Trying (TV series)
| Trying | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Comedy |
| Created by | Andy Wolton |
| Written by | Andy Wolton |
| Directed by |
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| Starring | |
| Composers |
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| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Original language | English |
| No. of seasons | 3 |
| No. of episodes | 24 (list of episodes) |
| Production | |
| Executive producers |
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| Producers |
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| Editors |
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| Camera setup | Single-camera |
| Running time | 26–30 minutes |
| Production company | BBC Studios Drama Productions |
| Original release | |
| Network | Apple TV+ |
| Release | 1 May 2020 – 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 premiered on 22 July 2022. In August 2022, Apple announced the show was to be renewed for a fourth season.[2]
Premise
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.[3]
Cast
- 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
- 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
Episodes
| Series | Episodes | Originally released | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First released | Last released | |||
| 1 | 8 | 1 May 2020 | ||
| 2 | 8[4] | 21 May 2021 | 2 July 2021[4][5] | |
| 3 | 8[4] | 22 July 2022 | 2 September 2022[4] | |
Season 1 (2020)
| No. overall | No. in series | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | "Nikki and Jason" | Jim O'Hanlon | Andy Wolton | 1 May 2020 | |
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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. | ||||||
| 2 | 2 | "The Ex-Girlfriend" | Jim O'Hanlon | Andy Wolton | 1 May 2020 | |
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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. | ||||||
| 3 | 3 | "Tickets for a Queue" | Jim O'Hanlon | Andy Wolton | 1 May 2020 | |
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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. | ||||||
| 4 | 4 | "Rainbow Castle People" | Jim O'Hanlon | Andy Wolton | 1 May 2020 | |
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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. | ||||||
| 5 | 5 | "Someone Else's Kids" | Jim O'Hanlon | Andy Wolton | 1 May 2020 | |
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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. | ||||||
| 6 | 6 | "Show Me the Love" | Jim O'Hanlon | Andy Wolton | 1 May 2020 | |
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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. | ||||||
| 7 | 7 | "Good Old Family Map" | Jim O'Hanlon | Andy Wolton | 1 May 2020 | |
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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. | ||||||
| 8 | 8 | "We Know the Way Out" | Jim O'Hanlon | Andy Wolton | 1 May 2020 | |
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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. | ||||||
Season 2 (2021)
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date [4] | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 1 | "A Nice Boy" | Jim O’Hanlon | Andy Wolton | 21 May 2021 | |
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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. | ||||||
| 10 | 2 | "The Sun on Your Back" | Jim O’Hanlon | Andy Wolton | 21 May 2021 | |
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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. | ||||||
| 11 | 3 | "Big Heads" | Jim O’Hanlon | Andy Wolton | 28 May 2021 | |
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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. | ||||||
| 12 | 4 | "Helicopters" | Jim O’Hanlon | Andy Wolton | 4 June 2021 | |
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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. | ||||||
| 13 | 5 | "Maddest Sweetest Thing" | Jim O’Hanlon | Andy Wolton | 11 June 2021 | |
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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. | ||||||
| 14 | 6 | "A Long Way Down" | Jim O’Hanlon | Andy Wolton | 18 June 2021 | |
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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. | ||||||
| 15 | 7 | "Lift Me Up" | Jim O’Hanlon | Andy Wolton | 25 June 2021 | |
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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. | ||||||
| 16 | 8 | "I'm Scared" | Jim O’Hanlon | Andy Wolton | 2 July 2021 | |
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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. | ||||||
Season 3 (2022)
| No. overall | No. in series | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 1 | "Home" | Elliot Hegarty | Andy Wolton | 22 July 2022 | |
