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One of Apple TV’s Greatest 5-Part Shows Is Doing Something No Other Streamer Can Match
Apple TV's comedy series Trying has distinguished itself by commissioning an entirely original soundtrack for each of its five seasons, with a different artist writing songs inspired by the characters before episodes are fully completed. This approach, unusual among major streamers that typically rely on licensed hits or needle drops, turns the music into an integral part of the storytelling rather than an afterthought, giving each season a distinct musical identity tied to the emotional journey of the show's characters.
The comedy follows Nikki and Jason, played by Esther Smith and Rafe Spall, as they navigate infertility, adoption and the challenges of parenting. Each season has featured a different musician: Guy Garvey led Season 1, followed by Maisie Peters in Season 2, Bear's Den in Season 3, BEKA in Season 4, and Orla Gartland for the newly released fifth season. Artists such as Peters have worked from scripts before filming began, writing songs that production teams then build pivotal scenes and montages around, rather than fitting music in after the fact.
In short
- Apple TV's Trying commissions a new original soundtrack each season
- A different artist scores every season, from Guy Garvey to Orla Gartland
- Songs are written from scripts before filming, shaping the storytelling itself
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Commissioning original soundtracks allows music to integrate into storytelling rather than serve as decoration, with artists writing before filming so production teams build scenes around composed pieces that deepen emotional resonance. This creates distinctive artistic identity for each season and supports emerging musicians, offering something genuinely unique that licensed hits cannot replicate.
The case against
Whilst artistically compelling, commissioning new soundtracks for each season represents significant expense that most viewers won't consciously notice given passive streaming consumption habits, and production inflexibility of music written before filming is complete creates inefficiencies. These resources would likely generate greater audience value if invested in core elements like writing, casting, and production craft—areas where improvements benefit all viewers.
Explained simply
Trying is a British comedy series about Nikki and Jason, a couple played by Esther Smith and Rafe Spall, who face infertility, adoption and the demands of raising a family. Across five seasons, the story follows changes in their relationship and their efforts to become parents.
Each season has music written specifically for the series by a different artist, including Guy Garvey, Maisie Peters, Bear’s Den, BEKA and Orla Gartland. Some songs are developed from scripts before filming, so the music can help shape scenes and reflect the characters’ experiences.
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