# Trying (TV series)

Trying is a British comedy television series created by Andy Wolton. The first season premiered on 1 May 2020 on Apple TV+. The second season premiered on 21 May 2021, and the third season premiered on 22 July 2022. The fourth season, which continues the series after a six year time-jump, premiered on 22 May 2024.

## Premise

The series follows Nikki and Jason, a couple who really want to become parents but who struggle with conceiving a child. In order to have a baby they decide to adopt, only to face a whole list of new challenges and surprises that come with the adoption process. Additionally, Season 4 begins with a six year time-jump and focuses on Nikki and Jason as they deal with life as parents and all the trials and tribulations that come with it.

## Cast
### Main

* Esther Smith as Nikki Newman
* Rafe Spall as Jason Ross
* Sian Brooke as Karen
* Darren Boyd as Scott
* Ophelia Lovibond as Erica (season 1-2)
* Oliver Chris as Freddy
* Imelda Staunton as Penny (season 1-2)
* Phil Davis as Vic Ross
* Paula Wilcox as Sandra Ross (season 1-3)
* Marian McLoughlin as Jilly Newman
* Roderick Smith as John Newman
* Robyn Cara as Jennifer/Jen (season 1-3)
* Cush Jumbo as Jane (season 1)
* Fola Evans-Akingbola as Harper (season 2)
* Navin Chowdhry as Deven (season 2)
* Scarlett Rayner as Princess (season 4-)
* Cooper Turner as Tyler (season 4-)
* Clare Higgins as Bev Reid (season 3-4)

### Recurring

* Susannah Wise as Denise
* Bruce MacKinnon as Ben
* Justine Mitchell as Lizzie
* Diana Pozharskaya as Sofia (season 1)
* Eden Togwell as Princess (season 2-3)
* Mickey McAnulty as Tyler (season 2-3)
* Ciara Baxendale as Amy (season 2-3)
* Karl Collins as Noah (season 3-4)
* Matilda Flower as Stevie (season 4)

## Episodes

| Series | Episodes | Episodes | Originally released | Originally released |
| Series | Episodes | Episodes | First released | Last released |
| 1 | 8 | 8 | 1 May 2020 (2020-05-01) | 1 May 2020 (2020-05-01) |
| 2 | 8 | 8 | 21 May 2021 (2021-05-21) | 2 July 2021 (2021-07-02) |
| 3 | 8 | 8 | 22 July 2022 (2022-07-22) | 2 September 2022 (2022-09-02) |
| 4 | 8 | 8 | 22 May 2024 (2024-05-22) | 3 July 2024 (2024-07-03) |

### Season 1 (2020)

| No. overall | No. in series | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date |
| 1 | 1 | "Nikki and Jason" | Jim O'Hanlon | Andy Wolton | 1 May 2020 (2020-05-01) |
| Unable to conceive naturally and with IVF unlikely to succeed, Camden-dwelling thirty-somethings Nikki Newman (a call-centre operative) and Jason Ross (an English-language teacher) decide to pursue adoption as the solution to filling the child-shaped void in their lives. ||||||
| 2 | 2 | "The Ex-Girlfriend" | Jim O'Hanlon | Andy Wolton | 1 May 2020 (2020-05-01) |
| Aware that the adoption agency will conduct background checks, Nikki and Jason set about presenting themselves in the best possible light. Whilst Nikki meets sister Karen and her insufferable boyfriend Scott, Jason meets with ex-girlfriend Jane in order to secure a good character reference should she be approached. Absentmindedly, Nikki and Jason send the adoption agency a list of all their character flaws. ||||||
| 3 | 3 | "Tickets for a Queue" | Jim O'Hanlon | Andy Wolton | 1 May 2020 (2020-05-01) |
| At an adoption support group picnic, Nikki develops an inferiority complex, alarmed by the fact there are many other couples also vying to adopt children, some more educated and financially better off than they are. Jason makes her realise that the people they need to impress are not their peers or even the social workers, but the kids they hope to adopt. ||||||
| 4 | 4 | "Rainbow Castle People" | Jim O'Hanlon | Andy Wolton | 1 May 2020 (2020-05-01) |
| Hung over after a night out to celebrate best friend Freddy's birthday, Nikki and Jason forget about a home visit by Penny from the adoption agency. With limited time and in an effort to make a good impression the couple pull out all the stops, tidying the house and refurnishing it by borrowing from Nikki's parents. Penny however is canny enough to see through most of the subterfuge. ||||||
| 5 | 5 | "Someone Else's Kids" | Jim O'Hanlon | Andy Wolton | 1 May 2020 (2020-05-01) |
| Nikki and Jason volunteer to babysit in order to get some experience in childcare. Nikki arranges a treasure hunt across London, which initially captures the kids' imaginations but quickly fails to keep their interest, leaving Nikki feeling like a failure. Meanwhile the adoption agency interviews all the referees on the application. ||||||
| 6 | 6 | "Show Me the Love" | Jim O'Hanlon | Andy Wolton | 1 May 2020 (2020-05-01) |
| Hearing Freddy confess to an affair, blaming the stress of family life, makes Jason doubt whether he wants to go through with adoption and take on something that will affect every aspect of the rest of his life. Sensing his cold feet, Nikki is upset when she learns he only agreed to adoption in an effort to make her happy. ||||||
| 7 | 7 | "Good Old Family Map" | Jim O'Hanlon | Andy Wolton | 1 May 2020 (2020-05-01) |
| With a week to go until the interview with the adoption panel, Nikki and Jason invite their friends and family support network to a party, including both sets of would-be grandparents and newly-engaged sister Karen with fiancee Scott. The party, of course, goes anything but to plan. ||||||
| 8 | 8 | "We Know the Way Out" | Jim O'Hanlon | Andy Wolton | 1 May 2020 (2020-05-01) |
| Kicked out after confessing his affair to wife Erica, Freddy is now occupying the spare room at Nikki and Jason's. At the adoption panel Nikki’s medication for anxiety is picked up by the committee. After a rambling but heartfelt plea by Jason, they are approved subject to attending counselling. ||||||

