Apple TV+s Trying Season 5 Continues Its Quiet Success Amidst a Growing Library of Quality Shows
Created by Andy Wolton, Trying is a co‑production between Apple TV+ and the BBC and has been streaming on the platform since its debut on 1 May 2020. The show follows Nikki (Esther Smith) and Jason (Rafe Spall), a London couple who decide to build a family through adoption. Their journey, grounded in Wolton’s own experience as an adoptee, blends humor with genuine emotion.
After the first four seasons, the narrative leapt forward six years, allowing the couple’s children—Princess (Scarlett Rayner) and Tyler (Cooper Turner)—to grow into teenagers. Season 5 revisits the family’s dynamics as Princess embarks on a quest to learn more about her birth mother. The new storyline brings in guest stars such as Charlotte Riley, who portrays the mother, and Colin Morgan, who appears in a supporting role.
The series has earned critical acclaim, holding a 97 % overall score on Rotten Tomatoes. Both seasons 4 and 5 enjoy a 100 % critical approval rating, underscoring the show’s consistent quality. While Apple TV+ has spotlighted high‑profile dramas and comedies like Ted Lasso and Shrinking, Trying has remained relatively under the radar, partly because it does not feature a Hollywood A‑list cast. Instead, the series relies on strong performances from its core actors and a rotating roster of British talent, including Siân Brooke, Darren Boyd, Imelda Staunton, and Celia Imrie.
In 2025, Trying was released on BBC iPlayer and began linear broadcast on BBC One, expanding its audience beyond the Apple TV+ subscriber base. The partnership with the BBC has helped preserve the show’s British sensibility while reaching a wider viewership.
Season 5 continues the pattern of reinvention that has kept the series fresh. Each season presents a new chapter in the couple’s journey—from the initial decision to adopt, to navigating the foster system, to the challenges of raising older children. The show’s focus on ordinary people building a family in London resonates with viewers who appreciate relatable storytelling.
Apple TV+ has positioned itself as a destination for quality programming, and Trying exemplifies the platform’s ability to deliver strong, character‑driven content without relying on star power. The series’ success demonstrates that a well‑written, heartfelt narrative can thrive alongside more high‑budget, high‑profile productions.
Looking ahead, the show will continue to release new episodes on Wednesdays, with the full season expected to conclude later in the year. Fans can also anticipate future appearances at festivals and potential award nominations, as the series has already garnered multiple Primetime Emmy nominations for its writing and performances.
In summary, Trying remains one of Apple TV+’s best‑produced shows, offering a blend of humor, heart, and realistic family dynamics. Its fifth season confirms the series’ staying power and its place among the platform’s most respected comedies.