Trying
GenreComedy
Created byAndy Wolton
Written byAndy Wolton
Directed byJim O'Hanlon
Starring
Composers
Country of originUnited Kingdom
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons2
No. of episodes16 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producers
  • Andy Wolton
  • Jim O'Hanlon
  • Josh Cole
Producers
  • Chris Sussman
  • Emma Lawson
Editors
  • Mark Thornton
  • Mark Hermida
  • Andy Kinnear
  • Joe Randall-Cutler
Camera setupSingle-camera
Running time26–30 minutes
Production companyBBC Studios Drama Productions
DistributorApple Inc.
Release
Original networkApple TV+
Original release1 May 2020 (2020-05-01) –
present (present)

Trying is a British comedy television series created by Andy Wolton.[1] The first season premiered on 1 May 2020 on Apple TV+. The second season premiered on 21 May 2021, and the third season will premiere on 22 July 2022.

Premise

The series follows Nikki and Jason, a couple who really want to become parents but struggle with conceiving a child. In order to have the baby they want they decide to adopt, only to face a whole list of new challenges and surprises that come with the adoption process.[2]

Cast

Episodes

SeriesEpisodesOriginally released
First releasedLast released
181 May 2020 (2020-05-01)
28[3]21 May 2021 (2021-05-21)2 July 2021 (2021-07-02)[3][4]

Season 1 (2020)

No.
overall		No. in
series		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release date
11"Nikki and Jason"Jim O'HanlonAndy Wolton1 May 2020 (2020-05-01)
When they learn that another round of IVF would be too expensive and unlikely to succeed, Nikki and Jason start exploring adoption.
22"The Ex-Girlfriend"Jim O'HanlonAndy Wolton1 May 2020 (2020-05-01)
Jason gets in touch with an ex before social services interviews her. Nikki goes out with her sister, Karen, and her unpleasant boyfriend.
33"Tickets for a Queue"Jim O'HanlonAndy Wolton1 May 2020 (2020-05-01)
Nikki and Jason go to a picnic with other potential adopters-and get intimidated by the quality of their competition.
44"Rainbow Castle People"Jim O'HanlonAndy Wolton1 May 2020 (2020-05-01)
After a wild night out with Erica and Freddy, Nikki and Jason are faced with potentially disastrous consequences the next morning.
55"Someone Else's Kids"Jim O'HanlonAndy Wolton1 May 2020 (2020-05-01)
Deciding that they need more hands-on experience looking after kids, Nikki and Jason agree to babysit their friends’ children for a day.
66"Show Me the Love"Jim O'HanlonAndy Wolton1 May 2020 (2020-05-01)
Jason starts getting cold feet about the whole process after a mandatory training session. Karen tells Nikki some bad news.
77"Good Old Family Map"Jim O'HanlonAndy Wolton1 May 2020 (2020-05-01)
Nikki grows paranoid about Jason after reading a suspicious text on his phone. A family gathering takes a turn for the worse.
88"We Know the Way Out"Jim O'HanlonAndy Wolton1 May 2020 (2020-05-01)
Despite the added irritation of a new roommate, it’s time for Nikki and Jason to face the adoption panel.

Season 2 (2021)