### Season 2 (2021)

| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date |
| 9 | 1 | "A Nice Boy" | Jim O’Hanlon | Andy Wolton | 21 May 2021 (2021-05-21) |
| Nikki and Jason realise they have different expectations when it comes to the gender of their potential child. Eventually they express interest in adopting 7 year old James. Freddy moves into his own apartment but finds reconciliation with Erica via a Staghorn fern and a swim in the Regent's Canal. ||||||
| 10 | 2 | "The Sun on Your Back" | Jim O’Hanlon | Andy Wolton | 21 May 2021 (2021-05-21) |
| Now a manager, Jason finds his new role rather challenging so seeks advice from Freddy. Nikki helps Karen select a wedding dress but is on tenterhooks with the expectation of news from the adoption agency. When it eventually arrives they find they have been unsuccessful, but Penny softens the blow by offering the chance of meeting some kids at an adoption activity day, where Nikki catches sight of Princess. ||||||
| 11 | 3 | "Big Heads" | Jim O’Hanlon | Andy Wolton | 28 May 2021 (2021-05-28) |
| Jason and Nikki head to Cornwall for his Grandmother's funeral where Jason bumps into an old girlfriend, who has a son that was born soon after their relationship ended some 16 years previously. Nikki learns Princess has a younger brother whilst Karen starts to have doubts about Scott. ||||||
| 12 | 4 | "Helicopters" | Jim O’Hanlon | Andy Wolton | 4 June 2021 (2021-06-04) |
| At Princess's school Nikki and Jason get the opportunity to observe her with brother Tyler. With approval to adopt only one child they know that the siblings will have to be split up, but are excited nevertheless. Unbeknown to them, a family that can adopt both children is under consideration. ||||||
| 13 | 5 | "Maddest Sweetest Thing" | Jim O’Hanlon | Andy Wolton | 11 June 2021 (2021-06-11) |
| Once again Penny delivers the bad news. When Nikki tries to convince her they are also capable of adopting both children, the lack of a separate bedroom for each child proves a stumbling block. Jason's father Vic comes to the rescue by reconfiguring the existing space to create an extra bedroom. ||||||
| 14 | 6 | "A Long Way Down" | Jim O’Hanlon | Andy Wolton | 18 June 2021 (2021-06-18) |
| At a party with other couples trying to adopt, Nikki and Jason realise the other couple trying to adopt Princess and Tyler are none other than their hosts. Karen’s doubts that Scott may not be the man for her grow and she seeks solace with Deven, single dad and father of one of her pupils. ||||||
| 15 | 7 | "Lift Me Up" | Jim O’Hanlon | Andy Wolton | 25 June 2021 (2021-06-25) |
| Just as Nikki receives news that she has been successfully promoted at work, Jason is informed they were unsuccessful in their attempt to adopt Princess and Tyler. On her hen night, Karen confesses to Nikki that she is thinking of calling off the wedding, but later has a change of heart. ||||||
| 16 | 8 | "I'm Scared" | Jim O’Hanlon | Andy Wolton | 2 July 2021 (2021-07-02) |
| After Karen's wedding ceremony, Penny arrives just as Jason is proposing to Nikki to inform them that Princess's and Tyler's placements have broken down. She asks them if they would take Princess on a temporary basis with no guarantee of adoption. On arriving home with Princess they discover Tyler stowed away in the boot of their car and vow to try and keep the siblings together. ||||||

