Apple TV’s Trying is not only one of the most underrated shows airing at the moment, but it’s also one of the most hopeful series to have ever graced our screens. Warm, endearing, genuinely hilarious, honest, and vulnerable, the series carefully explores a couple’s journey through adoption and delivers something deeply wholesome that many viewers could use more of in the fiction they consume. On top of this—and for the purpose of this article—Trying also features one of the healthiest romantic relationships. Nikki and Jason share the type of unceasing, ever-growing kind of love that makes them shine as an example of true partnership.
Whether it’s network executives, producers, or perhaps even some writers, those crafting the shows we watch tend to believe that centering a couple’s love story without breaking them up or introducing unnecessary drama makes them boring. We’ve seen it time and again with unnecessary hurdles turning a happy beginning into a disaster that then forces various viewers to walk away. (Procedural fans everywhere let out a heavy sigh somewhere in the distance.)
Yet, for four seasons now, we’ve watched Nikki Newman and Jason Ross navigate through everything together, and it’s made Apple TV’s Trying a gem to turn to—one of the easiest and most comforting shows to rewatch over and over again. Because really, it’s authentic—it feels genuine, even when it’s fictional. Their love stands as a stark reminder that most couples don’t experience countless breakups and makeups throughout the course of their relationships. There are numerous realistic issues that people face, which can provide more nuanced narratives without threatening a couple’s relationship status like it’s some silly game, and the fact that this concept is so rare on TV is a bit frustrating. Still, at least we have Trying.
The Realism in Nikki and Jason’s Relationship Is a Breath of Fresh Air
While steady relationships are more common in comedies than dramas, it still takes a few seasons for viewers to finally see the will they/won’t they couple get together. Given the nature of the show, Nikki and Jason are already an established couple when we first meet them, but it still proves that it’s possible to allow steady beats of relationship building after the three little words are exchanged. And ultimately, that’s often the argument that comes into play here when the powers that be believe that once a couple reaches a certain milestone, they’ll be too boring to continue following. But literally, everything we get with Nikki and Jason proves to be the opposite.
Their love is especially perfect in Season 3 when we watch them finally navigate through adoption with Princess and Tyler on a trial basis while they simultaneously go through the anxieties of what comes afterward. Parenthood is new for them, and still, the series finds ways to give them quiet moments to showcase just how utterly in love they are.
In Season 4, as they look back on their relationship, Jason even utters what I still consider to be one of the most romantic lines on TV when he says, “But I don’t always remember to see you. Because… you’re a feeling now. […] Like warm light.” (Swoon!) The realistic challenges the show presents them with give us countless moments to watch the two of them experience life as most couples do. Between financial perils, career changes, and navigating through their different parenting styles, Nikki and Jason continue to showcase that their love is only capable of growing. And so much comes down to the writing as well as the stunning performances from Esther Smith and Rafe Spall. Because the fabric of the show is so honest, heartfelt, and vulnerable, it allows the audience to watch them grow both individually and as a couple.
Life is tough enough without added marital issues, so it’s riveting to get a positive perspective on how love is supposed to be a healing addition to our lives rather than another burden. It’s proof that finding one’s true partner can allow both parties to constantly become better versions of themselves while having someone who is their steady partner through everything.
In a time and space where romance novels are dominating the literature world, it’s bizarre that we don’t have more shows like Trying. People want to see beyond the first date and the first few milestones. We want moments of casual intimacy—proposals and weddings and small, seemingly mundane moments that end up being everything. We get so many of these gorgeous beats with Nikki and Jason that it’s hard even to narrow down their top ten sweetest moments. And it’s such a relief to know that because of the show’s structure, the two of them navigating through life as a couple is the show’s agenda.
So, if you’re in the market for a romance that’ll continue making you giggle, Apple TV’s Trying is the show to turn to.
First Featured Image Credit: ©Apple TV+