Desperately Seeking Something

Lore & Background

The series ran for three series. The first two series focused on practitioners located in the British Isles. The second series looked more at Christian and Pagan sects, including the Fellowship of Isis and the Golden Dawn. The third series saw McCarthy examining world traditional beliefs such as Australian Aboriginal beliefs and Hawaiian religion.

Reader's Guide

Desperately Seeking Something is significant as a television documentary series that explored a wide range of spiritual and religious practices during the 1990s. Presented by Pete McCarthy, the series offered a personal journey into both established traditions and emerging alternative faiths. Its three series progressively expanded from British-based practitioners to global indigenous beliefs, reflecting a growing public interest in spirituality outside mainstream religion. The series is noted for McCarthy's participatory approach and his stated role as an 'everyman' who had given up religion without replacing it. All episodes were written and presented by McCarthy, directed by Steve Connelly, and produced by Kudos Film and Television.

Did You Know?

• The series first broadcast on 6 November 1995.
• It was presented by travel writer and presenter Pete McCarthy.
• The second series examined Christian and Pagan sects including the Fellowship of Isis and the Golden Dawn.
• The third series covered Australian Aboriginal beliefs and Hawaiian religion.