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
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.
Directed by Jeremy PodeswaWritten by Daniel KnaufGuest stars Time Winters, Robert Knepper, John Aylward, Scott MacDonald, Jon Gries
Episode 2
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.
Directed by Jack BenderWritten by William SchmidtGuest stars Robert Knepper, K Callan, Scott MacDonald, Eliza Pryor Nagel, Saemi Nakamura
Episode 3
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.
Directed by John PattersonGuest stars Patrick Bauchau, Robert Knepper, Kurt Fuller, Leo Fitzpatrick, Scott MacDonald, Jimmi Simpson, Fay Masterson, Eliza Pryor Nagel
Episode 4
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.
Directed by Steve ShillWritten by Dawn Prestwich, Nicole YorkinGuest stars Ellen Geer, Linda Hunt, Robert Knepper, Leo Fitzpatrick, Scott MacDonald, Eliza Pryor Nagel
Episode 5
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.
Directed by Jeremy PodeswaWritten by Tracy TorméGuest stars Robert Knepper
Episode 6
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.
Directed by Tucker GatesWritten by Dawn Prestwich, Nicole YorkinGuest stars Rene Kirby, Bill Moseley, Robert Knepper, Bree Walker
Episode 7
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.
Directed by Alan TaylorWritten by William SchmidtGuest stars Van Epperson, Linda Hunt, Bree Walker, John Aylward
Episode 8
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.
Directed by Tim HunterWritten by Daniel Knauf
Episode 9
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.
Written by William SchmidtGuest stars Jeff Austin
Episode 10
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.
Directed by Todd FieldWritten by Tracy Tormé
Episode 11
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.
Directed by Dan LernerWritten by Dawn Prestwich, Nicole Yorkin
Episode 12
Samson tries to stay a step ahead of impending chaos. Stroud does his best to protect Justin. Ben's powers face the ultimate test.
Directed by Scott WinantWritten by Tracy Tormé, Daniel KnaufGuest stars Kyle Dietz
Episode information updated Jul 23, 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
