The heartwarming British comedy “Trying” has officially been renewed for Season 5. Created by Andy Wolton (“The Coopers vs the Rest”) for BBC Studios, this Apple TV+ series has won over critics and viewers since its premiere in 2020. Leading cast members Esther Smith (“Cuckoo”) and Rafe Spall (“The Big Short,” “Roadies”) will return for the new season.
Interested in learning more about “Trying” and its upcoming season? Here’s what we know, including the primary CD, cast members, and possible casting opportunities.
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When Nikki Newman (Smith) and Jason Ross (Spall) are unable to conceive a child, they turn to adoption as their next best hope of becoming parents. The first three seasons of “Trying” follow the couple’s journey through the adoption process as they face financial struggles, emotional roller coasters, and personal setbacks. But getting the adoption of their two children, Princess and Tyler, finalized is only the start of their problems. On Season 4, following a six-year time jump, Nikki and Jason navigate parenthood, and viewers are introduced to the kids’ biological mother, Kat (Charlotte Riley, “Peaky Blinders”). According to Apple TV+, Season 5 will dive deeper into Kat’s reappearance and her dynamic with the family.
The show’s cast includes:
- Rafe Spall as Jason Ross
- Esther Smith as Nikki Newman
- Sian Brooke as Karen Newman
- Oliver Chris as Freddy
- Darren Boyd as Scott Filbert
- Phil Davis as Victor Ross
- Marian McLoughlin as Jilly Newman
- Ophelia Lovibond as Erica
- Roderick Smith as John Newman
- Robyn Cara as Jen
- Eden Togwell as Young Princess
- Scarlett Rayner as Princess
- Mickey McAnulty as Young Tyler
- Cooper Turner as Tyler
- Imelda Staunton as Penny Wootton
- Claire Higgins as Bev
- Charlotte Riley as Kat
Emmy winner Rachel Freck (BBC’s “The Office,” “Little Dorrit”) served as the primary CD for the first four seasons of “Trying.” Having worked on a range of projects for major studios and networks, including Starz and Hulu, Freck has seen her fair share of successful auditions and fresh talent. She previously spoke with Backstage about what she looks for in auditions and how actors can make their performance stand out from the rest.
“Be prepared and know your text,” Freck said. “Preparation is the bedrock of everything, because you cannot generalize something and make it moving. It has to come from a place of detailed understanding. I encourage [actors], particularly for screen work, to develop the art of taping themselves and watching it back and learning to be their own critic.”
Follow our tips for making a perfect self-tape, and remember that working with a professional acting agent is a great way to get in front of CDs like Freck.
Apple TV+ recently greenlit Season 5 of “Trying,” so it’s likely that casting calls and production details will be released soon. We’ll share that info with you as soon as we have it, so keep checking Backstage for specifics. In the meantime, don’t miss these opportunities:
Find even more acting jobs and opportunities using these casting call directories:
Have you booked an audition? Practice ahead of time so you feel confident and prepared in the room:
- How to Audition for Apple TV+
- The Audition Process: An Actor’s Guide to Everyone in the Room
- How to Audition for the BBC
