The ‘Parks and Recreation’ Cast in Their First Season vs. Their Last (PHOTOS)
“There ain’t no party like a Leslie Knope party,” but we can’t help but celebrate Parks and Recreation‘s 10th anniversary by taking a look back at the show’s beloved characters.
Over six years, fans grew to love Pawnee’s Parks Department filled with an eclectic family of work colleagues. The NBC series debuted 10 years ago today on April 9, 2009, and the rest was history as Leslie (Amy Poehler), Ron Swanson (Nick Offerman), and the rest of the Parks and Rec gang wormed their way into our hearts.
Despite ending nearly four years ago, Parks and Rec‘s legacy continues to live on in the form of the network’s newer competition series, Making It, which is helmed by Poehler and Offerman. The show is currently in production on Season 2, but that didn’t stop the stars from taking a moment to recognize the anniversary.
“Ten years ago today, a little show called #ParksAndRec came into our lives. 💕 Amy Poehler & @Nick_Offerman have a special message for all of our fans,” tweeted Parks and Rec‘s page. The video message from the set of Making It was emotional to say the least. “Citizens of Pawnee, thank you for spending 10 years of your life with us, sharing your laughter, your tears and even your waffles,” Poehler began.
“We love you and we can’t thank you enough for your support,” Offerman capped off the brief message.
Ten years ago today, a little show called #ParksAndRec came into our lives. 💕
Amy Poehler & @Nick_Offerman have a special message for all of our fans: pic.twitter.com/smp77vNzGO
— Parks and Recreation (@parksandrecnbc) April 9, 2019
The pair were also surprised on set when they were gifted some Parks and Rec themed crafts from Season 1 contestant Billy Kheel. The presents were breakfast themed — check them out in the full clip below.
We’re celebrating the 10th anniversary of @parksandrecnbc. 🥓✨@bkheel crafted something Leslie Knope and Ron Swanson would eat right up. 🤗 pic.twitter.com/eTwqvjnyPj
— Making It (@NBCMakingIt) April 9, 2019
Now, take a walk through memory lane as you revisit the characters over the years and see what changed and what didn’t in the gallery above.
Parks and Recreation, Streaming Now, Netflix & Hulu