The show really became a classic after it stopped trying to imitate "The Office US", and started doing its own thing. Adam Scott and Rob Lowe really gelled into the show more than Paul Schneider did, and it was like they'd been there from the very beginning.
@trinaq Interestingly, that's also when "The Office US" became a classic, when it stopped trying to imitate "The Office UK" and started doing its own thing. I still prefer Parks&Rec though.
One issue with Season 1 was that they had to delay filming due to Amy Poehler being pregnant and then film the entire six episodes without much time for rewrites to fix anything that wasn't working. Season 1 of The Office had similar growing pains. Season 2 of P&R had some very strong episodes while most of the characters found their voice. The one exception being Paul Schneider who never had much to do. Adam Scott was the key addition for me with Rob Lowe being a bonus.
My favorite Chris moment is when he invites Ron for lunch to talk about projects at the city hall and Ron obviously declines, but Chris just laughs and suddenly they were at the restaurant. Even a man as immovable and firm as Ron cannot escape Chris' endless positivity and enthusiasm.
That is one of the best and hilarious transitions I can recall from a TV show. That jump with Chris laughing across the shot transition is just a masterclass in comedic editing
They did such a brilliant job of bouncing all the personalities off of each other. Chris and Andy are both optimists, but from such different angles. Hilarity ensues. I always loved the court hearing regarding Leslie and Ben. There's something about the way that Chris was so distraught about what he had to do, but what he had to do was so clear to him. There is something nice about seeing that decision be so black and white for him aside from his feelings.
@@austinthurman2157i think of that clip often. When Ron says, “ I thought of nothing…” Whoa. What an achievement unlocked and he didn’t even realize it.
One of my favorite arcs in the show was Chris's struggle with anxiety and depression when coming to terms with his mortality. It added a lot of very realistic depth to the "unwavering optimist" character he was initially perceived as. I think a lot of people, myself included, really resonated with the guy who masks his pain with smiles and positivity so as not to burden others with his struggles.
I don't relate to that but I do find people who espouse positivity a bit annoying irl and so I did find Chris annoying too. Especially the way he forced Ben and Leslie to go through a trial even though he knew both of them and he knew they wouldn't abuse their power to hide their relationship. I also hated that he asked out Ann and when she said no, he went into a deep depression which felt a bit incel-y. But yeah, his arc where he deals with mental health was good and it did really humanize him. I liked him much better after that.
@@hittingyouoverthehead I'll admit it's been a while since I've seen the show so I don't remember every detail, but I'm pretty sure it's not "incel-y" to be depressed over someone not reciprocating your affection. Typically that kind of person reacts with anger and hostility. Is it a bit extreme to spiral over getting turned down? Sure. Most people would just be disappointed/upset, maybe a little mopey for a while. But that response is a result of Chris not being able to take failure and rejection well, hence the therapy and mental health arc.
@@hittingyouoverthehead Unless you've ever been deeply in love with someone, you have no idea what you're talking about. Calling someone's depression for not having their feelings reciprocated "incel-y" is insulting and offensive.
When the “Mark” character left it didn’t leave a hole. No one missed him. It was deffo the right decision. Chris and Ben fit so well and were integrated perfectly. Parks and Rec without them doesn’t feel right.
It feels like Gina leaving Brooklyn 99, characters and plot lines don’t feel lacking for her absence (but I’ll easily take Mark over Gina because of how on obnoxious she becomes after season 1, inoffensive is far better than serial sexual harasser).
@@tlahmedit was the American version of a show that already existed. The first season was the same as the The Office and really needed to stand on its on
@@tlahmed Well it's not hard to remember if you keep in mind that it was just inspired by The Office (UK). It's a regional adaptation of the same show. Way more successful, too, though UK shows are usually short even when they're good.
The real turning point I think was when Parks & Rec chose to take a positive route instead of a negative one. I don't like The Office because of how depressing I find it, and how the characters are all pretty mean to each other, but I love Parks & Rec because Leslie and Chris and Andy generate so much joy and positivity, and everyone actually bonds and becomes good friends who help each other. It's so heartwarming and the lessons and character journeys are just amazing.
@@actioninmyphannypack Larry? Don't you mean Gerry/Jerry? Anyway, jokes aside, he literally proves my point. Yes he gets bullied and it sucks, but everyone learns to see the good side of him and eventually stops, and behind all of that he has an amazing family and home life, plus he gets to be mayor until he dies at a very old age surrounded by everyone he loves. In contrast, Toby is ruthlessly bullied in a far meaner way, no one ever stands up for him, and he gets depressed and eventually leaves, plus his home life is terrible and it's speculated that he's a serial killer.
The "get on your feet scene" is one of the funniest things I've ever seen in my life. Also, Ben's claymation is something I reference all the time, alingside cones of dunshire "it's about the cones". I love this series so much
When I first watched that scene I was howling laughing so much and kept replaying it over and over again much to the dismay of my fraternity brothers 😂. I can't remember the last time something made me laugh so much and brought me so much joy. .
Ben's disgust with whiskey letting it fall out of his mouth saying "HOOEY, HEYY!" and him being incredibly drunk climbing over wooden fences at the wine farm with Ron are incredible scenes I'll never forget
I watched the “get on your feet” scene last night and laughed hysterically, it’s probably the thousandth time I’ve seen it and it is still just as funny as the first time.
100% it’s bothering funny and heart warming. The way in which both of their personalities collide but the still have genuine respect and care for each other
Ben Wyatt is amongst my very favourite characters in fiction, period. He manages to be a gigantic nerd, while simultaneously being a hard working, mostly socially aware and decent person. He avoids all the caricature of nerd dom, while still emphasising it's best traits. Adam Scott delivered a pitch perfect performance and I'd argue he's one of the best characters on TV and my personal favourite in p&r
The first 2 seasons were fine & I enjoy them but there's simply no denying that the show kicks into high gear once Chris & Ben arrive. Plain and simple
I can't even remember if I skipped Season 2 (did skip Season 1 when I rewatched, though, that much I'm sure of; it was awful) because it's genuinely true that Parks and Rec doesn't truly begin until Chris and Ben join the cast.
