12 ‘Parks and Rec’ Couples, Ranked From Disaster to Absolute Goals

12 ‘Parks and Rec’ Couples, Ranked From Disaster to Absolute Goals
Image credit: NBC

Parks and Recreation delivered some of the most memorable couples in TV history. Today, we rank these iconic Pawnee pairings from total trainwrecks to relationship goals.

Throughout its 7-season run, Parks and Recreation has blessed us with some of the most unforgettable couples. These relationships gave the show its heart and soul.

Some were better than the others, but nonetheless, they were all important for world building. So whether destined for disaster or clearly meant to be, these 12 couples contributed something special to the Parks and Rec universe we came to love.

12. Ron and Tammy II

12 ‘Parks and Rec’ Couples, Ranked From Disaster to Absolute Goals - image 1

Status: divorced (thankfully).

Ron and Tammy is the prime example of a trainwreck relationship that somehow made for great comedy. Their passionate yet extremely destructive dynamic turned Ron from a stoic into an unhinged mess. He was literally unrecognizable when under Tammy's influence.

11. Tom and Mona-Lisa

12 ‘Parks and Rec’ Couples, Ranked From Disaster to Absolute Goals - image 2

Status: broken up (for everyone's sanity).

If you thought Ron and Tammy were chaotic, Tom and Mona-Lisa took dysfunction to a whole new level. Jean-Ralphio's equally bonkers sister and Tom's materialistic tendencies created a perfect storm of terrible decision-making. Thankfully, Tom was able to walk away from that one.

10. Mark and Ann

12 ‘Parks and Rec’ Couples, Ranked From Disaster to Absolute Goals - image 3

Status: broken up (and forgotten about).

If you don't remember Ann dating Mark Brandanowitz, you're not alone. Their relationship was so forgettable that even the writers seemed eager to move on.

Mark and Ann lacked any real chemistry or memorable moments, making them perhaps the blandest couple in Pawnee history. When Mark left at the end of Season 2, their relationship quietly faded into obscurity along with his character.

9. Tom and Ann

12 ‘Parks and Rec’ Couples, Ranked From Disaster to Absolute Goals - image 4

Status: broken up.

Tom and Ann might be the most unlikely pair in the entire show. This couple was basically doomed from day one. Their complete lack of shared interests (or literally anything in common) made for some hilariously uncomfortable moments.

8. April and Derek/Ben

12 ‘Parks and Rec’ Couples, Ranked From Disaster to Absolute Goals - image 5

Status: broken up.

Before Andy came along, April briefly dated Derek and his boyfriend Ben in a bizarre throuple situation. This arrangement was doomed from the very start and mostly served as a comedic relief. “This is my boyfriend Derek, and this is Derek's boyfriend,” will always be iconic though.

7. Andy and Ann

12 ‘Parks and Rec’ Couples, Ranked From Disaster to Absolute Goals - image 6

Status: broken up (for the best).

Ann and Andy's relationship was already kind of rocky when the series began. Andy's immature behavior (including faking the severity of his injury) and Ann's growing frustration made it clear they weren't meant to be. Their breakup paved the way for both characters to find much better matches that suited their personalities.

6. Tom and Lucy

12 ‘Parks and Rec’ Couples, Ranked From Disaster to Absolute Goals - image 7

Status: married.

After multiple failed relationships, Tom finally found his perfect match in Lucy. Unlike his previous girlfriends, Lucy actually understood and appreciated Tom for who he is. Their relationship developed more in the later seasons, with Tom maturing enough to make things work. By the finale, they were happily married and running their businesses together.

5. Chris and Ann

12 ‘Parks and Rec’ Couples, Ranked From Disaster to Absolute Goals - image 8

Status: married with a child.

After a bumpy start with their on-again-off-again dynamic, Chris and Ann evolved into one of the show's most mature relationships. Their decision to move away from Pawnee together was a bittersweet conclusion to both characters' arcs.

4. Andy and April

12 ‘Parks and Rec’ Couples, Ranked From Disaster to Absolute Goals - image 9

Status: married.

April and Andy's relationship evolved from her secret crush to one of the show's most interesting couples. Her deadpan delivery and his boundless enthusiasm created a weirdly perfect balance.

3. Donna and Joe

12 ‘Parks and Rec’ Couples, Ranked From Disaster to Absolute Goals - image 10

Status: married and treating themselves.

Donna and Joe might not have gotten as much screen time as other couples, but they definitely delivered in quality. Their wedding episode is the sweetest confirmation of just how perfect they are for each other.

2. Leslie and Ben

12 ‘Parks and Rec’ Couples, Ranked From Disaster to Absolute Goals - image 11

Status: married with triplets.

Leslie and Ben stand as Parks and Recreation's definitive power couple. From their forbidden romance during his time as a state auditor to their eventual marriage and family, their relationship consistently delivered. They challenge and inspire one another while maintaining their own.

1. Jerry/Garry and Gayle

12 ‘Parks and Rec’ Couples, Ranked From Disaster to Absolute Goals - image 12

Status: happily married for years with 3 daughters.

Perhaps the most surprisingly perfect couple in Pawnee is Jerry (or Garry, Larry, Terry, Barry) and his stunning wife Gayle. Despite being the office punching bag, Jerry somehow landed a marriage that everyone envies.

The running joke that clumsy, awkward Jerry somehow married someone way out of his league is made sweeter by the glimpses we get of their genuinely loving home life.

🧡
😁
👏
🤔
😡
Crush of the day
Tom Hardy - Crush of the day
Tom Hardy From: MobLand

He always has our full attention.

or
Hot (59%) Not (41%)