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Jason and Nikki wake up as the new parents of two kids they’ve barely met. But will they be able to keep both? | ||||||
| 18 | 2 | "The Circle" | Elliot Hegarty | Andy Wolton | 22 July 2022 | |
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Jason worries that Tyler will be bullied at school. Nikki has to fire someone at work. Bad news from the landlord forces Jason to take a big gamble. | ||||||
| 19 | 3 | "Capture the Flag" | Elliot Hegarty | Andy Wolton | 29 July 2022 | |
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On a camping weekend, Nikki and Jason try to bond with the kids. At home, Karen faces an existential crisis and Freddy realizes he’s lonely. | ||||||
| 20 | 4 | "Little Steps" | Elliot Hegarty | Andy Wolton | 5 August 2022 | |
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Planning Tyler’s birthday party proves trickier than Nikki and Jason expected–especially when Karen shares some difficult news. | ||||||
| 21 | 5 | "Pick a Side" | Jim O'Hanlon | Andy Wolton | 12 August 2022 | |
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Jason makes a huge sacrifice for Tyler. Nikki attempts some tough love with Princess. Freddy tries a different sort of group therapy. | ||||||
| 22 | 6 | "Feelings Are The Worst" | Jim O'Hanlon | Andy Wolton | 19 August 2022 | |
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Jason and Nikki’s future with the kids appears to be in jeopardy after a mistake. Tyler says goodbye to a friend. Scott lands a book deal. | ||||||
| 23 | 7 | "What a Banker" | Jim O'Hanlon | Andy Wolton | 26 August 2022 | |
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Scott’s book launch doesn’t go according to plan. Jason struggles with his new job. Nikki finally masters tough love. | ||||||
| 24 | 8 | "The End of the Beginning" | Jim O'Hanlon | Andy Wolton | 2 September 2022 | |
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As Nikki and Jason prepare to find out if they can keep the kids forever, they make an impulsive decision that requires their family’s help. | ||||||
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.[6] Trying is the second co-production between Apple and the BBC after a reboot Prehistoric Planet was announced two months prior.[7][8] On 19 January 2020, Apple Inc. formally announced the series in a press release with the official title Trying.[9]
On 1 May 2020, Esther Smith confirmed in an interview with Metro that a second season had been commissioned by Apple.[10] English singer-songwriter Maisie Peters wrote and performed the soundtrack for the season.[11]
With the announcement of a 14 May 2021 second season release date, Apple also renewed the show for a third season.[12]
Casting
Alongside the initial report of the series in July 2019, it was announced that Imelda Staunton would feature in the series. In the press release of January 2020, Apple announced that Rafe Spall and Esther Smith would star in the series.[9]
Reception
Critical response
On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, the first season 86% of 22 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 7.3/10. For the second season, 100% of 13 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 8.5/10.[13] Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned the film a score of 69 out of 100, based on eight critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[14]
Accolades
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.[15]
References
- ^ "Trying on Apple TV+". Apple TV+. Archived from the original on 18 April 2020. Retrieved 17 April 2020.
- ^ "Apple TV+ renews heartwarming comedy "Trying" for season four". Apple TV+ Press (United Kingdom). Retrieved 26 July 2023.
- ^ 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.
- ^ a b c d e "Trying – Listings". The Futon Critic. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
- ^ "Listings – July 2, 2021". The Futon Critic. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
trying: tba (#208) [2nd season finale]
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "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.
- ^ Khosla, Proma (20 May 2021). "Behind the moving pop songs of Apple TV+'s 'Trying'". Mashable. Retrieved 15 June 2023.
- ^ 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) - ^ "Trying: Season 1". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved 1 July 2022.
- ^ "Trying: Season 1". Metacritic. Fandom, Inc. Retrieved 1 July 2022.
- ^ "2021 Music in Visual Media Nomination". Hollywood Music in Media Awards. 17 November 2021. Archived from the original on 18 November 2021. Retrieved 17 November 2021.
External links
Categories:
- English-language television shows
- Television series about families
- 2020s British comedy television series
- 2020 British television series debuts
- Apple TV+ original programming
- BBC television comedy
- Television shows set in London
- Television series about couples
- Television series by BBC Studios
- Television series about adoption