Carnivale: Season 1

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 28 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Universal acclaim based on 71 Ratings

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8.5

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8.5	User Score Universal acclaim based on 71 Ratings

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Season Details & Credits

HBO | Season Premiere Date: September 14, 2003

Starring: John Savage, Patrick Bauchau, Clancy Brown

Summary: Carnivale. The credits alone were the most costly and timely to make. The show does not lack in the quality that the credits bring. Set in the 1930s Dust Bowl, 18-year old Ben Hawkins finds himself all alone in this world when his mother passes on. But a travelling Carnivale takes him in. We also see the story of Brother Justin, a priestCarnivale. The credits alone were the most costly and timely to make. The show does not lack in the quality that the credits bring. Set in the 1930s Dust Bowl, 18-year old Ben Hawkins finds himself all alone in this world when his mother passes on. But a travelling Carnivale takes him in. We also see the story of Brother Justin, a priest who is trying to find his way in the world. Little do Ben and Justin know, but they are to fight in a biblical battle. With help on the side (Ben with the carnie folk (Sofie, Libby, Apollonia, Ruthie, Samson, Lila, Lodz, Management) and Justin with his sister, Iris) they find out which side each are on and try to battle with the other for what they believe.… Expand

Creator: Daniel Knauf

Genre(s): Drama, Fantasy, Suspense

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Season 1 Episodes

tbd
S1:E12. The Day That Was the Day
Air Date: November 30, 2003
tbd
S1:E11. The Day of the Dead
Air Date: November 23, 2003
tbd
S1:E10. Hot and Bothered
Air Date: November 16, 2003

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Metascore

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Negative:

Critic Reviews

100

San Jose Mercury News/Contra Costa Times

Charlie McCollum

Aug 2, 2013

The writing... is sharp and rich. The production -- from the design of the carnival to the evocative cinematography -- is dazzling. The direction from the likes of "Sopranos" veteran Rodrigo Garcia is first-rate. And the acting is sensational. [14 Sep 2003]

Rob Owen

Aug 2, 2013

There's no question this intriguing, seductive series is set to a slow boil. ... But this series picks up its pace in future episodes. Anyone taken with the dark mystery of "Twin Peaks" or "American Gothic" is advised to stay tuned. Read full review

Noel Holston

Aug 2, 2013

Even if we are being taken for a ride, there's so much to savor on this trip. [12 Sep 2003]

Bill Goodykoontz

Aug 2, 2013

It's beautiful to look at, mind-bending to even try to comprehend, absorbing, compelling, complicated, creepy -- and I have absolutely no clue where it's headed. [13 Sep 2003]

David Bianculli

Aug 2, 2013

"Carnivale" is so deliberate in its pacing - some would say plodding - it makes "The Wire" look like a breakneck action movie. [12 Sep 2003]

Matthew Gilbert

Aug 2, 2013

Alas, the seductive, interesting surface of "Carnivale" can't mask its facile pretensions. [12 Sep 2003]

Tom Shales

Aug 2, 2013

Insufferable ... for the most part a stylish and incomprehensible bore. [15 Sep 2003]

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User Reviews

CreamBean

Jun 3, 2014

This show went completely over most critics heads. One of the deepest, mysterious, and engaging TV dramas of all time. Beautiful in it's look and it's characters. Different from anything that has ever been done on TV and most likely anything that will ever be done. I feel like these criticsThis show went completely over most critics heads. One of the deepest, mysterious, and engaging TV dramas of all time. Beautiful in it's look and it's characters. Different from anything that has ever been done on TV and most likely anything that will ever be done. I feel like these critics like many viewers, expected everything to be perfectly laid out in the pilot. They want to know exactly where the show is going and what everything means. Which makes it no fun at all if you ask me. This show had such great mythology and mystery. It was meaningful, More meaningful and deep than any show I can think of on TV right now. Do yourself a favor and don't listen to these negative reviews based off of one or two episodes. This is one of the all time greats.… Expand

3 of 3 users found this helpful30

Matt314159

Jan 25, 2013

Carnivale is --by far--one of the most epic, deep, and unique shows I've ever seen air on television. Watching this series gives one that gratifying feeling you get after you've finished reading an excellent novel. The series was designed around the creator's plan to produce the series inCarnivale is --by far--one of the most epic, deep, and unique shows I've ever seen air on television. Watching this series gives one that gratifying feeling you get after you've finished reading an excellent novel. The series was designed around the creator's plan to produce the series in three "books" --each "book" comprised of two seasons each. Though it was regrettable that the series was cancelled after only two seasons because of low ratings and high budget overruns (they insisted on only on-location shooting and refused a soundstage) the series gives a satisfying end to everything, since after two seasons, the first "book" of the series had closed. This is a series I really wish HBO would have continued simply for the prestige of this being one of the BEST shows TV has offered in years. If you're looking for an example of "television as literature" look no further. You've found it.… Expand

4 of 4 users found this helpful40

gwhrkk

Oct 1, 2013

Deep, extremely engaging story, very interesting art directing, Clancy Brown is perfect as the bad guy along with The Wire the best TV Series I've ever seen.

5 of 5 users found this helpful50

Seasons & Episodes

63

Series Overview
Season 2

57
- Season 2 Overview
  Air Date: January 9, 2005
Season 1

65
- Season 1 Overview
  Air Date: September 14, 2003
- tbd
  S1:E12. The Day That Was the Day
  Air Date: November 30, 2003
- tbd
  S1:E11. The Day of the Dead
  Air Date: November 23, 2003
- tbd
  S1:E10. Hot and Bothered
  Air Date: November 16, 2003
- tbd
  S1:E9. Insomnia
  Air Date: November 9, 2003
- tbd
  S1:E8. Lonnigan, Texas
  Air Date: November 2, 2003
- tbd
  S1:E7. The River
  Air Date: October 26, 2003
- tbd
  S1:E6. Pick a Number
  Air Date: October 19, 2003
- tbd
  S1:E5. Babylon
  Air Date: October 12, 2003
- tbd
  S1:E4. Black Blizzard
  Air Date: October 5, 2003
- tbd
  S1:E3. Tipton
  Air Date: September 28, 2003
- tbd
  S1:E2. After the Ball Is Over
  Air Date: September 21, 2003
- tbd
  S1:E1. Milfay
  Air Date: September 14, 2003