Carnivàle (2003)
Kernel Score: 88% · 449 ratings
Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Mystery, Drama
First aired: 2003-09-14
Seasons: 2 · 24 episodes
Where to watch Carnivàle
- Stream: HBO Max
- Rent: Prime Video
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, Fandango At Home
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
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.
Carnivàle parents' guide: ages 14+
Parents need to know that Carnivale is a dark supernatural drama set during the Great Depression, mixing Christian theology with occult carnival themes.
- Violence & scariness: Some — The series includes dark themes of good versus evil with an evil preacher character and supernatural conflict.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Some — Includes striptease performances as part of the traveling circus setting.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official TV-MA rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Shows like Carnivàle
If you liked Carnivàle, these are the shows we'd watch next.
- Locke & Key (2020) — 86%
- The Originals (2013) — 91%
- Penny Dreadful (2014) — 89%
- The Sandman (2022) — 88%
- Carnival Row (2019) — 88%
- Lost Girl (2010) — 85%
- DC's Stargirl (2020) — 87%
- Magic Knight Rayearth (1994) — 88%
Cast
- Nick Stahl as Ben Hawkins
- Clancy Brown as Brother Justin
- Michael J. Anderson as Samson
- Tim DeKay as Clayton Jones
- Clea DuVall as Sofie
- Cynthia Ettinger as Rita Sue Dreifuss
- Carla Gallo as Libby Dreifuss
- Adrienne Barbeau as Ruthie
- Amy Madigan as Iris Crowe
- Toby Huss as Stumpy Dreifuss
Carnivàle FAQ
Is Carnivàle good?
Carnivàle has an 88% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 449 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Carnivàle?
In the US you can stream Carnivàle on HBO Max and rent it from Prime Video.
Is Carnivàle OK for kids?
Carnivàle is rated TV-MA. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 14+. Parents need to know that Carnivale is a dark supernatural drama set during the Great Depression, mixing Christian theology with occult carnival themes.
What shows are like Carnivàle?
If you liked Carnivàle, try Locke & Key, The Originals, Penny Dreadful and The Sandman.