Screenwriters Greg Daniels and Michael Schur created two of America's most beloved television shows, "The Office" and "Parks and Recreation." Even though both shows take place in an office setting, and have some characters that act very similar to each other, they are actually very different. Here are some of the major differences and similarities between the show's characters that might sway you to watch one over the other.
The Boss
Michael Scott: Michael is the boss every person hopes to have; he never does any work and distracts all his employees from ever doing their jobs. Even though he might not have the best work ethic, and he can be extremely annoying at times, he cares about each of Dunder Mifflin's employees like they are his family. Viewers feel a sort of sympathy for the poor guy, because all he really has is his job (in most seasons) and he truly is a hilarious person.
Leslie Knope: Unlike Michael, Leslie is obsessed with her job and working for the Pawnee Parks Department. On the other hand, she is a lot like Michael in the fact that she loves everyone who works for her and she loves the city she lives in. But she is a much easier character to like and relate to, because she is not so out there, like Michael can be at times.
The Disliked-By-Everyone Employee
Toby Flenderson: Toby is the HR representative at the Scranton office of Dunder Mifflin, and Michael cannot stand him. There really is no reason why he hates him so much, but he always reminds him that he thinks he is a terrible human. The rest of the office seems to tolerate him, but because he is the HR rep, they often get mad at him when he tries to enforce rules. As a viewer, you do not really feel bad for Toby ever, though, because he is a very boring character and he never tries to stand up for himself.
Jerry Gergich: Jerry is hated by the entire parks department because he often embarrasses himself and is often the butt of many jokes. The office does not even call him by his real name, Gerry, but they refer to him as Jerry, Larry, and Terry throughout the seasons. But fans of the show feel sympathy for him, because he is a very kind and loving person. He often does make mistakes that are funny, and it is hard not to love him.
The Best Girlfriend
Pam Beesly: Pam is the receptionist at the paper company and one of the people Michael considers to be his best friend. Pam gets annoyed at Michael often, but she really is willing to do anything for him. She even quits her job to work with him when he decides to start his own company. She is always there as his shoulder to cry on and to give him girl advice.
Ann Perkins: Ann is Leslie's best gal pal, but does not work in the parks department. She is a lot like Pam in the fact that she really will do anything for Leslie. Their friendship is one-of-a-kind. Pam might not say Michael is her best friend, but Ann proudly calls Leslie hers.
This is just a quick overview of some of the characters from both "The Office" and "Parks and Recreation," but hopefully it helped convince you to watch one of them. Or both, because they are both truly amazing and hilarious.
