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Released
2003 · TV SERIES

Carnivàle

A scarred wanderer with mysterious healing powers joins a Depression‑era traveling carnival, racing against a shadowy force that seeks to tip the balance of good and evil across a broken America.

Written by
Released
2003
Rated
TV-MA
Seasons
2 seasons
Sci-Fi & FantasyMysteryDrama

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Carnivàle is an American television series set in the United States during the Great Depression and Dust Bowl. The show follows the lives of two distinct groups of people, weaving together an overarching narrative that explores the conflict between good and evil, as well as the tension between free will and destiny. The storyline incorporates elements of Christian theology, gnosticism, and Masonic lore, with a particular focus on the Knights Templar.

Original onHBO Original

Seasons & Episodes

Season 112 episodes · premiered Sep 14, 2003

  1. 1.01MilfaySep 14, 2003Rate

    Ben is forced to seek work at a traveling carnival after his family's Oklahoma farm is foreclosed. Justin experiences an unsettling interaction with a destitute member of their former church. Meanwhile, Sofie faces an unexpected incident at a rural gas station.

  2. 1.02After the Ball Is OverSep 21, 2003Rate

    Ben begins to uncover a hidden part of his history due to Jones' humorous antics. Meanwhile, Justin attempts to negotiate a real estate transaction with a reluctant parishioner, and Sofie experiences a distressing incident involving her mother. Samson also takes action that alters the carnival's direction.

  3. 1.03TiptonSep 28, 2003Rate

    Ben becomes central as Samson transforms the carnival into a religious revival to align with the town's values. Justin gains a strong supporter in his battle against city officials. Sofie joins Ben on a trip to uncover his history.

  4. 1.04Black BlizzardOct 5, 2003Rate

    Jones seeks managerial intervention as the crew grows rebellious. Appolonia criticizes Sofie's romantic preferences. Justin struggles with a tough decision between his two congregations, while Ben faces a challenge from Lodz.

  5. 1.05BabylonOct 12, 2003Rate

    Samson organizes a festive evening to lift the troupe's morale, while Ben has a transformative experience deep in a mine. Miners, eager for amusement, look forward to the performance.

  6. 1.06Pick a NumberOct 19, 2003Rate

    Justin meets a group of wandering hobos during his journey, while Ben comes back from an odd adventure, and a gang of vengeful carnies seek their own brand of justice.

  7. 1.07The RiverOct 26, 2003Rate

    Stumpy and Rita Sue reconsider their roles in the carnival following a recent tragedy. Meanwhile, Iris, with her brother away, seeks support from a radio reporter, and Ben assists Ruthie in refining her performance.

  8. 1.08Lonnigan, TexasNov 2, 2003Rate

    Lodz expresses disapproval of Samson's plan to send Ben on a carnival-related business trip. Meanwhile, a radio host attempts to locate the missing Justin, and Sofie contemplates shifting her career path.

  9. 1.09InsomniaNov 9, 2003Rate

    Ben attempts to avoid his troubling dreams by pushing himself to stay awake. Iris employs a radio signal to track down Justin's whereabouts. Meanwhile, Samson revisits his strategies to boost his business efforts.

  10. 1.10Hot and BotheredNov 16, 2003Rate

    Ben and Samson set out to find the enigmatic Scudder, while Sofie confronts her mother, suspecting her involvement in a crime. Meanwhile, Lodz waits for the right moment to act, and Justin arrives back at Mintern with a revised strategy.

  11. 1.11Day of the DeadNov 23, 2003Rate

    Rita Sue mentors a new employee, sharing insights from her experience. Balthus grows concerned over Tommy Dolan's accusations. Lodz receives official permission from Management to assist Ben.

  12. 1.12The Day That Was the DayNov 30, 2003Rate

    Ben confronts Management in a state of emotional turmoil. Meanwhile, Balthus and Justin in California face the emotional challenges within their ministry, Stumpy and Rita Sue work to salvage their failing marriage, and Samson deals with an unexpected legal crisis at the carnival.

Season 212 episodes · premiered Jan 9, 2005

  1. 2.01Los MoscosJan 9, 2005Rate

    The Dust Bowl circus troupe grapples with the aftermath of a deadly fire, while in California, Brother Justin gains new followers through his radio broadcasts. Lila questions the fate of Lodz, and Ben sets out on a journey to locate Scudder.

  2. 2.02Alamogordo, NMJan 16, 2005Rate

    The troupe organizes search parties after Sofie disappears, causing concern among the members. Meanwhile, Justin and Iris hire a new housekeeper, and Samson confronts Stumpy over alleged financial misconduct. In a separate storyline, Ben travels to New Mexico to visit an old contact of Scudder's.

  3. 2.03Ingram, TXJan 23, 2005Rate

    Dolan persists in his investigation into the arson at the Ministry. Meanwhile, Gabriel interacts with Ruthie, who has another supernatural vision, and Ben discovers some long-lost relatives.

  4. 2.04Old Cherry Blossom RoadJan 30, 2005Rate

    Lila continues her search for the missing Lodz, while Iris urges her brother to be more open. Meanwhile, Jones secures new employment for Sofie, and Balthus witnesses another demonstration of Justin's abilities.

  5. 2.05Creed, OKFeb 6, 2005Rate

    Sofie contacts Ben following a discussion with Ruthie, while Stumpy places a bet on a significant event. Meanwhile, Justin gains a new perspective after receiving an enigmatic present from Dolan, who is also pressuring him. Stroud remains determined in his search for Ben.

  6. 2.06The Road to DamascusFeb 13, 2005Rate

    Samson encounters a familiar face when the troupe meets another carnival, causing tension. Rita Sue's management choices frustrate Stumpy, while Justin and Iris wrestle with delivering a difficult sermon. Meanwhile, Libby faces a challenge to her reputation.

  7. 2.07Damascus, NEFeb 20, 2005Rate

    Ben seeks refuge in a dilapidated hotel as Stroud continues his pursuit. Meanwhile, Justin and Iris entertain a bishop with a lavish dinner, Sabina confides in Libby, and the troupe grows worried about Sofie. Libby also grants Jones a personal favor.

  8. 2.08Outskirts, Damascus, NEFeb 27, 2005Rate

    A local politician gains the backing of Iris and Justin, while Ruthie attempts to avoid the troubling visions she experiences. Meanwhile, Rita Sue addresses Stumpy's financial issues, Smith becomes concerned about potential dangers for Justin, Sofie begins a new job, and Libby delivers surprising news to her parents.

  9. 2.09Lincoln Highway, UTMar 6, 2005Rate

    Ruthie experiences a vision that leaves behind physical evidence, prompting further investigation. Meanwhile, Lila continues her efforts to locate the missing Lodz, Eleanor spends time on a picnic with Iris, and Justin uses his abilities to restore order at a tense event.

  10. 2.10Cheyenne, WYMar 13, 2005Rate

    Justin receives assistance in preventing a crisis, while Iris makes progress in tracing her family history. Stroud adopts a strategy of working with a group, and Libby struggles with pressure from her mother. Ruthie continues her mysterious nighttime interactions with Lila.

  11. 2.11Outside New CanaanMar 20, 2005Rate

    Lila challenges Samson's plans for the troupe, while Justin's religious ceremony coincides with a tragic incident and a surprising development at the migrant camp. Libby confronts Jones for answers, and Sofie recognizes someone unexpected.

  12. 2.12New Canaan, CAMar 27, 2005Rate

    Samson attempts to anticipate and avoid the growing turmoil around him, while Stroud works to shield Justin from danger. Meanwhile, Ben is pushed to his limits as his abilities are tested in a critical moment.

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