The Day Parks and Recreation Was Born
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- Опубликовано: 15 фев 2021
- In this video, I explore Parks and Recreation's troubled beginnings and the episode that sparked the show's rise to excellence.
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What should I explore next in my new Day ___ Was Born series?
Bojack horseman
Breaking Bad? It starts out a bit slow but I'm sure there's a turning point episode.
The office
It's always sunny in philadelphia
Maybe the Friday the 13th series? The first two weren't that great, but once Jason got the his hockey mask in Part 3, the series found it's own identity.
all the dislikes are from eagleton
Underrated
I'm not exaggerating when I say every single person in Eagleton are stupid doo doo heads whose only purpose in life is to look down on Pawnee.
@@hittingyouoverthehead Leslie Knope who gave you a youtube account
Anti-mergers
they're just jealous they can't walk down the street and enjoy a nice plate a JJ's
the moment they stopped viewing leslie as a female michael scott, the show grew a million times better
Couldn’t have said it better myself. Micheal monotone slightly annoying weirdo. Leslie a giant ball of energy loving energy
I’m the 420th like ayyyy
woah i was not expecting that many likes thanks yall.
I never laughed even once watching The Office. Five minutes of the Steve Carrell character was enough for me. I never watched it again.
@@spaceghost8995 so you have just seen the office for like 5 mins?
Trading Mark for Ben was indeed the most important factor.
In one moment we went from having the blandest straight man possible, to one of the GOAT's
Have you seen party down? Might just be my fav show of all time, Adam Scott is the main character.
Yeah marks character was so bad, that in one of the episodes when Ann Perkins was talking about her exes, she never mentioned mark at all. He also never reappeared in the finale, which made it so great
People have turned Mark into a boogeyman when he’s honestly one of the better parts of the early show. He’s not even bad, he just didn’t fit into the shows new vision that came during season 2. Honestly found it very mean spirited that they never referenced him again.
@@cgk1276 yeah poor dude, people need an antagonist as to why the first season didn’t work and unfortunately Paul Schneider had become that punching bag, it wasn’t even his fault
The cones of dunshire clip is one of the funniest and most wholesome thing I've ever seen
People don’t give Parks & Rec enough recognition. It’s one of the few comedies (if not the only one) that didn’t slowly start to die off. Once Parks & Rec started lifting off the ground it only went up and up, finding its end in a flawless finale right at the perfect time.
I cried watching them perform 5000 candles on Seth Meyer’s.
I'm still surprised that the show never massively declined
I always list it, Justified and Star Wars Rebels that nailed their series finales.
@@v-squared justified- YES. favorite series finale.
The Office may be a historic sitcom, and Dwight Shrute and Michael Scott may be legendary characters, but I enjoy Parks and Rec a little bit more. The characters are more quirky and unique, they work well together, and the show has a certain charm not all shows have. Plus, Ron Swanson is a freaking legend in his own right. Great little show.
On The Office, Michael kept insisting that the Dunder Mifflin staff was a family, but they never felt like one. The Pawnee parks department, on the other hand, felt like a family ever since they started planning the Harvest Festival. And I'm such a sucker for the "found family" trope.
That was part of the joke, how socially clueless he was.
I'd rather watch the whole of Parks & Rec ten times than a single episode of The Office.
@ the office is way better lmao, watch The Injury or Dinner Party. The acting and energy is unmatched as well as the writing.
@@theresaszakielo8151 I know. I'm just pointing out why I prefer Parks and Rec over The Office.
@ shit taste then 🤷🏽♂️
Andy’s “Network connectivity problems” line was an ad-lib by Chris Pratt.
Yup! 😸
I think one of the writers said that was the funniest line in the show and it annoyed them that they weren't the ones to come up with it
Hilarious.
Glad I got to squeeze that line in. :)
It's also the last time I did a full spit take when finally watched parks and rec for the first time in 2018. I was eating lunch at home from work and had just taken a drink of Fanta. I proceeded to spit said fanta, directly at and all over my tv screen.
The funniest line on that show.
Chris Pratt is a gem.
It’s great how Lil Sebastian is able to make even April and Ron smile.
The only time Ron was proud of Leslie with joy and smile
He made Ron cry.
I loved Partridge's Sled lame comparison.
And us, the audience, are like Ben who don't get what the fuss is all about. At least for me.
@@RoSoliTaire yeah, that’s the joke
I was never able to explain why every time I'd watch Parks and Recreation it felt like my heart would physically expand in size. You just explained it perfectly.
Is that kind of show that the opening theme plays and I start to smile with no reason.
Every time I watch it, I feel this way!
Mark Brandanowitz leaving was the best thing the show ever did. He never would’ve worked in the show
bland character tbh
His boring character never worked in a first place lol. Parks and Rec started when Ben and Chris came.
lowkey forgot he existed 😐😐
I think you mean mark brandanoquitz
I never liked him. Just a mean-spirited womanizer. Didn't match the show's tone.