### Season 3 (2022)

| No. overall | No. in series | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date |
| 17 | 1 | "Home" | Elliot Hegarty | Andy Wolton | 22 July 2022 (2022-07-22) |
| Jason resigns himself to Tyler being separated from his sister, so decides to give the kids a wonderful time whilst they are both still together, but his father Vic refuses to give up without a fight. Noah from the council decides to let Tyler stay, but warns the couple that in 3 months they will need to go before a family court and convince the judge too. ||||||
| 18 | 2 | "The Circle" | Elliot Hegarty | Andy Wolton | 22 July 2022 (2022-07-22) |
| With only 3 months left on their tenancy, Jason discovers the landlord has decided to sell the flat when a For Sale sign goes up outside. He formulates a plan to buy the place himself. At work, Nikki in her new role as management, is tasked with selecting one of the telesales team for dismissal. ||||||
| 19 | 3 | "Capture the Flag" | Elliot Hegarty | Andy Wolton | 29 July 2022 (2022-07-29) |
| During a camping weekend, Nikki fears she hasn't been able to connect with Princess and Tyler who seem to be bonding more with Jason. Karen realises what she most dislikes about her job as a teacher is children. After feeling ill, she takes a pregnancy test and finds she is expecting a child of her own. ||||||
| 20 | 4 | "Little Steps" | Elliot Hegarty | Andy Wolton | 5 August 2022 (2022-08-05) |
| Karen reveals her pregnancy to Nikki's surprise, but finds it difficult to break the news to husband Scott. At his birthday party, Tyler, feeling overwhelmed, hides under a table until Nikki reassures him. Karen takes the opportunity to break the news to Scott through the medium of mime. ||||||
| 21 | 5 | "Pick a Side" | Jim O'Hanlon | Andy Wolton | 12 August 2022 (2022-08-12) |
| Discovering that Tyler supports Arsenal, Jason makes a sacrifice and wears their colours despite his lifelong love for Spurs. Nikki finds it difficult to be tough with Princess, acquiescing to her demands in an attempt to be liked by her. When she discovers Princess has been shoplifting, Nikki takes her back to the shop to return the item. ||||||
| 22 | 6 | "Feelings Are The Worst" | Jim O'Hanlon | Andy Wolton | 19 August 2022 (2022-08-19) |
| Nikki and Jason discover the kid's grandmother Bev has tracked them down. After a meeting at the council, the couple are divided regarding her motives and whether she can be trusted. Subsequently Bev makes a complaint to the council saying they are unfit to take the children. Jason receives news that the flat has been sold and they must vacate it in two months. ||||||
| 23 | 7 | "What a Banker" | Jim O'Hanlon | Andy Wolton | 26 August 2022 (2022-08-26) |
| With pressures mounting, Nikki and Jason's relationship comes under strain. Nikki starts to doubt if they are indeed the best thing for the kids. After a disastrous Book launch Scott starts to come to the realisation that maybe writing is not his forte, but it is perhaps Karen's. ||||||
| 24 | 8 | "The End of the Beginning" | Jim O'Hanlon | Andy Wolton | 2 September 2022 (2022-09-02) |
| On the day of the adoption hearing, Nikki's confidence of success is at an all time low, so Jason proposes they get married whilst all still together as a family. At the hearing Bev makes it clear she doesn't want to lose her grandchildren, but is reassured when Nikki tells her there will always be a place for her in the kid's lives. With the court approving the adoption, they learn the identity of the flat's new owner. ||||||

