How Two Characters Saved Parks And Recreation From Cancelation
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- čas přidán 21. 04. 2024
- 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
Why They Fired Mark: • The WEIRD Truth Behind...
The Greatest TV Characters Who Weren't Even In The First Season
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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.
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.
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.
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
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
"I'm Chris Traeger... this is Ben."
Just the way he said that made me know I was in for a treat.
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
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
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
I think Ben and Leslie's relationship growth is the best we've ever had on TV.
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
Was Ben an antagonist to you? I never saw him like that. To me, Mark was an antagonist who was treated/viewed by the producers as a protagonist. That made him not likable to me, so I was happy he left. Every other character had a very clear good/bad role to me, despite their flaws (e.g. Andy whose charm was a surprise to the writers 😄) or charm (e.g. Bobby Newport who was just a stupid darling). Ben and Chris were there to save them and Ben was rude but I never found him to be considered the bad guy because of Ron’s reactions to him
@@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.
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
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. .
8:32 "Bottomless pit of despair" - Missed opportunity to show the pit.
They also missed at the beginning the *literally*
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.
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!
I'm still waiting for a real life Cones of Dunshire
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.
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.
Thought it said this was uploaded 5 months ago…it was actually 5 minutes. I knew I’d never miss a video
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
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 😅
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 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.
I sorta disagree with andy, here
I mean, the guy had an entire episode in the first season dedicated to him selflessly cleaning ann's entire house so he could express his gratitude. "Good" andy was always there.
Giving Chris pratt a more prominent role is what really saved it halfway thru the second season
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...
oh man, looks like its time to rewatch parks and rec... again
How refreshing to see two male love interests be the one to highlight the female protagonists for a change 🥰
so true, whenever I rewatch the show I jump immeditatly to when Adam Scott and Rob Lowe show up
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!”
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!
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 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
I had forgotten about this channel
That was so good, thank you.
Every time I marathon parks and rec I get unreasonably happy when Ben and Chris show up😁
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
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
4:36 That was brilliantly used.
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'll admit, I almost stopped watching Parks and Recreation on streaming, but their addition got me so hooked I finished every single episode.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Love your videos. But why do you say "pragmatist" strangely??
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.
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.
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.
Maybe true but my favourites are still April and Ron
Not to mention Chris's character making name recognition for the whole case spike
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 ❤️
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!
Yess sirrrr! The last couple of episodes for Season 2 is when this show really started gel together.
I just watched the whole show with my kids and husband. They were ALL entertained. What a great show start to finish.
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.
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!
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
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
I love Rob Lowe. He's such a great actor. Chris is one of his best characters ever. I was already a fan of Parks & Rec prior to Chris and Ben showing up. They just cemented the series as one of my all-time favorites. I'll take this over The Office anyday.
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”
Great video.
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.
I watched it for the first two seasons and was going to stop there until Rob Lowe and Adam Scott came on board. Season 3, 4, 5 and 6 were some of the best comedy on TV.
Chris. Traeger. Ben. Wyatt. 2 of LITERALLY the best characters ever conceived.
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
Damn I love this show. Might be time for my 20th rewatch
Parks and Rec is my favorite sitcom but I defiantly feel like outside of a few episodes its a chore to get through it until their introduction.
Ben and the Treat yo self and Cones of Dunshire episodes were peak.
I agree two characters saved Parks and Rec, however it was the development/breakout of Ron Swanson from a somewhat stoic/odd minor player into Ron “effing” Swanson and the shift in character arc of Andy Dwyer.
Ron and Tammy episode was where the show really, well, started to gain its own identity imo.
It’s cool to know the original idea still shined through with Ben
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.
The burger cook off between Chris and Ron is a classic!
Ah man now I need to watch parks and rec again
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
parks was saved at the start of season 2, they arrived at the end of season 2, i loved ben and chriss, and they are top tier characters, but the show was saved before them
So what I learned is if I can get through season one I'll enjoy parks and rec as much as the office. Duly noted.
Even at her dumbest, the character of Leslie Knope was always smarter than michael scott. I think the two characters helped the show. I original gave up on the show after the first episode, this is when it was already on Netflix. A friend said the show got better so I gave it a chance. I'm glad I did, the show was so much better than the office ever was to me.
"Stop pooping"
Literally, a Top 5 moment.
Thank you Rob Lowe.
I admit, season one wasn't my favourite. Season two was way better even before Chris and Andy showed up, but the final two episodes of season two, which they appeared in, I enjoyed more than some of the series' other episodes. I was definitely glad they joined the main cast, and I was sad to see Chris go in the later part of season six.
Chris was downright lovable from the beginning. I harboured no angst for him when he nearly destroyed Leslie and Ben's careers. I'm also glad that he and Ann got back together and started a family.
I enjoy Ben because he's a nerd like myself who I can relate to. Second, he has gone through hardship after hardship since he was eighteen and got impeached. I admit I wasn't big on him and Leslie as a couple, mainly because I hate Leslie passionately, despite agreeing she's one of the better politicians I've seen. She was the reason Ben had to resign in disgrace from assistant manager, he lost his job at Sweetums, and probably is the reason he may not be president of the United States.
My point being, Chris and Ben are awesome characters and I enjoyed them a lot. Their actors are amazing and I thank the writers for bringing them on.
I'll treat myself by watching this video and subscribing
The simple fact is both lowe and Scott brought an energy that was needed. And... tobacco Lowe us one if those stars it is impossible to dislike. We probably ought to dislike him - some of his past stuff is truly unforgivable (sleeping with underage girls included) but somehow he gets away with it by being. Rob lowe.
While Ben and Chris were undoubtedly amazing additions to the show, I would argue Parks and Rec already found its footing for most of the 2nd season, when Leslie's characterization was changed and the show no longer felt it had to be an Office knockoff.
First and 2 nd season were the best stopped watching after that
I also think Ben filled the role of the "straight man" far better than anyone else had, which the show desperately needed. So many jokes landed for me simply because of Ben's reaction.
Parks and rec is my sitcom goat unpopular opinion I know but I never got into the office so getting into parks and rec it was fresh for me and I loved it still do
I like the first season. It starts off slowly but the last two or three episodes are really good.
I always tell people to start this show with the last two ep of season 2, glad to see this isn't just an independent thought.
Yes shows need more time and room to develop!! And not immediately be cancelled. Contrary they need to cancel the drivel that keeps getting season after season!
I like the 6 episode first season idea. The office did the same. It becomes almost an extended pilot episode/idea. The writes can see what works and what needs to be changed and then hit the ground running from season 2. You as the viewer don't need to invest as much time in the series either.