The BBC is dipping its toes into the world of Apple TV+ for the very first time, snapping up second-run rights to ‘Trying’, the critically acclaimed sitcom starring Rafe Spall (The English, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom) and Esther Smith (Uncle, Cuckoo).
The UK broadcaster has acquired the first three seasons of the comedy, which will be available on both BBC linear channels and iPlayer, with Season 1 set to debut this September. The deal, brokered by BBC Studios, also comes with an option for the Beeb to pick up future seasons of ‘Trying’, which is about to launch its fifth season on Apple TV+.
Created by Andy Wolton, ‘Trying’ holds a special place in Apple’s history as the streamer’s very first UK commission, greenlit by Apple Europe TV boss Jay Hunt, who has since gone on to deliver hits like ‘Slow Horses’ and ‘Bad Sisters’. From the start, the show struck a chord with audiences by mixing heartfelt emotion with sharp comedy, following Jason and Nikki (Spall and Smith), a couple desperate to start a family who turn to adoption when natural routes fail.
The series first premiered on Apple TV+ in May 2020, launching with eight half-hour episodes. That opening run introduced viewers not only to Jason and Nikki’s world but also to their eccentric adoption panel, led by social worker Penny, played by BAFTA Award-winner Imelda Staunton (Harry Potter, The Crown). The story developed further in Season 2, which arrived in 2021, as Nikki and Jason were approved for adoption but quickly discovered that matching with a child was far from straightforward. New challenges and heart-wrenching decisions brought both laughs and tears, with standout moments such as Nikki meeting a little girl called Princess at an adoption event, leading to a storyline that has continued to tug at viewers’ emotions ever since.
Over its five seasons, ‘Trying’ has drawn an impressive ensemble cast, including Celia Imrie (Absolutely Fabulous), Gbemisola Ikumelo (Famalam), Darren Boyd (Green Wing), Charlotte Riley (Press), Sian Brooke (Sherlock), Ophelia Lovibond (W1A), Oliver Chris (Motherland), and Robyn Cara (Ackley Bridge). Behind the camera, the series has also boasted experienced talent, with Jim O’Hanlon (Catastrophe, Marvel’s The Punisher) directing and executive producing, alongside producer Sam Pinnell (Motherland, Derry Girls).
“Trying isn’t trying to be the loudest show, but it’s one that people really fall deeply in love with,” said Josh Cole, Head of BBC Studios Comedy Productions. He praised creator Wolton as “exceptionally gifted” and even described him as a “modern-day Richard Curtis.”
For the BBC, this deal represents the first time the corporation has picked up an Apple TV+ series, but it likely won’t be the last. As Apple’s catalogue grows, its shows are increasingly finding new life in second-run deals across global broadcasters, giving titles that might have flown under the radar a second shot at reaching fresh audiences. With Apple still having relatively modest market penetration compared to its rivals, the second-window strategy has proved highly lucrative, with previous deals involving series starring Jason Momoa, Nicole Kidman, and Tom Hiddleston racking up billions in sales.
‘Trying’ Season 1 premieres Sunday, 8th September 2025 on BBC iPlayer and BBC linear channels.
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