From The Office creators Greg Daniels and Micheal Schur, this mockumentary about the staff of the Parks and Recreation department for the city of Pawnee, Indiana has a large and widespread fanbase. What makes the show so easy to watch is its wonderfully authentic characters played by some of Hollywood’s greatest comedy stars.
10. Jerry Gergich (Jim O’Heir)
Being so frequently forgotten by the rest of the Parks and Rec department, it’s no wonder Jerry made the end of the list. At least he still has his hot wife Gayle and his three perfect daughters to make up for it.
9. Ann Perkins (Rashida Jones)
The most normal of the bunch, Ann is a registered nurse and Leslie’s best friend. She is known for dating a number of male characters throughout the show and for her in-depth search for the perfect sperm donor.
8. Ben Wyatt (Adam Scott)
Starting with his role as mayor of Partridge, Minnesota at the age of 18, Ben Wyatt has had an impressive career in politics — but what makes him so special is his willingness to put his own dreams aside for his (spoiler alert) wife Leslie Knope as she climbs the political ladder as well.
7. Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler)
The shining star of the Parks and Rec department and the show, Leslie is always there with a smile on her face and a stack of waffles from JJ’s. She is constantly on her toes to ensure the town of Pawnee is living up to its fullest potential. There is no one who cares more about Pawnee than Leslie and no matter where she goes that will never change.
6. Donna Meagle (Retta)
Donna is in the Parks and Rec office manager who is always keeping it real and spilling the tea with Tom. Later in the show, it is revealed that the Mercedes-driving gossip queen is a keeper of many secrets herself.
5. Chris Traeger (Rob Lowe)
In case you aren’t familiar with Chris, he is Ann’s on-again off-again boyfriend who’s often seen going for a run with his fitbit or eating a salad. While keeping his body lean and tight, Chris grows throughout the seasons in a number of ways.
4. Ron Swanson (Nick Offerman)
With his cold demeanor, Ron keeps everything in the Parks and Rec department in check. After the man’s not so positive experience with marriage the first two times around, we were happy to see him find his true love and a family the third time — and thankfully she wasn’t named Tammy.
3. Tom Haverford (Aziz Ansari)
This wannabe entrepreneur is full of outlandish ideas we love to hate on and frequently dates women who are too good for him. While we enjoy watching him flounder, we love watching him succeed even more the few times it happens. Leslie’s assistant and right-hand man, Tom Haverford, has big dreams that inspire us all to think bigger.
2. Andy Dwyer (Chris Pratt)
Andy Dwyer, also known as Johnny Karate, is a man of many talents — from shoe shiner to rock musician to kids birthday party singer. His loveable nature almost makes it easy to excuse his obvious lack of critical thinking skills.
1. April Ludgate (Aubrey Plaza)
One of the most legendary characters of the decade, April Ludgate is our forever “mood” and our greatest inspiration all in one. Despite her nihilist outlook, April finds a way to make a meaningful life for herself full of great friends.
Parks and Recreation is available to stream on Hulu and Peacock.
By Blair Krassen @blairlyawake
Blair- you are enticing me to watch this show!! Great review ,thanks –