Apple TV+ has become a haven for feel-good comedies, from Ted Lasso to Shrinking, but long before those shows premiered, Trying quietly carved out its own niche. What began as a heartfelt saga about a couple's adoption journey has evolved into a rich, multi-generational family dramedy. After a bold six-year leap before Season 4, the series found new life, exploring the complexities of parenting teenagers and the lingering shadows of adoption. Now that Season 5 has closed another chapter, the show stands at a crossroads—and the smartest move might be to jump forward once more.
A Time Jump That Paid Off
When Trying first premiered, it centered on Jason (Rafe Spall) and Nikki (Esther Smith) navigating the arduous path to adoption. Their journey culminated in Season 3 with the official adoption of Princess and Tyler, giving the show a natural endpoint. But the creators wisely recognized that adoption is just the beginning of a lifelong story. By leaping six years ahead, they reintroduced the kids as teenagers (played by Scarlett Rayner and Cooper Turner) and brought back Kat (Charlotte Riley), their biological mother, creating a dramatic tension that felt earned and fresh.
That time jump was a masterstroke. It allowed the family's bonds to deepen off-screen, making the reunion with Kat all the more impactful. The recast also gave the young actors room to shine, and the show shifted its focus from the adoption process to the messy, beautiful reality of being a family. Seasons 4 and 5 proved that Trying could thrive on change—something that bodes well for its future.
Why Season 6 Needs Another Leap
The Season 5 finale delivered a powerful moment for Princess, as she finally accepted that she may never get the closure she sought from Kat. That emotional resolution brings the family to a new equilibrium, similar to where they were at the end of Season 3. But just as before, the story doesn't have to stop there. Princess is on the cusp of adulthood, and a few years' jump could place her at the threshold of college—a transition that would resonate with any family, especially one built through adoption.
But Princess isn't the only one with untapped potential. Jason's decision to become a social worker has been a quiet thread through recent seasons. A time jump could show him fully established in that career, perhaps helping other families navigate the same struggles he and Nikki faced. That would bring the show full circle, offering a new perspective on the adoption system while keeping the warmth and humor that define Trying.
The cast has already expressed enthusiasm for another time jump, and the show's track record suggests it would be a winning move. Trying has proven it can reinvent itself without losing its heart, and with the family now on stable ground, the possibilities are endless. Whether it's exploring Princess's independence, Tyler's own journey, or Jason's professional growth, a Season 6 time jump could keep the series fresh for years to come.
For fans of Apple TV+ comedies, Trying remains a hidden gem, much like Gary Oldman's insights on Slow Horses or the brilliant chaos of Dark Matter Season 2. And with the streamer's growing slate of original programming, Trying has the chance to stand out even more by embracing change. The show has already shown that time jumps can be a creative boon, not a crutch. If Season 6 takes that leap, it could deliver the reinvention fans are hoping for.
