When it comes to sitcoms with great guest stars, 30 Rock and The Office seem to get all the glory. But last night, we were delighted to see one of our favorite actresses, Parker Posey, throw down with Leslie Knope on Parks and Recreation. Parker’s Lindsay Carlisle Shay is Leslie’s former best friend and coworker who snubbed Pawnee for a job in the city’s posh neighboring town, Eagleton. Her hilarious performance got us thinking about how many wonderful guests Parks and Rec has hosted in fewer than three seasons. We round up ten of our favorites after the jump.
Parker Posey
No one plays a superior bitch quite like Posey. And we mean that in the most complimentary way possible. Here’s hoping we see Lindsay again.
Fred Armisen
Fred Armisen’s Obama? Not our thing. Fred Armisen’s stuck-up Venezuelan government functionary? Brilliant.
Megan Mullally
In real life, Megan Mullally is Nick Offerman’s (the actor who plays Ron Swanson) wife. On a few episodes of Parks and Recreation, she’s stolen the show as his ex, Tammy — an evil, sexually manipulative librarian with the power to turn Ron into a cornrowed criminal.
Loudon Wainwright III
You know that irritating guy who shows up to ask a crazy question at every community meeting? Yeah, he’s Rufus Wainwright’s hilarious folk singer dad.
Andy Samberg
Andy Samberg was pretty much born to play an overgrown child who doesn’t understand the concept of “inside voices.” Once again, we mean that as a compliment.
John Larroquette
For those of us who wish we’d see more of John Larroquette on TV these days, his role as the long-lost — and unfortunately quite creepy — love of Lesle’s mom’s life hit the spot.
Will Arnett
Nick Offerman isn’t the only cast member with a famous, guest-starring spouse. Amy Poehler’s husband, Will Arnett, showed up in a Season 2 episode as Leslie’s blind date, Chris. Let’s just say they didn’t get along as well on the show as they do in real life…
Will Forte
In an episode earlier this season that had the Leslie and co. assembling a Pawnee time capsule, we learned something we didn’t know about MacGruber: he’s a Twihard.
Louis C.K.
When Louis C.K. showed up to play Leslie’s indulgent cop boyfriend, Dave, we crossed our fingers that he’d be upgraded from a guest star to a full-time cast member, both for Ms. Knope’s sake and for ours. Unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be. We still hold out hope that he’ll show up in a later season — but not as a love interest, because we’re still totally rooting for Leslie and Ben.