Claude Casey moved up in the secretarial world of television news, from temp to the anchor's desk. After her boss hires her full time, Claude realizes she may be in over her head in this world of assistants fighting to get ahead. But Claude is determined to prove that though she may not be perfect, she's not going down without a fight.
Upon returning from vacation, Claude learns that her boss, network anchor Will Butler, has resigned, leaving her jobless. Luckily her trusty friends, Owen and Ramona, have secured her a position as a temp on the 4th floor, right back where she started three years ago. Jeb Denton, the new anchorman, has promoted his wife, Lydia, to producer, and Claude's worst nightmare comes true when she's offered a job as Lydia's assistant. She hesitantly accepts the job on condition that she be given more responsibility, but working for Lydia proves to be a dangerous bargain. Meanwhile, Owen becomes addicted to Carl's new soft serve ice cream machine.
After quitting as Lydia’s assistant, Claude is back to “floater” status. However, the only spot available is working with Lydia, so Claude reluctantly agrees to work for her, but with conditions. Lydia’s first major assignment is to produce a complicated segment for the news. She pretends to have everything under control, but ends up breaking down and begging Claude for her help. Claude saves her only after she’s given a raise, a promotion and an apology. Meanwhile, Ramona gets a call that she may need to quit and return to the National Guard, leaving Owen and Carl freaking out.
After a long week, Claude, Carl, Ramona and Owen enjoy a night out for happy hour at their favorite bar. A little tipsy, Claude and Carl head home and, when one thing leads to another, they end up in bed together. They decide to keep it a secret from everyone at work to protect their friendship, but their attraction to each other makes it difficult. Meanwhile, Jeb incites a power struggle between Lydia and Kipp to keep them both
Claude reveals to Ramona that she and Carl are having sex with each other. Unfortunatley, Owen also finds out about this on his own.
Claude is concerned when Carl doesn't seem to be affected by her flirting with Ethan (Joey McIntyre), the copy repairman. Meanwhile, Ramona finds out that Kipp is making money on the side as a foot model, and she demands to get involved. Owen takes the photos of their feet together, but when they find them online, it turns out that someone has turned their shoot into a bizarre sexual scene.
Claude has owls living on her apartment roof and does her best to protect them, but gets distracted by Lydias dog, who ends up scaring them away. Meanwhile Owen tries to get someone to be his emergency contact, but no one wants the responsibility since he's so accident prone.
Claude brings Jeb to a hip magazine party with the intention of raising Jeb's profile; Owen and Ramona start a protest at the cafeteria.
When Kip reveals he lost his apartment with his trust fund, an unwitting Carl takes him in. Kip then gives advice to Carl about dating Claude. Kip reveals, through their hatred, he knows a lot more about Claude then he thought. Ramona and Lydia listen to Claude talk about her and Carl's relationship. Meanwhile, Jeb receives a watch from Lydia that he hates. But in the hands of Owen, it's not safe.
Claude realizes that part of her job is predicting Lydia's mood swings and Owen gives her a tool to do it.
When Lydia feels she doesn't get enough recognition, Jeb and Claude come up with a plan to give her a fake award, but they soon get too over their heads when Lydia gets too excited about the award.
Claude and Kip get into an argument when she is about to become assistant to Lydia and Jeb.
Claude makes an announcement; the fourth floor workers are banned from the snack bar; Ramona and Owen are forced to eat in their office.
Claude intervenes when she realizes that Lydia is about to cheat on Jeb. Meanwhile, Owen plans to seduce Lydia, and Jeb loses his voice.