Parks and rec should write a book on how to redeem a series. Growing out of being a sequel, new characters, good side character, turning an antagonist in a love interest, 7 season in and one of the best finale on television
@@otter011 An antagonist does not mean a villain. It just means a character who is opposing the protagonist. Ben was absolutely an antagonist early on.
And a shout-out to the phenomenal recurring side characters Joan Calamezzo, Jeremy Jamm, Brandi Maxxx, Perd Harpley, Tammy 1, Tammy 2, Ken Hotate and many more.
Those two characters were welcome additions, I agree with you on that part. I completely disagree that this was the most important change. What really made this series awesome was that they made sure that the other characters started treating Lesley with appreciation and respect. They poked fun at one another, but instead of being really mean to her, they stressed that they valued her work ethic and character. That (!!!) is what made the show so awesome. That, and that the women of the show hat wonderful friendships that they cherished. The two men, and the romantic relationships, that was a nice addition.
What I really liked about the women of the show was that they were capable and confident but none of them were mary sues, it made it so much more satisfying seeing Leslie succeed when they also showed how hard she worked, and also how sometimes she failed. The growth of most of the characters, mean and women showed where they failed and ultimately overcame.
IMO I felt the chemistry was also thrown off by Mark Brendanawicz in the first few seasons. Once he was gone, I enjoyed the chemistry of all the characters much better.
His character just didn’t work for what the show grew into. Ann could be the straight man to Leslie and April while bringing more personality and, for Leslie, heart while Ben and Chris could both play the straight man role whilst bringing their own character quirks into the interactions. Mark was the Jim in a show that didn’t need a Jim, but that doesn’t excuse him seemingly vanishing from continuity and this is a show that made a callback about Leslie being able to have triplets as well as giving side characters resolution in the finale (which had the bum from the slide in the pilot return). Mark’s park plan should have been mentioned and Ann should have have a boyfriend box for him (or the absence of one noted). At least season one is only six episodes, you can get through it in a couple of hours and then it’s gay penguins and the Langmans!
When I tell people to watch Parks & Rec, I always make a note that it's a bit of a trudge to get through...until Rob Lowe & Adam Scott show up. Once you make it to the arrival, it's smooth sailing. lol
The show really became really awesome after season two. Season Two was definitely an improvement, and the end of Season Two made it clear the show would liftoff.
Chris Traeger is one of my favorite sitcom characters, it was nice to see how someone who is so overwhelmingly positive still have cracks and benefit from therapy and addressing his mental health
I think Parks and Rec's biggest reason why people love it so much is because unlike most of the characters on The Office, the Parks and Rec characters really love and care about each other and you can feel it when you watch the show. The Office is hilarious don't get me wrong, and because of its success, we've been able to have shows like Parks and Rec and Brooklyn 99 and now Abbott Elementary thrive, but a lot of the humor is very mean spirited.
The first season was only around 6 epsidoes, so it makes sense that the writers/actors/editors were still figuring out the sweet spot of what the show could be during the second season
that’s why I loved the introduction of the people at the district but considering the most recent episode I feel like that won’t happen anymore and I rlly loved those characters despite their small roles. the good thing is because the show is about a school and teachers there are lots of different scenarios plus characters we already know and love and the great humor that makes it for episodes that aren’t repetitive. But I definitely want to see new characters that stick. we had that teacher aid last time and she didn’t stick. I like Tariq (tarique ?? Idk how to spell) coming back though it definitely makes things a little different.
I have seen this in many series and movies where they try to have one character do many things and have many traits...only a few of such characters were ever allowed entry into pop culture by the fandom most dont make the cut... Sometimes it helps splitting one character into multiple ones and have them interact...it creates many more unique situations to drive character developement or plot progression...
The first season and most of the second was pretty brutal. However, I’ve never seen a show make such a 360 degree turn and transform into one of the most classic shows of ALL-TIME!
Biggest miss the finale made was when Ron said something like "I looked around and I didn't recognise anyone working with me" and they showed a bunch of random extras as the new members of the department, they should have got Mark to just be sitting in there with them. I'm sure Paul wasn't busy that day.
s3 is when I started getting into this show because of Ben and Chris. They definitely saved this show with those two. I have been able to watch the first two seasons after finally enjoying the show and it is funny but It's just not the same. I was so sad when Chris and Anne left.
I watched something like the first six episodes and was just waiting and waiting for it to be funny, and I finally gave up on it. Fast forward a year later and I am having a conversation with friends about must watch television shows. One of my friends mentions Parks & Rec and I just looked at him like he was crazy. I was surprised because this particular friend knows funny and our tastes tend to be similar. I told him that I watched a bunch of episodes and it was remarkably unfunny. He tells me that somewhere around halfway through the first season it starts to get funny. I decided to give it another chance, but, once again, start from the first episode to make sure what I wasn't mistaken about the episodes I did see. I was not mistaken. However, literally the very next episode after the one where I decided to give up on it, it became funny, and the rest of the season was just as funny. Loved the whole run of the show and I am glad that I decided to give it a second chance.
How curious! I could never get into The Office it despite appearances from the actor playing Doug Judy. But I loved Parks and Rec from episode one. Rob Lowe sure was amazing and I thought it was so cool he stayed on the show for so long. Thanks for posting this! Loved your note about how things were allowed to learn from mistakes and improve. I bet in today's world Seinfeld would have been cancelled after season 1!
