Trying TV Series Details:
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Comedy, Drama, Romance |
| Season | 4upcoming |
| Episodes | 24 |
| Release date | 1 May 2020 – present |
| Running time | 26–30 minutes |
| Age rating | TV-14 |
| Starring | Esther Smith Rafe Spall |
| Created by | Andy Wolton |
| Directed by | Jim O’Hanlon Ellie Heydon Elliot Hegarty |
| Written by | Andy Wolton Oriane Messina Fay Rusling James Wood |
| Produced by | Chris Sussman Emma Lawson Dean Weathers |
| Executive producers | Andy Wolton Jim O’Hanlon Josh Cole |
| Cinematography by | Arthur Mulhern Greg Duffield Jonas Mortensen |
| Edited by | Mark Thornton Mark Hermida Andy Kinnear Joe Randall-Cutler Mark Henson Peter Oliver Nick Ames |
| Music by | Paul Saunderson Guy Garvey Peter Jobson Maisie Peters Bear’s Den Joe Rubel |
| Production Company | BBC Studios Drama Productions |
| Distributor | Apple TV+ |
Trying TV Series Cast & Character:
- Esther Smith as Nikki Newman
- Rafe Spall as Jason Ross
- Imelda Staunton as Penny
- Ophelia Lovibond as Erica
- Oliver Chris as Freddy – Jason’s best mate from uni
- Sian Brooke as Karen – Nikki’s sister
- Darren Boyd as Scott
- Robyn Cara as Jennifer/Jen
- Phil Davis as Vic
- Paula Wilcox as Sandra
- Eden Togwell as Princess
- Marian McLoughlin as Jilly
- Roderick Smith as John
- Diana Pozharskaya as Sofia – a student who Jason teaches
- Cush Jumbo as Jane
- Navin Chowdhry as Deven
Storyline:
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.
About Trying TV Series:
Trying is a British comedy television series created by Andy Wolton and directed by Jim O’Hanlon, Ellie Heydon, and Elliot Hegarty. It stars Esther Smith, Rafe Spall, Imelda Staunton, Ophelia Lovibond, Oliver Chris, Sian Brooke, Darren Boyd, and Robyn Cara.
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.
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.
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 is due to premiere on 22 May 2024.
Trying Season Overview:
| Season | Episodes | First released | Last released |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 8 | May 1, 2020 | May 1, 2020 |
| 2 | 8 | May 21, 2021 | July 2, 2021 |
| 3 | 8 | July 22, 2022 | September 2, 2022 |
| 4upcoming | TBA | May 22, 2024 | TBA |
Trying TV Series Episodes List:
Trying Season 1 (2020):
Trying S1, Episode 1: “Nikki and Jason”
1 May 2020
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.
Trying S1, Episode 2: “The Ex-Girlfriend”
1 May 2020
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.
Trying S1, Episode 3: “Tickets for a Queue”
1 May 2020
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 her and Jason. 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.
Trying S1, Episode 4: “Rainbow Castle People”
1 May 2020
Hungover 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.
Trying S1, Episode 5: “Someone Else’s Kids”
1 May 2020
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.
Trying S1, Episode 6: “Show Me the Love”
1 May 2020
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.
Trying S1, Episode 7: “Good Old Family Map”
1 May 2020
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. A party which of course goes anything but to plan.
Trying S1, Episode 8: “We Know the Way Out”
1 May 2020
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.
Trying Season 2(2021):
Trying S2, Episode 1: “A Nice Boy”
21 May 2021
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.
Trying S2, Episode 2: “The Sun on Your Back”
21 May 2021
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.
Trying S2, Episode 3: “Big Heads”
28 May 2021
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.
Trying S2, Episode 4: “Helicopters”
4 June 2021
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.
Trying S2, Episode 5: “Maddest Sweetest Thing”
11 June 2021
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.
Trying S2, Episode 6: “A Long Way Down”
18 June 2021
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.
Trying S2, Episode 7: “Lift Me Up”
25 June 2021
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.
Trying S2, Episode 8: “I’m Scared”
2 July 2021
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.
Trying Season 3 (2022):
Trying S3: Episode 1: “Home”
22 July 2022
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.
Trying S3: Episode 2: “The Circle”
22 July 2022
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.
Trying S3: Episode 3: “Capture the Flag”
29 July 2022
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.
Trying S3: Episode 4: “Little Steps”
5 August 2022
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.
Trying S3: Episode 5: “Pick a Side”
12 August 2022
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.
Trying S3: Episode 6: “Feelings Are The Worst”
19 August 2022
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.
Trying S3: Episode 7: “What a Banker”
26 August 2022
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.
Trying S3: Episode 8: “The End of the Beginning”
2 September 2022
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.
Trying Season 4 (2024):
The fourth season is due to premiere on 22 May 2024.
