Ben Wyatt (Parks and Recreation)

Ben Wyatt
Parks and Recreation character
Adam Scott as Ben Wyatt
First appearance"The Master Plan" (2010)
Last appearance"A Parks and Recreation Special" (2020)
Portrayed byAdam Scott
In-universe information
Full nameBenjamin Wyatt
NicknameBeni, Benji, Angelo, Jello-shot, J-shot, Ice Town, Ice Clown, Rubber Band, Eagle Two, Dorkasaurus, Sum-Dance Kid, Falcon, Nerd, Accounting Nerd, Professor Books, Professor Smartbrain, Leslie's House Boy, Sugar Butt, Calzone Boy, The Architect, Human Disaster, Bento Box, The Maverick
Occupation
AffiliationCarleton College (BA in Political Science)
Family
  • Julia Wyatt (mother)
  • Stephen "Steve" Wyatt (father)
  • Stephanie Wyatt (sister)
  • Henry Wyatt (brother)
  • Unnamed half-sister
  • Georgia Wyatt (niece)
SpouseLeslie Knope (m. 2013)
Children
  • Westley Knope-Wyatt (son)
  • Stephen Knope-Wyatt (son)
  • Sonia Knope-Wyatt (daughter)

Benjamin "Ben" Wyatt KBE is a fictional character portrayed by Adam Scott in the NBC comedy series Parks and Recreation. He first appears in the show's second season as a state auditor who comes to Pawnee to evaluate its funds alongside Chris Traeger. Initially portrayed as a serious and pragmatic budget specialist, Ben gradually becomes more sympathetic to the town and develops into an integral member of the community.

Despite initially angering series protagonist Leslie Knope with his budget cut recommendations, Ben begins dating her in the season 3 episode "Road Trip." Their relationship forms a central storyline in the series; the two get married in the season 5 episode "Leslie and Ben" and have triplets in season 6. In the season finale, it is implied that either he or Leslie eventually becomes the President of the United States; Leslie taking office would make him the First Gentleman.

As a character, Ben is known for his dry wit, affinity for calzones, and deep passion for the fictional board game "Cones of Dunshire." His role as the humiliated former mayor trying to make a career in government was one of the original concepts for the series, but was abandoned in favor of building the show around Leslie Knope's character. Adam Scott's portrayal of Ben has been positively received by critics, with praise given for Ben's ability to act as both a straight man and a comedic force.