The Quiet Triumph of 'Trying': Why This Underrated Gem Deserves Your Attention
There’s something deeply satisfying about stumbling upon a show that feels like a well-kept secret. Trying, Apple TV’s quietly brilliant comedy-drama, is exactly that. While it’s garnered critical acclaim and a near-perfect Rotten Tomatoes score, it remains oddly under the radar—a fact that, personally, I find both baffling and intriguing. What makes this particularly fascinating is how the show manages to be both heartwarming and unflinchingly honest, all while avoiding the saccharine pitfalls of typical family dramas.
At its core, Trying is a story about ordinary people navigating extraordinary challenges. Rafe Spall and Esther Smith star as Nikki and Jason, a couple in their 30s whose journey to parenthood is anything but straightforward. What many people don’t realize is that this isn’t just a show about adoption; it’s a nuanced exploration of what it means to build a family in the modern age. From my perspective, this is where the series truly shines. It doesn’t romanticize the process—it lays bare the frustrations, the doubts, and the small victories that make the struggle worthwhile.
Fast-forward to Season 5, and Nikki and Jason are finally where they’ve always wanted to be: parents to two adopted siblings, Princess and Tyler. But, as anyone who’s ever built a family knows, the hard part doesn’t end with the adoption papers. The unexpected arrival of the kids’ biological mother, Kat, throws their carefully constructed world into chaos. One thing that immediately stands out is how the show handles this dynamic. It doesn’t villainize Kat or paint her as a threat; instead, it humanizes her, forcing Nikki and Jason—and the audience—to confront the complexities of identity, loyalty, and love.
Nikki’s struggle, in particular, is a masterclass in character development. Her fear of losing her hard-won role as a mother is palpable, and her line, ‘I’m just starting to feel a little bit on the outside of all of this,’ is a gut-punch. What this really suggests is that motherhood isn’t just about biology—it’s about presence, patience, and perseverance. If you take a step back and think about it, this is a universal theme that resonates far beyond the confines of the show.
But Trying isn’t just about the big emotional beats. It’s also a show that excels in its comedic timing and ensemble cast. From Celia Imrie’s eccentric hoarder Harriet to Phil Davis’s DIY-obsessed Vic, the supporting characters add layers of humor and humanity. What makes this particularly fascinating is how the show balances these lighter moments with its heavier themes. It’s a delicate dance, but one that Trying pulls off with remarkable grace.
A detail that I find especially interesting is how the show explores the dynamics of long-term relationships. Nikki and Jason are far from perfect—she’s a highly-strung perfectionist, and he’s a laid-back mediator—but their chemistry is undeniable. Their relationship feels lived-in, authentic, and, most importantly, relatable. In a media landscape saturated with idealized romances, Trying offers something refreshingly real.
This raises a deeper question: why aren’t more people talking about this show? Personally, I think it’s because Trying doesn’t scream for attention. It doesn’t rely on shock value or dramatic twists; instead, it invites you to invest in its characters and their quiet triumphs. In a world where loud, flashy content often dominates, Trying is a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful stories are the ones that unfold slowly, with care and intention.
Looking ahead, I can’t help but wonder where the show will go from here. With Nikki’s new job and her unexpected attraction to her colleague Kerry, and Jason’s return to college, the stage is set for new challenges. But if there’s one thing Trying has taught me, it’s that this couple—and this show—has a way of weathering the storm.
In my opinion, Trying is more than just a TV series; it’s a love letter to the messy, beautiful reality of family life. It’s a show that deserves to be celebrated, not just for its storytelling, but for its ability to make us laugh, cry, and reflect. Long may it continue.
Final Thought: If you’re tired of the same old dramas and comedies, give Trying a chance. It might just surprise you—and, if you’re anything like me, it’ll leave you rooting for Nikki and Jason every step of the way.
