The Ultimate Comfort Show: Why “Parks & Rec” is the best show to watch when you’re stressed

Whenever I start to feel anxious or overwhelmed with everything that’s going on in the world, I indulge myself in a delightfully unhealthy TV marathon. I’ve watched everything from “The Office” to “Friends,” but there’s only one show that helps me escape from any and every problem — “Parks and Recreation.” 

Seeing what’s going on in Pawnee, Ind., the small town setting of the show, never fails to make me laugh with its bright, funny and energizing parks department. The relentlessly optimistic characters restore my faith in democracy with a staff that truly cares about their community.

While the parks department is under-budgeted and the town is stocked full of seemingly small problems, they manage to put a small-town twist on important topics like the gay marriage of two penguins or a funeral concert for the town’s favorite mini horse — yes, you heard that right.

With the recent election, it seems like every politician has an agenda focused on votes rather than social issues, making it feel like democracy is crumbling. I can always count on department head Leslie Knope, played by Amy Poehler, to keep a positive attitude and remind me of the good in the world.

One thing that can immediately ruin a show for me is when powerful women are portrayed as super masculine, unapproachable workaholics who are mentally closed off — see Margaret Tate from “The Proposal” or Miranda Priestly from “The Devil Wears Prada.” This is detrimental to feminism as a whole and turns people off to the idea of women in leadership roles. Whether she’s holding a public forum or serving on the city council, Leslie is a hilarious ray of sunshine who’s never guilty of this destructive stereotype.

I always appreciate when a character’s personality is contagious and this entire cast is eccentric and exciting — which is why I find so much comfort in this show. You walk away with Leslie’s energy, Andy’s playfulness and Tom and Donna’s love of the finer things — “Treat Yo’ Self!” 

I find it difficult to watch a show when there’s an intolerable recurring character. Every member of the parks crew is multifaceted — no character is restricted to just one mood or emotion — and your favorite being whomever’s speaking at the moment. 

“Parks & Rec” is composed of characters with different personalities that work together seamlessly. The individual friendships between the characters keep the show from becoming stagnant with the same scene partners over and over. For instance, when Leslie and April team up to defy misogynistic stereotypes and prove themselves to be better garbage-collectors than the entire sanitation department. 

When binging multiple episodes, you’ll often come across a new yet familiar face as the show features recurring beloved guest stars every few episodes. “Parks & Rec” features regular appearances by Megan Mullaly, Paul Rudd and Ben Schwarts who accompany the rest of the cast well to spice up any episode. 

“Parks & Rec” undeniably has some of the best couples in TV history. It shows all different types of pairs that are perfect together and equally loveable to fans. For example, you’re initially skeptical of April and Andy’s strange relationship because of their seemingly incompatible personalities, but eventually it’s complexity flows in a chaotic harmony and you quickly fall in love with their dynamic. 

However, relationships aren’t the sole topic of the show and no character is exclusively a girlfriend or boyfriend, which I appreciate. Every character adds to the show’s personality and is significant devoid of their partner.

Sitcoms often go on for far too long and the show becomes painful to watch in its final seasons. “Parks & Rec” fits perfectly into its seven seasons, laying out every characters futures by the final season.

One major quality I always look for in a comfort show is the ability to turn on any episode at random and be able to follow along without prior knowledge of what’s going on in the season.There’s of course a storyline and driving topics throughout each season, but if you ever need a break from reality you can pick up at any point in the series to enjoy a blissful 21 minutes with the Pawnee Parks Department.