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The Best Episodes of Carnivàle Season 1

Every episode of Carnivàle Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of Carnivàle Season 1!

Binge this in 10h 37m•Peaking at 8.7/10

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 groups of people, its overarching story depicts the battle between

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    Carnivàle Season 1 Episode 12 - The Day That Was the Day
    8.7/10(888 votes)

    S1:E12

    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.

    Director:Rodrigo García
    Writer:Ronald D. Moore

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  2. Carnivàle Season 1 Episode 6 - Pick a Number
    8.2/10(924 votes)

    S1:E6

    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.

    Director:Rodrigo García
    Writer:Ronald D. Moore

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  3. Carnivàle Season 1 Episode 5 - Babylon
    8.0/10(974 votes)

    S1:E5

    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
    Writers:Dawn Prestwich, Nicole Yorkin

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  4. Carnivàle Season 1 Episode 10 - Hot and Bothered
    7.9/10(814 votes)

    S1:E10

    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.

    Director:Jeremy Podeswa
    Writers:Dawn Prestwich, Nicole Yorkin

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  5. Carnivàle Season 1 Episode 11 - Day of the Dead
    7.9/10(804 votes)

    S1:E11

    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.

    Director:John Patterson
    Writer:Toni Graphia

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  6. Carnivàle Season 1 Episode 1 - Milfay
    7.8/10(1297 votes)

    S1:E1

    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.

    Director:Rodrigo García
    Writer:Daniel Knauf

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  7. Carnivàle Season 1 Episode 2 - After the Ball Is Over
    7.8/10(1065 votes)

    S1:E2

    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.

    Director:Jeremy Podeswa
    Writers:Daniel Knauf, Ronald D. Moore

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  8. Carnivàle Season 1 Episode 3 - Tipton
    7.8/10(993 votes)

    S1:E3

    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.

    Director:Rodrigo García
    Writers:Daniel Knauf, Henry Bromell

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  9. Carnivàle Season 1 Episode 7 - The River
    7.8/10(843 votes)

    S1:E7

    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.

    Director:Alison Maclean
    Writer:Toni Graphia

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  10. Carnivàle Season 1 Episode 4 - Black Blizzard
    7.7/10(963 votes)

    S1:E4

    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
    Writer:William Schmidt

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  11. Carnivàle Season 1 Episode 8 - Lonnigan, Texas
    7.7/10(828 votes)

    S1:E8

    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
    Writer:Daniel Knauf

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  12. Carnivàle Season 1 Episode 9 - Insomnia
    7.7/10(805 votes)

    S1:E9

    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
    Writer:William Schmidt

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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 888 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".