Apple TV+ is gearing up for the return of a series that quietly changed the streaming game. Trying, the streamer's longest-running sitcom, premieres its fifth season on Wednesday, July 8, 2026. While it may not have the flashy sci-fi of For All Mankind or the global phenomenon status of Ted Lasso, this British comedy holds a unique place in Apple TV's history—it's the show that proved the platform could thrive with smaller, character-driven stories from across the pond.
In fact, without Trying, we might not have gotten hits like Slow Horses or Bad Sisters. The series was Apple TV's first original production out of Europe, and its success opened the floodgates for more UK-scripted programming on the streamer. So when Season 5 drops, it's not just another comedy premiere—it's a homecoming for the show that helped define Apple TV's original strategy.
What Is 'Trying' About?
At its core, Trying follows Nikki Newman (Esther Smith) and Jason Ross (Rafe Spall), a young couple desperate to start a family. After struggling with infertility, they turn to adoption, navigating the chaotic, emotional, and often hilarious world of the UK adoption system. The series balances laugh-out-loud moments with genuine heart, offering a fresh take on modern relationships and parenthood.
The show's charm lies in its cast. Smith and Spall have an undeniable chemistry that makes Nikki and Jason feel like a real couple—flawed, loving, and constantly trying (pun intended) to get it right. Supporting players like Sian Brooke as Nikki's sister Karen and Darren Boyd as her husband Scott add layers of comic relief and warmth. The ensemble's timing is impeccable, turning even the most absurd situations into relatable comedy.
How 'Trying' Changed Apple TV's Game
When Trying debuted, Apple TV+ was still finding its footing. The streamer had launched with big-budget prestige dramas, but this modest British comedy proved that audiences craved intimate, funny stories too. Its first season scored an 86% on Rotten Tomatoes, and Season 2 jumped to a perfect 100%. That critical love, combined with strong viewership, sent a clear message: UK television could be a major draw for Apple's subscribers.
Rafe Spall told Collider in 2020, "It feels like a Golden Age of television, but there’s also a lot out there, so you need to be special to stand out. It’s nice to be the first show that Apple has done out of Europe." He added, "Comedy is universal and what’s funny is funny." That universality helped Trying become a trailblazer, paving the way for darker, edgier UK imports like Slow Horses, Bad Sisters, and the thriller Hijack.
Season 4 took a bold leap, jumping six years into the future—a move usually reserved for sci-fi epics. Yet Trying pulled it off without losing its comedic edge, showing that the series could evolve while staying true to its roots. As Season 5 arrives, fans can expect more of the heartfelt humor that made the show a sleeper hit.
For those who haven't caught up, Seasons 1 through 4 are streaming now on Apple TV+. Season 5 premieres July 8, 2026—and it's a perfect time to discover the series that helped shape the streamer's identity.
