Based on 5 seasons, 40 episodes · through July 3, 2024
Trying is a heartwarming British comedy series on Apple TV+ that centers on Nikki and Jason, a loving couple living in Camden, London. Desperate to start a family but unable to conceive naturally, the pair embarks on the emotionally exhausting and highly scrutinized journey of adoption. Along the way, they must navigate a complex legal bureaucracy, relationship strains, and a chaotic but well-meaning circle of friends and eccentric relatives. The show is celebrated for its cozy, uplifting, and deeply human tone, balancing lighthearted humor with genuine emotional depth. The story focuses entirely on a traditional heterosexual couple seeking to build a nuclear family and find fulfillment through parenthood. It avoids modern political sermons, gender-identity messaging, or activist themes. The narrative emphasizes universal values of love, commitment, and community, keeping the focus entirely on a wholesome journey.
Breakdown
These are the editorial factors and ratings behind our score for Trying.
Woke representation / casting
The show features an overwhelmingly traditional, largely white British cast. The casting is extremely low-key and has even drawn some criticism from left-wing critics for its lack of modern diversity representation, meaning there are no forced diversity quotas or identity signaling.
0%
Woke political dialogue
There is no modern progressive activist dialogue, identity politics messaging, or political lecturing.
0%
Identity-driven story themes
The plot revolves around a traditional couple trying to adopt, focusing entirely on universal family-building themes without any identity-driven or social-justice angles.
0%
Western institutional / cultural critique
Rather than criticizing family or Western cultural values, the show portrays the desire to build a nuclear family as highly positive and essential. The adoption bureaucracy is treated with realistic frustration but not through a systemic activist critique.
0%
Woke character or canon changes
Not relevant.
0%
Anti-woke backlash and complaints
There have been no anti-woke complaints or backlash since the series contains no identity-driven or progressive activist elements to spark a negative reaction.
0%
Creator track record context
The core creative team, including creator Andy Wolton (0), director Jim O'Hanlon (6), and lead actors/producers Rafe Spall (15) and Esther Smith (0), has an extremely traditional and non-activist track record.
15%
Production