I honestly rarely rewatch the show wihtout just starting from season 2 episode 23, I loved the show from the beginning but the show truly blossomed when Chris and Ben showed up
At 8:25, you wrongfully conclude that streaming services cancel shows quickly but broadcast TV doesn't/didn't. It's very common for broadcast TV shows to get cancelled after 1-3 episodes due to poor ratings, and even after the whole first season airs. If I were to make an assumption (like you did), I'd say that streaming services would not cancel, since their model doesn't rely upon ads so if they have already paid for the episodes (and they are usually short seasons on streaming, anyway) they will show all the episodes but not renew the series. Broadcast TV, on the other hand, would/will cancel the series and likely not air the remaining episodes because they rely on ads, whose ad prices are based on ratings, so the broadcast networks would rather eat the cost of not airing the remaining episodes and put another show on the schedule (or re-run a show that's doing well) in order to keep the ratings for that time slot up for better ad revenue.
Season 2 was definitely a huge improvement over season 1, but the introduction of these characters really did take the show, to quote Chris Traeger, “into the stratosphere.”
Leslie and Ben's relationship is one of my favorite tv romances evwr for many reasons, but I mostly love how it highlights how life changing it can be meeting someone who truly sees you for you and loves that person as they are. Everyone treated her like a dufus which kept her in a fishbowl, limiting her personal growth. Once she meets Ann and then Ben, who both appreciate her as she is, Leslie begins to fit in perfectly and has such fast personal growth. She becomes more confident. Everyone deserves love, and in Ben she finds her perfect match and finds her confidence to be the already awesome person she actually is.
I actually really liked Parks & Recreation's first season; I just thought it had a slower start. But I think Parks & Recreation became a better story than The Office did by the time both series were completed.
Wow. What a great essay on this topic. You only failed to mention Ron Swanson as a pivotal role that helped bring out the best in Leslie and lift it up through most of season 2 (prior to Ben's arrival). Otherwise, very well-stated arguments. I'd agree that season 1 was not for me, and all for the same reasons you mentioned.
If anyone ever saw the promotion for one of the later seasons where they are all on set out of character and Rob walks in and it’s just an evil psychopath to everyone. It’s the funniest shit in the world given his character in the show.
Ben (Adam Scott) is the most underrated one on the show! He keeps it so grounded and makes the jokes hit even harder. He also makes us feel such a range of emotion for a silly comedy.
End of second season/beginning of third season is when it turned a corner. However, I can now go back and watch the first two seasons and enjoy the good moments. There are some funny moments in the first two seasons, but I only started to appreciate them after the series was complete.
It's honestly hard to picture the show without them. I just imagine the cast and they're just there. Paul though, I frequently forget he was on the show, and I love this show.
I have rewatched this show countless times, but from S2 Ep23, I see complations of the series and am reminded of earlier bits that I've totally forgotten despite watching the rest over and over.
I agree with this I wanted Parks and Rec to do well so I always watched but went from "i'm watching because its on after the office" to OMG I can't miss an episode!!!
I watched the first episodes and thought "just an office clone" and didn't have much hope, but bringing in Ben and Chris made it an entirely different show. That allowed the characters to really flesh out and grow, especially Leslie and Andy. Did Ron Swanson become Nick Offerman, or did Nick Offerman become Ron Swanson? The character is so distinctive that's impossible to think of anyone BUT Nick in the role. I also loved how Pawnee Indiana and it's citizens just became more and more bizarre, yet completely realistic (if you've ever lived in a small town) as the show went on.
I couldn’t get into The Office, but Parks & Rec was great…as long as you give it more than a few episodes. It’s a slow start. Also, Ben is the best character ever. Most adorable nerd character ever.
I’m working through a rewatch and am a couple of episodes away from Ben and Chris’ introduction. While it is slowly coming together Ben and Chris are the puzzle pieces we don’t know we are missing yet.
When I rewatch, I start with Ben and Chris' first episode! I know there are some good episodes before that, but I definitely agree that they made it a different show, and in particular the overhaul of Leslie's character was desperately needed.
When I rewatch Parks and Rec, I usually start late in season 2. The show is by no means bad before that, but you can LITERALLY feel everything fall into place once Chris and Ben show up ❤️
I love that show. I mean, I eventually grew to love that show. Season 1 was tough, but I liked Andy's character-by that time, I thought the show was okay. But when the changes came-man, I fell in love.
On recent rewatch, I was surprised that Ben and Chris showed up at the end of 2nd season because I remembered that the show improved only after their arrival. But honestly 2nd season is amazing right from the beginning. Writers managed to make the show great right after rough 1st season and further elevated it with the addition of the loveable auditors.
Definitely more complicated than this as The Office also had Season 1 issues that they worked out and Season 2 had some great episodes before they joined, but Adam Scott coming in added so much to the show and getting Rob Lowe was just a bonus.
i watched Parks & rec from the beginning. Love the show. i truly dont remember any episodes from that first season. Lowe and Scott's additions truly reinvented the show.
I'm happy I'm not a tv series producer, audiences seem so difficult. I guess there's a lot of competition between series, and people want to make THE one anyone will be glued to. I am very different and probably strange: I settle for something as feel-good as refined and deep enough, and I don't go looking for other stuff, because I don't have much time to watch stuff, and getting too hooked up on something hyper complicated will drain me and distract me. I actually look for something closer to my daily life because it helps me function in that reality, and maybe see the humour in it, which is always a good idea. Idk I wish good series could just exist instead of having to be compared all the time. I'm sure I'm weird.
Something low key about Ann and Chris is that they don’t feel the need to get married even by the finale, and that’s great to show. Sometimes people are comfortable where they are and don’t need a wedding to validate their love.
Those two most definitely changed up the character dynamics and made significant improvements to the show. I always liked Adam Scott's comedic chops, but Rob Lowe really surprised me.
