‘Don’t Trust the B in Apartment 23’ Creators on Its Cancellation 10 Years Ago

'Don't Trust the B in Apartment 23' Creators on Its Cancellation 10 Years Ago

As a devoted fan who grew up watching TV shows that dared to push boundaries and challenge the status quo, I can confidently say that Nahnatchka Khan and Sally Bradford McKenna’s creative partnership is one for the ages. Their bond, forged during the iconic but prematurely canceled “Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23,” has blossomed into another gem with their latest offering, “Laid.

Executive producers and scriptwriters Nahnatchka Khan and Sally Bradford McKenna might be on the verge of another successful venture with the debut of their dark comedy series “Laid,” starring Stephanie Hsu, set to air on Peacock December 19. However, their professional relationship can be traced back to the beloved but short-lived 2012 ABC comedy “Don’t Trust the B— in Apartment 23.” This series featured Krysten Ritter (known for Jessica Jones), Dreama Walker (Doubt), and James Van Der Beek, who portrayed a version of himself.

In a conversation with MovieWeb, the team behind the show acknowledged that “Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23” was actually a visionary production for its era. Bradford McKenna, one of the producers, even went as far as saying it remains his favorite project he has ever worked on, given his extensive background in shows like “The Goldbergs,” “The Grinder,” and “Will & Grace.” McKenna expressed that he believes the show was indeed ahead of its time, a sentiment shared even during production. Khan also agreed, stating that if the show had been broadcast on cable back then, it might have run for a longer period. Now, with the advent of streaming platforms, she believes its potential audience is even greater.

The character we portrayed was reminiscent of a pirate in terms of her moral compass. Although it might not have been the optimal time for broadcast, I’m thrilled to see that people continue to appreciate it and enjoy it. It was essentially us having a fantastic time, creating something we ourselves wanted to watch. We didn’t worry about whether people would like the characters or not, but instead focused on doing things that were unconventional, daring, and bold – things nobody else was doing at the time. In essence, our approach was: “Let’s push boundaries and do some truly outlandish, wild things, and celebrate this audacity.

2023 saw Krysten Ritter delve into the reasons behind the show’s termination during her conversation on the “Inside of You” podcast with Michael Rosenbaum, sharing her insights.

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I fondly recall the series airing on ABC. It was in an era when ratings were shifting dramatically, and unfortunately, our show was axed – a decision that now seems baffling given the viewership it has amassed over time, which is nothing short of a blockbuster success. The scheduling felt like a misguided journey, as if we were being tugged along by a dog coated in mud.

Ritter remarked, “That was the most challenging rejection I’ve faced, yet it left me surprised and deeply moved. Yes, tears were shed, but I’ve cried before too. There were instances when I drove home from set after having an exceptional day, and I would find myself shedding tears on the journey, aware that such a wonderful day wouldn’t be surpassed again. That was a fantastic day.

The Road to (Getting) ‘Laid’

'Don't Trust the B in Apartment 23' Creators on Its Cancellation 10 Years Ago'Don't Trust the B in Apartment 23' Creators on Its Cancellation 10 Years Ago'Don't Trust the B in Apartment 23' Creators on Its Cancellation 10 Years Ago'Don't Trust the B in Apartment 23' Creators on Its Cancellation 10 Years Ago'Don't Trust the B in Apartment 23' Creators on Its Cancellation 10 Years Ago'Don't Trust the B in Apartment 23' Creators on Its Cancellation 10 Years Ago

Both Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23 and Laid share a resemblance in their creative kinship. Both series feature leading ladies who create chaos, albeit in different settings. In the former, we follow Chloe (Ritter), a New York party girl with a knack for causing trouble for her best friend James Van Der Beek and her innocent small-town roommate June (Walker). The show ran for 26 episodes on ABC but was unexpectedly taken off the air, leaving fans disappointed. Similarly, Laid focuses on Stephanie’s Hsu’s character, Ruby, who finds herself surrounded by ex-lovers who are mysteriously passing away. An interesting twist: Ruby had intimate relationships with all these men.

Eight episodes of the show “Laid” became available at its premiere, making it an ideal choice for binge-watching. The series is engagingly crafted, with the central enigma – why Ruby’s former lovers are meeting untimely ends – unfolding smoothly and entertainingly. This should pique viewer interest. Sally Bradford McKenna was drawn to this concept from the start, finding the official series logline captivating. The death aspect particularly sparked her curiosity, prompting her to delve right in. She shared: “[The show] is about sex and death.

To be honest, the premise of this story truly piques my interest. It seems to blend the charming world of romantic comedies with the intriguing realm of true crime, a combination I find quite captivating. The unique twist, where love-seeking characters are entwined with death, is what particularly caught my eye. I must admit, I’m a bit of a connoisseur when it comes to anything murder-related, so the idea of exploring a darker, twisted take on a rom-com really appeals to me.

Laid streams on Peacock beginning December 19. You can watch it through the link below:

Watch Laid

Read More

Sorry. No data so far.

2024-12-20 00:31