Carnivàle backdrop
Sci-Fi & Fantasy•Mystery•Drama

The Worst Episodes of Carnivàle

Every episode of Carnivàle ranked from worst to best. Explore the Worst Episodes of Carnivàle!

Binge this in 21h 16m•Peaking at 9.0/10

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

Airs on
HBO
BestEpisodes
WorstEpisodes
BestSeasons
AllEpisodes

Seasons2

All12

Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Worst Episode
    Click to reveal
    Carnivàle Season 2 Episode 10 - Cheyenne, WY
    6.0/10(6 votes)

    #1 - Cheyenne, WY

    S2:E10

    Justin has help avoiding a disaster. Iris locates another branch of her family tree. Stroud tries a strength-in-numbers approach. Libby is cowed by her mother's authority. Ruthie pays another late-night visit to Lila.

    Director:Todd Field
    Writer:Tracy Tormé

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  2. Carnivàle Season 2 Episode 7 - Damascus, NE
    6.2/10(6 votes)

    #2 - Damascus, NE

    S2:E7

    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.

    Director:Alan Taylor
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  3. Carnivàle Season 2 Episode 8 - Outskirts, Damascus, NE
    6.2/10(6 votes)

    #3 - Outskirts, Damascus, NE

    S2:E8

    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.

    Director:Tim Hunter
    Writer:Daniel Knauf

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  4. Carnivàle Season 2 Episode 2 - Alamogordo, NM
    6.3/10(7 votes)

    #4 - Alamogordo, NM

    S2:E2

    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.

    Director:Jack Bender
    Writer:William Schmidt

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  5. Carnivàle Season 2 Episode 3 - Ingram, TX
    6.3/10(7 votes)

    #5 - Ingram, TX

    S2:E3

    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.

    Director:John Patterson
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  6. Carnivàle Season 2 Episode 4 - Old Cherry Blossom Road
    6.5/10(8 votes)

    #6 - Old Cherry Blossom Road

    S2:E4

    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.

    Director:Steve Shill
    Writers:Dawn Prestwich, Nicole Yorkin

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

    7. Trending NowTRENDING NOW

    The 20 BEST Episodes of Carnivàle

    READ
  7. Carnivàle Season 1 Episode 2 - After the Ball Is Over
    6.6/10(9 votes)

    #7 - After the Ball Is Over

    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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  8. Carnivàle Season 1 Episode 12 - The Day That Was the Day
    6.6/10(10 votes)

    #8 - The Day That Was the Day

    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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  9. Carnivàle Season 1 Episode 9 - Insomnia
    6.7/10(9 votes)

    #9 - Insomnia

    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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  10. Carnivàle Season 1 Episode 10 - Hot and Bothered
    6.7/10(9 votes)

    #10 - Hot and Bothered

    S1:E10

    Ben and Samson go in search of the mysterious Scudder. Sofie accuses her mother of foul play. Lodz waits patiently for Ben for fall asleep. Justin returns to Mintern with a new plan.

    Director:Jeremy Podeswa
    Writers:Dawn Prestwich, Nicole Yorkin

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  11. Carnivàle Season 1 Episode 11 - Day of the Dead
    6.7/10(9 votes)

    #11 - Day of the Dead

    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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  12. Carnivàle Season 1 Episode 1 - Milfay
    6.8/10(13 votes)

    #12 - Milfay

    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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  13. Carnivàle Season 1 Episode 4 - Black Blizzard
    6.9/10(9 votes)

    #13 - Black Blizzard

    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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  14. Carnivàle Season 1 Episode 5 - Babylon
    6.9/10(9 votes)

    #14 - Babylon

    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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  15. Carnivàle Season 2 Episode 12 - New Canaan, CA
    6.9/10(8 votes)

    #15 - New Canaan, CA

    S2:E12

    Samson tries to stay a step ahead of impending chaos. Stroud does his best to protect Justin. Ben's powers face the ultimate test.

    Director:Scott Winant
    Writers:Tracy Tormé, Daniel Knauf

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  16. Carnivàle Season 2 Episode 1 - Los Moscos
    8.0/10(8 votes)

    #16 - Los Moscos

    S2:E1

    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.

    Director:Jeremy Podeswa
    Writer:Daniel Knauf

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  17. Carnivàle Season 1 Episode 3 - Tipton
    8.3/10(7 votes)

    #17 - Tipton

    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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  18. Carnivàle Season 1 Episode 6 - Pick a Number
    8.4/10(6 votes)

    #18 - Pick a Number

    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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  19. Carnivàle Season 2 Episode 6 - The Road to Damascus
    8.5/10(6 votes)

    #19 - The Road to Damascus

    S2:E6

    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.

    Director:Tucker Gates
    Writers:Dawn Prestwich, Nicole Yorkin

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  20. Carnivàle Season 1 Episode 7 - The River
    8.6/10(7 votes)

    #20 - The River

    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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  21. Carnivàle Season 2 Episode 11 - Outside New Canaan
    8.7/10(6 votes)

    #21 - Outside New Canaan

    S2:E11

    Lila voices her opposition to Samson's itinerary for the troupe. Justin's baptism of the faithful coincides with another tragedy and a startling event in the migrant camp. Libby pleads with Jones to reveal his secret. Sofie sees a familiar face.

    Director:Dan Lerner
    Writers:Dawn Prestwich, Nicole Yorkin

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  22. Carnivàle Season 1 Episode 8 - Lonnigan, Texas
    8.8/10(5 votes)

    #22 - Lonnigan, Texas

    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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  23. Carnivàle Season 2 Episode 5 - Creed, OK
    8.8/10(4 votes)

    #23 - Creed, OK

    S2:E5

    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.

    Director:Jeremy Podeswa
    Writer:Tracy Tormé

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  24. Carnivàle Season 2 Episode 9 - Lincoln Highway, UT
    9.0/10(3 votes)

    #24 - Lincoln Highway, UT

    S2:E9

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:William Schmidt

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

Worst Episodes Summary

"Cheyenne, WY" is the worst rated episode of "Carnivàle". It scored 6/10 based on 6 votes. Directed by Todd Field and written by Tracy Tormé, it aired on 3/13/2005. This episode scored 0.2 points lower than the second lowest rated, "Damascus, NE".