Nana Wu
The landscape of modern television is often dominated by high-octane thrillers, dystopian nightmares, and sprawling fantasy epics. Yet, tucked away amidst the prestige dramas of Apple TV+, a quiet, profoundly human story has managed to capture the hearts of audiences globally. Trying, the British feel-good comedy that premiered in 2020 with minimal fanfare, has officially returned for its highly anticipated fifth season. As Nikki and Jason navigate the next chapter of their lives, the series continues to solidify its reputation as one of the most authentic explorations of modern parenthood, resilience, and the meaning of family.
The Main Facts: A New Chapter for the Newman Family
The fifth season of Trying officially premiered on Apple TV today, marking the return of the beloved series created by Andy Wolton. Fans who have followed the journey of Nikki Newman (played by Esther Smith) and Jason Ross (played by Rafe Spall) since their early, frantic attempts at adoption will find themselves in a new, albeit familiar, state of emotional flux.
The core premise of season five centers on the sudden, destabilizing arrival of Kat (Charlotte Riley), the biological mother of the couple’s adopted children, Princess and Tyler. The introduction of Kat acts as a catalyst for narrative tension, forcing Nikki and Jason to confront the fragile balance they have worked so hard to cultivate. As they settle into the realities of their lives as parents, this intrusion threatens to disrupt the stability they have fought to build.
New episodes are set to roll out on a weekly basis every Wednesday, culminating in the season finale on August 26. For those who have been waiting since the conclusion of season four in July 2024, the return of the series represents a significant milestone in the show’s legacy.
A Chronology: From Humble Beginnings to Streaming Staple
To understand the trajectory of Trying, one must look back at its origins. When the show first premiered in 2020, it was not immediately heralded as a "must-watch." It was a smaller, more intimate production that relied heavily on the chemistry between its leads and a sharp, observational script.
- 2020: Trying premieres on Apple TV+. The show introduces us to a couple living in London, struggling with the complexities of the adoption process. It is praised for its ability to balance genuine humor with the often painful reality of infertility.
- 2021–2023: The series builds a dedicated fanbase. Through consistent writing and emotional character growth, it becomes a hallmark of Apple TV+’s "feel-good" programming.
- July 2024: The fourth season concludes, leaving fans on a cliffhanger regarding the future of the family unit.
- May 2025: After a period of speculation, Apple officially confirms the renewal for a fifth season, signaling continued faith in the project.
- Present Day: Season five arrives, bringing with it a more mature tone as the children grow older and the challenges of parenting evolve from the legal hurdles of adoption to the complex interpersonal dynamics of birth families.
Supporting Data: The Cast and Production Pedigree
The success of Trying is fundamentally anchored in its ensemble cast. The production has managed to attract high-caliber British talent, creating a rich tapestry of characters that feel lived-in and real.
Esther Smith and Rafe Spall lead the charge, with their performances serving as the emotional anchor of the series. Smith’s portrayal of Nikki is marked by an unwavering, sometimes frantic, optimism, while Spall’s Jason provides a grounded, dry-witted counterpoint.
The supporting cast for season five is particularly impressive, featuring a blend of returning favorites and new faces:
- Darren Boyd (Down Cemetery Road)
- Siân Brooke (Blue Lights)
- Celia Imrie (The Thursday Murder Club)
- Phil Davis (Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince)
- Gbemisola Ikumelo (Black Ops)
- Colin Morgan (Belfast)
This depth of casting allows the writers to expand the world beyond just the living room of the protagonists, exploring how the community and extended family react to the changing tides of the Newman household. The production quality, while modest compared to the platform’s blockbuster sci-fi hits like Silo or Severance, is meticulously crafted to maintain a cozy, "British comedy" aesthetic that resonates with international viewers.
Official Responses and Creative Direction
In promotional materials provided by Apple TV, the creative team has emphasized that season five is not just about the chaos of Kat’s arrival, but about the maturity of the characters.
"Season five finds Nikki and Jason dealing with the consequences of Princess and Tyler’s biological mother, Kat, turning up at their doorstep," the official statement reads. The showrunners have indicated that this season is an examination of "the whirlwind of chaos" that comes with open adoption and the blurred lines between biological and adoptive families.
The writers have historically shied away from melodrama, preferring to find comedy in the mundane stresses of life. By introducing a character as disruptive as Kat, the show moves into slightly more dramatic territory, yet the tone remains consistent with the previous four seasons. The goal, according to the show’s producers, is to ensure that while the stakes have been raised, the heart of the show—the bond between Nikki and Jason—remains the primary focus.
Implications: The Role of ‘Trying’ in the Streaming War
The continued success of Trying offers an interesting insight into the current state of streaming services. While services like Netflix and Disney+ often chase the "next big thing" in terms of IP and spectacle, Apple TV+ has carved out a niche by championing character-driven, mid-budget storytelling.
- Longevity through Consistency: By keeping Trying on the air for five seasons, Apple is signaling that it values retention and brand loyalty. Fans who stay for a show like Trying are likely to explore the rest of the library, including acclaimed titles like The Morning Show, Shrinking, and The Studio.
- The "Feel-Good" Market: There is a measurable demand for programming that provides comfort without sacrificing intellectual engagement. Trying occupies a space where viewers can escape into a world that, despite its challenges, is ultimately kind and hopeful.
- Global Appeal: Despite being a quintessentially British production, the themes of Trying—parenthood, the search for belonging, and the difficulties of modern relationships—are universal. This has allowed the show to transcend its local roots and perform well in diverse global markets.
Conclusion: A Must-Watch for the Season
As the new season unfolds, Trying proves that it has not lost the magic that made it a fan favorite in the first place. It remains a testament to the idea that you don’t need explosions or high-concept sci-fi tropes to keep an audience engaged for five years; sometimes, all you need is a well-written story about two people trying their best.
For those who have not yet caught up, or for the long-time devotees ready for the latest installment, Trying is a reminder of the power of consistent, character-driven television. Whether you are a fan of British humor or simply looking for a show that leaves you feeling a little lighter than when you started, Trying is arguably the best investment of time on Apple TV+ this summer.
As we head toward the finale on August 26, the question remains: Can Nikki and Jason survive the chaos of Kat’s return? Given the history of the series, the answer is almost certainly yes—but the journey to that resolution promises to be as messy, hilarious, and heartwarming as ever.
Apple TV is currently available for $12.99 per month, or as part of the comprehensive Apple One subscription bundle, which offers a variety of services including music, cloud storage, and gaming alongside the Apple TV+ library. Viewers looking to dive into the latest season can find it streaming now, with new chapters dropping every Wednesday.
Neng Nana
Siti Muinah