Best thing about Flu Season was that is perfectly explains Leslie’s character. She’s extremely driven to a fault and goofy as all Hell but when it comes down to it, she’s extraordinary.
I think that’s a testament to Amy Poehler, as an actress, as well. Leslie was a mirror image of Amy.
Like Michael
Haven't finished the video yet but was hoping it would be about Flu Season.
“I have to prepare for the Chamber of Secrets.”
“…Commerce.”
The moment Ben looked at the camera and said "That was Leslie Knope" was definitely a huge shift in the right direction. She was a lot to handle, super hyper, a complete over-achiever, and, as everyone grew to realize, totally awesome. When she was gone from the office and everyone realized just how much she did was also a game changer.
Leslie and Ann’s friendship is so sweet. I love how much they lift each other up
You are a gorgeous canary singing the most glorious song, and nobody has ever said anything more perfect than you just did😉
You beautiful, talented, brilliant, powerful musk-ox🥰
You cunning, pliable, chestnut-haired sunfish. You naive sophisticated newborn baby. Her quotes are almost as perfect as Ann Perkins.
That on screen relationship was impactful. How many times are female characters played against each other. How rare to see two female leads show a genuine love for each other. Nurturing and supportive, it was a true paradigm shift.
Also the relationship between Leslie and April (or even Donna who grew). All those women aren't against each other, they're not related but they're still there for each other, talk to each other about everything (not just love interests), they spend time with each other as genuine friends... It's part of the things that made the show truly special.
The episode at the ice rink when the walk to "Get on your feet" over and over. That's comedy gold
YES
Hahaha just watched that episode 😂
“The Comeback Kid.” That one kills me every time. Champion peeing and then trying to walk on the ice with 3 legs, “Together, we can defeat obese children” (or whatever the line is), Ben’s claymation movie (“I compared it to Avatar!!!”), the short red carpet, Leslie’s transition from the carpet to the ice...
facts
Funniest scene on tv, can’t convince me otherwise
Having a main character on your show literally greet people by pointing his fingers at them and then saying their first and last name every time he sees them is such a genius strategy for creating unavoidable recognition for the audience that it blows my mind. Who hasn't imitated Chris Traeger and done that to their friends?
Parks and Rec has such a higher floor than the Office. The Office may have a couple higher peaks in it's library, but Parks was so incredibly consistent at dishing out memorable episodes. The cast was perfect. Ron Swanson may be the epitome of writing a good television character: from his wardrobe.look to his motive to his story arc, he is stays completely in bounds of his character yet still can be a cartoon at times to push a moment over the top. Even the minor background people of Pawnee: Jean Ralphio and his whole family, Councilman Jam, Tammy 2, Perd, etc., they all were so great and had a density to them that felt like Parks & Rec was tapping into some Simpsons energy.
Great Vid!
Haha. Such a great intro for Chris.
hi i'm Perd Hapley and what I just read was a comment
I do love both shows but parks and rec is just... So wholesome. When it comes down to it, the people are *good*, and they *care* about each other, and that just tugs on your heartstrings. The show is honest, and earnest. And even though the last season is my least favorite, it didn't ruin the show for me like so many others (honestly I can't watch the office past season 7, and I start to lose interest at around season 4). Parks is just on a different level.
Consistent? Personally I can’t bear S5,6 & didn’t watch 7. I enjoyed S1-4 a decent amount but I don’t think it’s better than Arrested Development or Community.
@@OmegaRejectz Arrested Developments original 3 seasons are top tier content for me - I also didn’t mind season 4 by any means. Some of the biggest jokes of the whole show happen in season 4. And it’s the same with community prior to the gas leak season (which has some decent episodes of course). I was only comparing the office and Parks & Rec in my original comment.
I love all these shows a lot, and AD is probably my most favorite of all the ones discussed here. But if I’m having to choose between P&R and the Office for my personal favorite, I would have a hard time not picking parks as the more consistently funny with a wider scope/density to its world. And I love the office and totally get that the whole point is it’s more focused scope.
In that episode, Chris Traeger had some of his best lines:
“My body is finely tuned, like a microchip, and the flu is like a grain of sand. It could literally shut down the entire system.
" I vomited somewhere in this room. I don't remember where, though. Wait. You might want to check that drawer, though."
Stop. Pooping.
"Leslie came in, took my flu medicine and disappeared through that hole on the wall"
"The... door?"
"My body is a chip too. a potato chip!" I love Ann 😂😂😂😂
"oh no. the microchip has been compremised."
“I have run ten miles a day, every day, for eighteen years. Thats sixty five thousand miles. A third of the way to the moon. My goal is to run to the moon.”
