Apple TV+ dramedy "Trying" has returned for its fifth season, continuing to explore the complexities of family life with a blend of humor and heartfelt moments. The series, which debuted in 2020, follows the story of Jason and Nikki, portrayed by real-life couple Rafe Spall and Esther Smith, as they navigate the challenges of adoption and parenting.
The show centers on Jason and Nikki's journey after struggling to conceive a child, ultimately deciding to adopt. Over the course of five seasons, viewers have watched the couple raise their adopted children, Princess and Tyler, portrayed by Eden Togwell and another young actor, witnessing their growth from toddlers into teenagers, with Princess embracing a goth identity.
Season five introduces new tensions as the biological mother of the children reenters the picture, raising concerns for Nikki about Princess’s feelings toward her birth mother. Complicating matters, the family’s interactions with Kat, a drifting yoga teacher played by Charlotte Riley, add further strain. Meanwhile, Jason confronts his own challenges as a mature student on a social work course, grappling with his age difference among classmates. Nikki experiences an office crush on a colleague, Kerry, played by Colin Morgan, which triggers doubts about her marriage.
Despite these serious themes, the series maintains its comedic edge. In one storyline, Jason attempts to impress his social work classmates with a 1990s-style party, humorously revealing his past partying habits. Nikki’s romantic interest in Kerry diminishes when she attends one of his performances and discovers he is an inept rapper.
The season’s conclusion resolves key storylines, with Princess ultimately affirming her commitment to her adoptive parents. Meanwhile, Jason and Nikki’s brother-in-law Scott, played by Darren Boyd, who has become a more prominent character over time, decides to set aside his ambitious plans to become a better father.
"Trying" has garnered praise for its candid portrayal of adoption and parenting, blending emotional depth with humor. The series’ fifth season provides a satisfying closure while leaving open the possibility for continuation, with creator Andy Wolton receiving calls to extend the show’s run.