The comedy of trying to build a family from scratch
In short: Becoming a parent is often framed as a linear journey, but for Nikki and Jason, it is a labyrinth of bureaucratic hurdles and personal trials. This British comedy explores the messy reality of infertility, the complexities of adoption, and the unexpected chaos of raising children.
Created by Andy Wolton, Trying is a co-production between Apple TV+ and the BBC. The series follows Nikki Newman, a car rental employee, and Jason Ross, a former English teacher turned taxi driver. Their central conflict is a deep desire to become parents despite struggling with conception. This struggle leads them into the adoption process, which introduces a series of unique challenges and surprises beyond their initial expectations.
The narrative structure of the show has evolved significantly over its run. While the first three series focus on the journey toward parenthood, Series 4 introduced a major six-year time-jump. This shift moved the focus from the struggle of becoming parents to the daily trials and tribulations of actually raising their children, Princess and Tyler. The show has maintained a consistent cast, including notable appearances by Imelda Staunton as an adoption officer and Sian Brooke as a novelist.
The series has seen a trajectory of critical acclaim. It debuted on Apple TV+ on May 1, 2020, and has since been renewed for five series. Its critical reception has been notably strong, with the second series achieving a 100% positive rating from 17 critics on Rotten Tomatoes. During the 2021 Hollywood Music in Media Awards, the series earned musical acclaim as Maisie Peters and Joe Rubel's 'Neck of the Woods' received a Best Original Song in a TV Show/Limited Series nomination.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Trying (TV series)
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