I watched Parks more times than I can remember and I almost always start on the episode when Ben and Chris arrive! Sometimes I start a bit sooner with “Tammy”
I watched parks and rec from the beginning, from first to last season as it aired. I much prefer the changes they made. And I adore Ben and Chris as characters and I can’t imagine the series without Adam Scott and rob Lowe. Thankful! I still have maintained love for season one. I still enjoy the reruns too :)
Parks and Rec is one of my all time favorite shows. I did like it before these two characters showed up simply because I've always like the friendship between Leslie and Ann but don't mistake that as me not seeing the other problems in the show's tone or how these two and their addition totally changed everything. There is a reason why season 3 is where that show comes into its own... it is because of Chris and Ben!
I remember when my wife got me to watch parks and rec and as soon as they made the changes to knope I was hooked. Once she became this passionate optimist who was good at her job the show became so much more enjoyable
Not knowing what i know now about the show i did notice a big jump in quality season 2 but i did enjoy 1 still. The biggest change was Andy, even not knowing you can tell they did a major rehaul on his character
I’ll never forget that I had to watch the first season like four times before I could move on, because I would always watch after a long day of school and I kept falling asleep 💀💀 soooo glad I made it through that low key wet cement, because it’s one of my top faaavorite shows of all time, now and probs forever ❤️
I have just started rewatching Parks & Rec and found myself struggling to get through season 1 & 2 and was wondering "why do I like this show again?" and yeah it obvious how much the show improved when Chris and Ben show uo.
There were three things I think. All in combination. Clearly after the show writers realised this isnt working and we need a new direction. 1) Ben Wyatt and Chris Traeger arrive. 2) Mark Brandanowitz departs 3) Lesie becomes Competent and Driven but restrained by her position, instead of incompetent but Idealistic.
My family have always agreed this was the turning point from an OK series to comedy gold. Everyone I recommend it to I tell them to stick with it until S2 when these guys come in and after that it goes to a whole other level.
The show really became a classic after it stopped trying to imitate "The Office US", and started doing its own thing. Adam Scott and Rob Lowe really gelled into the show more than Paul Schneider did, and it was like they'd been there from the very beginning.
Yeah, I literally like it better than the Office.
@trinaq Interestingly, that's also when "The Office US" became a classic, when it stopped trying to imitate "The Office UK" and started doing its own thing. I still prefer Parks&Rec though.
More like Mark Brandano-quits
One issue with Season 1 was that they had to delay filming due to Amy Poehler being pregnant and then film the entire six episodes without much time for rewrites to fix anything that wasn't working. Season 1 of The Office had similar growing pains. Season 2 of P&R had some very strong episodes while most of the characters found their voice. The one exception being Paul Schneider who never had much to do. Adam Scott was the key addition for me with Rob Lowe being a bonus.
funny enough the office had to stop imitating the UK office to get better.
My favorite Chris moment is when he invites Ron for lunch to talk about projects at the city hall and Ron obviously declines, but Chris just laughs and suddenly they were at the restaurant.
Even a man as immovable and firm as Ron cannot escape Chris' endless positivity and enthusiasm.
That is one of the best and hilarious transitions I can recall from a TV show. That jump with Chris laughing across the shot transition is just a masterclass in comedic editing
They did such a brilliant job of bouncing all the personalities off of each other.
Chris and Andy are both optimists, but from such different angles. Hilarity ensues.
I always loved the court hearing regarding Leslie and Ben. There's something about the way that Chris was so distraught about what he had to do, but what he had to do was so clear to him. There is something nice about seeing that decision be so black and white for him aside from his feelings.
I love when Chris brings Ron to his meditation sessions. So many great "lessons" for the characters.
@@austinthurman2157i think of that clip often. When Ron says, “ I thought of nothing…”
Whoa. What an achievement unlocked and he didn’t even realize it.
@@eeejay235I didn't know enough about meditation at the time to get that layer, but that's hilarious.
One of my favorite arcs in the show was Chris's struggle with anxiety and depression when coming to terms with his mortality. It added a lot of very realistic depth to the "unwavering optimist" character he was initially perceived as. I think a lot of people, myself included, really resonated with the guy who masks his pain with smiles and positivity so as not to burden others with his struggles.
I agree also when he got really sick and had to face his own mortality, it really was a great predicament for his character. “Stop. Pooping.” 😂😂
Yes! I loved his character but I admit that his character would have gotten stale after a while if he never had any flaws or moments of weakness.
I don't relate to that but I do find people who espouse positivity a bit annoying irl and so I did find Chris annoying too. Especially the way he forced Ben and Leslie to go through a trial even though he knew both of them and he knew they wouldn't abuse their power to hide their relationship. I also hated that he asked out Ann and when she said no, he went into a deep depression which felt a bit incel-y.
But yeah, his arc where he deals with mental health was good and it did really humanize him. I liked him much better after that.
@@hittingyouoverthehead I'll admit it's been a while since I've seen the show so I don't remember every detail, but I'm pretty sure it's not "incel-y" to be depressed over someone not reciprocating your affection. Typically that kind of person reacts with anger and hostility.
Is it a bit extreme to spiral over getting turned down? Sure. Most people would just be disappointed/upset, maybe a little mopey for a while. But that response is a result of Chris not being able to take failure and rejection well, hence the therapy and mental health arc.
@@hittingyouoverthehead Unless you've ever been deeply in love with someone, you have no idea what you're talking about. Calling someone's depression for not having their feelings reciprocated "incel-y" is insulting and offensive.
When the “Mark” character left it didn’t leave a hole. No one missed him. It was deffo the right decision. Chris and Ben fit so well and were integrated perfectly. Parks and Rec without them doesn’t feel right.
It feels like Gina leaving Brooklyn 99, characters and plot lines don’t feel lacking for her absence (but I’ll easily take Mark over Gina because of how on obnoxious she becomes after season 1, inoffensive is far better than serial sexual harasser).