No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release date [3]
91"A Nice Boy"Jim O’HanlonAndy Wolton21 May 2021 (2021-05-21)
Nikki and Jason have been approved to adopt, but they’re finding the matching process a challenge. Social worker Penny has a plan.
102"The Sun on Your Back"Jim O’HanlonAndy Wolton21 May 2021 (2021-05-21)
Penny sends Nikki and Jason to a fancy-dress party that could change their lives. Nikki helps her sister, Karen, choose a wedding dress.
113"Big Heads"Jim O’HanlonAndy Wolton28 May 2021 (2021-05-28)
Jason’s ex threatens to come between him and Nikki at a family funeral. Karen struggles to get Scott involved in their wedding planning.
124"Helicopters"Jim O’HanlonAndy Wolton4 June 2021 (2021-06-04)
Nikki and Jason make a hopeful visit on their adoption journey. Nikki sets Erica up with Jason’s friend. Karen is drawn to Deven, a single dad.
135"Maddest Sweetest Thing"Jim O’HanlonAndy Wolton11 June 2021 (2021-06-11)
Nikki and Jason search for a bigger, child-friendly flat. Nikki struggles for a promotion at work. Karen is tempted to cheat.
146"A Long Way Down"Jim O’HanlonAndy Wolton18 June 2021 (2021-06-18)
Jason plays detective after a problem is revealed at Ben and Denise’s party. Freddy struggles in his relationship.
157"Lift Me Up"Jim O’HanlonAndy Wolton25 June 2021 (2021-06-25)
Planning Scott's stag night is a headache for Jason; Karen shares a secret with Nikki; Erica and Freddy's relationship begins to blur.
168"I'm Scared"Jim O’HanlonAndy Wolton2 July 2021 (2021-07-02)
Nikki and Jason must make a huge decision in a small amount of time.

Production

Development

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.[5] Trying is the second co-production between Apple and the BBC after a reboot Prehistoric Planet was announced two months prior.[6][7] On 19 January 2020, Apple Inc. formally announced the series in a press release with the official title Trying.[8]

On 1 May 2020, Esther Smith confirmed in an interview with Metro that a second season had been commissioned by Apple.[9]

With the announcement of a 14 May 2021 second season release date, Apple also renewed the show for a third season.[10]

Casting

Alongside the initial report of the series in July 2019, it was announced that Imelda Staunton would star in the series. In the press release of January 2020, Apple announced that Rafe Spall and Esther Smith would star in the series.[8]

Reception

On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, season 1 of Trying holds a 93% approval rating, with an average rating of 7.3/10, while season 2 holds a 97% approval rating and average rating of 8.5/10.[11] Metacritic gave the series a weighted average score of 69 out of 100 based on 8 reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[12]

References

  1. ^ "Trying on Apple TV+". Apple TV+. Archived from the original on 18 April 2020. Retrieved 17 April 2020.
  2. ^ Shillcock, Francesca (30 March 2020). "The Crown star to feature in brand new Apple TV+ show - and it looks brilliant". Hello!. Archived from the original on 18 June 2020. Retrieved 22 April 2020.
  3. ^ a b c "Trying – Listings". The Futon Critic. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  4. ^ "Listings – July 2, 2021". The Futon Critic. Retrieved 21 May 2021. trying: tba (#208) [2nd season finale]
  5. ^ Bennett, Steve. "Imelda Staunton to star in BBC-made comedy : News 2019 : Chortle : The UK Comedy Guide". www.chortle.co.uk. Archived from the original on 16 November 2020. Retrieved 17 April 2020.
  6. ^ White, Peter (8 May 2019). "'The Jungle Book' Director Jon Favreau Teams With BBC Studios' NHU To Produce Doc Series 'Prehistoric Planet' For Apple". Deadline. Archived from the original on 8 May 2019. Retrieved 17 April 2020.
  7. ^ Fingas, Roger (12 July 2019). "Apple's first BBC comedy production is 'Alabama' starring Imelda Staunton". AppleInsider. Archived from the original on 16 November 2020. Retrieved 17 April 2020.
  8. ^ a b "Apple announces new comedy series "Trying" to premiere May 1". Apple. Archived from the original on 16 November 2020. Retrieved 17 April 2020.
  9. ^ "Trying's Esther Smith confirms series 2 filming could be affected by coroanvirus". Metro. 1 May 2020. Archived from the original on 11 July 2020. Retrieved 3 May 2020.
  10. ^ Kanter, Jake (24 March 2021). "Apple Renews British Comedy 'Trying' Ahead Of Season 2 Premiere On May 14". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 24 March 2021.((cite web)): CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  11. ^ "Trying: Season 1". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved 13 July 2021.((cite web)): CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  12. ^ "Trying: Season 1". Metacritic. Retrieved 2 April 2021.((cite web)): CS1 maint: url-status (link)

External links

Apple TV+ original programming
Categories