When it comes to influential sitcoms in pop culture, Parks and Recreation definitely tops the list. After all, how many television shows can you think of that created a literal holiday?! Yep, that’s right … the origins of Galentine’s Day can be traced back to Leslie Knope (played by Amy Poehler) in a February 2010 episode of the hit NBC series.
“What’s Galentine’s Day? It’s only the best day of the year,” Leslie explained in season 2, episode 16. “Every February 13th, my lady friends and I leave our husbands and our boyfriends at home and we just come and kick it breakfast style. Ladies celebrating ladies.”
Of course, Leslie was actually single during the first Parks and Recreation Galentine’s Day episode. However, her best friend Ann Perkins (played by Rashida Jones) was right by her side. She also celebrated with Donna Megale (played by Retta); April Ludgate (played by Aubrey Plaza) and Marlene Griggs-Knope (played by Pamela Reed).
Unfortunately, the Parks and Recreation writers didn’t include a Galentine’s Day episode in every season. That said, fans were blessed two more times with season 4, episode 14, “Operation Ann,” and season 6, episode 17, “Galentine’s Day.”
Season 6’s episode was perhaps the most sentimental of them all. By this point in the series, a pregnant Ann moved to Michigan with the father of her child, Chris Traeger (played by Rob Lowe). As a result, Leslie decides to host a Galentine’s Day party to find a replacement for her longtime BFF. Naturally, hilarity ensued, and Leslie realized no one could replace her bestie. By the end of the episode, Ann gave birth to her son, Oliver, with Leslie there for support!
Ultimately, women around the world have Leslie to thank for Galentine’s Day — and her amazing nicknames, too. In fact, feel free to use any of the following when reaching out to your gal pals on February 13: “beautiful tropical fish,” “cunning, pliable, chestnut-haired sunfish,” “beautiful, sassy mannequin come to life,” “beautiful, glowing sun goddess” and “beautiful, talented, brilliant, powerful musk ox.”
Scroll through the gallery below to see Galentine’s Day highlights from Parks and Recreation.