Ben and Leslie are arguably one of the best all time O.T.P.s, and still Park and Rec managed to hold the platonic relationships, friendships at the same level, of the same importance. That is something, every show downright bulldozes, as soon as the romance arc emerges, they flush the friends down the sink-hole. That's what made Parks and Rec have their own special charm.
I have never seen a better TV couple, and I have watched A LOT OF TV SHOWS. I like Monica&Chandler, Jim&Pam, Jake&Amy, Phil&Claire... But I don't feel what I feel for Ben&Leslie for any of the others I listed. I just don't know, they have something very special.
@@cinemidomidusunsel
I think one of the strengths of Leslie and Ben is that they don't love each other despite their flaws, but they actually embrace and love the flaws as well. That's, for example, one of the big flaws of Monica and Chandler. The show jokes around their flaws and make fun of them (or mock them, even), even their partner does it. Leslie and Ben never really do that, they support each other in their quirkiness and flaws. To me that's the best part of the couple, they're not only friends and lovers but also true allies.
@@Libellulaire almost all the couples I listed above and I adore actually follow the same trope: the hardworking and neurotic woman + the funnier and more enjoyable type of man (Jim&Pam is a little different, but Jim also cools Pam down when she is nervous, and he fits the enjoyable and relaxed guy trope). It is interesting that Leslie fits the neurotic type but Ben is not actually a very relaxed guy. He also gets very nervous and he is not a very funny guy, he is more like a nerdy type. However, he still manages to cool Leslie down in a very successful way. Even if Leslie is a very nervous woman, she also cools Ben down when he is kind of having mental breakdowns. They have ups and downs, but I still think that they have the healthiest relationship I have ever seen. None of the challenges cannot be overcome, and that's what makes their relationship very special. Also, I didn't think they had that kind of chemistry at first, but Amy and Adam prove me wrong!
I love how fans of The Office criticized Parks' first season, even the first season of the office was equally mediocre
Exactly I usually skip the first season when I do a rewatch lol for me season 4 of the office is the best IMO
If there’s one show that has no ground to stand on when it comes to criticising other shows for being too much of a bad imitation during season 1 it’s the office lmao. Almost exactly the same as parks and rec with trying too hard to make Michael Scott an American David Brent and it just didn’t work
It’s definitely slightly better in trying to achieve the comedic style they were aiming for. Not to mention The Office S1 was basically a rehash of the British version, so it’s not even its own show properly.
But yeah, both are probably the some of or the weakest parts of each respective show
Yes I love both shows but after watching the first season of the office I started watching parks and Rec in it’s entirely
true!
I will take Parks and Rec over The Office any day. Seems crazy, but I like the characters in my comedy shows to actually LIKE each other, instead of punching down all the time.
Yes same!!! I like a show where people actually care each other
My problem with the office is Michael. I kept saying, there is no way he would be able to do or say the stuff he did and stay in the company. So many lawsuits. It made his position unbelievable. Didnt get that in Parks and Rec.
Exactly that. I liked that there were not many internal conflicts. I liked that they were one big team and I especially liked how they all supported Leslie.
@@Oniphius1 yep, same for me I know he's the Star of the show but I couldn't stand Michael either he just annoyed me and what I like about Parks and Rec is that the characters are actually likeable and we can kind of relate with their struggle of working in government for their community especially with the people they encounter 😂 my fav one is where the lady asks what she's supposed to do with her kids "keep them in my house? Where I live? " 😂
in the UK, we got the office on netflix on new year’s day, and i binged it and thought it was one of the best NBC shows i’ve watched, better than b99. then a few weeks ago parks and rec came on netflix and i binged that, and i am absolutely obsessed, i just finished it a few days ago. in comparison to parks and rec, the office just feels bleh, it’s still very funny, but it’s no way on the same level as parks and rec. the comedic timing is perfect, character development over the years is amazing, and i think the cinematography plays a big part too. the office had a very beige filter, i guess to match the tone of the show and the setting, but with parks it’s very saturated and bright, even in some sad moments, it’s never dull. love the office, but parks and rec is at least in my top 3 sitcoms of all time.
Parks and Rec characters/actors are iconic, from Jean Ralphio to Champion.
Jean Ralphio is Steve Harrington's kid
lil sebastian, r.i.p
JEREMY JAM
Harris and Brett from animal control.
The funniest line of the show is: “I typed your symptoms into the thing up here, and it says you could have network connectivity problems.” Well, it’s at least top 10. Also, all of Leslie’s lines from that episode.
ad libbed by Chris Pratt, the madman.
I remember seeing a clip somewhere of one of the writers talking about how mad he was that he didn’t come up with that line himself.
Fun fact: “Stop pooping” was improvised by rob lowe
Definitely one of the best lines in the entire show lol.
