SummaryCarnivale. The credits alone were the most costly and timely to make. The show does not lack in the quality that the credits bring. Set in the 1930s Dust Bowl, 18-year old Ben Hawkins finds himself all alone in this world when his mother passes on. But a travelling Carnivale takes him in. We also see the story of Brother Justin, a priest who is t... Read More
Carnivale
Season 1 Premiere:
Sep 14, 2003
Metascore
Generally Favorable
63
User score
Universal Acclaim
8.5
My Score
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All Seasons
Top Cast
Metascore
Generally Favorable
63
54% Positive
21 Reviews
21 Reviews
41% Mixed
16 Reviews
16 Reviews
5% Negative
2 Reviews
2 Reviews
Aug 2, 2013
100
The writing... is sharp and rich. The production -- from the design of the carnival to the evocative cinematography -- is dazzling. The direction from the likes of "Sopranos" veteran Rodrigo Garcia is first-rate. And the acting is sensational. [14 Sep 2003]
Aug 2, 2013
80
Even if we are being taken for a ride, there's so much to savor on this trip. [12 Sep 2003]
User score
Universal Acclaim
8.5
89% Positive
91 Ratings
91 Ratings
4% Mixed
4 Ratings
4 Ratings
7% Negative
7 Ratings
7 Ratings
Jan 26, 2026
10
The series was often compared to Marvel Comics, DC Comics, The Legend of Zelda and Wizarding World
Aug 16, 2023
8
The series has no ending, so keep that in mind. It ends on a massive twist/cliffhanger. Otherwise, this is a unique experience that you should try once, just to see if it's your thing. The first episode does a great job of introducing the characters and setting up the story, but it gets more complex with each passing episode... until it just stops. It's akin to watching the first act of a movie and then shutting it off and never finishing it, but instead of 30 minutes, it's 20+ hours.
Aug 2, 2013
70
The first three episodes are beguiling enough to suggest that beneath the show's mystique there is a mystery worth puzzling. But there is also the mystery of how long viewers' curiosity can stay piqued.
Aug 2, 2013
63
"Carnivale" is so deliberate in its pacing - some would say plodding - it makes "The Wire" look like a breakneck action movie. [12 Sep 2003]
Aug 2, 2013
60
Judging from the first two episodes, the series remains both visually compelling and dramatically impenetrable, likely to attract ongoing fans but too confusing at this stage to attract new ones. [7 Jan 2005]
Jun 28, 2013
50
Oh, what a tangled web Carnivále weaves–maybe too tangled for its own good.
Aug 2, 2013
20
Insufferable ... for the most part a stylish and incomprehensible bore. [15 Sep 2003]
Feb 8, 2020
7
Looking for something new and ran across Carnivale. Hadn't heard anything about this HBO series and no wonder. This came out in 2003. Never the less, watched the first 2 episodes and really liked it. Edgy, weird and sexy. Good story, early on. Looking forward to watching more. Will check back in pending further developments...will give it a 7 so far.
Production Company:
- 3 Arts Entertainment
- Home Box Office (HBO)
Initial Release Date:Sep 14, 2003
Number of seasons:2 Seasons
Rating:TV-MA
Awards
Primetime Emmy Awards
• 5 Wins & 15 Nominations
Satellite Awards
• 4 Nominations
American Society of Cinematographers, USA
• 2 Wins & 3 Nominations
