How Two Characters Saved Parks And Recreation From Cancelation

After it's first season, Parks and Recreation wasn't off to the best start. It was panned for it's similarities to The Office, and overall didn't live up to the hype of it's predecessor. But at the end of season two, Ben Wyatt and Chris Traeger were introduced and Parks and Rec would never be the same. It's rare that a sitcom can completely save it's self by adding to the central cast, but shows like The Office and Parks and Recreation took the gamble and it paid off.

#parksandrecreation #parksandrec #theoffice #nerdstalgic

The Greatest TV Characters Who Weren't Even In The First Season

SOURCES

[trinaq]

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.

[nobiez]

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.

[Neotenico]

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.

[Luk]

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.

[npcimknot]

The animation Wyatt made is peak comedy and so damn relatable

[qksznid]

Ironically, The Office US and Parks and Rec both got criticized in their first season for being too close to their source material.

[ObaREX]

"I'm Chris Traeger... this is Ben."

Just the way he said that made me know I was in for a treat.

[aled]

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

[Avatar]

Chris and his relentless genuine positivity vs Ron and his eternal deadpan demeanour were comedy gold

[simslovealot]

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.

[rashido_grey]

I think Ben and Leslie's relationship growth is the best we've ever had on TV.

[gracieofgod]

The real lesson here, is that the arrival of Mr. Bingley (Chris) and Mr. Darcy (Ben) always make for a good story.

[M.W.]

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

[whill]

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

[kpsk]

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.

[lemond]

8:32 "Bottomless pit of despair" - Missed opportunity to show the pit.

[hittingyouoverthehead]

I would say not just Chris and Ben, the second version of Andy was also one of the reasons this show was saved. These three characters brought some much needed positivity and cheerfulness to the show. Before that, all characters were kinda depressing-
Leslie- hard working and yet underappreciated for her passion
Ron- hates his own workplace
April- hates everything
Tom- Tom
Mark- Mark
Ann- boring and doesn’t really want to be in this position but is forced to be
Andy (first version)- mooch taking advantage of his girlfriend

Almost all characters had some negative undertones. The additions of Chris and Ben and Andy 2.0 and getting rid of Mark and Andy 1.0 brought some balance to the cast. Now there was a balance between positive and negative and it became more entertaining to watch. Then Donna and Jerry were also promoted to main cast and that helped too.

[NickCodyComedy]

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.

[VivaLaDnDLogs]

Parks & Rec season 2 is the only time you can ever say "all hope seemed lost, until the auditors arrived" with sincerity.

[noelc]

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