I stopped pooping while reading this..
And just now I realized that Michael Schur is Mose in The Office???
@@vidinhadovini other Office writers are in it, too! Mindy Kaling and BJ Novak (Kelly and Ryan) both wrote a lot!
@@MatthewTaylor86 Toby (Paul Leberstein) wrote a lot as well, and also was an executive producer.
Crazy to think we were so close to not having Chris Pratt after the first season.
I know. It wouldn't have been the same.
Goburin Sureiyā.
Probably never would have been in marvel if that had happened.
now he sucks lol
Crisp ratt?
My favorite Chris Traeger quote, “I am not lonely. I have me.” Beautiful and sad.
Chris Traeger is so much more complex than people give him credit for, imo
Ron Swanson is the best character I ever see in a show.
“Fishing relaxes me. It’s like yoga, except I still get to kill something.”- Ron Swanson
I don't think that the first season's Leslie Knope was a different character, she had low self-esteem and problems with self-confidence. But then she met Ann and started to believe in herself. Then in the first episode of season 2, guys from the gay bar started shouting her name, and this gave her confidence, that she can do something to change Pawnee
That's an interesting interpretation! I like it.
love this!
Yes she was naive but started learning tricks..
Love this
Idk, even the "Tom is... Libyan?" line is very Michael Scott and not very leslie knope
"They all genuinely liked and supported one another" That is the main reason i really like Parks and Rec and don't like the Office. The Office is so cynical and Parks and Rec is filled with hope.
Yeah, I think it’s the same for me. It can be really funny and interesting to have plenty of hilariously bad people, like some characters in the office, but I generally enjoy parks and rec more, mainly because even when I’m not laughing out loud I just enjoy watching these nice people, their actions, and their chemistry. There is some of that in the office, but I think it’s the main reason I prefer parks and rec.
Except for jerry
That is so interesting!! From my perspective the characters on parks and rec are so mean to each other that it’s a little hard for me to watch, and I feel like the characters on the office have a lot of heart and empathy, it’s just shown in more subtle behind the scenes ways. I’m glad both shows exist though, I’m glad they both make people happy 🤗
the office is really funny though
Parks and Rec is just so vibrant and colorful, and the scenery feels more varied.
The hunting episode in season 2 was the episode that did it for me. IT changed the dynamic between Leslie and Ron and portrayed all best features of each character. April and Andy becoming friends, Leslie taking the fall for something she didn't do, Ron being Ron, Donna screaming about her Mercedes as if someone was hit. Not all the characters were there that ended up being there later but it's the first episode I recommend watching for the context and getting to know everyone.
BULA BULA BULA!
Ben and Chris were the best addition to the cast. Chris with his healthy obsession low-key hiding his anxiety and ben with his nerd with the straight man jokes that leslie's first love interest from season 1 couldn't possibly compete with.
Ben was just funnier and dorky enough to fit so well with the rest of the show and cast.
Can’t stand Chris. Whatever scene he’s in reduces its quality and fun
@@supremelordoftheuniverse5449 yes I admit he's slightly off putting at first but that's his charm. Seeing his perfect armor cracking is hilarious.
@@myplateisempty.4292 his voice makes my skin crawl
@@supremelordoftheuniverse5449 lol
@@supremelordoftheuniverse5449 to You.
I mean , they didn’t tone down her “maniacism” they actually double down on it , I mean the binders the projects all the mails and letters , the only difference is her maniac came with good intention and her relentlessness to help was the reason we liked her even more.
YES, I feel like the way he keeps saying that they toned it down is insane cuz that’s a main feature of her character & also what I love about her bc I relate to her excessive perfectionist type A schtick.
Might be better to say her mania gets recontextualized
@@nangke I was just going to say that. She's no longer clueless, she's hypercompetent.
She becomes more manic but she stops being an idiot, she gets a confidence and a bravado and an almost egotistical personality that's just mesmerising to watch
‘Type A’ personality with a heart of gold!
Whenever I rewatch, I always start with Ben and Chris arriving. There are some good episodes before that, but it's just not the same show.
I always need to watch Ron and Tammy
Same.
Hunting Trip is great too, first time they put April and Andy together.
I've heard people recommend new viewers start with Hunting Trip and that's a valid take, but I just started a second watch through and I just went straight to the episode before Ben and Chris arrive.
Edit: just finished the rewatch. As I suspected, pretty airtight. The flashbacks in season 7 really just confirmed it for me.
@@awilmart Hunting Trip is one of my all-time favorites! Can't imagine skipping it lol
If you're a fan of Schitt's Creek I think it would be perfect for a "The day Schitt's creek was born". That show felt like a hidden gem yet by its end It was getting so much recogition!
So some time after Season 5 was wrapped but before it aired?
