It's a rare gift when a TV show can make you laugh until your sides hurt and then, in the very next scene, leave you wiping away happy tears. Apple TV+'s Trying has mastered that delicate balance across four seasons, and with Season 5 arriving in just one week, there's never been a better moment to dive into one of streaming's most underrated gems.
Created by Andy Wolton, Trying follows Nikki (Esther Smith) and Jason (Rafe Spall), a London couple desperate to become parents. After struggling with fertility, they turn to adoption—only to discover a whole new world of challenges, from invasive home visits to unexpected emotional hurdles. The show's genius lies in how it treats these struggles: with honesty, warmth, and a steady stream of genuine laughs.
Why 'Trying' Stands Out Among Apple TV+ Originals
While Apple TV+ has built a reputation for prestige dramas and sci-fi hits like Silo, Trying quietly proves the streamer's comedy chops. The show boasts a stellar 96% Rotten Tomatoes score across all four seasons, a testament to its sharp writing and authentic performances. Smith and Spall, who are a couple in real life, bring an undeniable chemistry that makes every argument, every quiet moment, and every burst of laughter feel completely real.
The supporting cast is equally impressive. Dame Imelda Staunton shines as the couple's adoption officer, while Nikki's sister Karen (Sian Brooke) and her eccentric boyfriend Scott (Darren Boyd) steal scenes with their biting wit and unexpected depth. Scott, in particular, is one of TV's most delightfully odd characters—pompous, clueless, and somehow endearing all at once.
What to Expect in Season 5
Season 5, which wrapped filming in November, promises to shake things up in a major way. The children's biological mother unexpectedly arrives, threatening to disrupt the stable family life Nikki and Jason have worked so hard to build. This new complication adds a layer of emotional tension that could redefine the series' trajectory.
New episodes will roll out weekly beginning July 8, making this the perfect window to catch up. Whether you're a fan of heartfelt comedies like Trying or just looking for your next binge-worthy obsession, this show delivers on every level. It's warm without being saccharine, funny without minimizing the stakes, and honest about how hard—and how worth it—the path to parenthood can be.
So grab some tissues and get ready to laugh. Trying is streaming now on Apple TV+.
