Parks and Rec Celebrates 10 Years Since Series Finale

LOS ANGELES, California – February 24 marks the 10th anniversary of the series finale of the beloved sitcom Parks and Recreation. The finale, which aired in 2015, features several time jumps that project the characters’ lives into the future, notably a timeline set in 2025.

Retaining its charm, the series wrapped up with an hour-long episode titled “One Last Ride,” cleverly written by Michael Schur and his team. It showcased Leslie Knope, played by Amy Poehler, and Ben Wyatt, portrayed by Adam Scott, returning to their hometown of Pawnee after being approached to run for governor of Indiana.

In a twist of nostalgia, actress Retta, who played Donna Meagle, spoke with Gold Derby about how strange it is to think the show is now in a future timeline where characters from the series have moved back to their roots. “Wait, were we in 2025 in the end? That’s so crazy,” Retta remarked, reflecting on the show’s foresight as they now find themselves in that very year.

Throughout the series celebration, fans recalled how the seventh and final season was initially set two years ahead in 2017, with consequential timelines that have since surpassed the dates of 2019, 2022, and now 2023.

In the 2025 scenario, viewers witness the entire Parks Department, including the return of Ann Perkins and Chris Traeger, played by Rashida Jones and Rob Lowe, respectively. Their return marks a significant moment as it is the first time they appeared since their departure in Season 6. With candid joy, Jones expressed her excitement for potential future projects with the cast. “Oh man, I hope sometime soon. I know Mike Schur was like, ‘There has to be a reason for us to do it. We can’t just do it,’” she stated.

Since the finale, Parks and Recreation was revived for a special episode in April 2020 to raise funds for Feeding America amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The cast and crew’s chemistry continues to resonate with the audience, as Jones is clearly on board for another revival. “We have to do the 2035 one,” she added, looking forward to a reunion that could map out another future timeline.