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The Best Episodes of Carnivàle Season 1

Every episode of Carnivàle Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of Carnivàle Season 1!

Binge this in 10h 37mPeaking at 8.7/10

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

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    Carnivàle Season 1 Episode 1 - Milfay
    7.8/10(1242 votes)

    #1 - Milfay

    S1:E1

    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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  2. Carnivàle Season 1 Episode 2 - After the Ball Is Over
    7.8/10(1021 votes)

    #2 - After the Ball Is Over

    S1:E2

    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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  3. Carnivàle Season 1 Episode 3 - Tipton
    7.8/10(955 votes)

    #3 - Tipton

    S1:E3

    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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  4. Carnivàle Season 1 Episode 4 - Black Blizzard
    7.7/10(926 votes)

    #4 - Black Blizzard

    S1:E4

    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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  5. Carnivàle Season 1 Episode 5 - Babylon
    8.0/10(941 votes)

    #5 - Babylon

    S1:E5

    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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  6. Carnivàle Season 1 Episode 6 - Pick a Number
    8.2/10(902 votes)

    #6 - Pick a Number

    S1:E6

    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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  7. Trending NowTRENDING NOW

    The 20 BEST Episodes of Carnivàle

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  8. Carnivàle Season 1 Episode 7 - The River
    7.8/10(816 votes)

    #7 - The River

    S1:E7

    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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  9. Carnivàle Season 1 Episode 8 - Lonnigan, Texas
    7.7/10(802 votes)

    #8 - Lonnigan, Texas

    S1:E8

    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.

    Director:Scott Winant

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  10. Carnivàle Season 1 Episode 9 - Insomnia
    7.7/10(776 votes)

    #9 - Insomnia

    S1:E9

    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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  11. Carnivàle Season 1 Episode 10 - Hot and Bothered
    7.9/10(786 votes)

    #10 - Hot and Bothered

    S1:E10

    Ben and Samson go in search of the mysterious Scudder. Sofie accuses her mother of foul play. Lodz waits patiently for Ben for fall asleep. Justin returns to Mintern with a new plan.

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  12. Carnivàle Season 1 Episode 11 - Day of the Dead
    7.9/10(780 votes)

    #11 - Day of the Dead

    S1:E11

    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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  13. Carnivàle Season 1 Episode 12 - The Day That Was the Day
    8.7/10(867 votes)

    #12 - The Day That Was the Day

    S1:E12

    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.

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Season 1 Ratings Summary

"Milfay" is the best rated episode of "Carnivàle" season 1. It scored 7.8/10 based on 1242 votes. Directed by Rodrigo García and written by Daniel Knauf, it aired on 9/14/2003. This episode is rated 0.0 points higher than the second-best, "After the Ball Is Over".