Apple TV Plus’ longest-running sitcom, Trying, will finally be free to stream in the UK thanks to the BBC.
The tearful comedy-drama starring Rafe Spall and Esther Smith as hopeful adoptive parents Nikki and Jason has run for four successful seasons on the streaming giant, with a fifth on the way.
Not only has it secured an impressive 95% average on Rotten Tomatoes, but it has also accumulated a devoted fanbase invested in this endearingly chaotic family and its troubles.
The first season drops us into the lives of a London couple with a lot of love to give as they try to take the next step in their relationship by starting a family.
After the couple grapple with ongoing fertility issues, they decide to look into adoption and soon embark on a journey they could never have imagined – with plenty of highs and lows.
For those who have been missing out on this hidden sitcom gem, you’re in luck, as the first season of Trying is set to arrive on BBC iPlayer in early September.
BBC Studios Comedy Productions boss Josh Cole said about its arrival on the platform: ‘Trying isn’t trying to be the loudest show but it’s one that people really fall deeply in love with. I’m pleased that it will be seen by a whole new audience.’
He hailed the creator Andy Wolton as a ‘modern-day Richard Curtis’.
The show, which cast Celia Imrie and Gbemisola Ikumelo for the upcoming season, also stars Sian Brooke as Nikki’s frosty (but secretly soft at heart) sister Karen, Darren Boyd as Karen’s obnoxious partner Scott who has hidden layers and Oliver Chris as Jason’s self-destructive friend Freddy.
In a review on Rotten Tomatoes, user Sean W wrote: ‘This series is absolutely fantastic. I cried during every episode. It’s funny, entertaining and emotional. The writing is genius. I loved the whole series.’
Metro TV writer Asyia Iftikhar on why Trying is a must-watch
After seeing praise for Trying for a few years I decided to give it a try earlier this year and, boy, am I glad I did.
This show harbours a sharp wit, endlessly endearing characters and a warmth that leaves you feeling soft and gooey inside – not an easy feat for a sitcom.
I have found myself laughing out loud, literally gripping the edge of my seat, tearing up, whooping with joy and everything in between after becoming completely invested in Nikki and Jason’s journey to parenthood.
Rafe Spall and Esther Smith’s effortless rapport proves the beating heart for a plotline brimming with bonkers side characters, kooky sidequests, and a groundedness as though these people really are your friends who you’re rooting for.
I’m a sucker for a British sitcom with a lot of heart and this ticks every single box. I devoured all the episodes in days and am already eagerly awaiting the new ones.
For those looking to herald in autumn with the perfect watch, season one is the perfect six-episode treat to get you hooked.
‘Really close to the realities of trying to adopt a child in the UK with obviously a sprinkling of farce and exaggeration. What a wonderful show, funny and emotional and I can’t wait to find out what happens,’ Rob S echoed.
‘Some of the finest TV I’ve seen. Rafe Spall and Esther Smith are just fantastic and have incredible chemistry. Their struggle feels so real, but the show manages to be sweet and sentimental without being cloying or corny,’ Andrea shared.
‘In a world of horror, this is poignant, funny, relatable and easy to fall in love with. The onscreen chemistry is one of the best parts of this show,’ another user echoed.
The lead stars have been together since 2022 and share one child. Discussing their relationship with The Guardian last year, Rafe said: ‘Not only is she my favourite person to act with, she’s my favourite person to hang out with. And now we’re having a baby so it’s great!
‘It’s my fourth child, and Esther’s first. So a lot of amazing things have come from this show.’
One of those other things is the affinity he feels with his character, as he told UpRoxx.
‘Before I got this show, I was putting out into the universe that I wanted to play a character as close to myself as I could find, and then this came along.
‘And although we’re very different, there’s a lot of me in this character, which is quite revealing, actually. It’s quite revealing because I can’t hide behind an accent or whatever. There’s a lot of me in it.’
The BBC has, in total, picked up the first three seasons of the show, with the option to acquire further seasons, which hopefully means there’s plenty more of this show in the future of BBC viewers.
Trying season one will air on BBC One at 8:30pm on September 8 with the first season available to stream on BBC iPlayer. The full show is available to stream on Apple TV Plus.
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