HBO | Release Date: September 14, 2003
CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
63
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 39 Critic Reviews
Positive:
21
Mixed:
16
Negative:
2
Watch Now
Buy on
Stream On
100
San Jose Mercury News/Contra Costa TimesCharlie McCollumAug 2, 2013
Season 1 Review: 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]
90
Philadelphia InquirerJonathan StormAug 2, 2013
Season 1 Review: It's difficult to take your eyes off the screen, not just because it depicts events that are at once moving and puzzling, but also because the pictures themselves are visually commanding. [13 Sep 2003]
88
Season 1 Review: I'm still not sure what's going on. It may be more or less than meets the eye, but I'm sure I want to see more. [14 Sep 2003]
80
NewsdayNoel HolstonAug 2, 2013
Season 1 Review: Even if we are being taken for a ride, there's so much to savor on this trip. [12 Sep 2003]
80
NewsweekDevin GordonAug 2, 2013
Season 1 Review: Riveting. [22 Sep 2003]
80
Orlando SentinelHal BoedekerAug 2, 2013
Season 1 Review: The overriding strangeness gives way to surprising moments of tenderness. [13 Sep 2003]
80
Baltimore SunDavid ZurawikAug 2, 2013
Season 1 Review: After screening three episodes, I am as hooked on this moody, hypnotic saga as I've been on any drama since The Sopranos. I'm not saying this is going to be the next Sopranos. It's too idiosyncratic and strange for that. [13 Sep 2003]
75
New York PostLinda StasiAug 2, 2013
Season 2 Review: Everything's been kicked up a notch, and now we know for sure that something big will finally happen. [8 Jan 2005]
75
Detroit Free PressMike DuffyAug 2, 2013
Season 1 Review: For those willing to take the plunge, a chilling, hypnotic tale awaits. [12 Sep 2003]
75
New York PostLinda StasiAug 2, 2013
Season 1 Review: I've seen three episodes, can't wait to see the fourth even though I am still as confused as hell (or maybe that's heaven) by everything but the incredible production values and acting. [11 Sep 2003]
75
USA TodayRobert BiancoAug 2, 2013
Season 1 Review: The aggressively, self-consciously weird Carnivale is a sideshow step away from most any TV series you've ever seen. You may find its oddity appealing, or you may find it off-putting, but its distinctiveness is unmistakable. Next to Carnivale, Twin Peaks looks like JAG. [12 Sep 2003]
70
Season 2 Review: Whatever problems you may have had with "Carnivale" last season, give it a pass for, let's say, five episodes. That's more than enough time to figure out if the magic has returned. [7 Jan 2005]
70
The Hollywood ReporterAug 2, 2013
Season 1 Review: Although it can be a tad confusing in the early going, mainly because of some puzzling and violent images from who knows where, those who sit tight are well-rewarded by a stimulating and imaginative work of TV literature. [12 Sep 2003]
70
Chicago TribuneAug 2, 2013
Season 1 Review: Even if the big story strikes you as too arty for its own good, a student film on a professional budget, it's worth watching for the tone-perfect production design. [12 Sep 2003]
70
Arizona RepublicBill GoodykoontzAug 2, 2013
Season 1 Review: It's beautiful to look at, mind-bending to even try to comprehend, absorbing, compelling, complicated, creepy -- and I have absolutely no clue where it's headed. [13 Sep 2003]
70
Dallas Morning NewsEd BarkAug 2, 2013
Season 1 Review: There's a thrill of discovery here that's missing from the mostly formulaic new series marching into view this fall on broadcast networks. [14 Sep 2003]
63
San Jose Mercury News/Contra Costa TimesCharlie McCollumAug 2, 2013
Season 2 Review: Until "Carnivale" fulfills more of its promise, my enthusiasm is restrained. [3 Jan 2005]
63
Boston HeraldAmy AmatangeloAug 2, 2013
Season 1 Review: A mind-boggling drama doesn't always make for compelling television. [12 Sep 2003]
63
New York Daily NewsDavid BianculliAug 2, 2013
Season 1 Review: "Carnivale" is so deliberate in its pacing - some would say plodding - it makes "The Wire" look like a breakneck action movie. [12 Sep 2003]