### Season 4 (2024)

| No. overall | No. in series | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date |
| 25 | 1 | "The Send-Off" | Ellie Heydon | Andy Wolton | 22 May 2024 (2024-05-22) |
| Six years have passed and it's the day of Bev's funeral. Nikki worries that the children's birth mother, Kat, might show up. At the wake in the local pub it transpires that Bev had maxed out her credit cards when the end was approaching and bought gifts for everyone. Princess tries to coerce Jason into telling his father that he loves him, but he finds it too awkward to say directly so does it by using a football metaphor. Princess has been left a car by Bev which belonged to her birth mother. ||||||
| 26 | 2 | "Ghosting" | Ellie Heydon | Andy Wolton | 22 May 2024 (2024-05-22) |
| After searching for her mother online, Princess goes to her place of work, only to find that she has the wrong person. She crosses her off and proceeds to the next Kat Reid on her list. Nikki discovers that Bev had a date lined up from a match-making website, and rather than inform the other party about Bev's death she confirms the date with the intention of breaking the news in person. Princess confides in Karen about the search for her birth mother. Scott is guilt-ridden about his part in the climate emergency when his daughter takes an interest in Earth Day. ||||||
| 27 | 3 | "Murder at Slaughterbridge Manor" | Ellie Heydon | James Wood & Andy Wolton | 29 May 2024 (2024-05-29) |
| Scott has arranged a murder mystery weekend to celebrate his 50th birthday with himself as the victim. Vic decides to start dating again and Princess helps him create a profile on a match-making website. Later that evening, Jason struggles to say anything meaningful about Scott in a speech he was asked to give and Scott reveals he has decided to single handedly row across the Atlantic Ocean. Princess discovers an old sat nav in her car which has Kat's home address in Brighton listed. ||||||
| 28 | 4 | "Road Trip" | Ellie Heydon | Andy Wolton | 5 June 2024 (2024-06-05) |
| Jason decides to start his own football team for Tyler and all the other kids who don't get a chance. Princess fakes an excuse to go to Brighton with Karen to track down Kat. When Nikki decides to accompany them, Princess is in two minds about how to proceed. Eventually she gets rid of Nikki long enough the check out the address only to discover that Kat has not lived there for a few years. Scott takes swimming lessons in preparation for his rowing challenge. ||||||
| 29 | 5 | "Mother's Day" | Ellie Heydon | Oriane Messina & Fay Rusling & Andy Wolton | 12 June 2024 (2024-06-12) |
| It's Mother's Day. Nikki, Princess, Jilly and Karen have a day at the spa. Jason takes his football squad to an escape room for a team building exercise. Scott starts his own podcast and interviews a transatlantic rower who was nearly killed after a freak wave. He suddenly realises how dangerous the challenge is. Whilst in a sauna, Karen tries to persuade Princess to come clean with Nikki about trying to find Kat, however she is unaware that Nikki has overheard everything. When Princess visits Bev's grave she finds flowers from Kat. ||||||
| 30 | 6 | "Airport Run" | Ellie Heydon | Andy Wolton | 19 June 2024 (2024-06-19) |
| Princess rings the florist who delivered Kat's bouquet and manages get Kat's address from her. She is surprised to learn it is in Mallorca. Whilst Nikki and Jason are participating in a Q&A about adoption for other prospective parents, Princess books a flight to the island using Nikki's credit card. Nikki and Jason intercept Princess at the airport and Nikki spontaneously decides to go to Mallorca to get answers for Princess. ||||||
| 31 | 7 | "White Lies" | Ellie Heydon | Andy Wolton | 26 June 2024 (2024-06-26) |
| When Nikki eventually tracks down Kat, she doesn't reveal who she is at the outset. The two women spend the day together and start to get to know each other. Jason enlists the help of the entire family to complete Princess's outstanding coursework. When Kat discovers a photo of herself in Nikki's bag, the truth is finally revealed, but before Nikki can get any answers Kat vanishes once again. Nikki subsequently tells Princess that she was unable to track down her birth mother. ||||||
| 32 | 8 | "Scott of the Atlantic" | Ellie Heydon | Andy Wolton | 3 July 2024 (2024-07-03) |
| Despite everyone's doubts, Scott is determined to set off on his transatlantic rowing challenge. Only after Karen's intervention does he finally change his mind. Jason decides to change career and retrain to become a social worker. Meanwhile, Scott changes his mind once again and sets off on his transatlantic rowing challenge. Princess discovers photos of Kat on Nikki's mobile phone just as Kat turns up outside the house in Camden. ||||||

## Production
### Development

On 12 July 2019, it was reported that Apple Inc. and the BBC were working together for a new comedy series with the working title Alabama. Production on the series was already underway with the series set to be released sometime in 2020. Trying is the second co-production between Apple and the BBC after a reboot Prehistoric Planet was announced two months prior. On 19 January 2020, Apple Inc. formally announced the series in a press release with the official title Trying.
On 1 May 2020, Esther Smith confirmed in an interview with Metro that a second season had been commissioned by Apple. English singer-songwriter Maisie Peters wrote and performed the soundtrack for the season.
With the announcement of a 14 May 2021 second season release date, Apple also renewed the show for a third season.

### Casting

Alongside the initial report of the series in July 2019, it was announced that Imelda Staunton would feature in the series. In the press release of January 2020, Apple announced that Rafe Spall and Esther Smith would star in the series.

## Reception
### Critical response

On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, the first season 86% of 22 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 7.3/10. For the second season, 100% of 13 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 8.5/10. Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned the film a score of 69 out of 100, based on eight critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".

### Accolades

The song "Neck of the Woods" by Maisie Peters and Joe Rubel was nominated for Best Original Song in a TV Show/Limited Series by the Hollywood Music in Media Awards in 2021.