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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!

The Best Episodes of Carnivàle Season 1

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...
  1. 8.7/10(836 votes)

    #1 - The Day That Was the Day

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    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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  2. 8.2/10(864 votes)

    #2 - Pick a Number

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    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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  3. 8.0/10(897 votes)

    #3 - Babylon

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    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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  4. 7.9/10(756 votes)

    #4 - Hot and Bothered

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    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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  5. 7.9/10(751 votes)

    #5 - Day of the Dead

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    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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  6. 7.8/10(1.2k votes)

    #6 - Milfay

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    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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    The 20 BEST Episodes of Carnivàle

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  8. 7.8/10(979 votes)

    #7 - After the Ball Is Over

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    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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  9. 7.8/10(912 votes)

    #8 - Tipton

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    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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  10. 7.8/10(784 votes)

    #9 - The River

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    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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  11. 7.7/10(883 votes)

    #10 - Black Blizzard

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    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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  12. 7.7/10(770 votes)

    #11 - Lonnigan, Texas

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    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.

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    Director:Scott Winant
  13. 7.7/10(746 votes)

    #12 - Insomnia

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    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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Season 1 Ratings Summary

"The Day That Was the Day" is the best rated episode of "Carnivàle" season 1. It scored 8.7/10 based on 836 votes. Directed by Rodrigo García and written by Ronald D. Moore, it aired on 11/30/2003. This episode is rated 0.5 points higher than the second-best, "Pick a Number".