Everyone Joining ‘Trying’ Season 5 as Nikki and Jason’s Lives Face New Challenges

Apple TV’s beloved family comedy ‘Trying’ is making its long-awaited return, and this season promises to introduce some exciting new characters. The fifth season is set to premiere globally on Apple TV starting Wednesday, July 8, with new episodes released weekly until Wednesday, August 26. Fans of Jason and Nikki’s heartfelt parenting journey can finally mark their calendars.

In this eight-episode season, Nikki and Jason must navigate the upheaval caused by the unexpected arrival of Princess and Tyler’s biological mother, Kat. Her presence threatens to disrupt their once stable family life, setting the stage for a season filled with emotional stakes for the couple and an expanded cast that hints at even bigger developments.

This season’s cast is particularly noteworthy, featuring a lineup of impressive new additions. Joining the ensemble are BAFTA Award winner Darren Boyd, known for ‘Down Cemetery Road,’ BAFTA Award nominee Siân Brooke from ‘Blue Lights,’ Actor Award nominee Celia Imrie from ‘The Thursday Murder Club,’ BAFTA Award nominee Phil Davis from ‘Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,’ BAFTA Award winner Gbemisola Ikumelo from ‘Black Ops,’ and Actor Award nominee Colin Morgan from ‘Belfast.’

These newcomers are not merely background characters. Imrie will portray Harriet, a stubborn upper-class hoarder who Jason meets while training for a new job, while Ikumelo takes on the role of Chrissy, a burnt-out social worker who becomes a mentor to Jason.

Morgan will portray Kerry, described as Nikki’s charming co-worker who brings a relaxed confidence that could create some tension. Additionally, Danielle Vitalis, known for ‘I May Destroy You,’ and Leah Brotherhead, familiar to fans of ‘Bridgerton,’ round out the new cast. With so many new characters entering Jason and Nikki’s lives, it’s clear that the show is using Kat’s return as an opportunity to expand its narrative rather than simply revisit past conflicts.

For loyal viewers, the good news is that the emotional core of the show remains intact. Esther Smith and Rafe Spall return as Nikki and Jason, both of whom also serve as executive producers. They will be joined once again by Charlotte Riley as Kat, along with Scarlett Rayner as Princess, Cooper Turner as Tyler, Darren Boyd as Scott, and Siân Brooke as Karen.

This continuity is crucial, as ‘Trying’ has built its reputation on the chemistry between its central characters. Spall has also been busy with other projects, currently appearing in another Apple production, Dennis Lehane’s ‘Smoke,’ alongside Taron Egerton, highlighting his rising demand since the show’s debut.

The decision to keep the original family unit intact, from Princess and Tyler to Scott and Karen, indicates that the show is not looking to reinvent itself but rather to explore these established relationships against the new challenge posed by Kat’s ongoing presence.

Season 5 is expected to pick up right after the events of season 4, which had jumped forward six years to show Jason and Nikki as the adoptive parents of two young children, Tyler and Princess. This new season will follow the couple as they strive to protect their home while figuring out Kat’s role in their children’s lives.

This storyline raises important questions about family dynamics when biological ties re-enter the equation.

Kat’s arrival is set to introduce new layers of tension to the family dynamic that has been carefully developed over four seasons, giving this season a distinct emotional texture compared to previous ones.

In addition to the challenges posed by Kat, the season will also explore Nikki and Jason navigating career changes as they seek a new normal with their kids. With new characters like Harriet, Chrissy, and Kerry entering their lives through work and social circles, season 5 is poised to test this couple from multiple angles.

Part of what makes this cast expansion so significant is the consistent acclaim ‘Trying’ has received from critics. The series currently boasts a 96 percent critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, with the previous season achieving a perfect 100 percent.

Despite its critical success, the show remains somewhat of a hidden gem within Apple TV’s offerings. Nevertheless, its fanbase has remained loyal, with viewers describing ‘Trying’ as a feel-good, poignant, and addictive comedy featuring standout performances and clever details.

Since its premiere in May 2020 as a co-production between Apple TV and the BBC, ‘Trying’ has quietly become one of the platform’s longest-running original series. With a wealth of new talent joining the cast and a premise designed to shake up the status quo, season 5 has a real opportunity to attract new viewers who may not have given the show a chance before.

With Kat back in the picture and new characters stirring things up, how do you think Nikki and Jason’s family will cope this season?