Carnivàle

The Best Episodes of Carnivàle Season 1

Genres:Sci-Fi & FantasyMysteryDrama
Network:HBO

Every episode of Carnivàle Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover 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...
Episodes
12
Avg. Rating
7.9
S1
S2
S3
S4
E1
E2
E3
7.8
7.8
7.8

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  1. #1

    The Day That Was the Day

    S1:E12
    8.7/10(836)
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    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.

    Comments

    0
  2. #2

    Pick a Number

    S1:E6
    8.2/10(864)
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    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.

    Comments

    0
  3. #3

    Babylon

    S1:E5
    8.0/10(897)
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    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.

    Director
    Tim Hunter

    Comments

    0
  4. #4

    Hot and Bothered

    S1:E10
    7.9/10(755)
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    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 for fall asleep. Justin returns to Mintern with a new plan.

    Comments

    0
  5. #5

    Day of the Dead

    S1:E11
    7.9/10(750)
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    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.

    Comments

    0
  6. #6

    Milfay

    S1:E1
    7.8/10(1.2k)
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    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.

    Comments

    0
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  8. #7

    After the Ball Is Over

    S1:E2
    7.8/10(978)
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    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.

    Comments

    0
  9. #8

    Tipton

    S1:E3
    7.8/10(912)
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    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.

    Comments

    0
  10. #9

    The River

    S1:E7
    7.8/10(784)
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    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.

    Comments

    0
  11. #10

    Black Blizzard

    S1:E4
    7.7/10(883)
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    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.

    Director
    Peter Medak

    Comments

    0
  12. #11

    Lonnigan, Texas

    S1:E8
    7.7/10(770)
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    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.

    Director
    Scott Winant

    Comments

    0
  13. #12

    Insomnia

    S1:E9
    7.7/10(746)
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    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.

    Director
    Jack Bender

    Comments

    0

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".