Adam Scott Says “Parks and Recreation” Reflected a More Innocent Time in America

Adam Scott, known for playing Ben Wyatt on the TV show Parks and Recreation, recently shared his thoughts about the show and how the country has changed since it aired.

In an interview with Variety, Scott said the sitcom, which ran from 2009 to 2015, brought people a sense of hope and comfort. He noted that many fans still tell him the show helped them during difficult times, including the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, Scott also said the United States feels very different today compared to when the show first aired. He believes the country may have “lost some of its innocence” around 2015, when Donald Trump entered politics. According to Scott, it’s easy to overlook how much has changed over the past decade.

When asked whether a show like Parks and Recreation could succeed if it started today, Scott said it would likely feel different. Still, he believes there is always room for positive and heartfelt comedy.

He pointed to the current sitcom Abbott Elementary as an example. Scott said the show manages to stay funny and uplifting, even in a challenging environment, proving that audiences still appreciate that kind of storytelling.

Scott is currently starring in the upcoming horror film Hokum, which is set to open in theaters on Friday.