Carnivàle

2003–2005 · Canceled · 2 seasons · 24 episodes · Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Mystery · United States

Creator Daniel Knauf · Channel HBO · Starring Nick Stahl, Michael J. Anderson, Clea DuVall

Into each generation is born a creature of light and a creature of darkness.

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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HBO Max
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Episodes

12 episodes · September 2003 – November 2003
  1. Episode 1: 1. MilfaySeptember 14, 2003 · 58 min
    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.
  2. Episode 2: 2. After the Ball Is OverSeptember 21, 2003 · 57 min
    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.
  3. Episode 3: 3. TiptonSeptember 28, 2003 · 50 min
    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.
  4. Episode 4: 4. Black BlizzardOctober 5, 2003 · 47 min
    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.
  5. Episode 5: 5. BabylonOctober 12, 2003 · 49 min
    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.
  6. Episode 6: 6. Pick a NumberOctober 19, 2003 · 57 min
    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.
Show 6 more episodes
  1. Episode 7: 7. The RiverOctober 26, 2003 · 52 min
    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.
  2. Episode 8: 8. Lonnigan, TexasNovember 2, 2003 · 58 min
    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.
  3. Episode 9: 9. InsomniaNovember 9, 2003 · 46 min
    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.
  4. Episode 10: 10. Hot and BotheredNovember 16, 2003 · 53 min
    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.
  5. Episode 11: 11. Day of the DeadNovember 23, 2003 · 55 min
    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.
  6. Episode 12: 12. The Day That Was the DayNovember 30, 2003 · 55 min
    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.

Trailers and images

Credits

Film and series details

EPISODE LENGTH
54 minutes
FIRST AIRED
September 14, 2003
LAST AIRED
March 27, 2005
PRODUCTION COMPANIES
3 Arts Entertainment, HBO

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