Seasons & episodes

Behind-the-scenes featurette detailing how set and constume designers collaborated to achieve the look of the Dustbowl in the 1930s.

Courtesy of the Museum of Television & Radio.

The Meaning of Carnivàle - a half-hour documentary exploring the apocalyptic writing and mythology behind the series with cast and crew.

S1 · E1Milfay 2003-09-14 · 58 min＋

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.

S1 · E2After the Ball Is Over 2003-09-21 · 57 min＋

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.

S1 · E3Tipton 2003-09-28 · 50 min＋

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.

S1 · E4Black Blizzard 2003-10-05 · 47 min＋

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.

S1 · E5Babylon 2003-10-12 · 49 min＋

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.

S1 · E6Pick a Number 2003-10-19 · 57 min＋

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.

S1 · E7The River 2003-10-26 · 52 min＋

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.

S1 · E8Lonnigan, Texas 2003-11-02 · 58 min＋

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.

S1 · E9Insomnia 2003-11-09 · 46 min＋

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.

S1 · E10Hot and Bothered 2003-11-16 · 53 min＋

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.

S1 · E11Day of the Dead 2003-11-23 · 55 min＋

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.

S1 · E12The Day That Was the Day 2003-11-30 · 55 min＋

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.

S2 · E1Los Moscos 2005-01-09 · 51 min＋

The Dust Bowl circus troupe deals with the fallout from a fatal fire and, in California, Brother Justin reaches new converts on the radio. Lila wonders what happened to Lodz. Ben takes off to find Scudder.

S2 · E2Alamogordo, NM 2005-01-16 · 52 min＋

The troupe sends out search parties when a distraught Sofie goes missing. Justin and Iris welcome a new housekeeper. Samson accuses Stumpy of skimming. Ben visits an old acquaintance of Scudder's in New Mexico.

S2 · E3Ingram, TX 2005-01-23 · 51 min＋

Dolan continues his quest to get to the bottom of the Ministry arson. Gabriel gets into the act with Ruthie, who experiences another supernatural vision. Ben happens upon some distant relatives.

S2 · E4Old Cherry Blossom Road 2005-01-30 · 57 min＋

Lila hasn't given up trying to find out what happened to the missing Lodz. Iris begs her brother not to harbor so many secrets. Jones finds new work for Sofie. Balthus sees another display of Justin's power.

S2 · E5Creed, OK 2005-02-06 · 57 min＋

After a conversation with Ruthie, Sofie reaches out to Ben; Stumpy wagers on an important fight. Dolan puts pressure on Justin, who sees things in a new light after receiving a mysterious gift. Stroud's quest to find Ben continues.

S2 · E6The Road to Damascus 2005-02-13 · 57 min＋

Samson runs into an old acquaintance when the troupe crosses paths with another carnival. Rita Sue's business decisions give Stumpy fits. Justin and Iris struggle with a tough sermon. Libby's honor is in need of defense.

S2 · E7Damascus, NE 2005-02-20 · 46 min＋

Stroud is closing in on Ben, who pays a visit to a run-down hotel. Justin and Iris pacify a bishop with a good meal. Sabina shares her secrets with Libby; the troupe is concerned about Sofie. Jones gets a favor from Libby.

S2 · E8Outskirts, Damascus, NE 2005-02-27 · 54 min＋

A local politician receives Iris and Justin's support. Ruthie tries to hide from her visions. Rita Sue takes charge of Stumpy's debt. Smith sees trouble for Justin. Sofie gets new work. Libby has shocking news for her parents.

S2 · E9Lincoln Highway, UT 2005-03-06 · 53 min＋

Ruthie's latest vision leaves evidence behind. Lila hasn't given up her search for the missing Lodz. Eleanor goes on a picnic with Iris. Justin's powers calm a chaotic gathering.