When do you say it was "born". Ive tried getting into and and can never make it past the first season. Always seems like a less funny Arrested Development
@@josephmanning3179 I was told to skip the first season and that was great advice. I couldn't get through the first episode but it's a great show that (like Parks and Rec) gets a lot better once they dial down the unbearable traits of the main characters and dial up the loveable bits.
I reckon introducing Noah Reid's character was the most significant factor. It allowed Ben Levy's character to grow more and show more about himself.
Parks and recreation has the most satisfying ending .After the last episode you don't want anything more like reunion episode. A perfect end.
Literally just finished another rewatch. My girlfriend has tried to watch the show apparently but found it boring. I made her stick with it and the show truly finds its stride when Ben and Chris arrive. But it’s also when Leslie begins to change (I hear Amy Poehler had more input and offered suggestions). The show initially was very Office like where it was bleak and dead end. Leslie was an idealist but also seemed kinda dumb (Michael Scott like). I think it really found its legs when it changed from Leslie working in shit government to Leslie is an idealist but she fights against the odds and continues to make real change.
Does she enjoy it now as much as you?
Never thought I would see PD at a Parks and Rec vid but then I remembered PD only has good taste
Sup PD, awesome you watch Parks and Rec too! Maybe the best show ever? No other show has a lil Sebastián.
Leave her.
They ramped up the Lisa Simpson factor in Leslie, a reminder that Greg Daniels worked on The Simpsons
The moment I clicked on the episode I was like "it's gonna be Flu Season isn't it." That was the episode that really made me realize Leslie was a badass and no longer a buffoon. It's a really great change and really indicative of how the show changed for the better.
SAME
Leslie is amazing at her job, thats what made her bizarre. Shes insanely passionate for what should be a job full of apathetic individuals.
Two of the best episode of the series are “The Flu” and “The Fight”
I think the perfect episode of P&R is "The Fight," but that's not really the subject of the video.
It perfectly encompasses her character. Naive and comedic but committed to her job and badass enough to do what needs to be done.
I do love the Office, but there is something really special about Parks and Rec. And not many shows can say that they have such perfect finales as this one! I really finished the show feeling completely satisfied with what it had given me over the years of viewership
Honestly when I was watching parks and recreation I didn’t realise Mark was gone until Ann started dating Chris and I thought “haven’t they already dated before” which lead time to realising she had dated Mark and then realising Mark was gone.
i didn't realize that tom really was like jim in the first season. crazy to think how different they are now
Same!
He’s basically becomes a male Gina linetti for the rest of the show which i love
When Ben and Chris joined is my simple answer. That's when I start.
I remember Rob Lowe's character dying in Brothers and Sisters a week before. The scene wasn't all that sad, given that I had just watched a preview with this new goofy character.
That is LITERALLY the best comment in the explored universe.
for real! whenever i rewatch the show, i always start with 'the master plan'! thats the real start of the show imo!
I love Parks and Rec so much, because as crazy as they seem, the characters in the series felt more relatable and comfortable with one another than in The Office. I agree with this video, I remember flu season so well and all of third season is my favorite season.
This show was right on so many levels; it teaches respect towards each other, the power of following your dreams and having friendships for life. I wish someone has a Leslie Knope in their live, or better yet; be the Leslie Knope towards others!
And we shouln't forget the best Blooper ever with the "Comeback-Story"!
Haha. Everyone loves a good comeback story.
@@EntertainTheElk Kim Kardashian.
Gonna have to watch that now!!!
@@taylorgayhart9497 Lol me too !
Omg thats literally the funniest line I have ever heard! Such a shame they didnt include it in the series.
honestly, the first season really isn’t that bad, it’s just nothing new or special. by season two you can really tell it was coming into its own and becoming something great
I started it. Loved the first season 1.
Thought it was better.
And it's good. Just not good as the other seasons. Is what i found out :D
@@malik87breaker I loved the first season as well, don't understand why people skip it, it really is not bad at all.
I don't like season 7. It felt rushed. I just pretend it ends at the last scene in season 6, with Ben and Leslie getting in the elevator.
I like the first season, but Mark's character just gives me a headache
@@thislazylife No. The first couple of season 7's episodes felt rushed because we don't have any information about the time jump between season 6 and season 7. But in the episode where Leslie and Ron were trapped in their old office and they started telling us what happened, then it suddenly all make sense and I understand why it felt rushed
“Flu Season” is one of my absolute favorite episodes of the entire series.
I tell people all the time if you can just make it through the first season, it is so much better in the second and beyond. One of the few shows these days you get true character growth throughout the entirety of the show.
Season three of Park and Rec has no bad episodes. It's probably the only perfect season in the history of broadcast television.
Season 4 was flawless too
I'm rewatching now, and season 3 and 4 are LITERALLY perfect.
