EXCLUSIVE: The BBC has bought Trying, Apple TV+’s longest-running sitcom and its first show commissioned outside of the States.
In a first-of-its-kind deal, the pubcaster has acquired the first three seasons of Andy Wolton‘s show starring Rafe Spall and Esther Smith for both linear and iPlayer, and Season 1 will launch September 8. We understand the deal comes with the option to buy further seasons of Trying, which will soon launch its fifth season on Apple. BBC Studios brokered the deal.
Trying is Apple TV+‘s longest-running sitcom and was the first commission for Apple Europe TV boss Jay Hunt, who has gone on to greenlight hits like Slow Horses and Bad Sisters. Across five seasons, Trying has followed the progress of a couple who adopt a child. Celia Imrie and Gbemisola Ikumelo recently boarded Season 5 and the sitcom also stars Darren Boyd, Charlotte Riley and Sian Brooke.
“Trying isn’t trying to be the loudest show but it’s one that people really fall deeply in love with,” said Josh Cole, who runs Trying producer BBC Studios Comedy Productions. “I’m pleased that it will be seen by a whole new audience.”
Cole hailed Trying creator Wolton as “exceptionally gifted” and described him as a “modern day Richard Curtis.”
The BBC has never bought an Apple TV+ show before but, once their initial windows run down, Apple shows represent a real opportunity for local linear networks around the world. The streamer still has a relatively low take-up in big territories and now boasts a healthy originals library of shows that can be sold in second windows. We reported last year on distributor Fifth Season selling $1B worth of Apple shows in their second window including series featuring Jason Momoa, Nicole Kidman and Tom Hiddleston.
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