Carnivàle
“Into each generation is born a creature of light and a creature of darkness.”
Creator
Daniel Knauf
A travelling carnival crosses the Dust Bowl in 1934 carrying a young fugitive who can heal the sick at a price, while in California a Methodist preacher discovers powers of his own. Daniel Knauf created the series for HBO, which had planned six seasons and cancelled it after two, in 2005, leaving the confrontation between the two men only partly resolved. It was expensive, deliberately slow and heavy with Depression-era iconography, and it won Emmys for art direction, costumes, hairstyling and main title design.
Seasons
2
Episodes
24
Country
United States of America
Status
Canceled
Cast
Nick Stahl
Ben Hawkins · 24 eps
Clancy Brown
Brother Justin · 24 eps
Amy Madigan
Iris Crowe · 24 eps
Adrienne Barbeau
Ruthie · 24 eps
Clea DuVall
Sofie · 24 eps
Toby Huss
Stumpy Dreifuss · 24 eps
Carla Gallo
Libby Dreifuss · 24 eps
Tim DeKay
Clayton Jones · 24 eps
Ralph Waite
Norman Belthus · 24 eps
Debra Christofferson
Lila · 24 eps
Michael J. Anderson
Samson · 24 eps
👤
Cynthia Ettinger
Rita Sue Dreifuss · 24 eps
John Fleck
Gecko · 24 eps
👤
Brian Turk
Gabriel · 24 eps
Blake Shields
Osgood · 16 eps
Patrick Bauchau
Professor Ernst Lodz · 13 eps
Robert Knepper
Tommy Dolan · 12 eps
John Carroll Lynch
Varlyn Stroud · 12 eps
Diane Salinger
Apollonia · 12 eps
Bill Moseley
Possum · 7 eps
Scott MacDonald
Burley · 7 eps
Amanda Aday
Dora Mae Dreifuss · 6 eps
John Savage
Henry 'Hack' Scudder · 5 eps
K Callan
Eleanor McGill · 5 eps
Michael Massee
Russian Soldier · 4 eps
Don Swayze
Tattooed Man · 3 eps
John Hannah
Stangler · 2 eps
Eliza Pryor Nagel
Celeste Watkins · 3 eps
Valeria Hernandez
Catalina de la Rosa · 3 eps
Jon Gries
Texas Ranger · 2 eps
Reviews
TMDB
7.9/10
★★★★★★★★★★
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Trailer
Official trailer
Carnivàle
Where to Watch
Streaming
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Fandango At HomeBuy Episode Guide
1
Milfay
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
After the Ball Is Over
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
Tipton
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
Black Blizzard
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
Babylon
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
Pick a Number
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.
7
The River
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.
8
Lonnigan, Texas
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.
9
Insomnia
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.
10
Hot and Bothered
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.
11
Day of the Dead
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.
12
The Day That Was the Day
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.
Gallery
From the same creator: Daniel Knauf
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