Welcome to Pawnee

Jim O’Heir, who played Jerry (or Garry or Larry) on Parks and Recreation and co-hosts the hit podcast Parks and Recollection, brings fans a heartfelt behind-the-scenes look at one of America’s most beloved sitcoms, brimming with never-before-told stories featuring the cast and crew, along with dozens of unseen photos! 

For seven seasons, Leslie Knope and the Parks and Recreation gang charmed millions of viewers with their quirky antics and unwavering positivity. The sitcom continues to be a fan-favorite for streaming services today, nearly a decade after its finale. Now for the first time, Jim O’Heir, who played the lovable Jerry (or, well, Garry/Larry/Terry/Barry, depending on the episode), invites readers back to Pawnee for an exclusive look behind the scenes.

Joined by some of his Parks and Rec pals, including Chris Pratt, Retta, Rob Lowe, and showrunners Greg Daniels and Mike Schur, O’Heir reveals how this “little show that could” came to be, thanks to the tireless dedication and comedic genius of Amy Poehler, Nick Offerman, and the rest of the gang. As the show found its footing, the cast quickly bonded into a tight-knit family. Here O’Heir shares all his favorite unforgettable memories both on and off camera, from hilarious unscripted moments and epic dance-offs in the hair and makeup trailers, to iconic birthday parties at Rashida Jones’s house and quiet bonfires in Nick Offerman’s backyard.

Welcome to Pawnee is O’Heir’s loving tribute to Parks and Recreation, imbued with the same warmth and humor that endeared the show to millions.

“Filled with hilarious stories and sweet observations, Welcome to Pawnee is a book for any Parks and Rec fan. It’s funny and straight from the heart, and it took me back to the absolute joy it was to make this show with people like our dear Jim O’Heir. Jim did a great job of not Jerry-ing this book.” — Amy Poehler“It pains me to say anything nice about this undeniably charming book from the actor who played Jerry Gergich. So I won’t. I mean, sure, you could chuckle at these delightful showbiz stories or have your heart strings tugged by the various hijinks of the Parks and Rec cast. OR, you could watch season 7, episode 8 of The New Yankee Workshop with Norm Abram on how to build a wooden Clancy Boat—a handsome 10 foot sailing dinghy that will provide many more hours of fun than some dumb actor book.” — Nick Offerman“So anyone who’s ever heard me talk about Jim O’Heir knows he’s my favorite. He’s thoughtful, generous, and occasionally funny...occasionally. I’m happy to report that I enjoyed this damn thing. Especially since I didn’t think he was a great speller. The stories take me back to our P & R days and gives me the warm fuzzies. You may not feel nostalgic (cuz you weren’t there), but you will get an idea of what a truly singular experience being on Parks and Recreation was.”  — Retta“There is no one more qualified to write the definitive Parks & Rec book than the unbelievably hilarious, one-of-a-kind talent we all know & love: Tim—I mean Jim—O’Heir.” — Adam Scott“This book is full of lies. Only the Dark Lord himself knows the truth about Pawnee. Do not trust Jerry.” — Aubrey Plaza“I vividly remember the very first time I ever spoke to Jim O’Heir. It was season 5’s wrap party. Since then I’ve been a fan. I’m super excited to have my assistant read and tell me about this book!” — Rob Lowe“So glad Jim has written this book and now it’s my duty to urge you to ‘treat yourself’ and your bookshelf to this wonderful memoir.” — Aziz Ansari“Dammit, O’Heir! You’ve written one of the best, most heartfelt reminisces of one of the best shows to ever be on TV!” — Patton Oswalt“Not even Ben Wyatt or Barney Varmn could have put together such a masterful account of the making of the show. Excited to dig in and enjoy the $25 Jim paid me for this blurb.” — Greg Levine“Jim’s writing is like an old friend telling the best stories I always wanted to hear but never had access to. In other words he KABOOM’ed it.” — Paul Scheer"Entertaining and full of heart, this is a must for Parks and Recreation devotees." — Publishers Weekly"O’Heir’s memoir is as sweet and sentimental as the character he portrayed, highlighting the joys of ensemble acting with such a talented group." — Booklist

Jim O’Heir is an Emmy Award–winning actor, best known for his role as Jerry Gergich on Parks and Recreation. Throughout his career, Jim has starred in countless movies and TV shows, including Curb Your Enthusiasm, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Parenthood, and Better Call Saul. He now also co-hosts the hit podcast Parks and Recollection with Greg Levine.

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