The Quiet Triumph of 'Trying': Why This Underrated Gem Deserves Your Attention
There’s something profoundly satisfying about discovering a show that feels like a well-kept secret. Trying, Apple TV’s understated comedy-drama, is exactly that. Now in its fifth season, it’s a series that has consistently flown under the radar, despite its near-perfect Rotten Tomatoes score and critical acclaim. Personally, I think this is part of its charm. It’s not flashy, it’s not loud, but it’s deeply, wonderfully human.
What makes Trying particularly fascinating is its commitment to ordinary lives. Created by Andy Wolton, the show follows Nikki (Esther Smith) and Jason (Rafe Spall), a couple in their 30s navigating the complexities of adulthood, relationships, and parenthood. There’s no glamour here—just the messy, relatable reality of two people trying to build a life together. In a TV landscape dominated by high-stakes dramas and over-the-top comedies, Trying stands out for its quiet authenticity.
One thing that immediately stands out is the show’s portrayal of parenthood. Nikki and Jason’s journey to becoming parents is anything but conventional. By season five, they’ve adopted two siblings, Princess (Scarlett Rayner) and Tyler (Cooper Turner), but their struggles don’t end there. The arrival of the kids’ biological mother, Kat (Charlotte Riley), throws their carefully constructed family dynamic into chaos. What many people don’t realize is how rare it is to see adoption and its aftermath depicted with such nuance. The show doesn’t shy away from the emotional complexities—Nikki’s fear of losing her place in the family, Jason’s attempts to balance support and boundaries. It’s a refreshingly honest take on a topic often glossed over.
From my perspective, the relationship between Nikki and Jason is the heart of the show. They’re not perfect—Nikki’s a perfectionist, Jason’s a bit too laid-back—but their chemistry is undeniable. Their banter is sharp, their love is genuine, and their struggles feel real. When Nikki starts a new job and finds herself attracted to her colleague Kerry (Colin Morgan), it’s not just a plot twist—it’s a reflection of the small temptations and insecurities that can creep into even the strongest relationships. If you take a step back and think about it, this is what makes Trying so compelling: it’s not afraid to explore the cracks in its characters’ lives.
A detail that I find especially interesting is the show’s ensemble cast. Over the years, Trying has attracted some serious talent—Imelda Staunton, Celia Imrie, Phil Davis—yet it never feels like a star vehicle. These actors blend seamlessly into the story, adding depth without stealing the spotlight. This raises a deeper question: why do we so often equate big names with quality storytelling? Trying proves that a well-crafted narrative and strong character development can shine just as brightly without the Hollywood glitz.
What this really suggests is that Trying is a show that understands the power of subtlety. It’s not trying to be the next big thing—it’s content to be itself. In a world where TV shows often feel like they’re competing for the loudest voice, Trying whispers, and it’s all the more impactful for it.
Looking ahead, I can’t help but wonder where the show will go from here. With Nikki and Jason’s relationship facing new challenges and the kids growing into their teenage years, there’s no shortage of material to explore. Personally, I’m hoping for more of the same—more of the quiet moments, the awkward laughs, the heartfelt conversations. Because in the end, that’s what Trying does best: it reminds us that life isn’t about grand gestures, but about the small, everyday efforts to love, to connect, and to keep trying.
If you haven’t given Trying a chance yet, I urge you to. It’s not the kind of show that will dominate watercooler conversations, but it’s the kind that will stay with you long after the credits roll. In my opinion, that’s the mark of a true gem.
