Carnivàle: Season 1

2003 · 12 episodes · ★ 7.3

What Season 1 of Carnivàle

We're in the American South during the Great Depression. Ben Hawkins is a young farmer who, after losing the family farm, ends up with a traveling carnival. There he's taken in by sideshow performers with unusual features, a family burlesque act, and vaudeville artists. Ben is haunted by disturbing dreams and a healing power that frightens him. In California, Methodist preacher Justin Crowe lives with his sister Iris in a sheltered setting, where poverty has given way to comfort. When he also starts having visions, their paths seem destined to cross. The season pits good against evil and fate against free will, with Nick Stahl and Clancy Brown as the leads.

12episodes

Sep 14, 2003premiered

Nov 30, 2003Latest episode

10.6 hrtotal runtime

Season 1 Episodes

1x01 Milfay
Sep 14, 2003 · 58 min · ★ 6.8
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.
Directing: Rodrigo García · Writing: Daniel Knauf · Starring: Matthew McGrory, Jenna Boyd, K Callan, John Savage
1x02 After the Ball Is Over
Sep 21, 2003 · 57 min · ★ 6.6
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.
Directing: Jeremy Podeswa · Writing: Daniel Knauf, Ronald D. Moore · Starring: K Callan, Patrick Thomas O'Brien, John Savage, Lisa K. Wyatt
1x03 Tipton
Sep 28, 2003 · 50 min · ★ 8.3
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.
Directing: Rodrigo García · Writing: Daniel Knauf, Henry Bromell · Starring: Matt McCoy, Bill Moseley, Glenn Shadix, K Callan
1x04 Black Blizzard
Oct 5, 2003 · 47 min · ★ 6.9
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.
Directing: Peter Medak · Writing: William Schmidt · Starring: Blake Shields, Judith Hoag, Aria Wallace, Bill Moseley
1x05 Babylon
Oct 12, 2003 · 49 min · ★ 6.9
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.
Directing: Tim Hunter · Writing: Dawn Prestwich, Nicole Yorkin · Starring: John Hannah, Thomas Kopache, John Savage, Scott MacDonald
1x06 Pick a Number
Oct 19, 2003 · 57 min · ★ 8.4
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.
Directing: Rodrigo García · Writing: Ronald D. Moore · Starring: John Hannah, Bill Moseley, Robert Knepper, Peter Jason
1x07 The River
Oct 26, 2003 · 52 min · ★ 8.6
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.
Directing: Alison Maclean · Writing: Toni Graphia · Starring: Spencer Garrett, Erin Sanders, Robert Knepper, Glenn Shadix
1x08 Lonnigan, Texas
Nov 2, 2003 · 58 min · ★ 8.8
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.
Directing: Scott Winant · Writing: Daniel Knauf · Starring: Richard Fancy, John Doe, Cletus Young, Michael Robert Brandon
1x09 Insomnia
Nov 9, 2003 · 46 min · ★ 6.7
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.
Directing: Jack Bender · Writing: William Schmidt · Starring: Blake Shields, Richard Fancy, Bill Moseley, Robert Knepper
1x10 Hot and Bothered
Nov 16, 2003 · 53 min · ★ 6.7
Ben and Samson go in search of the mysterious Scudder. Sofie accuses her mother of foul play. Lodz waits patiently for Ben to fall asleep. Justin returns to Mintern with a new plan.
Directing: Jeremy Podeswa · Writing: Dawn Prestwich, Nicole Yorkin · Starring: Blake Shields, John Doe, Bill Moseley, Robert Knepper
1x11 Day of the Dead
Nov 23, 2003 · 55 min · ★ 6.7
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.
Directing: John Patterson · Writing: Toni Graphia · Starring: Luis Contreras, Robert Knepper, Valeria Hernandez, Ralph Waite
1x12 The Day That Was the Day Season Finale
Nov 30, 2003 · 55 min · ★ 6.6
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.
Directing: Rodrigo García · Writing: Ronald D. Moore · Starring: Spencer Garrett, Bill Moseley, Erin Sanders, Robert Knepper