Parks and Recreation did quite a few things better than many other sitcoms of its time, but perhaps its strongest suit was its ability to create absurdly loveable characters. And that extended to its supporting cast.
Because of the show’s premise, it required a trove of background and supporting characters, many of whom had recurring roles. But even when appearing on a semi-regular basis, there were some we just couldn’t get enough of.
Jean-Ralphio and Mona-Lisa Saperstein
Anyone who’s watched even one episode of Parks and Recreation that features Jean-Ralphio and Mona-Lisa Saperstein knows that these two are icons. These awful siblings, played by Ben Schwartz and Jenny Slate, are delusional, spoiled, and horribly irresponsible, and we love them for it.
Every scene they were in was instantly more entertaining, and we could’ve used just a few more of Jean-Ralphio making ridiculous excuses for his poor behavior, Mona-Lisa begging her father for money, or the two of them plotting an outrageous scheme together.
Craig Middlebrooks
Craig Middlebrooks didn’t join the Parks and Recreation cast until later in the series when Pawnee and Eagleton merged, but he was a welcome addition. Billy Eichner essentially played himself in the role, and he brought with him all the drama and shouting we know and love him for. He was one of the few Eagltonians to earn a permanent spot at City Hall, proving he was worthy of the position by yelling at a phone rep about grass. He cares too much, and it’s incurable!
Joan Callamezzo
Joan Callamezzo started as one of the town’s more prominent nuisances, but she eventually turned into a full-on lunatic. By the end of the series, she had completely lost her marbles, and Season 7 would’ve benefitted from a few more scenes of her nonsense. April was the only Pawnee citizen who appreciated Joan for what she had become, and if we had it our way, we would’ve gotten to see that unexpected duo on our screens just a little bit more.
Brett and Harris
Brett and Harris, better known as the Animal Control guys, were underrated Parks and Recreation characters. Every scene they were featured in was a little off-beat, but that’s what made them so great. They were two of Pawnee’s most apathetic government employees, and it made for great television. No matter how they were shirking their responsibilities, their antics were fantastic.
Parks and Recreation is streaming now on Peacock.