Adam Scott as Ben Wyatt, a brilliant but socially awkward government official trying to redeem his past as a failed mayor in his youth.[77] Scott left his starring role on the Starz comedy series Party Down to join the show,[78] starting with the penultimate second season episode, "The Master Plan":[78] Rob Lowe as Chris Traeger, an excessively positive and extremely health-conscious government official.[79] Lowe was introduced with Scott, but was originally expected to depart after a string of guest appearances,[80][81] but later signed a multi-year contract to become a regular cast member.[81][82] [83] He and Rashida Jones departed the show in the 13th episode of season 6,[67] returning in the Season 7 series finale. Jim O'Heir and Retta made regular appearances as Jerry Gergich and Donna Meagle from the start of the show, but their personalities did not become developed until the second season. Schur said the Parks and Recreation staff liked the actors so decided to include them in the show and "figured we'd work it out later".