Adam Scott Reflects on “Parks and Recreation” in a Post-2015 America

Adam Scott, starring in the upcoming horror film “Hokum,” discussed his role as Ben Wyatt on NBC’s “Parks and Recreation” during a Variety interview. He described the series as a source of “hope and joy” that helped viewers through the pandemic and other “trying times.” Scott noted that the sitcom’s “wholesome innocence” appears at odds with the political climate that emerged after Donald Trump entered politics in 2015 and assumed the presidency in 2017.

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“Parks and Recreation” aired for seven seasons from 2009 to 2015, portraying a small-town government with a light-hearted tone. The series concluded just before the 2015 political shift marked by Donald Trump’s entry into politics, an event Scott linked to a perceived loss of national innocence. He contrasted the show’s optimism with the “dark time” he perceives in the United States today.

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• Adam Scott – Actor who played Ben Wyatt and is promoting “Hokum.”

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• Ben Wyatt – Fictional character on “Parks and Recreation.”

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• NBC – Network that broadcast the sitcom.

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• Donald Trump – Political figure whose 2015 campaign and 2017 presidency are cited as altering the country’s tone.

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• Seven seasons of “Parks and Recreation” (2009-2015).

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• 2015 identified by Scott as the year the country “may have lost what was left of its innocence.”

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• 2017 marked the beginning of “President Trump’s America,” according to the interview.

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Scott’s comments highlight how a television program once still celebrated for its optimism can serve as a source of hope during periods of uncertainty in the United States today. He cited audience messages indicating the show helped people cope with the pandemic. By questioning whether a similar series could thrive now, Scott invites discussion about the evolving relationship between entertainment and nation’s political atmosphere.

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• “I think back on ‘Parks and Rec’ and the hope and joy that it brings people,” — Adam Scott, Actor

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• “It’s so lovely to hear from people that it helped them through the pandemic or helps them through trying times now.” — Adam Scott, Actor

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• “And it is a dark time right now.” — Adam Scott, Actor

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• “And I do feel like our country may have lost what was left of its innocence in 2015, when Donald Trump stepped up and stepped into politics.” — Adam Scott, Actor

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Adam Scott’s upcoming horror film “Hokum” is officially scheduled to open in theaters on Friday, marking his return to theatrical releases after the interview.

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