As much as people do not want to accept it, Parks and Recreation is a better show than The Office. I know many people, if not most, think that The Office is funnier than Parks and Rec. Yet, I implore people to look past the overused Office memes and realize which show is truly superior.
First off, Parks and Rec is simply funnier than The Office. The humor in Parks and Rec has more depth and the long-running jokes throughout the show are continually funny over the duration of the seven seasons.
For example, let's analyze the two most comparable characters between both shows: Jerry Gergich (Parks and Rec) and Kevin Malone (The Office). Both characters are meant to represent people in an office setting who are so dim-witted that they create hilarious situations for themselves. In one episode, we find out that the other members in the Parks department have been putting money in a jar overtime Jerry does something mockable in order to have a "Jerry Dinner". Cruel? Sure. But that scheme is office shenanigans to the max and I love it.
Speaking of characters in the show, it should also be noted which show has the overall best character. Without a single doubt, Ron Swanson is not only the greatest character between the two shows but also has attained legendary status among TV characters. The show is peppered with "Swanson-isms" that make for great inside jokes.
Another definitive reason for my opinion is the ending of the show. Let's be honest, whenever anyone randomly goes to watch an episode of The Office, it is always from one of the first few seasons. That's because nobody wants to watch The Office after Michael leaves. If we're being honest again, imagine The Office without Michael Scott... it would be terrible. However, if you take Leslie Knope off Parks and Rec it would still be a great show.
Maybe I am a bit biased on this debate because I watched the entirety of Parks and Rec in a modest nine days. Not exactly sure how I had the time and sheer lack of productivity to accomplish that feat. Still... no shame.
