Carnival Row
Prime Video | Amazon Prime Video | Release Date: August 30, 2019
7.4
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 168 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
123
Mixed:
20
Negative:
25
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
10
AmarnraSep 12, 2019
I loved Carnival Row. The atmosphere and narrative was well created and left me wanting to know more after every episode. Some interesting twists and turns went a long way to make the watch quite gripping the entire way through. The onlyI loved Carnival Row. The atmosphere and narrative was well created and left me wanting to know more after every episode. Some interesting twists and turns went a long way to make the watch quite gripping the entire way through. The only thing which was uninspiring was the horror and shock value, which I feel wasn't warranted. It's interesting to note that two of three visible negative reviews cite "forced" or an "overdose" of political correctness. I didn't find that as the case at all. Yes there is a diversity of colours, but the emphasis is on the difference between fae and human, in a world where humans have found a new "other" with which to focus their fear and hatred. I count only a handful of references to humanities unity. I think that the diversity is something which rests in the background, and only truly visible to those who appear view such things as enemies hiding in the shadows, an invasive political correctness maliciously poisoning their TV watching experience and turning good media against them. I think it quite funny, that the views displayed here reflect a commentary which is quite apparent in the show, demonstrated through the fae/human divide. All in all, an excellent watch.… Expand
20 of 25 users found this helpful205
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8
ComandanteCobraOct 16, 2021
Good, better than expected.
It seems like a tv-show born to titillate Nerds with Steampunk-Gothic aesthetic, prominent actors for Geek and Fantasy elements tossed in a Victorian town....but don't be fooled: It's a legit tv show.
A good show,Good, better than expected.
It seems like a tv-show born to titillate Nerds with Steampunk-Gothic aesthetic, prominent actors for Geek and Fantasy elements tossed in a Victorian town....but don't be fooled: It's a legit tv show.
A good show, different, enjoyable by adults, dark and intellectual.
It reminds me of Victoriana pen and paper RPG mixed with Arcanum videgame and Changeling the Dreaming rpg. I'll hope in a second season.… Expand
4 of 5 users found this helpful41
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10
Dr_TobutzNov 25, 2021
Carnival Row was a good watch initially and even after some time, I always think back to the show, because of it's unique setting, reminded me of Fable 3 :) on the Xbox.
4 of 5 users found this helpful41
All this user's reviews
8
DoctorOKMar 9, 2023
Acting is great, plot is makes sense, but pacing is kind of fast. However, this makes sense since they are trying to finish the show in two seasons. One more season could have done the show some good.
4 of 5 users found this helpful41
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9
LasseeDec 28, 2019
At the beginning I was a little bit sceptical if this series can get me. It needed a few episodes to come in to the story, but know I love this series and I hope that we can get a second season.
7 of 9 users found this helpful72
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9
FelixSchApr 3, 2020
Extreamly interesting, an very close to the real live and situation. Hope 2 Staffel will be soon out
7 of 9 users found this helpful72
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10
TuivelApr 3, 2020
Great series. Like a mix of Sherlock Holmes and Fantasy with a dark touch. Watch it!
6 of 8 users found this helpful62
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10
Eefreth87Mar 24, 2020
I liked every minute of this series. The cast is outstanding and the story well narrated. Costumes, location and colours are really something that must make you think how much they care for the scenes.
6 of 8 users found this helpful62
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7
Portal3Mar 17, 2023
Solid work, i like how they are expanding the lore and the unpredictable deaths.
3 of 4 users found this helpful31
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8
LiveTacoLiveOct 2, 2019
The show takes time to fully introduce its characters and weave plot threads to pursue, but once the groundwork is laid out in the early episodes, Carnival Row becomes a journey with purpose, and while it never breaks away from its tropes,The show takes time to fully introduce its characters and weave plot threads to pursue, but once the groundwork is laid out in the early episodes, Carnival Row becomes a journey with purpose, and while it never breaks away from its tropes, it's still elevated by high production values and detailed world-building.… Expand
8 of 11 users found this helpful83
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10
JVarandasSep 26, 2019
The series is beautiful.
A big f you to the "professional" critics.
Not everything needs to be about politics, and this one is just a story as many others.
7 of 10 users found this helpful73
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9
MercinarieOct 25, 2019
English industry collides with high fantasy in this gritty dark series. Bringing my favorites together was no easy task and they did it quite well! If you're a fan of penny dreadful grab some popcorn and prepare for a binge.
6 of 9 users found this helpful63
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10
Oly_sandroSep 11, 2019
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Gostei muito. No começo achei que fosse mais do mesmo, mas me surpreendeu positivamente.… Expand
7 of 11 users found this helpful74
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10
TicToc762Sep 11, 2019
Phenomenal setting with a fun set of characters and a plot that while predictable is still fun.
