Over the course of seven seasons, Parks and Recreation has given us many things that we will never forget. It allowed the comedic genius that is Amy Poehler to shine. It served as a launching pad for Chris Pratt, Nick Offerman and Aubrey Plaza. We all learned how important it is to "Treat yo' self" every once in a while.
Alas, all good things must come to an end, and Parks and Rec is no different. The NBC comedy will air its final episode tonight, and we'll have to say goodbye to the fine folks of Pawnee.
But before we do, we've got some business to take care of. Not only has Parks and Rec been a delight to watch on TV, the show has inspired plenty of extracurricular entertainment for us, namely parodies and mash-ups that have put a hilarious twist on the show that are guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Take a look and laugh at them now before you ball your eyes out when the final credits roll tonight.
1. "Aziz Ansari Presents: Parks and Recreation"
Right before Season 3 of Parks and Rec premiered, Aziz Ansari teamed up with CollegeHumor to bring us a revamped version of the show's opening credits. It basically just features Ansari fighting crimes, solving medical mysteries and generally looking like a badass while wearing shades. It may not be the most representative of the series, but boy is that new theme song catchy.
2. The Parks and Rec Cast as Justice League characters
Before Chris Pratt suited up to play Star-Lord in Guardians of the Galaxy, we got a little taste of what he would look like if he chose to play a character in the DC Universe instead. A Los Angeles-based illustrator that goes by the name of Vicktrola reimagined the Parks and Rec cast as Justice League characters, and not only do they look awesome, but the superhero chosen for each character is eerily appropriate. Head over to Vicktrola's Tumblr to see the illustrations in all their glory.
3. Late Night with Jimmy Fallon Glee Parody
This is so many parodies in one, it'll make your head spin. The cast of Parks and Rec joined Jimmy Fallon for an epic sing-off to poke fun at Glee in 2010, and their rendition of Twisted Sister's "We're Not Gonna Take It" might just be the most fun one you will ever see.
4. "Parks and Trek"
Pawnee is a lot like the Final Frontier, isn't it? OK, not really, but the Parks and Rec cast looks surprisingly at home as the cast of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Thanks to cartoonist and writer Neill Cameron, we now know what Leslie Knope would look like in space. And let's be real. If anyone is going to Mars, it's going to be her.
5. Parks and Rec and Guardians of the Galaxy Mash-up
Now that Pratt is this big-time Hollywood blockbuster star, mash-ups of Parks and Rec and his other projects are just going to be inevitable. YouTube user AwesomenessX took scenes from Guardians of the Galaxy and set them to the Parks and Rec theme music to make a wackier and quainter version of last summer's Marvel Studios flick. It's short but most definitely sweet.
6. Classic Children's Books Starring the Parks and Rec Cast
Jennifer Lewis placed Parks and Rec characters in some of the most beloved children's books of all time for Flavorwire in 2013. Some of my favorites involve the show's minor characters, such as Green Eggs and Jammed and Good Night, Orin, but really, they are all perfect.
7. "Jurassic Parks and Recreation"
Unfortunately, Parks and Rec will end before Jurassic World opens in theaters this summer, but thankfully, we got in one more mash-up before this show hits the road. Mom Productions created this video that shows what happens when Andy Dwyer is transferred from the Pawnee Department of Parks and Recreation to the Jurassic Park. You can't help but laugh at the juxtaposition of Pratt's characters in this video.
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