Season 2 of The Office as well IMO
@@superjerry3233 Idk about that. All episodes might be good but there are some weaker ones. However, that said, Season 2 and the following in S3 have easily the best story/plot progression while still being funny in all of comedy series. I don’t think that’s really debatable. But Leslie adapting to her job in another city basically right after getting proposed was also a phenomenal arc, doesn’t beat the romance of Jim and Pam and the other characters changes in The Office S2-3 though
Season 2 and 3 of the office ??????
Alt title: The Day Mark Brandanawitz Left
And the people celebrated.
Mark Brandanaquitz
Mark Brandanawitz: OK, well, since we're, you know romantically involved...
Parks and Rec: Well, you know I wouldn't say romantically involved... going forward
Correct answer
They did that character wrong. He was doomed to fail from the start
Thanks for making this video. I was one of those folks that abandoned “Parks” midway through Season 1. I decided to give it another shot and I’m enjoying Season 2 and now I’m looking forward to seeing the rest of the series!
I literally fell in love with Parks and Rec because of this video. I had also given up after Season 1, but I'm glad I resumed after watching this.
When Ben and Chris Tragger arrived. You can even argue it was the Chriss Pratt episode. But i think it was the end of the second season
Agreed
Yeah totally. I thought about that episode, but since Mark B was still around, it didn't feel like its final form. But yeah I'd go with that argument.
@@EntertainTheElk now thay ive finished and thought about your video, the flu also seems like a good choice. I always wondered what could mark the beggining of THE parks and rec we all know
Flu Season is actually my favourite episode, it's a tradition of mine to watch it everytime I get sick.
The exchange between April and Ann is my favourite thing ever. When she's hammering the call button with Ann right in front of her.
How often do you get sick?!
There are episodes of Parek and Rec that LITERALLY put me to tears bc there so amazing - Harvest Fest, Leslie & Ben's Fundraiser/wedding, the episode where Leslie & Ron make up in the final season! Leslie's campaign speech always makes me cry - If i seem too passionate, it’s because i care. If I come on too strong, its because I feel strongly. And if I push too hard, it’s because things aren’t moving fast enough. AHHHHHHHHH makes me tear up!!!!
I like how the series, effective though it's about a bunch of oddballs and weirdos (half of which seem incapable of success), is tacitly a show about potential and how potential can be found anywhere. Two perfect examples of this are April, who goes from being nihilistically cynical to philanthropically motivated, and Jerry, who begins as the hapless government pencil pusher with no upward momentum in the twilight of his career to becoming a beloved Mayor for like 40 years.
April had no ambition, but Leslie tapping her potential made her realize her ambitions, and Jerry was the opposite in that he once had ambitions and potential before settling for career stability, but once given a chance to succeed, he succeeds seemingly default, ultimately demonstrating that people can be smothered by bureaucracy into ineffective obscurity.
"To me, *Parks and Recreation* is one of the best TV shows of all time"
Damn right it is!
For me, parks and rec was much more consistent with a lot more character development for each individual character. you get the sense of family compared to in the office where they more so colleagues who put up with each other.
YES EXACTLY!! The characters are so much better on their own, and the relationships with other characters are much better
Everytime I rewatch the shows, I always start off at the end of season 2 when Chris and Ben come in.
I really thought my dad would enjoy this show but he had his doubts because he doesn't like the offfice. He said to show him the best episode so I watched this video for help and decided to start him off at flu season and he was hooked we watched 5 episodes that night! I don't think he would have stuck through the first 2 seasons. We're now up to season 6!
You're spot on. I've told friends, "get through the first season and you'll be on season 7 before you know it." Pretty soon they are leaving me "Bobby Newport" messages!!
I'm getting teary-eyed just thinking of Little Sebastian. :'(
I miss you in the saddest fashion.
@@EntertainTheElk I don't get it. It's just kind of a small horse. I don't get what the big deal is. *Looks at camera*
@@joevictor53 i thought you were being stupid and not understanding the loss of a legend.
@@joevictor53 whatch your tone🧔
*Li’l, not little
You said “funniest line” and I knew EXACTLY where you were going. I had to pause the video and skip over it because I’m at my college library and I knew if I watched it I wouldn’t be able to not laugh
Superb analysis of a wonderful, wonderful show. Season 1 made me smile occasionally, but season 2 made me laugh and every season after that made me stand up and cheer. This video captures the reasons why. Thank you, sir.
Apart from Rashida Jones, I was so glad that there were never any cross overs between the shows.
Yes and I like how they used some new people as like background characters to kind of test then out like, andy samburg was an extra and then he got moved to main character in b99, and the guy who worked at the animal place ( I don't know his name lol ) but he got moved to superstore and is playing garret
“To me, Parks and Recreation is one of the best tv shows of all time”
Me: instant like and sub
How about the people who watched it before they watched The Office, like I did? I fell in love with season 1 because Amy, Rashida, Chris, Nick and Aubrey had enormous talents. They lit up the show that early.
