Broadcaster buys Apple TV+’s hit comedy

BBC One is to air Apple TV+’s hit comedy Trying.

The corporation has bought the right to the show starring  real-life partners Rafe Spall and Esther Smith as a couple struggling with infertility. 

Series one will begin on BBC One at 8.30pm on Monday September 8.

The BBC has never previously bought an Apple TV+ show but it is understood  to have acquired the first three seasons,  which charts the couple’s difficult journey through the adoption process.

The fourth season, which streamed last year, jumped ahead six years and  focuses on their life as parents A fifth series was commissioned earlier this year with  Celia Imrie and Gbemisola Ikumelo joining the cast.

Created by Andy Wolton, Trying was the first show Apple commissioned outside the US. It also stars Sian Brook, Darren Boyd and Ophelia Lovibond.

Josh Cole, who runs Trying producer BBC Studios Comedy, told trade website Deadline: ‘Trying isn’t trying to be the loudest show but it’s one that people really fall deeply in love with. I’m pleased that it will be seen by a whole new audience.’

Published: 28 Aug 2025