Image Credit: Randy Holmes/ABCFile this one under “G” for very good career move. Better yet, file it under “V” and cross-reference it under “G.” Oh, screw the filing and just listen up: Sources confirm to me exclusively that Rob Lowe is nearing a deal to join the cast of TV’s best comedy, Parks and Recreation.
I’m told that Lowe, who, as you know, is leaving Brothers & Sisters at season’s end, would appear in multiple episodes of Parks and Rec beginning later this season and extending into next. (NBC wisely went ahead and renewed the comedy for a third season.)
Details about Lowe’s character are being kept under the tightest of wraps. I should know more as soon as his deal becomes official.
Thoughts? Do you agree with my filing instincts?
This is kind of epic. And by kind of I really mean very.
Oh
My
Awesome!!!
I don’t know, the cast is pretty full as is and if this means taking away screen time from Aziz Ansari (the funniest guy on the show) then this would be a step backward for a show that is starting to get in a groove after a forgetable first season.
If they want a true funny man to add to the cast, why not Will Friedle? He has great comedic chops.
because it isn’t 1998, which is when he was last relevant.
@Nick – are you looking for someone with a “celebrity name” or someone with talent? Will Fiedle has talent.
Oh, no. Rob is a great ensemble comedian, so he’ll fit right in! I used to watch his first SNL gig (March 17, 1990) over and over when I was a girl, because it was side-achingly funny. His last one was fairly funny as well, although the writing wasn’t as good.
As for Will Friedle, I agree that he really has impeccable comedic timing. He may not be seen much on TV these days, but he is a pretty prolific voiceover actor.
Will Friedle from Boy Meets World? Are you kidding with that?
Aziz Ansari is funny, but not the funniest guy on the show. Have you not experienced the deadpan awesomeness of Ron Swanson??
I’m not saying I need a name I’m just saying that while it may have been popular in the late 90s,I don’t think his loud and out there comedic style(which I felt got very tiresome on Boy Meets World)would fit in on this more subtle show.
Brian I’m gonna have to go ahead and agree with you. Ron Swanson elevates an excellent show to the level of the sublime. I wouldn’t say it’s the best comedy on TV though – it’s tied with Modern Family in my book.
Brian you are dead on, Ron Swanson is quickly becoming one of my favorite characters on a comedy. “If I wanted to bring a large number of deviled eggs, but I didn’t want to share them with anyone else, can you guarantee fridge space?”
awesome! ‘parks and rec’ is one of the funniest shows on tv right now, and rob lowe would make a terrific addition to an already fabulous cast.
Good riddance.
I always thought that Rob Lowe was suited more for comedy than drama, so this fits him perfectly.
He’s pretty entertaining in Tommy Boy, I have to admit. Never understood why he didn’t do more comedies.
He was also spectacular as Benjamin in Wayne’s World.
I always thought so, too. His impression of Shaggy from Scooby Doo when he guest hosted on SNL is priceless.
Agreed – on West Wing, he was best when Sam Seaborn was being absurd and hilarious rather than angry or sad.
I think its a great move, I think he can do comedy like Alec Baldwin can do comedy on 30 Rock, also Has anyone seen Parenthood, I thought it was a great episode on Tuesday.
Alec Baldwin is a good comparison. The two of them are on my short list of people who completely changed how I saw them as actors through their appearances on SNL. In fact, I think most of Rob Lowe’s truly comedic roles have been in movies with SNL alums (even About Last Night), so I imagine he’ll work well with Amy Poehler.
I’m really starting to like Robert of Brothers & Sisters…
I’d rather he stay on B&S and be used more.
So would I!!
This would be awesome. I could easily see Rob Lowe as a mayoral candidate who ends up becoming the new mayor of Pawnee. That would be terrific…though I’m not sure Lowe wants anything to do with politics on TV anymore.
Exactly. He has that good-looking-politician vibe about him, but will great in any capacity I’m sure.
What a great idea! He should be a thorn in the P&R department’s side who nevertheless makes Leslie Knope giggly and annoyed at the same time.
Well, I guess that means Amy Pohler must be okay with sharing the spotlight, considering how large Rob Lowe’s ego is when it comes to “starring” on TV shows…
Geez, people are so touchy about him deciding to leave shows after 4+ seasons. My guess is that he gets a bit bored with his characters after awhile and doesn’t want to sit on his laurels and simple rake in dough (unlike some people who really should quit because they are clearly just doing it for the cash). One of the benefits of an ensemble cast is that the loss is lessened when an actor decides to move on. I’m sure the P&R people will be happy to have him. But since he won’t be essential to the show, it will probably survive after he decides to move on to something else.
Rob left West Wing because said he was supposed to be the lead, not Martin Sheen. Sheen was given a HUGE raise that made his the top salary, and Lowe demanded his pay be at least equal to Sheen. The producers said no. He left because of $$$ and his not wanting to be a member of an ensemble. I hope his attitude is different now that he’s joining P&R.
Strange casting…
Suzanne – I completely agree. And I just don’t understand all the love for him on B&S. When he and Kitty are on screen together I am BORED!
I agree
On what planet is Parks and Rec the best comedy on tv? It’s not even the funniest comedy on its own network or night (Chuck is consistently funnier, and Community’s cast blows P&R out of the water)
I think Community is definitely better.
Mike I agree, I think Ausiello overstated best comedy. It is in the top 5, just below Modern Family, Community, The Office, Big Bang, and ties with 30 Rock.
I completely agree. Modern Family is 100 times better. Even the office, after so many years, is still funnier than P&R. Not sure how Rob Lowe would make it any better, and I love Rob Lowe!
I love this. Parks and Rec is hilarious and I think he’ll be great on it.
Nice! Looking forward to seeing him on this show.
Love interest for dear Leslie? Will Ron be jealous?
Barf. Keep this guy off P and R please.
EXACTLY.
I thought he was okay in “Wayne’s World.” He’s the straight guy and while they’re not usually considered funny themselves, still an asset.