The ABC series "Don't Trust the B--- in Apartment 23" has been included in TIME's list of the 50 most underappreciated television shows of the 21st century. The show, which aired for two seasons starting in 2012, is lauded for its edgy black humor and its ensemble cast.
Created by Nahnatchka Khan, the series is set in New York City and follows June, a naive Midwesterner who moves to Manhattan for a promising job, only to find her prospective employer in disarray. Her plans are further complicated when she ends up sharing an apartment with Chloe, a charismatic but potentially sociopathic party girl. The dynamic between Dreama Walker's tenacious ingénue June and Krysten Ritter's wild Chloe formed the core of the show's appeal.
Ritter's performance as Chloe was a key draw, with TIME noting her ability to radiate reckless charm that made the character likable despite her questionable actions. Walker's portrayal of June provided a strong counterpoint, with her character's quiet persistence serving as a vital asset.
The supporting cast also received praise, including Eric André as June's coffee-shop boss and James Van Der Beek, who played a vain, fictionalized version of himself still capitalizing on his "Dawson's Creek" fame. Van Der Beek's role was described as potentially his definitive performance.
TIME highlighted Khan's distinct comedic style, which blended lightly surreal storylines, sharp one-liners, and abundant cultural references. This unique blend contributed to the show's status as one of the edgier series to be broadcast during primetime.
"Don't Trust the B--- in Apartment 23" emerged in a wave of comedies featuring single women in the city, following shows like "Girls," "2 Broke Girls," and "Broad City." The article suggests that the cumbersome title may have contributed to its less widespread recognition despite its critical acclaim.