When I recommend Parks and Rec - and I do it a lot - I always say “just sit through season one, I beg you”. I’m close to the fourth rewatch and I still can’t get enough of this show. It filled with light, hopefulness and selflessness and works as therapy sometimes.) And anyone should definitely watch the bloopers to the show, they are like episodes on its own, unbearably hilarious.
I tell people to read a synopsis of the first season so they don’t have to sit through the whole thing.
The Hunting Episode in Season 2 is when it started for me.
Greg Pikitis was the first episode for me where I thought, okay this could be something special.
Same here
@@EntertainTheElk
That was a great episode as well. I feel like both Parks and Rec/ The Office mirror each other with their lack lustre first seasons.
Ron and Tammy was mine.
@@EntertainTheElk I really expected Pikitis to be the episode that would be hailed as the birth episode. I understand why Flu is considered to be, however, when I rewatch the series, I start at Pikitis and go from there. There's some gems before that, but I don't need them the way I need every episode from Pikitis forward.
Parks and Rec died when Little Sebastian did.
The first time in my life I experienced real loss.
Byeeeeee byee lil' Sebastian / Miss you in the saddest fashion / Byeee bye lil' Sebastian / You're 5000 candles in the wind ..
I have cried only twice in my life. First time I was seven and was hit by a school bus. The second was when I heard that lil Sebastian had passed
It’s just a tiny horse!
Literally killing off the one trick pony.
You're not fooling anyone with this screen name Ron Swanson
Never having seen The Office, I started binge watching Parks n Rec during the pandemic ... and fell in love with it ! I especially adore Amy’s perkiness ! Afterwards, I thought I’d give The Office a try ... and fell in love with it also ! Now I have two favorite shows I can watch over and over again.
the episode where they all get hammered on snake juice (The Fight) was a big moment for me. i remember feeling like that was when the show was finally in its full stride. ben and chris are there, andy and april are together, and all of the most loveable characters are in some way present. it may be my favorite of the non-relational (marriage, engagement, etc.) and non-finale episodes. if i were to show someone an episode that encapsulated the show, it would be that one. it feels like the direct center (mid-season 3).
I tried to get into PnR so many times because I heard it was amazing, but I couldn't get past the first few episodes. I finally watched all the way through and this was indeed the episode that made me realize this show would be great!
Glad you stuck with it!
"I'm Leslie Monster, and this is Nightline."
Genius.
I feel like season one is hard when you are new to the show, but when you rewatch it, knowing who everyone will become and how drastically everything is going to change its almost fascinating to watch.
As an obsessed fan of P&R, this was so well worth watching. The day born for me was Comeback Kid, the red carpet scene. I recalled literally shifting my eyes over, staying glued, and then just roaring with laughter. All the previous episodes were so contained and enjoyable, but nothing like this scene to smash everyone's built personalities and the circumstantial quirks into one fantastic payoff of physical comedy. It was also self-referential of "wow this is a mess, but I promise it'll be interesting," as it was truly hitting its strides after all the experimentation.
Agreed. P&R kept their quality up right to the end but the first season was the low point. They were setting Leslie up to be pathetic. When they changed her to a fiercely competent optimist it made the series.
Whenever I rewatch the show, I start with "Ron and Tammy," and I think it's because it's the first episode that really cements the true friendship that Ron and Leslie have. To me it's the Ron-Leslie dynamic that powers so much of the show, and so I think that episode is where Parks and Rec was born.
agree 100%...the way the characters change after the first season is so stark..I always tell people to stick it out and they'll be rewarded. The fact that they go from being so cynical to being genuinely a "family" of sorts who honestly care about and support each other is actually amazing. I sort of feel like Schitt's Creek was the same...the first season is a little uneven and they are really figuring their characters (and the tone of the show) out a bit...but once they hit their stride, it was amazing.
Is it weird this made me sentimental?? I'm currently re-watching parks and rec and I am almost through season 2! Now I'm so excited to experience everything that's to come once again!!
Don’t get me wrong. „STOP POOPING!“ is an all time classic but in my opinion, it can’t hold a candle agains: „I vomited somewhere in this room. And I don’t remember where.... WAIT!! You might want to check that drawer.“ That line always gets me for some reason
yess
I recently started watching all of Parks and Rec on netflix, this is perfect timing
Enjoy! It's incredible.
@@EntertainTheElk oh i know, i meant to say rewatching it :)
@@freddoesvox9033 which season did you started?
Thanks for explaining why it took me 3 attempts to get into Parks & Rec. People who I trusted kept telling me how good it was but I kept struggling to get through the first few episodes. I’m glad I did because it’s a great show.
