Carnival Row — The Kind of Madness I Actually Like - Review

If you have ever wondered what Victorian London would look like if faeries and mythical creatures were real and constantly in trouble you need to step into the world of Carnival Row. It is a show that is equal parts murder mystery, political intrigue, and forbidden romance and it somehow manages to pull it all off with style.

The streets of the city are grimy, fog-laden, and beautifully detailed so much so that you can almost feel the damp chill on your face as the drama unfolds. At the centre of it all are Rycroft “Philo” Philostrate, a brooding detective with a troubled past, and Vignette Stonemoss, a faerie whose life has been torn apart by human cruelty. Together they navigate a world where prejudice, politics, and passion collide.

What makes Carnival Row truly addictive is its stunning visual storytelling. The costumes, the architecture, the subtle details of faerie wings and mystical creatures are all done with meticulous care. Yet, for all its beauty, the series does not shy away from dark themes. Xenophobia, class conflict, and societal tension pulse beneath the surface giving the fantasy world a hard-edged realism.

And yes, it is dramatic. Everyone broods. Everyone glances suspiciously. Plotlines twist and turn like a river with too much caffeine. But somehow, that is part of the charm. You find yourself hooked on every look, every whispered secret, every forbidden romance, and you cannot look away.

In short, Carnival Row is deliciously dark, visually breathtaking, and emotionally gripping. It is the kind of show that makes you want to pour a strong drink, dim the lights, and get lost in a world that is as beautiful as it is brutal.

If you have not started it yet, what are you waiting for? Step into the fog, watch the wings flutter, and let yourself get lost in it.