Leslie Knope will have to say some goodbyes this season as both Rashida Jones (who plays Leslie’s best friend Ann) and Rob Lowe are reportedly leaving Parks and Recreation. Jones was an original member of the cast, while Lowe joined in season two for what was supposed to be a guest role, but soon became a regular cast member. Their characters, Ann Perkins and Chris Traeger, have had an on-again/off-again relationship ever since.
The NBC show’s fifth season ended with Traeger and Perkins trying to have a baby together; their departure together hints at a happy ending for the two. Buzzfeed’s Kate Arthur, who broke the story, reports that the sixth season’s 13th episode will be both actors’ final. Arthur notes that that episode will likely air during February sweeps.
The news hasn’t been officially confirmed; NBC declined to comment on Buzzfeed’s story. Neither Jones nor Lowe has acknowledged the story.
As for the actors’ next projects, Jones and her Celeste & Jesse Forever writing partner Will McCormack have a development deal with Warner Bros. Television. Rob Lowe is currently promoting National Geographic’s Killing Kennedy, in which he plays Former President John F. Kennedy.
In happier Parks and Rec news, it has been confirmed that Lucy Lawless will be in the season six premiere. Lawless starred in several episodes last season as Diane, a love interest to Nick Offerman‘s Ron Swanson. In the final moments of the season five finale, Diane revealed that she was pregnant. Entertainment Weekly reports that Parks and Recreation producers intend to include Lawless in several episodes throughout the season, as Ron prepares to be a dad.
Parks and Rec‘s hour-long season six premiere airs on September 26 and is set partially in London. Heidi Klum and Henry Winkler will also guest star.
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