About trying — British comedy series and key details
Introduction: Why trying matters
The term trying denotes something that tests endurance — Merriam‑Webster defines “trying” as severely straining the powers of endurance — and it also names a contemporary British comedy that explores the strains and surprises of family life and adoption. The television series Trying has attracted attention for its warm, sometimes screwball approach to a serious subject: a couple’s pursuit of parenthood through adoption. The series is relevant to viewers interested in modern family stories, adoption processes and the intersecting roles of friends and social services.
Premise and production
Trying is a British comedy television series created by Andy Wolton and directed in part by Jim O’Hanlon. The show premiered on 1 May 2020 and was announced by Apple TV+ as a new British comedy series. The central plot follows Nikki and Jason, a couple who want a baby and, unable to conceive, decide to adopt. The narrative mixes domestic comedy with the practical and emotional realities of adoption, frequently bringing in the couple’s dysfunctional friends and extended family dynamics.
Plot beats and episodes
Early episodes underscore both the comedic and testing moments of the adoption journey: at a party with other couples trying to adopt, Nikki and Jason discover that the other couple vying to adopt Princess and Tyler are in fact their hosts. In another storyline, Nikki receives news of a promotion at work at the same time Jason learns they have been unsuccessful in their attempt to adopt Princess and Tyler, highlighting the show’s balance of bittersweet developments.
Cast and characters
The series features a range of recurring characters linked to Nikki and Jason’s adoption journey. Staunton appears as Penny (series 1–2), the couple’s adoption officer. Later series introduce further family members and professionals: Rayner plays Princess (series 4), identified as Nikki and Jason’s daughter and sister to Tyler, aged 16; Turner appears as Tyler (series 4), their son, aged 12; and Collins plays Noah (series 3–4), the social worker involved with Nikki and Jason. These roles underscore the show’s engagement with both the intimate and institutional sides of adoption.
Conclusion: Takeaway and significance
Trying blends humour with the tensions of adoption and family life, using character-driven stories to explore endurance, change and hope. With creator Andy Wolton’s writing and an evolving cast across at least four series, the show continues to offer viewers a grounded yet comic look at what it means to become a family. For audiences curious about contemporary portrayals of adoption and domestic resilience, Trying presents a readable, empathetic entry point.