@@jbcatz5tf gina do
@@jbcatz5omg Gina leaves B99? I finally have a reason to pick it up again, gave up on the show very early due to her
@@aboxinspaceyep, she leaves midway through season 3 (iirc). I celebrated when she left. Her character was a constant annoyance.
@@c0ronariu5I thought she doesn’t leave until season 6
Ironically, The Office US and Parks and Rec both got criticized in their first season for being too close to their source material.
Solid point. I forgot that The Office was inspired by something else.
Forreal! I always tell people to start on season 2 when entering these shows and come back to season 1 if they really like it lol
@@tlahmedit was the American version of a show that already existed. The first season was the same as the The Office and really needed to stand on its on
@@tlahmed Well it's not hard to remember if you keep in mind that it was just inspired by The Office (UK). It's a regional adaptation of the same show.
Way more successful, too, though UK shows are usually short even when they're good.
@@tlahmedThe original UK Office and Shameless were much better.
The animation Wyatt made is peak comedy and so damn relatable
I compared it to avatar, and how can it not be longer chris?
I laugh so hard at that part every time.
You mean his claymaysh?
Requiem for a Tuesday
Staaand in the place where y
its better then game of thrones
The real turning point I think was when Parks & Rec chose to take a positive route instead of a negative one. I don't like The Office because of how depressing I find it, and how the characters are all pretty mean to each other, but I love Parks & Rec because Leslie and Chris and Andy generate so much joy and positivity, and everyone actually bonds and becomes good friends who help each other. It's so heartwarming and the lessons and character journeys are just amazing.
Same!!! Sameee dude!!
What about Larry?
@@actioninmyphannypack Larry? Don't you mean Gerry/Jerry? Anyway, jokes aside, he literally proves my point. Yes he gets bullied and it sucks, but everyone learns to see the good side of him and eventually stops, and behind all of that he has an amazing family and home life, plus he gets to be mayor until he dies at a very old age surrounded by everyone he loves. In contrast, Toby is ruthlessly bullied in a far meaner way, no one ever stands up for him, and he gets depressed and eventually leaves, plus his home life is terrible and it's speculated that he's a serial killer.
The "get on your feet scene" is one of the funniest things I've ever seen in my life.
Also, Ben's claymation is something I reference all the time, alingside cones of dunshire "it's about the cones".
I love this series so much
When I first watched that scene I was howling laughing so much and kept replaying it over and over again much to the dismay of my fraternity brothers 😂. I can't remember the last time something made me laugh so much and brought me so much joy. .
Ben's disgust with whiskey letting it fall out of his mouth saying "HOOEY, HEYY!" and him being incredibly drunk climbing over wooden fences at the wine farm with Ron are incredible scenes I'll never forget
I watched the “get on your feet” scene last night and laughed hysterically, it’s probably the thousandth time I’ve seen it and it is still just as funny as the first time.
"I'm Chris Traeger... this is Ben."
Just the way he said that made me know I was in for a treat.
Chris and his relentless genuine positivity vs Ron and his eternal deadpan demeanour were comedy gold
No you are wrong.
100% it’s bothering funny and heart warming. The way in which both of their personalities collide but the still have genuine respect and care for each other
Chris trying to get Ron to eat a salad is great!
Ben Wyatt is amongst my very favourite characters in fiction, period. He manages to be a gigantic nerd, while simultaneously being a hard working, mostly socially aware and decent person.
He avoids all the caricature of nerd dom, while still emphasising it's best traits. Adam Scott delivered a pitch perfect performance and I'd argue he's one of the best characters on TV and my personal favourite in p&r
The real lesson here, is that the arrival of Mr. Bingley (Chris) and Mr. Darcy (Ben) always make for a good story.
Haha yes 😂😅
Perfect comment
OMG they are Bingley and Darcy
This is more accurate than it has any right to be
😂😂😂
The first 2 seasons were fine & I enjoy them but there's simply no denying that the show kicks into high gear once Chris & Ben arrive. Plain and simple
I can't even remember if I skipped Season 2 (did skip Season 1 when I rewatched, though, that much I'm sure of; it was awful) because it's genuinely true that Parks and Rec doesn't truly begin until Chris and Ben join the cast.
I find Season 1 painful, Season 2 much improved, and Seasons 3 and 4 to be peak Parks and Rec.
Parks and rec should write a book on how to redeem a series. Growing out of being a sequel, new characters, good side character, turning an antagonist in a love interest, 7 season in and one of the best finale on television
the show should write a book? 😅
I bet Jim OHeir writes about that in his new book
Not to mention Ben coming back from being a failed Mayor
@@otter011 An antagonist does not mean a villain. It just means a character who is opposing the protagonist. Ben was absolutely an antagonist early on.
@@otter011 He was constantly opposing Leslie.
Parks & Rec season 2 is the only time you can ever say "all hope seemed lost, until the auditors arrived" with sincerity.
I laughed so hard at this my chest hurts 😅
Might be the only positive thing we can associate the IRS with
@@jhenryproductionz6388nope! State budget ≠ IRS
@@jhenryproductionz6388 This
And a shout-out to the phenomenal recurring side characters Joan Calamezzo, Jeremy Jamm, Brandi Maxxx, Perd Harpley, Tammy 1, Tammy 2, Ken Hotate and many more.
Everyone always forgets Tweep :(
Ya heard, with Perd!
Barney, Orin, & Dr. Harris!!!!!
Love Brandi Maxxx.
what makes things funnier is actor Ron and actor Tammy 2 are married in real life.
I think Ben and Leslie's relationship growth is the best we've ever had on TV.
OMG! They warm my heart!
So many TV relationships get boring when they get together, but Ben and Leslie were amazing throughout. Possibly my all time favourite TV couple.
