Trying (TV series)
Trying | |
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Genre | Comedy |
Created by | Andy Wolton |
Written by | Andy Wolton |
Directed by | Jim O'Hanlon |
Starring | |
Composers |
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Country of origin | United Kingdom |
Original language | English |
No. of seasons | 2 |
No. of episodes | 16 (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 |
Distributor | Apple Inc. |
Release | |
Original network | Apple TV+ |
Original release | 1 May 2020 present | –
External links | |
Website |
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 a third season has already been commissioned by Apple.[2]
Premise[]
The series follows Nikki and Jason, a couple who really want to become parents but struggle with conceiving a child. In order to have the baby they want they decide to adopt, only to face a whole list of new challenges that come with the adoption process.[3]
Cast[]
- Rafe Spall as Jason Ross
- Esther Smith as Nikki Newman
- Imelda Staunton as Penny
- Ophelia Lovibond as Erica
- Oliver Chris as Freddy
- Sian Brooke as Karen
- 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
- 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] |
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 | |
When they learn that another round of IVF would be too expensive and unlikely to succeed, Nikki and Jason start exploring adoption. | ||||||
2 | 2 | "The Ex-Girlfriend" | Jim O'Hanlon | Andy Wolton | 1 May 2020 | |
Jason gets in touch with an ex before social services interviews her. Nikki goes out with her sister, Karen, and her unpleasant boyfriend. | ||||||
3 | 3 | "Tickets for a Queue" | Jim O'Hanlon | Andy Wolton | 1 May 2020 | |
Nikki and Jason go to a picnic with other potential adopters-and get intimidated by the quality of their competition. | ||||||
4 | 4 | "Rainbow Castle People" | Jim O'Hanlon | Andy Wolton | 1 May 2020 | |
After a wild night out with Erica and Freddy, Nikki and Jason are faced with potentially disastrous consequences the next morning. | ||||||
5 | 5 | "Someone Else's Kids" | Jim O'Hanlon | Andy Wolton | 1 May 2020 | |
Deciding that they need more hands-on experience looking after kids, Nikki and Jason agree to babysit their friends’ children for a day. | ||||||
6 | 6 | "Show Me the Love" | Jim O'Hanlon | Andy Wolton | 1 May 2020 | |
Jason starts getting cold feet about the whole process after a mandatory training session. Karen tells Nikki some bad news. | ||||||
7 | 7 | "Good Old Family Map" | Jim O'Hanlon | Andy Wolton | 1 May 2020 | |
Nikki grows paranoid about Jason after reading a suspicious text on his phone. A family gathering takes a turn for the worse. | ||||||
8 | 8 | "We Know the Way Out" | Jim O'Hanlon | Andy Wolton | 1 May 2020 | |
Despite the added irritation of a new roommate, it’s time for Nikki and Jason to face the adoption panel. |
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 | |
Nikki and Jason have been approved to adopt, but they’re finding the matching process a challenge. Social worker Penny has a plan. | ||||||
10 | 2 | "The Sun on Your Back" | Jim O’Hanlon | Andy Wolton | 21 May 2021 | |
Penny sends Nikki and Jason to a fancy-dress party that could change their lives. Nikki helps her sister, Karen, choose a wedding dress. | ||||||
11 | 3 | "Big Heads" | Jim O’Hanlon | Andy Wolton | 28 May 2021 | |
Jason’s ex threatens to come between him and Nikki at a family funeral. Karen struggles to get Scott involved in their wedding planning. | ||||||
12 | 4 | "Helicopters" | Jim O’Hanlon | Andy Wolton | 4 June 2021 | |
Nikki and Jason make a hopeful visit on their adoption journey. Nikki sets Erica up with Jason’s friend. Karen is drawn to Deven, a single dad. | ||||||
13 | 5 | "Maddest Sweetest Thing" | Jim O’Hanlon | Andy Wolton | 11 June 2021 | |
Nikki and Jason search for a bigger, child-friendly flat. Nikki struggles for a promotion at work. Karen is tempted to cheat. | ||||||
14 | 6 | "A Long Way Down" | Jim O’Hanlon | Andy Wolton | 18 June 2021 | |
Jason plays detective after a problem is revealed at Ben and Denise’s party. Freddy struggles in his relationship. | ||||||
15 | 7 | "Lift Me Up" | TBA | TBA | 25 June 2021 | |
Planning Scott's stag night is a headache for Jason; Karen shares a secret with Nikki; Erica and Freddy's relationship begins to blur. | ||||||
16 | 8 | "I'm Scared" | TBA | TBA | 2 July 2021 | |
Nikki and Jason must make a huge decision in a small amount of time. |
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 has already been commissioned by Apple.[10]
With the announcement of a 14 May 2021 second season release date, Apple also renewed the show for a third season.[2]
Casting[]
Alongside the initial report of the series in July 2019, it was announced that Imelda Staunton would star 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[]
On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, Trying holds a 93% approval rating, with an average rating of 7.3/10.[11] Metacritic gave the series a weighted average score of 69 out of 100 based on 8 reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[12]
References[]
- ^ "Trying on Apple TV+". Apple TV+. Archived from the original on 18 April 2020. Retrieved 17 April 2020.
- ^ a b 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) - ^ 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 "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.
- ^ "Trying: Season 1". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved 13 July 2021.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Trying: Season 1". Metacritic. Retrieved 2 April 2021.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
External links[]
- Trying – official site
- Trying at IMDb
- Trying at Rotten Tomatoes
- Trying at Metacritic
- 2020s American comedy television series
- 2020 American television series debuts
- English-language television shows
- Television series about families
- 2020s British comedy television series
- 2020 British television series debuts
- Apple TV+ original programming
- BBC Television shows
- Television shows set in London
- Television series by BBC Studios