Relative CHAOS

Rafe Spall and Esther Smith navigate new family dynamics as the adoption comedy returns

- ESTHER SMITH

While balancing the delicate nuances of adoption with the messy, uproarious reality of parenting, endearing comedy Trying has blossomed into a quintessential comfort watch since it first charmed Apple TV audiences in 2020.

However, just when lovable London couple Nikki (Esther Smith) and Jason (played by Smith’s real-life partner, Rafe Spall) thought they had parenting sorted, Season 4 brought a bombshell cliffhanger with the sudden arrival of their adopted children's biological mother, Kat (Charlotte Riley), at their Camden home.

The fifth, eight-part season picks up in the aftermath, with Princess (Scarlett Rayner) eager to bond with her birth mum, while Tyler (Cooper Turner) isn't that fussed. Behind closed doors, however, Nikki is fretting about where she fits into the chaotic family dynamic as she also juggles a new managerial job and Jason dives head first into his studies as a social worker.

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