8:32 "Bottomless pit of despair" - Missed opportunity to show the pit.
They also missed at the beginning the *literally*
i think he was quoting the line chris was saying at that point
Those two characters were welcome additions, I agree with you on that part.
I completely disagree that this was the most important change. What really made this series awesome was that they made sure that the other characters started treating Lesley with appreciation and respect. They poked fun at one another, but instead of being really mean to her, they stressed that they valued her work ethic and character. That (!!!) is what made the show so awesome. That, and that the women of the show hat wonderful friendships that they cherished.
The two men, and the romantic relationships, that was a nice addition.
What I really liked about the women of the show was that they were capable and confident but none of them were mary sues, it made it so much more satisfying seeing Leslie succeed when they also showed how hard she worked, and also how sometimes she failed. The growth of most of the characters, mean and women showed where they failed and ultimately overcame.
IMO I felt the chemistry was also thrown off by Mark Brendanawicz in the first few seasons. Once he was gone, I enjoyed the chemistry of all the characters much better.
I agree, Mark was definitely the weakest link
@@noelv1976So weak most people fully forget he ever existed. 😅
So weak when I rewatch Parks and Recreation I skip season one and two
His character just didn’t work for what the show grew into. Ann could be the straight man to Leslie and April while bringing more personality and, for Leslie, heart while Ben and Chris could both play the straight man role whilst bringing their own character quirks into the interactions. Mark was the Jim in a show that didn’t need a Jim, but that doesn’t excuse him seemingly vanishing from continuity and this is a show that made a callback about Leslie being able to have triplets as well as giving side characters resolution in the finale (which had the bum from the slide in the pilot return). Mark’s park plan should have been mentioned and Ann should have have a boyfriend box for him (or the absence of one noted).
At least season one is only six episodes, you can get through it in a couple of hours and then it’s gay penguins and the Langmans!
It was like he was in a totally different show
When I tell people to watch Parks & Rec, I always make a note that it's a bit of a trudge to get through...until Rob Lowe & Adam Scott show up. Once you make it to the arrival, it's smooth sailing. lol
the last season is a bit rough as soon as they pick up Billy Eickner and his constant yelling
@@benjaminwatt2436 I liked Craig; they never had him too big doses.
I just tell people to start watching from their first episode, nothing is missed anyway
The show really became really awesome after season two.
Season Two was definitely an improvement, and the end of Season Two made it clear the show would liftoff.
I felt that April was incorporated into the episodes more from S2 and making Andy a regular character instead of a guest also helped.
Chris Traeger is one of my favorite sitcom characters, it was nice to see how someone who is so overwhelmingly positive still have cracks and benefit from therapy and addressing his mental health
I'm still waiting for a real life Cones of Dunshire
It’s about the cones
Thought it said this was uploaded 5 months ago…it was actually 5 minutes. I knew I’d never miss a video
I think Parks and Rec's biggest reason why people love it so much is because unlike most of the characters on The Office, the Parks and Rec characters really love and care about each other and you can feel it when you watch the show. The Office is hilarious don't get me wrong, and because of its success, we've been able to have shows like Parks and Rec and Brooklyn 99 and now Abbott Elementary thrive, but a lot of the humor is very mean spirited.
The first season was only around 6 epsidoes, so it makes sense that the writers/actors/editors were still figuring out the sweet spot of what the show could be during the second season
I love the moments when Chris is delightfully aware when people are being rude or sarcastic to him and he just points it out while smiling
Giving Chris pratt a more prominent role is what really saved it halfway thru the second season
I do agree that he saved part of S2 (mainly before Ben & Chris showed up)
This is how I’m starting to feel about Abbott Elementary - I feel like they need to introduce some new characters to shake up the dynamics
Really? I think it’s hilarious 😂 as it is ❤
A new addition to the cast woild be amazing actually.
that’s why I loved the introduction of the people at the district but considering the most recent episode I feel like that won’t happen anymore and I rlly loved those characters despite their small roles. the good thing is because the show is about a school and teachers there are lots of different scenarios plus characters we already know and love and the great humor that makes it for episodes that aren’t repetitive. But I definitely want to see new characters that stick. we had that teacher aid last time and she didn’t stick. I like Tariq (tarique ?? Idk how to spell) coming back though it definitely makes things a little different.
I have seen this in many series and movies where they try to have one character do many things and have many traits...only a few of such characters were ever allowed entry into pop culture by the fandom most dont make the cut...
Sometimes it helps splitting one character into multiple ones and have them interact...it creates many more unique situations to drive character developement or plot progression...
The first season and most of the second was pretty brutal. However, I’ve never seen a show make such a 360 degree turn and transform into one of the most classic shows of ALL-TIME!
so true, whenever I rewatch the show I jump immeditatly to when Adam Scott and Rob Lowe show up
Same!
oh man, looks like its time to rewatch parks and rec... again
Whenever i rewatch the series I always start on the episodes that Chris and Ben arrive. I never really enjoyed the series until they joined.
yep, and skip any scene with Billy Eickner. besides being a terrible actor/human bieng, i never understood why he was always yelling. super annoying
Season 2 has some gems tho. Pawnee Zoo, Hunting Trip, Greg Pikitis, Sister City, I can keep going
@benjaminwatt2436 awww, I like Craig. I'm sure others did too because he was kept and even had a send-off in the finale.
@@dylankrejci9965 Pawnee Zoo was by far the best episode ever.
Biggest miss the finale made was when Ron said something like "I looked around and I didn't recognise anyone working with me" and they showed a bunch of random extras as the new members of the department, they should have got Mark to just be sitting in there with them. I'm sure Paul wasn't busy that day.
