Overview
It's been almost five years since Parks and Recreation wrapped up its seven-season run and, if you're a fan, you've probably rewatched it countless times since. Given how simultaneously hilarious and heartwarming the sitcom is — and given the stacked cast that includes Amy Poehler, Nick Offerman, Aubrey Plaza, Chris Pratt, Aziz Ansari, Rashida Jones, Retta, Rob Lowe and Adam Scott — that's perfectly healthy and acceptable behaviour. But now, you might want to press pause on your constant Parks and Rec marathon to check out Poehler and Offerman's latest project.
Called Making It, premiering in the US in 2018 but only arriving on Australian screens via Foxtel, the pair's new show sees them step into the competitive reality TV show realm. That domain isn't for everyone; however even if you usually completely abhor the genre, its manufactured dramas and its saturation across the small screen, you'll be smiling heartily at Poehler and Offerman's kind-hearted, extremely likeable and all-round nice show.
Focusing on DIY crafting, and celebrating both great craftsmanship and genuine camaraderie, it's basically Project Runway — but hosted by Leslie Knope and Ron Swanson. With Poehler and Offerman leading the charge, it's good-natured, filled with crafting puns and other gags, and showcases folks trying to do their best, helping each other and enjoying themselves. When there's a stereotypical moment of heightened tension, it's because Making It is overtly making fun of reality TV's usual theatrics.
When you're not watching Poehler and Offerman hang out in a tiny house — yes, really — you'll be soaking in the talents of contestants who happen to be handy with a glue gun, great at woodworking, skilled at working with felt and other such crafty endeavours. The competitors complete two tasks per episode, with one person sent home at the end of each episode. The last person standing at the end of the season is crowned the show's 'Master Maker' and wins $100,000.
Making It has aired both a six-episode first season and an eight-episode second season in the US — and, while it took some time for the show's first season to make it to Aussie viewers, this is a case of better late than never. Expect the show's contestants whip up everything from handmade forts and Halloween costumes to light fixtures and cake toppers (and that's just in the first six shows).
While Poehler and Offerman do the hosting — and do it well, naturally — the judging falls to Etsy trend expert Dayna Isom Johnson and window-dresser and fashion commentator Simon Doonan.
Check out a clip of the show, featuring one of its regular features — a pun-off between Poehler and Offerman — below:
Making It screens on Foxtel's Lifestyle channel, and is available to stream via Foxtel Now and Binge.
Updated June 21, 2020.