7 of 11 users found this helpful74
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8
Ben_tasticSep 27, 2019
draged me into a world i like. liked the charakter from cara and orlando. it had its flaws but thats with everyting. i dont like when ppl make it a thing of zeitgeist. but still its the zeitgeist from this time so do it
7 of 11 users found this helpful74
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9
alina_zotSep 21, 2019
I really liked the Carnival row! Firstly,I thought to watch one-two episodes to kill time. But then I wanted to watch every new episode! There are indeed many modern life references such as discrimination, corruption, revolting againstI really liked the Carnival row! Firstly,I thought to watch one-two episodes to kill time. But then I wanted to watch every new episode! There are indeed many modern life references such as discrimination, corruption, revolting against authority. Orlando especially did a great job, as I think. Beautiful decorations, new world and atmosphere ( great victorian age and not from book), characters, many stories that are connected to each other. I advice you to watch it! Very interesting! I watched it for 2 days. Nevertheless, I estimated for 9 because I have guessed who was the main bad character there... But everything was logical and thought out!)… Expand
7 of 11 users found this helpful74
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7
Rwgp922Sep 17, 2019
Pros: Intesting detective story that tackles politics and racism dressed up by a fantasy world Orlando Bloom Mature with violence and sex scenes Cons: CGI ranges from okay to bad Too many sub plots that dont add to the main plot
Some cheesyPros: Intesting detective story that tackles politics and racism dressed up by a fantasy world Orlando Bloom Mature with violence and sex scenes Cons: CGI ranges from okay to bad Too many sub plots that dont add to the main plot
Some cheesy dialogue and bad acting Overall: recommend watching as I always wanted to know what was going to happen next. Hope the show gets a bigger budget for season 2 for better CGI… Expand
5 of 8 users found this helpful53
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10
am_cSep 24, 2019
Amazing show, loved everything about it!
Best fantasy series since GoT; very original, beautiful and great cast.
5 of 8 users found this helpful53
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10
Champions05Oct 13, 2019
its a slow start but the characters and world building are great. so good to see an ambitious fantasy series that's not heavily Americanized being put out there.Really enjoyed it and by the end it all came together well. Well worth a watch asits a slow start but the characters and world building are great. so good to see an ambitious fantasy series that's not heavily Americanized being put out there.Really enjoyed it and by the end it all came together well. Well worth a watch as there is nothing really like this out there at the moment. I though the acting was quite good considering the script. Looking forward to the next season.… Expand
5 of 8 users found this helpful53
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10
ChriszapfOct 25, 2019
Seriously can't wait for more. I was immediately hooked into this world and and really like the fact that you had to pay attention throughout the series to get all the connections between the characters and also like their development.
5 of 8 users found this helpful53
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9
Monty1982Nov 14, 2019
Surprising storytelling. Daring fantasy-steampunk crossover mixed with explicit language and footage.
5 of 8 users found this helpful53
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10
EmmeSep 8, 2019
Entertaining, atmospheric, mysterious, good acting, love it.Bloom and Delavigne fit well together.
8 of 13 users found this helpful85
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10
nilo_coreNov 23, 2019
I believe that great critics of the newspapers are too busy to see something carefully. I'm sorry because they missed one of the best TV series of these times!
6 of 10 users found this helpful64
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10
Sinead38Sep 20, 2019
So glad there is a good fae programme out there. It’s nothing like GoT and it’s not trying to be unless your looking for it and you can do that with most fantasy programs. A lot of political and religious connotations throughout.
6 of 10 users found this helpful64
All this user's reviews
9
KeithsTakeAug 26, 2020
Excellent, especially for an inaugural season. Cinematic, great story, great acting and is an interesting take on fantasy that compels viewers to make parallels with reality.
3 of 5 users found this helpful32
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7
geewahJan 13, 2021
A decent enough debut series that really focuses on world building and character development over what seems the second fiddle murder mystery.
3 of 5 users found this helpful32
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8
FaxthtaxOct 19, 2019
So sad it was only two seasons. All thanks to Covid.
Revising my review after Season 2 who took almost 5 years after season one.
I think Cara was much more expressive in Season 2. She really grew into the role. The Atreus storyline did dragSo sad it was only two seasons. All thanks to Covid.
Revising my review after Season 2 who took almost 5 years after season one.
I think Cara was much more expressive in Season 2. She really grew into the role. The Atreus storyline did drag on a little and was slightly boring.
No matter. Not to much woke agenda here so much. A little, nothing i can handle.
