Esther Smith and Rafe Spall star as Nikki and Jason, a couple navigating adoption, with Imelda Staunton as Penny in Apple TV+’s *Trying*.
Main cast
- Nikki NewmanEsther Smith1–4Main
- Jason RossRafe Spall1–4Main
- PennyImelda Staunton1–4Main
- KarenOphelia Lovibond1–4Main
- FreddieOliver Chris1–4Main
- EricaSian Brooke1–4Main
- ScottDarren Boyd1–4Main
Supporting cast
- JennaCatherine Walker1–2Supp
- RoseRobyn Cara1–4Supp
- VicPaul Clayton1–2Supp
Guest & voice
- GaryJoshua McGuire1Guest
- CatherineClare Foster1Guest
No matches — try another name.
About this cast
*Trying* is a British comedy-drama series on Apple TV+ that follows Nikki and Jason, a thirty-something couple in London who decide to start a family through adoption. The show’s core cast includes Esther Smith as Nikki, Rafe Spall as Jason, and Imelda Staunton as Penny, alongside a warm ensemble of family, friends, and social workers.
FAQs
Who plays Nikki in Trying?
Esther Smith plays Nikki Newman, one of the lead protagonists, in *Trying*.
Who plays Jason in Trying?
Rafe Spall plays Jason Ross, Nikki’s partner, in *Trying*.
Where can I watch Trying?
*Trying* is an Apple TV+ original series and is available exclusively on Apple TV+.
How many seasons of Trying are there?
As of 2025, there are four seasons of *Trying*, with the fourth released in 2024.
Is Trying based on a true story?
No, *Trying* is a fictional comedy-drama created by Andy Wolton, though it draws on real experiences of the adoption process in the UK.
Sources & where to watch: IMDb · Wikipedia · Where to watch (JustWatch UK) · Updated June 2026