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.
Where to watch
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HBO Max
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Amazon Video
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Apple TV Store
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Google Play Movies
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Fandango At Home
see all options Availability data: JustWatch
- Seasons
- 2
- Episodes aired
- 24
- Latest aired
- S02E12
- Total runtime
- 21h 16min
Timeline when each season aired
- Season 1 September 2003 – November 2003 12 episodes
- Season 2 January 2005 – March 2005 12 episodes
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S01E01 Milfay
September 14 · 58min find the promo
Show synopsis
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.
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S01E02 After the Ball Is Over
September 21 · 57min find the promo
Show synopsis
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.
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S01E03 Tipton
September 28 · 50min find the promo
Show synopsis
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.
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S01E04 Black Blizzard
October 5 · 47min find the promo
Show synopsis
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.
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S01E05 Babylon
October 12 · 49min find the promo
Show synopsis
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.
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S01E06 Pick a Number
October 19 · 57min find the promo
Show synopsis
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.
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S01E07 The River
October 26 · 52min find the promo
Show synopsis
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.
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S01E08 Lonnigan, Texas
November 2 · 58min find the promo
Show synopsis
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.
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S01E09 Insomnia
November 9 · 46min find the promo
Show synopsis
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.
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S01E10 Hot and Bothered
November 16 · 53min find the promo
Show synopsis
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.
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S01E11 Day of the Dead
November 23 · 55min find the promo
Show synopsis
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.
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S01E12 The Day That Was the Day
November 30 · 55min find the promo
Show synopsis
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.