Apple TV's hidden gem Trying is back for Season 5 after a two-year hiatus, and it wastes no time diving into the cliffhanger that left fans hanging. Nikki (Esther Smith) and Jason (Rafe Spall) have finally found some stability, but their picture-perfect life is about to get a lot messier. The arrival of Princess (Scarlett Rayner) and Tyler (Cooper Turner)'s biological mother, Kat (Charlotte Riley), throws their household into chaos, while a charming new coworker (Colin Morgan) threatens to shake up Nikki and Jason's marriage. This season, the show asks some uncomfortable questions about love, family, and whether happiness ever truly settles in.
What Happens in Season 5?
Picking up right where Season 4 ended, Kat shows up at Nikki and Jason's front door, forcing the couple to navigate an "additional" parent in their daily lives. Nikki spirals with anxiety, while Princess feels betrayed that her adoptive mother kept the truth from her. Tyler is more uncertain, leaving the couple to support their kids while figuring out where Kat fits. Meanwhile, Jason heads back to school to become a social worker, inspired by Penny (Imelda Staunton), and Nikki starts a new job in travel. Their first days are awkward, sweet, and deeply funny—classic Trying territory. The season also follows Nikki's sister Karen (Siân Brooke) juggling motherhood and Scott (Darren Boyd) rowing across the Atlantic.
This season isn't about learning to be good parents anymore; it's about holding onto yourself while raising teenagers. Nikki feels like an outsider, especially as Kat offers Princess things she can't. The show handles these fears with tenderness, never turning them into melodrama. Instead, Trying becomes a story about embracing change without assuming it means everything is falling apart.
Why the Writing Still Shines
Trying has always excelled at finding humor in everyday awkwardness, and Season 5 is no exception. Jokes feel natural, whether it's Nikki and Jason's disastrous first days, a trip to Italy, or Nikki's dad struggling with modern kitchen cabinets. The show laughs with its characters, not at them, trusting the audience to appreciate both small and big moments. Even a text message or a bad assumption becomes funny and tender. Nikki's crush on Kerry (Colin Morgan) isn't a cheap twist; it's a mature exploration of marriage and temptation, handled with remarkable writing by creator Andy Wolton. This season reminds us that people don't stop growing after their happy ending—they just face new challenges.
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The Cast Delivers Again
Smith and Spall remain the heart of the show, but Season 5 gives them a new challenge: playing characters who are more settled yet less sure of themselves. Smith lets Nikki's anxiety feel painfully human, while Spall makes Jason's kindness effortless. The supporting cast, including Imelda Staunton and Siân Brooke, adds depth. The chemistry between the leads keeps the season grounded, even when the plot gets messy.
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Final Verdict
Trying Season 5 is a triumphant return, proving why it remains Apple TV's best comedy. It's funnier, more mature, and unafraid to tackle real-life complexities. For fans of heartfelt, laugh-out-loud storytelling, this season is a must-watch.
