TV series
Into each generation is born a creature of light and a creature of darkness.
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 good and evil and the struggle between free will and destiny; the storyline mixes Christian theology with gnosticism and Masonic lore, particularly that of the Knights Templar.
Streaming, rental and purchase options
Checked Jul 22, 2026
Carnivàle is available to stream on HBO (Via Hulu), HBO Max, Max (Via Amazon Prime), and YouTube TV in United States. You can also rent or buy it from Google Play, Amazon, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home. Use the direct links below to open the provider.
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 good and evil and the struggle between free will and destiny; the storyline mixes Christian theology with gnosticism and Masonic lore, particularly that of the Knights Templar.
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 1
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.
Directed by Rodrigo GarcíaWritten by Daniel KnaufGuest stars Blake Shields, Matthew McGrory, Jenna Boyd, K Callan, John Savage, Lucinda Jenney, Amanda Aday, Brett Rickaby
Episode 2
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.
Directed by Jeremy PodeswaWritten by Daniel Knauf, Ronald D. MooreGuest stars K Callan, Patrick Thomas O'Brien, John Savage, Lisa K. Wyatt, George Cheung, Kathleen Gati, Amanda Aday, Brent Hinkley
Episode 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.
Directed by Rodrigo GarcíaWritten by Daniel Knauf, Henry BromellGuest stars Matt McCoy, Bill Moseley, Glenn Shadix, K Callan, John Savage, Deborah Strang, Amanda Aday, Charles Robinson
Episode 4
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.
Directed by Peter MedakWritten by William SchmidtGuest stars Blake Shields, Judith Hoag, Aria Wallace, Bill Moseley, Gabriel Mann, Jesse Burch, Amanda Aday
Episode 5
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.
Directed by Tim HunterWritten by Dawn Prestwich, Nicole YorkinGuest stars John Hannah, Thomas Kopache, John Savage, Scott MacDonald, Amanda Aday, David Darmstaeder
Episode 6
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.
Directed by Rodrigo GarcíaWritten by Ronald D. MooreGuest stars John Hannah, Bill Moseley, Robert Knepper, Peter Jason, Amanda Aday, Michael Massee
Episode 7
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.
Directed by Alison MacleanWritten by Toni GraphiaGuest stars Spencer Garrett, Erin Sanders, Robert Knepper, Glenn Shadix, K Callan, Ritchie Montgomery, Jordan Orr
Episode 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.
Directed by Scott WinantWritten by Daniel KnaufGuest stars Richard Fancy, John Doe, Cletus Young, Michael Robert Brandon, Michael Massee
Episode 9
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.
Directed by Jack BenderWritten by William SchmidtGuest stars Blake Shields, Richard Fancy, Bill Moseley, Robert Knepper, Gary Imhoff, Scott MacDonald, Don Swayze, Hunter Johnson
Episode 10
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.
Directed by Jeremy PodeswaWritten by Dawn Prestwich, Nicole YorkinGuest stars Blake Shields, John Doe, Bill Moseley, Robert Knepper, John Savage, Scott MacDonald, Kim Robillard, Don Swayze
Episode 11
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.
Directed by John PattersonWritten by Toni GraphiaGuest stars Luis Contreras, Robert Knepper, Valeria Hernandez
Episode 12
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.
Directed by Rodrigo GarcíaWritten by Ronald D. MooreGuest stars Spencer Garrett, Bill Moseley, Erin Sanders, Robert Knepper, Jon Gries, Jordan Orr, Valeria Hernandez
Episode information updated Jul 24, 2026
Nick StahlBen Hawkins
Clancy BrownBrother Justin
Michael J. AndersonSamson
Tim DeKayClayton Jones
Clea DuVallSofie
Carla GalloLibby Dreifuss
Adrienne BarbeauRuthie
HBOUnited States
3 Arts EntertainmentUnited StatesHBOUnited States
