22 fun facts you may not have known about the making of 'Parks and Recreation'

Abby MonteilApr 17, 2020, 00:29 IST

"Parks and Recreation" followed a group of city government employees in small-town Indiana.NBC

"Parks and Recreation" aired from 2009 to 2015 and starred Amy Poehler as mid-level Indiana public official Leslie Knope.
Insider combed through interviews with the show's cast and creators and rounded up some fun facts about the beloved series.
For example, the sitcom was originally pitched as a spin-off of "The Office."
Also, Leslie's book "Pawnee: The Greatest Town in America" actually exists and is available to read.
Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

"Parks and Recreation" — NBC's workplace sitcom about a group of city government employees in the fictional small town of Pawnee, Indiana — aired from 2009 to 2015 and soon became a beloved cultural phenomenon.

But even the most devoted fans may not know some fun facts about the series, like how it was originally pitched as a spin-off of "The Office," or how ambitious protagonist Leslie Knope's (Amy Poehler) book actually exists and is available to read.

In honor of the show's recent 11-year anniversary, here are 22 things you may not have known about "Parks and Recreation."

Read the original article on Insider

Amy Poehler suggested the time jump for season seven.

The writers gave Jerry a "perfect life" outside of the office because they felt guilty about his character constantly being the butt of jokes.

Leslie and Ron were originally supposed to represent Democrats and Republicans.

Aubrey Plaza based April Ludgate on her sister Natalie.

Amy Poehler said she and Nick Offerman shot a makeout scene for the gag reel of every season.

Chris Pratt predicted his future starring role in the "Jurassic World" franchise during a "Parks and Recreation" behind-the-scenes video.

"Parks and Recreation" correctly predicted the Chicago Cubs winning the 2016 World Series.

One of Schur's favorite lines of the series was improvised by Chris Pratt.

Three alternate endings were filmed for the season four finale.

You can actually buy Leslie's book about Pawnee, Indiana.

NBC got away with spoiling April and Andy's wedding.

Some cast members' real-life partners appeared on the show.

Nick Offerman and Aubrey Plaza share a birthday.

Nick Offerman and Adam Scott both auditioned for the role of Ann's love interest, who was named Josh. That character eventually became Mark Brendanawicz.

The theme song was selected via a contest.

The exterior of Pawnee City Hall is a real city hall building.

Main characters like April Ludgate and Jerry Gergich were created specifically for the actors.

Andy wasn't originally supposed to be a main character.

Ron Swanson is based on a real government official.

Chris Pratt was cast because of his work on "The O.C."

The show's original title was "Public Service."

The show was initially conceived as a spin-off of "The Office."

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