A look at how Apple TV's Trying has quietly become the platform's most reliable and heartfelt comedy series, surpassing even Ted Lasso in consistency and critical acclaim.
When Ted Lasso first premiered on Apple TV in August 2020, it quickly became a cultural phenomenon, winning over audiences with its blend of humor, heart, and quirkiness.
The story of an American football coach managing a British soccer team was an instant hit, and the series remains one of the platform's most recognizable titles, with a fourth season set to debut in August 2026. However, another Apple TV original comedy, Trying, has been quietly building its own legacy since its debut just a few months before Ted Lasso in 2020.
This five-season series follows the journey of a young couple, Nikki Newman and Jason Ross, as they navigate the challenges of infertility and adoption. The show, created by Andy Wolton, has been praised for its warmth, emotional depth, and unwavering quality, earning a 97% average critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, including perfect 100% ratings for seasons one, four, and five. Trying has maintained its excellence through five seasons, avoiding the creative dips and tonal shifts that often plague long-running comedies.
The series made a bold creative choice with a six-year time jump between seasons three and four, but it handled the transition seamlessly, advancing the story without losing its humorous edge. The show's consistency is remarkable, especially when compared to other streaming comedies that often struggle to sustain their quality. Critics have lauded the series for its compassionate storytelling, with one review noting that Trying remains one of television's most compassionate and overlooked comedies.
The show's ability to evolve while preserving its core charm has been key to its success, allowing viewers to invest deeply in the lives of Nikki and Jason. At the heart of Trying are its endearing characters, particularly the central couple played by Esther Smith and Rafe Spall. Smith's Nikki is warm, optimistic, and occasionally quirky, while Spall's Jason is more reserved, pragmatic, and neurotic. Their rapport is deeply authentic, creating a believable and captivating relationship that drives the series.
Critics have highlighted how their performances bring a sophisticated balance to the show, making viewers root for them through every parenting pitfall. Unlike Ted Lasso, which often relies on larger-than-life characters and escalating stakes, Trying focuses on intimate, grounded storytelling. It prioritizes character growth over reinvention, deepening Nikki and Jason's relationship season after season.
This approach has not only made the series a fan favorite but has also established it as Apple TV's most consistent and reliably excellent comedy since 2020. With its latest season released in July 2026, Trying continues to prove that it is one of the best comedies on television, quietly outperforming even the most famous hits on the platform
Trying Apple TV Comedy Series Ted Lasso Adoption
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