The legacy of Parks and Recreation still has fans celebrating favorite installments years later, ranging from the iconic “Treat Yo Self” episode to the “Flu Season” episode with an epic ad-lib from Chris Pratt. After a first season that is still considered to be the worst of the series, the sitcom brought in Rob Lowe and Adam Scott for Season 2, and Pawnee was never the same again. Lowe’s Chris Traeger may be best remembered for his “literally” catchphrase, and the actor opened up about it.
Chris was a pretty wholesome member of the Parks & Rec ensemble, although he hit the occasional rough patch. No matter which stage of development the character was, however, he could generally be counted upon for a “literally” at some point in an episode! Rob Lowe spoke with Entertainment Tonight about his time as Chris, and addressed the mysterious origin of “literally.” Lowe explained:
I don’t know how the ‘literally’ thing happened. I mean, clearly, I lean into that word. And I think I just leaned in maybe a little too hard one day, and then the day after that and then maybe another day after that. I like having a catchphrase. It’s fun.