Aziz Ansari on ‘Parks and Recreation’ departures: ‘The show will be fine’

By Adrian Lee, The Canadian Press

TORONTO – Television is littered with shows that struggled after the departure of major stars, from Ashton Kutcher and Topher Grace leaving “That 70’s Show,” to David Duchovny’s phase-out from “The X-Files.”

But Aziz Ansari, who plays cad Tom Haverford in “Parks and Recreation,” is confident that won’t happen to the hit NBC comedy as Rob Lowe and Rashida Jones prepare for their departure during its forthcoming sixth season.

“I love Rob and Rashida, and I’m bummed they’re leaving the show, but I think for their characters at that point it makes sense,” said Ansari in a phone interview from Los Angeles. “The show will be fine.”

Ansari says the strength of the cast, which includes Amy Poehler, Nick Offerman, Aubrey Plaza and Adam Scott, will help the series overcome the losses — and perhaps open new opportunities for new plotlines for different characters that may not have received screen time otherwise.

“There’s so many great people on that show, and already when we write these plotlines sometimes, it’s almost hard to get everyone included in the show because there are so many people and everyone’s so great,” he said.

“So I wouldn’t worry about it.”

“Parks and Recreation” returns on NBC on Sept. 26.

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