Though The Office had stronger ratings and a longer run, Parks and Recreation holds its own in the realm of TV comedies. Airing on April 9, 2009, Parks was originally going to be a spinoff of The Office. Thankfully, the creators scratched that idea, and we were blessed with the beauty that is Parks and Recreation. The characters and the relationships between them are truly what make this show great. Leslie Knope, the main character played by Poehler, is the optimistic, caring councilwoman that everyone wants in their government, and her friendship with Ann Perkins, played by Rashida Jones, literally embodies friendship goals. This show launched the career of Aziz Ansari as Tom Haverford and Chris Pratt who was the lead in Jurassic Park.  The “treat yo’ self” episode inspired an entire generation to start doing nice things for themselves, and the galentines day episode had the same effect. Many fans of the show will recognize Lil’ Sebastian as one of the funniest running gags any show has to offer. All in all, more heart and optimism can be seen in every episode of Parks.

Season one, however, was rough. Jokes were tentative, plotlines were thin and characters were not as established as they should have been. Later on, jokes making fun of certain characters made viewers more uncomfortable than anything. Jerry/Garry/Larry/Terry endures a lot of ridicule in the show, and it is more mean than it is funny. [SPOILER ALERT] Similar to Michael leaving in The Office, Ann Perkins and Chris Traeger, played by Rob Lowe, leave the show in season 6. Afterwards, the show falls a little flat.