That would’ve been HILARIOUS
s3 is when I started getting into this show because of Ben and Chris. They definitely saved this show with those two. I have been able to watch the first two seasons after finally enjoying the show and it is funny but It's just not the same. I was so sad when Chris and Anne left.
I watched something like the first six episodes and was just waiting and waiting for it to be funny, and I finally gave up on it.
Fast forward a year later and I am having a conversation with friends about must watch television shows. One of my friends mentions Parks & Rec and I just looked at him like he was crazy. I was surprised because this particular friend knows funny and our tastes tend to be similar. I told him that I watched a bunch of episodes and it was remarkably unfunny. He tells me that somewhere around halfway through the first season it starts to get funny.
I decided to give it another chance, but, once again, start from the first episode to make sure what I wasn't mistaken about the episodes I did see. I was not mistaken. However, literally the very next episode after the one where I decided to give up on it, it became funny, and the rest of the season was just as funny.
Loved the whole run of the show and I am glad that I decided to give it a second chance.
How refreshing to see two male love interests be the one to highlight the female protagonists for a change 🥰
How curious! I could never get into The Office it despite appearances from the actor playing Doug Judy. But I loved Parks and Rec from episode one.
Rob Lowe sure was amazing and I thought it was so cool he stayed on the show for so long.
Thanks for posting this! Loved your note about how things were allowed to learn from mistakes and improve. I bet in today's world Seinfeld would have been cancelled after season 1!
The burger cook off between Chris and Ron is a classic!
I honestly rarely rewatch the show wihtout just starting from season 2 episode 23, I loved the show from the beginning but the show truly blossomed when Chris and Ben showed up
At 8:25, you wrongfully conclude that streaming services cancel shows quickly but broadcast TV doesn't/didn't. It's very common for broadcast TV shows to get cancelled after 1-3 episodes due to poor ratings, and even after the whole first season airs. If I were to make an assumption (like you did), I'd say that streaming services would not cancel, since their model doesn't rely upon ads so if they have already paid for the episodes (and they are usually short seasons on streaming, anyway) they will show all the episodes but not renew the series. Broadcast TV, on the other hand, would/will cancel the series and likely not air the remaining episodes because they rely on ads, whose ad prices are based on ratings, so the broadcast networks would rather eat the cost of not airing the remaining episodes and put another show on the schedule (or re-run a show that's doing well) in order to keep the ratings for that time slot up for better ad revenue.
This is a good catch, and I’m glad someone said it. This needs more likes!
Season 2 was definitely a huge improvement over season 1, but the introduction of these characters really did take the show, to quote Chris Traeger, “into the stratosphere.”
I will always have fond memories of watching the show during summer break with my buddy while we stayed up till three or four in the morning.
Leslie and Ben's relationship is one of my favorite tv romances evwr for many reasons, but I mostly love how it highlights how life changing it can be meeting someone who truly sees you for you and loves that person as they are. Everyone treated her like a dufus which kept her in a fishbowl, limiting her personal growth. Once she meets Ann and then Ben, who both appreciate her as she is, Leslie begins to fit in perfectly and has such fast personal growth. She becomes more confident. Everyone deserves love, and in Ben she finds her perfect match and finds her confidence to be the already awesome person she actually is.
I actually really liked Parks & Recreation's first season; I just thought it had a slower start. But I think Parks & Recreation became a better story than The Office did by the time both series were completed.
Ha! Nice super cut with the line "Love interests that didn't stick" landing on a clip with Will Arnett :)
Ben and the Treat yo self and Cones of Dunshire episodes were peak.
Wow. What a great essay on this topic. You only failed to mention Ron Swanson as a pivotal role that helped bring out the best in Leslie and lift it up through most of season 2 (prior to Ben's arrival). Otherwise, very well-stated arguments. I'd agree that season 1 was not for me, and all for the same reasons you mentioned.
If anyone ever saw the promotion for one of the later seasons where they are all on set out of character and Rob walks in and it’s just an evil psychopath to everyone. It’s the funniest shit in the world given his character in the show.
Are you talking about the funny or die skit?
There was always something so magical to me about Ben and Leslies relationship. The unadulterated respect and acceptance they have for each other
Ben (Adam Scott) is the most underrated one on the show! He keeps it so grounded and makes the jokes hit even harder. He also makes us feel such a range of emotion for a silly comedy.
Ben is on my top five favorite (series) characters ever. It's all about the cones....
@@larissacoelho9225 “Oh my god!….The Maverick should be able to trade lumber for agriculture credits!”
Agreed
Not to mention Chris's character making name recognition for the whole case spike
End of second season/beginning of third season is when it turned a corner.
However, I can now go back and watch the first two seasons and enjoy the good moments. There are some funny moments in the first two seasons, but I only started to appreciate them after the series was complete.
It's honestly hard to picture the show without them. I just imagine the cast and they're just there. Paul though, I frequently forget he was on the show, and I love this show.
Trailer park boys needs to be recognized for popularizing the mocomedutary back 2001
I had forgotten about this channel
Parks and rec truly changed me. It made me an Adam Scott fan. it gave me a comfort show and was my gateway into watching genuinely funny sitcoms
I just watched the whole show with my kids and husband. They were ALL entertained. What a great show start to finish.
I have rewatched this show countless times, but from S2 Ep23, I see complations of the series and am reminded of earlier bits that I've totally forgotten despite watching the rest over and over.
I agree with this I wanted Parks and Rec to do well so I always watched but went from "i'm watching because its on after the office" to OMG I can't miss an episode!!!
It’s cool to know the original idea still shined through with Ben
Getting rid of Mark was probably the single greatest thing they could have done for the show.
