Series synopsis
Trying is a British comedy television series that premiered on Apple TV on May 1, 2020. It was created by Andy Wolton. It stars Rafe Spall, Esther Smith, Ophelia Lovibond and Oliver Chris.
All Nikki and Jason want is a baby—the one thing they can't have. So they decide to adopt. With their dysfunctional friends, screwball families, and chaotic lives, will the adoption panel agree that they're ready to be parents?
Premise
All Nikki and Jason want is a baby—the one thing they can't have. So they decide to adopt. With their dysfunctional friends, screwball families, and chaotic lives, will the adoption panel agree that they're ready to be parents?
Premise: Together they're a family.
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- Rafe Spall as Jason
- Esther Smith as Nikki
- Ophelia Lovibond as Erica
- Oliver Chris as Freddy
- Yasmine Holness-Dove as Olivia
- Scarlett Rayner as Princess
- Cooper Turner as Tyler
- Tarik Mesfun as Eliaz
Supporting cast
- Sophie Fletcher as SAM
- Elodie Blomfield as Hazel
- Paula Wilcox as Sandra Ross
- Sian Brooke as Karen
- Darren Boyd as Scott
- Diana Pozharskaya as Sofia
- Cush Jumbo as Jane
- Robyn Cara as Jen
- Roderick Smith as John Newman
- Imelda Staunton as Penny
- Billie Gadsdon as Chloe
- Phoenix Laroche as Ethan
Guest cast
- Tarik Mesfun as Eliaz
- Sophie Fletcher as SAM
- Elodie Blomfield as Hazel
- Paula Wilcox as Sandra Ross
- Sian Brooke as Karen
- Darren Boyd as Scott
- Diana Pozharskaya as Sofia
- Cush Jumbo as Jane
- Robyn Cara as Jen
- Roderick Smith as John Newman
- Imelda Staunton as Penny
- Billie Gadsdon as Chloe
Episodes
This series spans 5 seasons with 40 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 8 | May 1, 2020 | May 1, 2020 |
| Season 2 | 8 | May 21, 2021 | July 2, 2021 |
| Season 3 | 8 | July 22, 2022 | September 2, 2022 |
| Season 4 | 8 | May 22, 2024 | July 3, 2024 |
| Season 5 | 8 | July 8, 2026 | August 26, 2026 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Nikki and Jason When they learn that another round of IVF would be too expensive and unlikely to succeed, Nikki and Jason start exploring |
May 1, 2020 |
| 2 |
The Ex-Girlfriend Jason gets in touch with an ex before social services interviews her. Nikki goes out with her sister, Karen, and her unpleasant boyfriend |
May 1, 2020 |
| 3 |
Tickets for a Queue Nikki and Jason go to a picnic with other potential adopters—and get intimidated by the quality of their competition. |
May 1, 2020 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
A Nice Boy Nikki and Jason have been approved to adopt, but they're finding the matching process a challenge. Social worker Penny has a plan. |
May 21, 2021 |
| 2 |
The Sun on Your Back Penny sends Nikki and Jason to a fancy-dress party that could change their lives. Nikki helps her sister, Karen, choose a wedding dress. |
May 21, 2021 |
| 3 |
Big Heads Jason's ex threatens to come between him and Nikki at a family funeral. Karen struggles to get Scott involved in their wedding planning. |
May 28, 2021 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Home Jason and Nikki wake up as the new parents of two kids they’ve barely met. But will they be able to keep both? |
July 22, 2022 |
| 2 |
The Circle Jason worries that Tyler will be bullied at school. Nikki has to fire someone at work. Bad news from the landlord forces Jason to take a big gamble. |
July 22, 2022 |
| 3 |
Capture the Flag On a camping weekend, Nikki and Jason try to bond with the kids. At home, Karen faces an existential crisis and Freddy realizes he’s lonely. |
July 29, 2022 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
The Send-Off A loss brings the family together—and also threatens to tear it apart. |
May 22, 2024 |
| 2 |
Ghosting Nikki's impulsiveness sparks an unexpected night out with Jason and a mystery man. |
May 22, 2024 |
| 3 |
Murder at Slaughterbridge Manor A family party leads to a life-changing decision for the birthday boy. |
May 29, 2024 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Rollercoaster The fallout from Nikki's lie continues, as Kat's arrival threatens Nikki and Jason's family dynamic. |
July 8, 2026 |
| 2 |
First Days Nikki and Jason start new chapters in their lives. Karen makes a shocking discovery. |
July 15, 2026 |
| 3 |
The Mousetrap While Jason recaptures his youth, Nikki meets a new coworker. Karen learns the cost of keeping a secret. |
July 22, 2026 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | Apple TV |
|---|---|
| First aired | May 1, 2020 |
| Last aired | July 15, 2026 |
| Status | continue |
| Schedule | Wednesday |