The universe created here could really grow further, like explaining why there was a war and such, but alas, the creators and writers decided to end the show.
Shame really.… Expand
7 of 12 users found this helpful75
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9
Djackson123086Aug 31, 2019
Despite the critics reviews, I really enjoyed the first season. I look forward to seeing the rest of the series.
7 of 12 users found this helpful75
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10
RespectThe623Sep 3, 2019
This show managed to mix everything I like together and do it surprisingly well which is no easy task. I don't want to spoil anything so I'll be vague. It's a mix of romance, crime drama, war, fantasy, and horror. The cast knocks it out ofThis show managed to mix everything I like together and do it surprisingly well which is no easy task. I don't want to spoil anything so I'll be vague. It's a mix of romance, crime drama, war, fantasy, and horror. The cast knocks it out of the park. I found myself really invested in what happens to these characters. The story is well written and the visual and practical effects were really good as well. Can't say more without spoiling it. Worth checking out. I loved it.… Expand
8 of 14 users found this helpful86
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9
AberixSep 2, 2019
Carnival row offers a fantastic world, keeps its interwoven narrative tight, and enough of a bad guy chase to keep you guessing until the last episode or so. Feels like a prequel to bright, with more old timey misery that's a delight to seeCarnival row offers a fantastic world, keeps its interwoven narrative tight, and enough of a bad guy chase to keep you guessing until the last episode or so. Feels like a prequel to bright, with more old timey misery that's a delight to see some characters push through.… Expand
7 of 13 users found this helpful76
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10
DerekSandersSep 3, 2019
A great show with excellent special effects. If you like steam punk and fantasy genres, then you'll likely enjoy this.
7 of 13 users found this helpful76
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9
norajaneSep 2, 2019
Loved this poetic, beautiful story, it has touched me deeply. I was engage and moved the whole time! Orlando is mesmerising, which came as a surprise to me. LOVE
7 of 14 users found this helpful77
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10
Veritas1872Sep 3, 2019
A nice fresh world to immerse yourself in. Love the way the show builds a world without an over abundance of exposition. Can’t wait for season 2
6 of 12 users found this helpful66
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9
jenaveshySep 16, 2019
For those that love fantasy, this show is very well done. I almost wish it was made from a book. The first 2 episodes were a bit slow and slightly confusing. The 3rd episode cements the plot. I’m impressed with the series and look forward toFor those that love fantasy, this show is very well done. I almost wish it was made from a book. The first 2 episodes were a bit slow and slightly confusing. The 3rd episode cements the plot. I’m impressed with the series and look forward to a second season.… Expand
4 of 8 users found this helpful44
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10
FuiniSep 10, 2019
Want to see a familiar setting ? Want to see a standard "low" or "high" fantasy ? Well, you are not welcome here.

Want to see something really interesting ? Something which mix standrad fantasy features in an unexpected way and forsee theWant to see a familiar setting ? Want to see a standard "low" or "high" fantasy ? Well, you are not welcome here.

Want to see something really interesting ? Something which mix standrad fantasy features in an unexpected way and forsee the implications about it in terms of politics an society ? You're very welcome.

I'm usually not a great fan of series, but this one definitevly mark a very high score. The first one I see which really is coherent. Confusing at first yes (and here all can see critics only watch pilots...), but unravelled as a jewel : 10/10 ! Cannot wait for the next season !… Expand
4 of 8 users found this helpful44
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7
DubeauSep 21, 2019
Carnival was uneven. It starts really slow and to get past the 4 first episodes is a test of patience. But after that, you get more values, smart dialogues and lore. Even the political/racist aspect is stronger. The acting is amazing. OrlandoCarnival was uneven. It starts really slow and to get past the 4 first episodes is a test of patience. But after that, you get more values, smart dialogues and lore. Even the political/racist aspect is stronger. The acting is amazing. Orlando is very subtle and transport the series. Delevingn is passionate in her role. The more surprising was the greats performances of Tamzin Merchant and David Gyasi. The FX are really good for TV. I especially enjoyed the atmosphere and the soundtracks. I give it a 75%. Not a strong start, but it gets better from middle to end. Hopefully we will get a season 2.… Expand
4 of 8 users found this helpful44
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10
ArchiimedisSep 3, 2019
I really liked the first season and I’m down for another few. Even if I think the three storylines are not equally good I want to see more of the one between Philo and Vignette. But I hope the producer will take there chances and just useI really liked the first season and I’m down for another few. Even if I think the three storylines are not equally good I want to see more of the one between Philo and Vignette. But I hope the producer will take there chances and just use more potential the world they create offers. I can think about many ways how the show could continue and want to the witch way it will go.… Expand
4 of 10 users found this helpful46
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