“Carnival Row” Season 1, created by René Echevarria and Travis Beacham, is a fantasy drama series set in a neo-Victorian world where mythical creatures coexist with humans. The story is centered around the city of The Burgue, where tensions between humans and immigrant mythical creatures, who fled their war-torn homelands, are at an all-time high.

The series follows two main characters: Rycroft “Philo” Philostrate, a human detective, and Vignette Stonemoss, a faerie refugee. Philo, portrayed by Orlando Bloom, is investigating a series of gruesome murders targeting the mythical creatures of the Row. His investigation leads him to uncover a conspiracy that threatens the delicate balance between the races in the city.

Cara Delevingne plays Vignette, who arrives in The Burgue after escaping her war-ravaged homeland. She struggles to find her place in a society that discriminates against her kind. Vignette’s arrival reignites her past romance with Philo, revealing that their love story is complicated by secrets and societal pressures.

As Philo delves deeper into the murders, he discovers shocking truths about his own identity and past. He learns that he is part fae, a secret that could jeopardize his position and life. Meanwhile, political intrigue and social unrest escalate, with various factions vying for power and control over the Row.

The season also explores the lives of other characters, such as Imogen Spurnrose, a wealthy socialite who enters into a forbidden relationship with Agreus Astrayon, a wealthy faun, and Ezra Spurnrose, Imogen’s controlling brother, whose actions add to the tensions within the city.

“Carnival Row” Season 1 blends mystery, romance, and political drama, creating a rich and immersive world. The series addresses themes of immigration, prejudice, and identity, drawing parallels to real-world issues. The season ends with major revelations and conflicts that set the stage for future confrontations, leaving viewers eager for more.