Carnivale

:

Season 1
  • Network: HBO
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 14, 2003
Season #: 2, 1
Metascore
65

Generally favorable reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 28
  3. Negative: 1 out of 28
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Critic Reviews

  1. Variety
    Reviewed by: Phil Gallo
    Aug 2, 2013
    60
    An absolute visual stunner with compelling freak-show characters --- but the series unfortunately takes a leisurely approach toward getting to a point. [12 Sep 2003]
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  2. Cleveland Plain Dealer
    Reviewed by: Mark Dawidziak
    Aug 2, 2013
    50
    At this point, "Carnivale" is a frustrating blend of intriguing and annoying elements. The writers are taking chances, and you have to give them credit for that, but they haven't quite perfected this mystical mixture of metaphor and metaphysics, mystery and magic. [13 Sep 2003]
    All this critic's reviews
  3. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Matthew Gilbert
    Aug 2, 2013
    50
    Alas, the seductive, interesting surface of "Carnivale" can't mask its facile pretensions. [12 Sep 2003]
    All this critic's reviews
  5. San Francisco Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Tim Goodman
    Jul 25, 2013
    50
    A bloated mess. ... "Carnivale" is a little too full of itself. Believing that it has a fascinating story to tell with all the complex themes you could imagine, the series nevertheless fails the first test of television: Move forward.
  6. Time
    Reviewed by: James Poniewozik
    Jul 1, 2013
    50
    For every genuinely surprising image or premise, another is creepy in exactly the way you would expect it to be. ... For a show that prides itself on strangeness, it is the most conventional HBO drama in years.
  7. People Weekly
    Reviewed by: Terry Kelleher
    Jun 28, 2013
    50
    Oh, what a tangled web Carnivále weaves–maybe too tangled for its own good.
  8. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Carina Chocano
    Jun 14, 2013
    42
    Unfortunately, Carnivàle appears to be engaged in an age-old battle of its own, between good and boggy drama.
  9. Deseret News
    Reviewed by: Scott D. Pierce
    Aug 2, 2013
    40
    Frankly, I just don't get it. ... "Carnivale" feels too much like mystical, mythical nonsense masquerading behind outstanding production values and good acting. [13 Sep 2003]
    All this critic's reviews
  10. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Robert Lloyd
    Aug 2, 2013
    40
    "Carnivale"... moves like molasses and, for all its careful creepiness, generates very little actual suspense and precious few moments of unpredictable wonder.

Awards & Rankings

14
#14 Best TV Season of 2003
10
#10 Most Discussed TV Season of 2003
6
#6 Most Shared TV Season of 2003

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 71 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 64 out of 71
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 71
  3. Negative: 5 out of 71
  1. gwhrkk
    Oct 1, 2013
    10
    Deep, extremely engaging story, very interesting art directing, Clancy Brown is perfect as the bad guy along with The Wire the best TV SeriesDeep, 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.… Full Review »
  2. Matt314159
    Jan 25, 2013
    10
    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 thatCarnivale 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.… Full Review »
  3. CreamBean
    Jun 3, 2014
    10
    This show went completely over most critics heads. One of the deepest, mysterious, and engaging TV dramas of all time. Beautiful in it's lookThis 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.… Full Review »
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