When Ted Lasso premiered on Apple TV+ in August 2020, it instantly became the platform's signature comedy—a heartwarming tale of an American coach in England. But while fans eagerly await its fourth season, another series has been quietly building an even more impressive legacy. Trying, a five-season comedy about a couple navigating adoption, has outperformed Ted Lasso in consistency and critical acclaim, and it's time you gave it a look.
Premiering just months before Ted Lasso, Trying follows Nikki Newman (Esther Smith) and Jason Ross (Rafe Spall), a young London couple who discover they can't have biological children. What unfolds is a tender, funny journey through the adoption system, their evolving relationship, and the chaos of parenthood. Over five seasons, the show has maintained a remarkable 97% average on Rotten Tomatoes, with seasons 1, 4, and 5 scoring perfect 100% ratings.
Why 'Trying' Outshines the Competition
Unlike many long-running comedies that lose their spark, Trying has avoided creative dips and tonal shifts. Its latest season, released on July 8, 2026, proves the series still delivers the same warmth and emotional clarity that made it a hit. A recent review called it “one of television’s most compassionate comedies – and one of its most overlooked.” Even a bold six-year time jump between seasons 3 and 4 only deepened the story without sacrificing humor.
The secret? The show never chases bigger stakes. Instead, it focuses on the authentic bond between Nikki and Jason. Smith and Spall have an undeniable chemistry—Nikki is warm and quirky, Jason is pragmatic and neurotic—and their performances make every parenting pitfall feel real and relatable. As critic Tania Hussain noted, “This deeply authentic connection enhances Nikki and Jason's believability as a couple and offers genuine balance to the show.”
A Perfect Replacement for 'Ted Lasso' Fans
If you're counting down to Ted Lasso's Season 4 premiere on August 5, 2026, Trying is the ideal binge to fill the gap. Both shows share a core philosophy: character growth over reinvention. Where Ted Lasso uses football as a backdrop for optimism, Trying uses adoption to explore love, resilience, and the messy beauty of family. It's no wonder the series has quietly become Apple TV+'s most consistent comedy.
For those who've already devoured Ted Lasso and want more heartfelt laughs, Trying is a must-watch. And if you're exploring other Apple TV+ gems, don't miss Guy Ritchie's Fountain of Youth, which has also become a streaming sensation. But for pure, unpretentious comedy that only gets better with time, Trying is the real MVP.
With five seasons of consistent quality and a central couple you'll root for from episode one, Trying proves that sometimes the best shows are the ones you least expect. So before Ted Lasso returns, give Trying a chance—you might just find your new favorite comedy.
