Typically, when we think of someone having a “midlife crisis,” we envision them in their 50s, splurging on a flashy sports car or making a last-minute decision to backpack across Europe. We don’t usually associate it with the tender age of 30. But the reality is that it might occur at any time. This phenomenon, sometimes called a “quarter-life crisis,” happens more often than we might think. With the pressure to figure your life out by 30, whether it’s career success, a happy marriage, homeownership, or starting a family, it’s no surprise that so many of us buckle under these expectations. When reality does not match our idealized vision of how our lives should be, it can lead to an identity, purpose, and direction crisis.
What Causes A Quarter-life Crisis?
The irony is that success, rather than failure, is often the cause of this crisis. You’ve followed society’s prescribed path to success and accomplished everything on the list, but you still feel unfulfilled. This subtle, sneaky crisis can upend your sense of self and purpose. For me, the Big Three-Oh had come and gone, leaving me with the gift that kept giving – a midlife crisis in the prime of my youth. I had been speeding down the highway of life, only to run out of gas smack in the middle of an existential wasteland.
Somewhere in the shuffle of settling into the role of ‘proper adult,’ between adjusting to life in a foreign country, managing a relationship, paying my bills, being a first-time homeowner, and unwittingly becoming a member of the coffee brigade, my career and I had become incompatible roommates. My once-promising job had dulled into a soul-crushing remote factory, leaving me feeling more spent than my paycheck.
The mirror no longer reflected the ambitious firecracker ready to take on the world but a burnt-out ember questioning the meaning of it all. Not that existential crises are known for their exquisite timing, but mine had the nerve to set up shop amid a global pandemic. My online work became my entire world. With no sense of purpose and a never-ending feeling of exhaustion, I wondered, “Is this it?, Am I missing something?” In this moment of life-questioning introspection, a sanctuary revealed itself in the most unexpected form: medieval television shows.
Why Medieval Shows Are the Best Escapism
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “You escaped an existential crisis by watching bearded men in tunics and dragons setting things on fire?” The answer, in all its absurd glory, is a resounding ‘yes.’ These medieval dramas, brimming with sword fights, castle sieges, and royal intrigue, were far removed from my reality, precisely what I needed. Each episode was a portal that whisked me away from the drudgery of my daily life, dropping me into a world of knights, Vikings, and time-traveling nurses.
Here, among characters fighting their demons (sometimes literally), I found a sense of camaraderie: their fictional battles and political ploys were distractions from my real-world worries. Watching people grapple with destiny, power, and, yes, their own existential crises in such dramatic, high-stakes circumstances made my anxieties feel less overwhelming. These shows didn’t solve my troubles, but they did give a welcome distraction.
Each episode reminded me of life’s bigger picture, of adventure, risk, love, and the human ability to rise from ashes (sometimes with the help of witches). In the face of existential dread, I found solace in medieval escapism. Because sometimes, to make sense of your world, you need to lose yourself in another. So, I’ll share my top eight medieval shows that helped me cope with my existential crisis. Perhaps they’ll provide you refuge as well, or at the very least entertain you as you navigate your own sea of life questions.
My Top 8 Therapeutic Medieval Shows
1. Game of Thrones
Game of Thrones is the mother of all medieval-esque shows. I found solace in their relentless quest for power and purpose. Game of Thrones didn’t resolve my crisis, but it gave me a fresh perspective and a much-needed break. It reminded me that life, like the show, is full of unexpected twists, and sometimes, we must face our dragons to reclaim our narrative. Plus, I named my existential crisis “Joffrey.” Why? Because it’s equally annoying, and nobody likes it.
2. Vikings
If there’s anything more therapeutic than reflecting on existential dread, it’s watching fierce Norsemen engage in epic battles, political intrigue, and oodles of drama. I tried to watch Vikings many times when it first aired, but the show was an unlikely ally during a rather tiring January. Watching Ragnar’s tenacity and resilience was like a balm to my weary soul.
3. The Last Kingdom
Late-night virtual classes morphed into nightlong binges, and remote work politics seemed a breeze compared to Uhtred’s complex loyalties. While my life lacked sword fights and the struggle for kingdoms, Uhtred’s struggle mirrored my own quest for purpose. The Last Kingdom taught me that life is a battle to fight, a kingdom to claim, and the courage to pursue our purpose makes the journey worthwhile.
4. Knightfall
Nothing screams escapism like the mysterious world of the Knights Templar. While watching Knightfall, I often became engrossed in the convoluted conspiracy theories and high-stakes battles. Who has time for existential crises when trying to unravel ancient secrets? Knightfall reminded me that life, like Landry’s quest, is a mosaic of trials and triumphs. It’s okay to feel lost and question your path.
5. Pillars of the Earth
Set in 12th-century England, Pillars of the Earth revolves around constructing a cathedral in the fictional town of Kingsbridge. The series is a saga of resilience, ambition, and the enduring pursuit of one’s vision. As I immersed myself in the story of cathedral construction (far more riveting than it sounds, I promise), I realized that my existential crisis could use a bit more architectural thinking. Maybe all my introspection needed was a better foundation.
6. Outlander
Outlander is an engaging story about a nurse named Claire Randall from World War II who inexplicably finds herself in 18th-century Scotland. As she adjusts to life in a very different century, Claire faces danger, intrigue, and romance—especially with the gorgeous Scottish warrior, Jamie Fraser. And, of course, I swapped my mundane job routine for a dose of Claire and Jamie’s tempestuous affair.
7. The Witcher
Between hunting monsters and dealing with personal demons, Geralt of Rivia had me so engrossed my quarter-life crisis seemed about as significant as a drowner (i.e., not very). Geralt tries to find his place amid this mayhem as his fate becomes entangled with that of the formidable witch Yennefer and the enigmatic princess Ciri. Also, Henry Cavill wielding a sword is a sight that can soothe any existential beast.
8. Black Sails
This pirate-themed gritty show centers on the infamous Captain Flint as he navigates the treacherous waters of the Caribbean, battling governments, rival pirates, and even his crew in a relentless pursuit of power and treasure. Black Sails offers a glimpse into the ruthless world of piracy, revealing the human side of these notorious seafarers. And while pirates might be questionable role models, their devil-may-care attitude is definitely a mood when confronting life’s big questions.