I watched the first episodes and thought "just an office clone" and didn't have much hope, but bringing in Ben and Chris made it an entirely different show. That allowed the characters to really flesh out and grow, especially Leslie and Andy. Did Ron Swanson become Nick Offerman, or did Nick Offerman become Ron Swanson? The character is so distinctive that's impossible to think of anyone BUT Nick in the role. I also loved how Pawnee Indiana and it's citizens just became more and more bizarre, yet completely realistic (if you've ever lived in a small town) as the show went on.
I couldn’t get into The Office, but Parks & Rec was great…as long as you give it more than a few episodes. It’s a slow start.
Also, Ben is the best character ever. Most adorable nerd character ever.
I’m working through a rewatch and am a couple of episodes away from Ben and Chris’ introduction. While it is slowly coming together Ben and Chris are the puzzle pieces we don’t know we are missing yet.
When I rewatch, I start with Ben and Chris' first episode! I know there are some good episodes before that, but I definitely agree that they made it a different show, and in particular the overhaul of Leslie's character was desperately needed.
When I rewatch Parks and Rec, I usually start late in season 2. The show is by no means bad before that, but you can LITERALLY feel everything fall into place once Chris and Ben show up ❤️
Ok you convinced me. Time for a rewatch
I love that show. I mean, I eventually grew to love that show. Season 1 was tough, but I liked Andy's character-by that time, I thought the show was okay. But when the changes came-man, I fell in love.
On recent rewatch, I was surprised that Ben and Chris showed up at the end of 2nd season because I remembered that the show improved only after their arrival. But honestly 2nd season is amazing right from the beginning. Writers managed to make the show great right after rough 1st season and further elevated it with the addition of the loveable auditors.
Every time I marathon parks and rec I get unreasonably happy when Ben and Chris show up😁
Definitely more complicated than this as The Office also had Season 1 issues that they worked out and Season 2 had some great episodes before they joined, but Adam Scott coming in added so much to the show and getting Rob Lowe was just a bonus.
Pretty counter intuitively, that last line did send me into a pit of despair. …Lockwood and Co….Shadow and Bone…..etcetera….
i watched Parks & rec from the beginning. Love the show. i truly dont remember any episodes from that first season. Lowe and Scott's additions truly reinvented the show.
I'm happy I'm not a tv series producer, audiences seem so difficult. I guess there's a lot of competition between series, and people want to make THE one anyone will be glued to. I am very different and probably strange: I settle for something as feel-good as refined and deep enough, and I don't go looking for other stuff, because I don't have much time to watch stuff, and getting too hooked up on something hyper complicated will drain me and distract me. I actually look for something closer to my daily life because it helps me function in that reality, and maybe see the humour in it, which is always a good idea. Idk I wish good series could just exist instead of having to be compared all the time. I'm sure I'm weird.
That and a distinct switch in tone to making everyone very likeable, but yes no denying the Adam Scott/Rob Lowe kiss of life
Something low key about Ann and Chris is that they don’t feel the need to get married even by the finale, and that’s great to show. Sometimes people are comfortable where they are and don’t need a wedding to validate their love.
Yess sirrrr! The last couple of episodes for Season 2 is when this show really started gel together.
Love your videos. But why do you say "pragmatist" strangely??
Those two most definitely changed up the character dynamics and made significant improvements to the show. I always liked Adam Scott's comedic chops, but Rob Lowe really surprised me.
I watched Parks more times than I can remember and I almost always start on the episode when Ben and Chris arrive! Sometimes I start a bit sooner with “Tammy”
Maybe true but my favourites are still April and Ron
Ron and Craig for me
I'll admit, I almost stopped watching Parks and Recreation on streaming, but their addition got me so hooked I finished every single episode.
I always debate skipping season one when i rewatch this show. This video was cool to watch, gave me some insight to why I do that
I watched parks and rec from the beginning, from first to last season as it aired. I much prefer the changes they made. And I adore Ben and Chris as characters and I can’t imagine the series without Adam Scott and rob Lowe. Thankful! I still have maintained love for season one. I still enjoy the reruns too :)
Outstanding video. Agree with every point you made. Well done.
When I saw the Pride and Prejudice parallels I couldn’t unsee them.
Parks and Rec is one of my all time favorite shows. I did like it before these two characters showed up simply because I've always like the friendship between Leslie and Ann but don't mistake that as me not seeing the other problems in the show's tone or how these two and their addition totally changed everything. There is a reason why season 3 is where that show comes into its own... it is because of Chris and Ben!
as a huge ben wyatt fan (might be my favorite behind april) I thank the showrunners for hiring adam scott every time I rewatch the series
Parks and Recs like A Different World is the perfect example of how casting, character development and writing can revamp a series so well in season 2
I remember when my wife got me to watch parks and rec and as soon as they made the changes to knope I was hooked. Once she became this passionate optimist who was good at her job the show became so much more enjoyable
Not knowing what i know now about the show i did notice a big jump in quality season 2 but i did enjoy 1 still. The biggest change was Andy, even not knowing you can tell they did a major rehaul on his character
I’ll never forget that I had to watch the first season like four times before I could move on, because I would always watch after a long day of school and I kept falling asleep 💀💀 soooo glad I made it through that low key wet cement, because it’s one of my top faaavorite shows of all time, now and probs forever ❤️
Literally the best duo ever!
‘Stop Pooping’
I have just started rewatching Parks & Rec and found myself struggling to get through season 1 & 2 and was wondering "why do I like this show again?" and yeah it obvious how much the show improved when Chris and Ben show uo.
There were three things I think. All in combination. Clearly after the show writers realised this isnt working and we need a new direction.
1) Ben Wyatt and Chris Traeger arrive.
2) Mark Brandanowitz departs
3) Lesie becomes Competent and Driven but restrained by her position, instead of incompetent but Idealistic.
My family have always agreed this was the turning point from an OK series to comedy gold. Everyone I recommend it to I tell them to stick with it until S2 when these guys come in and after that it goes to a whole other level.
4:36 That was brilliantly used.