Knights of Mayhem

Knights of Mayhem is an intriguing reality TV show that was originally aired in 2011 on National Geographic. The series is set against the gripping backdrop of the legendary medieval knights, but presents it with a contemporary twist.

The focus of the series is a group of men who have dedicated their lives to revive the centuries-old sport of full-contact heavy armour jousting. The series follows Charlie Andrews, the leader of the pack, who is considered as one of the top-ranking jousters in the world. Men’s Journal even named him “the most dangerous man in the world in a plywood box”. The show revolves around Andrews and his team as they strive to make this adrenaline-fueled combat become widely recognized as a legitimate sport.

Unlike the choreographed acts of jousting that people are used to seeing at Renaissance Faires, these men, known as 'The Knights of Mayhem', engage in the real sport that was practiced by the knights of old. The sport, which was initially meant to train knights for battle, involves two competitors riding horses against each other at high speeds, while wearing 130 pounds of armor and using 11-foot-long lances.

The series predominately features Charlie’s efforts to uphold the authenticity of jousting’s brutal past. He assembles a team of horseback riders –cowboys, ex-military men, and construction workers—all sharing a common thirst for danger and a distinct sense of honor, in an attempt to breathe life back into the sport. Charlie trains these men to become capable, full-on knights who can hold their own in the jousting list—a roped-off course where two knights charge at each other.

The viewers get an intimate insight into the lives of these modern-day knights. The practice sessions are intense, filled with blood, sweat, tears, and occasional fractures. The armor they wear and the weapons they wield are no props. They are as real as they were hundreds of years ago. The show documents the trials and tribulations the team goes through, from training their bodies to handle high-velocity impacts to bonding with the horses to ensure seamless collaboration during the competition.

The series also exposes the audience to the backstage world of armor crafting. It lays bare the time, effort, and craftsmanship that goes into creating each suit meticulously by hand. Each set of armor is custom made, tailored to fit each "Knight" perfectly to offer maximum protection. The making of these armors, often requiring intense hours of labour and skills, is an art form in itself.

Knights of Mayhem also delves deeper into the personal lives of these men, exploring what drives them to take up such a perilous sport. It illustrates the dichotomy in their lives - thriving in a modern society while upholding an ancient tradition. The series explores the camaraderie among the team members, their shared passion driving them to not only pursue personal glory but also to elevate the recognition and acceptance of their chosen pursuit.

The show is not just a reality sports series; it's history, it's drama, it's action, and it's personal. It combines the elements of a sporting event with the harsh realities of life. Jousting serves as the backdrop to this uniquely emotional, sometimes raw, glimpse into the highs and lows of people who decide to live their dream fully, come what may.

Beyond the sporting action and intense personal dynamics, the series also poses a fascinating question about how societies view “legacy” sports and their significance in the modern world. Knights of Mayhem is a captivating experience for viewers who love history, are intrigued by the seemingly lost art of knightly combat, or simply enjoy watching underdogs challenging the status quo.

Overall, Knights of Mayhem showcases a perfect blend of old age chivalry and modern-day reality sports drama. It is an extraordinary journey that simultaneously offers a ringside view to hard-hitting action in the jousting list and a deep-dive into the lives and motivations of these daring men. Despite hailing from various walks of life, they come together with the shared dream of making full-contact jousting a recognized competitive sport, all while dealing with the challenges of their personal lives and the inherent risks of their chosen path.