Parks and Rec is one of my favorite shows of all time! Thank you for doing such a wonderful video on it! I agree that Season 1 was a mess, and I'm so glad that it didn't end there. I would agree that "Flu Season" is the pivotal episode for the show. And yes, Rob Lowe's performance is perfect throughout the episode. "Stop pooping!" is an iconic line, and I also love "The floor is my friend".
I always thought the Harvest festival was one of the strongest ep in the show. The payoff was great. I enjoyed season 1, and def season 2 too.
Leslie’s campaign arc was one of the most fun!
Finally, a video essay about parks. This show doesn't get enough recognition at all. One of the best comedies ever IMO.
Doing my 4th re-watch of the show at the moment and your video has made me so happy. Parks and Rec is my favorite tv show and Leslie Knope is one of my spirit animals.
this show took a bit to find it's feet but it's easily in my top 3 favourite shows of all time. the reason why it easily edges out the office for me (FOR ME!) is that for all their idiosyncrasies and flaws they all love each other and come through for each other time and time again. it's incredibly affirming and uplifting.
I really needed this video today, f***ing love parks and rec and just logged on to see this recommendation. Day = made
Yay! Hope it could brighten your day. I think it's time I start my yearly rewatch of P&R. I know it would make me feel happier.
Fun Fact: The "Network Connectivity Problems" joke was improvised in the moment.
*after receiving the script and having a couple of days of rehearsals, but yes.
@@rogergreen9861 No that line was not in the script he improvised it in the moment while filming.
@@sllimjimsinkhole I accept that. I was just joking that he would have had several days between reading the scripted version and recording the scene. Credit where it is due though, Chris Pratt came up with a superb gag.
@@rogergreen9861 I would more easily imagine that the computer prop was functional, but not actually connected to anything. So the screen literally said "Network Connectivity Problem" or some such. It's also entirely possible that he forgot his line and just read the screen to improvise on the spot.
I am a diehard fan of the show and I am so delighted that you are too! You’ve given the show what it really deserve us as far as an analysis is concerned. Thank you!
I've seen the 'Stop. Pooping.' line a million times at this point and I still couldn't stop myself from laughing when you showed it. Something about the acting of that scene just gets me every time.
ben and chris joining the show was the best decision ever made
I know you won’t see this but your video has brought me to tears, this show has such a special place in my heart and this video just helps emphasize it
Hi! This show means a lot to me too. Glad you enjoyed it. :)
Thank you sooo much for doing this!! Parks & Rec is prob my all time favorite show, I have no idea how many times I have watched the whole series. When I tell someone to watch it and they say oh I couldn't get into it, I immediately get angry. I usually tell them to start watching in the middle of season two (and think if they don't love the show as much as me, we can't be friends anymore). Now I can just tell them to watch your video as you explain it perfectly! Thanks again!!
Truly one of, if not the, best comedy out there. The first season stumbled but once they hit their stride it was perfection. Hopeful, funny, about flawed, hilarious, loving people.
You gotta do "The Day BoJack Horseman Was Born"
The moment it grabbed me was the "Tell me I'm good" speech.
@@TheOneTrueKit Its the end of season one. Might not be for everyone, but I love the show. I'd recommend watching season 3 and if it doesn't grab you with what happens then you can skip the rest.
“The Telescope” or “Downer Ending” from season 1 are the obvious choices, but “Escape from L.A.” in season 2 is the first time we truly see Bojack do something horrible that makes you question him as a character, so that would be my pick
It was perfect from the beginning
It’s Princess Carolyn’s “Where else would I go” line for me from ‘Say Anything’ ep
The day Schitts Creek was born because people constantly go on about how good it is and I just don't get it
Easy S1-E1
It gets better in the second season when they stop trying to escape the town and just accept that’s where they live. Then it becomes more about their lives IN the town and all the other crazy characters that live there.
For me it’s Grad Night. Patrick officially becomes an official cast member, its the beginning of both David and Alexis’ respective love and career arcs, Johnny goes all in on the Motel, just everything with Moira and the jazzagals. This is when the show really became something special.
I think S1 E13 is where I really started to like it more than the average show. Although it's not until Mutt is out of the picture that Alexis's story gets better
Mutt really was the “Brendana-quits” of the show.
I haven't seen your other videos, but I love parks and recs so clicked on this. Excellent analysis and I couldn't agree more!
This is amazing! I love the concept. It also helps as a watching guide with so many shows out there.
Can you do a “born” series on top comedies? You explained how comedies take a while to develop after the pilot so this would help people discover a new series without being turned off by early episodes.
For me the show is born as soon as Ben and Chris arrive. Whenever I rewatch I usually start at the ep they arrive
I love that Andy and April where originally throwaway characters.
You picked the exact episode I was thinking of! It’s by far my most rewatched ep of the series.