Carnivàle backdrop
Carnivàle poster
Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Mystery
Drama

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...

Seasons2

  1. Background image for Milfay
    7.8/10(1.2k 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.

    0 Comments
    View all
  2. Background image for After the Ball Is Over
    7.8/10(991 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.

    0 Comments
    View all
  3. Background image for Tipton
    7.8/10(924 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.

    0 Comments
    View all
  4. Background image for Black Blizzard
    7.7/10(895 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.

    0 Comments
    View all
  5. Background image for Babylon
    8.0/10(908 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.

    0 Comments
    View all
  6. Background image for Pick a Number
    8.2/10(873 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.

    0 Comments
    View all
  7. Trending NowTRENDING NOW

    The 20 BEST Episodes of Carnivàle

    READ
  8. Background image for The River
    7.8/10(791 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.

    0 Comments
    View all
  9. Background image for Lonnigan, Texas
    7.7/10(777 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.

    0 Comments
    View all
    Director:Scott Winant
  10. Background image for Insomnia
    7.7/10(753 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.

    0 Comments
    View all
  11. Background image for Hot and Bothered
    7.9/10(763 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.

    0 Comments
    View all
  12. Background image for Day of the Dead
    7.9/10(758 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.

    0 Comments
    View all
  13. Background image for The Day That Was the Day
    8.7/10(844 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.

    0 Comments
    View all

Season 1 Ratings Summary

"Milfay" is the best rated episode of "Carnivàle" season 1. It scored 7.8/10 based on 1203 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".