Parks and Recreation is loved for how it developed not only individual characters over its seven-season run, but also its relationships, whether platonic, familial, or romantic. Leslie Knope's (Amy Poehler) evolving relationship with Ben Wyatt (Adam Scott) remains a part of the show's enduring appeal.
Although Ben and Leslie's romance didn't overtake the rest of the show's narrative, their relationship slowly developed from season 3 onwards with the pair becoming the focus of a few important episodes, particularly as they overcome challenges in getting together.
"The Master Plan" (Season 2, Episode 23)
It can be hard to remember that Ben wasn't always a part of the show, but his first episode aired at the end of season two alongside the debut of colleague Chris (Rob Lowe), as the pair were sent to evaluate the Parks department's budget.
Although Leslie and Ben's romance has become a fan-favorite storyline of Parks & Recreation, their first meeting did not spark an instant connection, with Ben's strict approach to budget cuts setting him against Leslie's master plan. Nevertheless, it remains an important episode in the couple's history to show where they started, and how they initially misunderstood one another.
"Flu Season" (Season 3, Episode 2)
While it might seem surprising that an episode titled "Flu Season" contains one of the best heartwarming scenes of Parks and Recreation, this early entry of season 3 does just that. Leslie may be in the hospital with the flu when she needs to give an important presentation, but that doesn't stop her from attending and presenting the pitch flawlessly.
As Leslie's partner for the proposal, Ben is astonished at her ability to get through her speech after her earlier delirious ramblings and shows him in awe of her determination. This early sign of respect for one another's capabilities at work establishes an important part of their later relationship. It also ends with Ben bringing Leslie both homemade chicken soup and waffles after she returns to the hospital, a moment which is both sweet and shows how he already knows her tastes.
"Soulmates" (Season 3, Episode 10)
Having asked Ben out to dinner and then been turned down, Leslie is confused and upset in this episode of Parks and Recreation. After a fiasco involving a dating profile match with Tom (Aziz Ansari), Leslie learns that the reason Ben didn't accept her invite was because of Chris' policy around co-workers dating.
In fact, Ben had earlier wanted to ask Leslie out, but Chris' policy stopped him. After this realization, the two talk and Ben invites Leslie to eat lunch with him in front of the wildflower mural at city hall, which unbeknownst to him is her favorite. It's an important episode both in terms of the two growing closer, and in setting up later workplace conflicts.
"Road Trip" (Season 3, Episode 14)
An episode full of tension, "Road Trip" sees Ben and Leslie sent on an assignment to Indianapolis, with Leslie worried she'll be unable to keep her feelings to herself. After a difficult few days filled with almosts, the two finally have their first kiss back in Pawnee.
Not only is this episode satisfying because viewers get to see the pair share the kiss, but it also has Ben and Leslie spending a lot of time together, further showing their connection in a way that feels organic, while remaining sweet and funny. Their eventful road trip is additional evidence that the couple has some of the best on-air chemistry in Parks and Recreation.
"Smallest Park" (Season 4, Episode 8)
Having broken up a few episodes earlier due to Leslie's desire to run for office, "Smallest Park" has her and Ben working together again to turn a tiny patch of land into a miniature park. With both of them having hated being apart, they eventually decide to get back together, even knowing there will be consequences.
This episode has the two really consider what they want in both their careers and their relationship with one another - whether it be platonic or romantic - and their ultimate decision shows the importance of starting their romance again on the same page.
"The Trial of Leslie Knope" (Season 4, Episode 9)
Having decided that they should let Chris know about their newly restarted relationship, Leslie finds herself on trial to determine that she won't give Ben any special treatment. Surprised by the mild discipline she receives, Leslie then finds out that Ben has resigned to save her job.
In one of Parks & Recreation's most romantic scenes, Leslie hears, via the court transcript, that Ben declared his love for her during his resignation. She returns the sentiment to him. Not only is this episode important because it marks this milestone, but it also shows the way Ben sees Leslie's career and its importance. He understands her ambition and does everything in his power to help her realize her political dreams.
"Halloween Surprise" (Season 5, Episode 5)
Season 5 has Leslie and Ben living in different places, with Ben working on a campaign in Washington D.C., but when he is due to return in the episode, Leslie worries that he will accept another job offer he's had to join another campaign.
The episode ends with Ben arriving unexpectedly and proposing to Leslie, to which she happily accepts. The scene is heartwarming and shows that despite their career trajectories, the two always have each other in mind, while also preparing them for the next phase of their relationship. The two don't have to sacrifice their careers to satisfy their mutual desire to be together.
"Leslie and Ben" (Season 5, Episode 14)
For two people who relish planning, "Ben and Leslie" has the episode's titular characters spontaneously deciding to get married that night, and rushing to get everything ready with the help of their friends. After some disruptions, everything comes together, and the two marry at City Hall.
The wedding is simple and yet very heartfelt, with the pair's vows to one another solidifying the promises they've already made to one another over the course of their relationship. It's an important reminder of how far they've come, and rightly takes place where their romance started.
"Flu Season 2" (Season 6, Episode 19)
Once again flu season has swept through Pawnee, and Leslie once more appears to be suffering from it. Meanwhile, Ben is at a vineyard with some of the other Parks employees, where he receives upsetting news that his father has sold their family lake house.
Leslie realizes she is pregnant and fails to get a hold of a drunk Ben to tell him, but when he arrives home that night, having made the decision that he wants to start a family, Leslie has good news to share. It's a satisfying episode where everything (eventually!) aligns for them both, as they prepare for a new challenge: parenthood.
"One Last Ride" (Season 7, Episodes 12 & 13)
Parks and Recreation's two-part final episode manages to showcase the best of its many fantastic relationship dynamics, and Leslie and Ben are no exception, with scenes covering their lives both in the present and at several points in the future.
Throughout all of these glimpses, whatever the point in time, the pair are a united front, supporting one another in their endeavors and staying connected to their group of friends, in an important finale that captures the reality and longevity of their relationship.