Trying season 5, the Apple TV+ series created by Andy Wolton, has been hailed as a return to form by senior TV reporter Asyia Iftikhar. The show, which follows long-term couple Nikki (Esther Smith) and Jason (Rafe Spall) as they navigate adoption and family life, premiered its fifth season on July 8, 2026.
A Binge-Worthy Return
Iftikhar admits she intended to savor the season over several days but ended up watching all eight episodes in one sitting, finishing at 2am. She describes the series as a serious sitcom that balances warm humour and dry wit through endearing characters, comparing it to acclaimed shows like Derry Girls, Fleabag, and Catastrophe.
The new season picks up after a time jump in season four, where Nikki and Jason's adopted children, Princess and Tyler, are now teenagers. The fourth season was criticized as rocky due to recasting and a shift in focus, but season five addresses these issues.
Plot and Performances
A central plotline involves Nikki's secret connection with Princess and Tyler's biological mother, Kat (Charlotte Riley), which creates emotional turmoil. Iftikhar notes that the season explores Nikki's existential crisis about motherhood and the havoc wreaked on the family. Meanwhile, Jason returns to education to become a social worker, facing the challenges of being an older student among Gen Z peers.
Supporting characters Karen and Scott (Sian Brooke and Darren Boyd) return, with Scott embarking on an Atlantic-rowing adventure. One of the season's best episodes leans into absurd comedy while still tugging at heartstrings, according to Iftikhar.
Critical Reception
While praising the season overall, Iftikhar notes some shaky moments, particularly in Jason's classroom scenes where humour veers into cringeworthy territory. She also finds Nikki occasionally annoying but accepts that in a show with colourful characters, some will inevitably grate.
Nevertheless, she concludes that season five keeps the same warm humour as beloved characters face new challenges. She expresses a desire for more seasons of this “bric-a-brac family trying to figure out what makes a house a home.”
Trying seasons one to four are available to stream on Apple TV Plus now. The first episode of season five is out now, with new episodes airing every Wednesday.
