As Parks and Recreation was one of the most delightful television series of its time, it stands to reason that a Parks and Recreation reunion should too be an unremitting delight. While we’re all still waiting for the Pawnee Parks Department to come together once more onscreen, the world did treat itself to a PaleyFest cast reunion celebrating the tenth anniversary of the show’s premiere.
As you can imagine, the panel—moderated by comedian and one-time Parks guest star Patton Oswalt—was riddled with laughs and good vibes, but also a few interesting revelations. And even if you weren’t there to enjoy the fun, the Paley Center’s official Twitter account shared all the goodness with the world at large. Here are some of the highlights of the ordeal.
Amy Poehler and Rashida Jones’ real life friendship echoed Leslie and Ann’s
We often wonder if our favorite onscreen duos are faking it for the cameras or if their close relationships are in any way founded in reality. Evidently, and thankfully, the latter is true for Amy Poehler and Rashida Jones, whose Parks and Rec counterparts Leslie Knope and Ann Perkins are one of the most charming examples of TV friendship.
Amy Poehler and @iamrashidajones say that Ann and Leslie’s friendship was based on their own. ❤ #ParksAndRec #PaleyFest pic.twitter.com/nOecvw8SOC
— NBC Entertainment (@nbc) March 22, 2019
Amy and Rashida on Leslie and Ann: Rashida says she loved how much Leslie bolstered Ann as a human being — they weren’t catty, they supported each other. #PaleyFest @parksandrecnbc
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) March 22, 2019
It was just two really good friends saying goodbye to each other. -Mike Schur on Amy & @iamrashidajones filming Ann’s going away scene. #PaleyFest #ParksAndRec @parksandrecnbc pic.twitter.com/QypGuV9CTA
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) March 22, 2019
“She’s perfect. Ann’s perfect.” -Amy Poehler #PaleyFest @parksandrecnbc #ParksAndRec pic.twitter.com/8fY3hwoarE
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) March 22, 2019
Leslie was a boon to Amy’s mental health
Watching Leslie seize control of her varied destinies has helped many of us through some trying times, so you can imagine how empowering it must have been to actually be her. The experience certainly seems to have had a positive impact on Amy Poehler.
Amy Poehler honked to support teachers and saw one woman carrying a Leslie Knope sign. Poehler says playing Leslie was great for her mentally. “I think it extended my life” #PaleyFest
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) March 22, 2019
People yell, “Damn it, Jerry!” at Jim O’Heir all the time
Poor Jerry still can’t catch a break, though his spirit remains gleefully intact.
. @jimoheir gets a lot of “Dammit, Jerry!” And “Thanks for ruining the harvest festival!” From @parksandrecnbc fans. #PaleyFest pic.twitter.com/iGzFrAACEV
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) March 22, 2019
“I hear dammit Jerry all day” – @JimOHeir. #PaleyFest #ParksAndRec @parksandrecnbc pic.twitter.com/WIvDsrjGBv
— Nerdist (@nerdist) March 22, 2019
The cast used to have free-for-all takes
Given that many of the Parks cast members were experienced improvisers, Mike Schur often let them go wild in the final takes for scenes.
Quick history of the “fun run”. They ended every scene with five minutes left and actors could go for it. #PaleyFest #ParksAndRec @parksandrecnbc pic.twitter.com/MNQAfdgJei
— Nerdist (@nerdist) March 22, 2019
The cast did “fun runs” which were takes where they could do anything. The show was shot with 2 cameras. The last 5 minutes of a scene was when they could do whatever they want. @parksandrecnbc #PaleyFest pic.twitter.com/2XqOPYdxjc
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) March 22, 2019
Chris Pratt improvised one of his character’s funniest lines
Season three’s “Flu Season” episode was remarkably strong overall, but one especially memorable moment was Chris Pratt’s Andy Dwyer mistaking an internet error message for a medical diagnosis. Evidently, Pratt came up with the gag himself.
Mike Schur recalls Chris Pratt making a joke when Leslie has the flu and Pratt improvised “hey Leslie, I typed your symptoms into the computer and you might have a network connectivity problem” @parksandrecnbc #PaleyFest pic.twitter.com/S3MXqe21FX
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) March 22, 2019
Aubrey Plaza says the April and Andy pairing was her idea
The perpetually caustic April Ludgate and unflappably joyful Andy Dwyer turned out to be an incredible pairing, and it all began when the two characters were stuck alone together in the office in a season two episode. It seems that Plaza was integral in igniting the fire of their relationship.
About April and Andy’s relationship, Chris Pratt says he recalls the hunting episode and they had to stay back in the Parks department. “We got along like a cat and a dog.” Aubrey Plaza says, “It was my idea.” #parksandrec #PaleyFest
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) March 22, 2019
Ben got Adam Scott into Game of Thrones
First Cones of Dunshire, then Game of Thrones? Ben Wyatt is a trendsetter.
Spoiler: @mradamscott had never seen #GameOfThrones until he had to talk about the show as Ben. #PaleyFest #ParksAndRec @parksandrecnbc pic.twitter.com/jjqghxFzQr
— Nerdist (@nerdist) March 22, 2019
Adam Scott says he got very into #GOT after Ben did. Nick Offerman says he cleaned up his diet and “gave in to the power of Tammy 2” (Nick’s real life wife Megan Mullally!) #PaleyFest #parksandrec
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) March 22, 2019
There was talk of a movie
While we’re not holding our breath for a Parks and Rec movie, Patton Oswalt at least got Mike Schur to comment on the subject.
Will there be a @parksandrecnbc movie? Michael Schur would only do it if everyone from the cast said yes. And if there’s a story to tell. #PaleyFest #ParksAndRec pic.twitter.com/oaTYGXMZh0
— Nerdist (@nerdist) March 22, 2019
See? A true delight.. @pattonoswalt suggests making a #ParksAndRec movie. Mile Schur says “I think everyone on this stage would want to feel there’s a story to be told. The show was about the power of public service & doing good with a team. I don’t think we left anything on the table.” #PaleyFest
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) March 22, 2019
Featured Image: The Paley Center for Media