Apple TV+ has quietly built a reputation for smart, heartfelt comedies, and none shines brighter than Trying. With Season 5 set to premiere on July 8, now is the perfect time to binge the first four seasons of this critically adored sitcom. Created by Andy Wolton, the show follows Nikki (Esther Smith) and Jason (Rafe Spall), a London couple navigating the emotional rollercoaster of adoption. It's a rare series that makes you laugh out loud one moment and tear up the next—and it's been doing so with near-perfect consistency since its debut.
What Makes 'Trying' So Special?
At its core, Trying is about the messy, beautiful, and often hilarious journey to build a family. Nikki and Jason desperately want children, but after struggling with fertility, they turn to adoption. The process, however, comes with its own set of challenges: invasive home visits, competitive prospective parents, and plenty of self-doubt. The show handles these moments with authenticity and warmth, never resorting to over-the-top drama. Instead, it finds humor in the couple's insecurities—like worrying that other applicants have fancier jobs or bigger houses—while reminding us that love and determination matter most.
Perfect Leads, Perfect Chemistry
Smith and Spall are the heart of the series, and their real-life relationship translates into undeniable on-screen chemistry. They bicker, laugh, and support each other in ways that feel genuine, not scripted. The supporting cast is equally stellar, including the iconic Dame Imelda Staunton as their adoption officer, Sian Brooke as Nikki's sarcastic sister Karen, and Darren Boyd as the wonderfully eccentric Scott. Scott, in particular, delivers some of the show's funniest moments while undergoing one of the strongest character arcs on television.
The ensemble doesn't just provide comic relief—they actively support Nikki and Jason through every hurdle. Whether building furniture or showing up at a courthouse, this found family embodies the community that makes Trying such an easy, rewarding binge. It's no wonder the series boasts a 96% Rotten Tomatoes score and has become one of Apple TV's most beloved originals.
Why You Should Binge Now
Season 5 promises to shake up Nikki and Jason's now-settled family life, introducing new chaos that will test everything they've built. With only two months until the premiere, there's plenty of time to catch up on all four seasons. If you're looking for a show that balances laugh-out-loud comedy with genuine emotional depth, Trying is it. It's warm without being saccharine, honest without being bleak, and above all, it's a celebration of the imperfect, beautiful journey of becoming a parent.
For more Apple TV+ gems, check out our coverage of 'Widow's Bay' and 'Black Bird'. And if you're in the mood for more family-centric drama, 'Margo's Got Money Troubles' is another standout.
