★ 6.9Samson 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.
6Pick a Number19 Oct 2003 · 57m · ★ 8.4Revenge-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.
7The River26 Oct 2003 · 52m · ★ 8.6After 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.
8Lonnigan, Texas2 Nov 2003 · 58m · ★ 8.8Lodz 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.
9Insomnia9 Nov 2003 · 46m · ★ 6.7Ben 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.
10Hot and Bothered16 Nov 2003 · 53m · ★ 6.7Ben 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.
11Day of the Dead23 Nov 2003 · 55m · ★ 6.7Rita 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.
12The Day That Was the Day30 Nov 2003 · 55m · ★ 6.6A 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.
Details
- Created by
- Daniel Knauf
- First aired
- 14 Sept 2003
- Last aired
- 27 Mar 2005
- Status
- Canceled
- Language
- English
- Network
- HBO
- Episodes
- 24
- Votes
- 475 on TMDB
Where to watch (US)
Cast
Nick StahlBen Hawkins
Michael J. AndersonSamson
Clea DuVallSofie
Cynthia EttingerRita Sue Dreifuss
Carla GalloLibby Dreifuss
Adrienne BarbeauRuthie
Amy MadiganIris Crowe
Debra ChristoffersonLila
Brian TurkGabriel
John Carroll LynchVarlyn Stroud
Clancy BrownBrother Justin Crowe
Tim DeKayClayton 'Jonesy' Jones
Toby HussFelix 'Stumpy' Dreifuss
