Parks and Recreation’s Jerry: The Most Disrespected Sitcom Character... Ever?

Parks and Recreation is celebrated as a relentlessly optimistic, kindness-centered show, but that’s not how it treats one of its main characters: poor Jerry Gergich. It may seem like he’s just a stock “sitcom punching bag” and there’s not a lot of meaning in this joke, but looking back, it’s strangely nasty bullying from characters who otherwise come across as so well-meaning, sweet and idealistic. Here’s our take on why the persecution of Jerry is one thing that hasn’t aged so well about Parks and Recreation, and if it secretly revealed a flaw in the show’s attitude. If you like this video, subscribe to our channel and support us by becoming a Taker or joining our Patreon for amazing perks like early access and custom polls! Become a Taker: https://bit.ly/jointhetake Join our Patreon:   / thetake   Watch our TikTok:   / thisisthetake   Bonus Content and Articles: https://www.the-take.com Follow our Socials: https://linktr.ee/thisisthetake CHAPTERS 00:00 Why Jerry was done dirty 01:10 The sitcom punching bag trope, explained 05:31 The woes of a public servant 09:36 How sitcom family members get "roles" CREDITS Executive Producers: Debra Minoff & Susannah McCullough Chief Creative Director: Susannah McCullough Associate Producer: Tyler Allen Writer: Eric Thurm Narrator: Alani Waters Video Editor: Kat Olenick