I have to admit that I'm fairly biased. "Parks and Recreation" is my favorite modern show and second favorite show of all time (second only to "M*A*S*H," of course). The series and its brilliantly-written characters have changed my outlook on life, helped me to view situations from other perspectives and made me realize that one person truly can make a difference in society (while simultaneously causing me to laugh until my abs hurt). If this show did all of those things (and many more) for me, then what can it do for you?

I'm not saying that "Parks and Rec" is going to blow your mind with unpredictable plot twists and characters whose backstories keep you awake at night. It probably won't. But if you're looking for a show full of lovable, diverse characters who will make you laugh, think and (occasionally) cry, then look no further. If you're looking for an easygoing, feel-good comedy featuring some of the best puns out there, you've found it. If you're like most humans and want to watch something excellent, then I have the show for you.

Here are 15 (of the many) reasons why you (and every other person) need "Parks and Rec" in your life.

15. Mark Brendanawicz

Mark (thankfully) left the show fairly quickly. He serves as a reminder that we all have people in our lives who aren’t meant to stay forever. Sometimes you just have to let them go. Thanks for the memories, Mark Brendana.

14. Councilman Howser

Councilman Howser is my favorite running joke of the series. He's that one person who always catches Leslie at the most unfortunate times. His presence in Leslie’s life is guaranteed to make you laugh and will, hopefully, make you feel like you’re not the only one with a Councilman Howser in your life.

13. Donna Meagle

Donna is plain fabulous. She's mysterious and wonderful with quite a bit of sass, but she's always looking out for her Parks people. Though Donna lives a lavish life and certainly knows how to treat herself, she's always there for the people that she loves and expects the same from them. Hopefully, we can all be as fabulous as Donna someday!

12. Tom Haverford

It seems that Tom is always coming up with a new business plan (or seven). No matter how many times things don't seem to work out for him, nothing can kill his entrepreneurial spirit. Tom knows what he wants in life, and he isn't afraid to follow his dreams. He knows that life isn't worth living if you aren't doing what you love, and we can all use a bit more of this spirit in our lives.

11. Jean-Ralphio Saperstein

Honestly, Jean-Ralphio is a complete disaster. He’s likely to make you feel much better about your life decisions (while sincerely questioning his).

10. Tammy (2) Swanson

Tammy 2 reminds us that exes are exes for a reason. Seriously, what was Ron thinking when he married her in the first place?

9. Andy Dwyer

Sweet, clueless Andy. He may not know what he's doing most of the time, but he can certainly put a smile on anyone's face. Andy lives life to the fullest and just wants others in his life to be happy, and he's sure to make you happier too.

8. April Ludgate

April may be the strangest character on the show, but she is unapologetically herself. Though she may regularly say frightening or uncomfortable things, she looks out for the people in her life and expects them to do the same. While April knows that it's important to be true to yourself, she proves that you can't forget about the people who are important to you along the way.

7. Jerry/Larry/Terry/Garry Gergich

If Jean-Ralphio didn't make you feel better, then Jerry definitely will. His coworkers don't even know his real name (after how many years?!). However, Jerry/Larry/Terry/Garry doesn't let that (or anything) get him down. Though he's a bit of a klutz, Jerry never stops working hard and always does what's best for the Parks Department.

6. Li'l Sebastian

He’s a mini-horse. Need I say more?

5. Ann Perkins

Ann is proof that your best friend is one of the most important people in your life. They make you laugh, help you get over your ex, celebrate milestones with you (a.k.a. Breakfast Day), and help you to grow as a person. Ann (the poetic and noble land mermaid) was one of the best things that ever happened to Leslie and the Parks Department, and Leslie certainly won't let her forget it.

4. Chris Traeger

Chris Traeger is literally the most positive (and fit) character that has ever lived. Nothing can bring him down (except maybe not meeting his running goal for the day). We could all learn something from Chris' never-ending positivity and love for everyone.

3. Ben Wyatt

Ben's past didn't stop him from becoming a huge success (but it came close). He was able to move on from what happened so many years ago in order to live a happy, successful life. He worked extremely hard to get to where he is, and he always tries to do the right thing. Ben's past decisions don't define him, and he wants others to see him for who he is in the present. If Ben can overcome such a disastrous past, I think it's safe to say that we can too!

2. Ron Swanson

Ron's hatred of people and true love of meat and whiskey are always good for a laugh, but don't let him fool you. Though Ron may seem like a stubborn, old woodworker, he actually has a bit of a heart. Though he (a government-loathing libertarian) and Leslie (a government-loving, Joe Biden-worshiping liberal) have polar opposite views on the ways that the government should work, they truly are the best of friends. Maybe opposites really do attract.

1. Leslie Knope

This government employee can’t help but try to make everyone around her happy. She works tirelessly to improve her town and, despite constant doubt from others, always finds a solution to the problem at hand. She’s one of the hardest working characters ever created, and nothing can bring her down (especially if she has waffles and whipped cream). Leslie will make you want to be a better person with a more positive outlook on life and inspire you to create change in the world!

Now go make Leslie proud!