MOVIE SCREEN TITLE PROFILE
TELEVISION SERIES
Carnivàle (2003)
Popularity 16.7
Overview
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.
TITLE INFORMATION
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WATCH A PREVIEW
Trailers & Videos
Videos from the Movie Screen catalog.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND IT
Cast & Crew
Performers and key production credits saved for this title.
Top 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
Key Crew
Howard KleinProducer
Ronald D. MooreProducer
ARTWORK GALLERY
Images & Posters
EPISODE GUIDE
Seasons & Episodes
Season and episode information in the catalog.
Specials
3 episodes
E01
The Making of Carnivàle
· 54 min
Behind-the-scenes featurette detailing how set and constume designers collaborated to achieve the look of the Dustbowl in the 1930s.
E02
Discussion With Cast and Creators
· 54 min
Courtesy of the Museum of Television & Radio.
E03
Magic & Myth
· 26 min
The Meaning of Carnivàle - a half-hour documentary exploring the apocalyptic writing and mythology behind the series with cast and crew.
Season 1
12 episodes · First aired 2003-09-14 · ★ 7.3
E01
Milfay
2003-09-14 · 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.
E02
After the Ball Is Over
2003-09-21 · 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.
E03
Tipton
2003-09-28 · 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.
E04
Black Blizzard
2003-10-05 · 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.
E05
Babylon
2003-10-12 · 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.
E06
Pick a Number
2003-10-19 · 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.
E07
The River
2003-10-26 · 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.
E08
Lonnigan, Texas
2003-11-02 · 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.
E09
Insomnia
2003-11-09 · 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.
E10
Hot and Bothered
2003-11-16 · 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.
E11
Day of the Dead
2003-11-23 · 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.
E12
The Day That Was the Day
2003-11-30 · 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.
