Our culture has always been drawn to the spectacle of the circus, carnival and theme park. But since the beginning, these entertainment venues have had a dark side. There are have always been dark rides, oddities and peep shows that appeal to the weirder interests of human nature.

In this episode, we're exploring the magic, mystery and macabre elements that make up the Dark Carnival in film and television.

In this episode, I discuss:

• Freaks
• Pinocchio
• Something Wicked This Way Comes
• Waxwork
• Carnivale
• AHS: Freakshow
• The Devil’s Carnival
• Escape From Tomorrow

Episode artwork by Sunny Balliette. Follow her work on Instagram at @arrows.in.eros.