You know that feeling when you watch a TV couple and you're just convinced they have to be together in real life? That was basically the entire internet from 2009 to 2015. We watched Andy Dwyer and April Ludgate go from "annoying coworker and the shoe-shine guy" to the weirdest, most lovable married couple in sitcom history. Even now, over a decade since Parks and Recreation wrapped its final season, people are still Googling Chris Pratt and Aubrey Plaza to see if they ever actually dated.
Honestly? The reality is a lot more interesting than a simple "yes" or "no." It involves a "TV husband," a dead bug collection, and the kind of platonic chemistry that Hollywood rarely gets right.
The "Work Spouse" Dynamic That Fooled Everyone
Let’s get the big question out of the way: No, Chris Pratt and Aubrey Plaza never dated in real life. While they were filming the show, Pratt was married to Anna Faris, and Plaza was in a long-term relationship with director Jeff Baena (whom she eventually married in 2021).
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But here’s why everyone was so confused. Plaza herself has admitted in interviews that the lines got blurry for her. She famously told Nylon that she’d sometimes forget Chris wasn't her real husband. She’s called him "her Andy" more times than we can count.
When you spend 14 hours a day pretending to be obsessed with someone—and your characters are literally defined by their mutual weirdness—it’s going to bleed into real life. They weren't just coworkers; they were "work spouses" in the truest sense.
Why their chemistry felt so "real"
- They were both outsiders: When the show started, Pratt wasn't "Star-Lord" yet. He was the sweaty, hilarious guy who was only supposed to be in six episodes.
- Plaza protected the pairing: Aubrey actually went to the writers early on to advocate for April and Andy to get together. She saw the spark before anyone else did.
- The improv factor: A lot of their most famous moments weren't in the script. The writers used to just let them riff because they knew the two would come up with something stranger and better than what was on the page.
That Time Aubrey Plaza Called Him a "Jackpot"
If you want to know how they really feel about each other, look at what happened when Pratt got married to Katherine Schwarzenegger in 2019. Usually, when a famous "ship" breaks up or moves on, the costar stays quiet or gives a PR-friendly "congrats."
Not Aubrey. She went on the record with People and called Katherine a "lucky, lucky gal," basically saying that Pratt is the "jackpot" of husbands. She compared him to a "lovable golden retriever."
It’s that weirdly protective, sibling-like energy that defines Chris Pratt and Aubrey Plaza today. They aren't the exes that fans want them to be; they're the friends who actually show up for each other. Plaza even presented him with the MTV Generation Award in 2018, staying in character as April Ludgate just long enough to tell the crowd that "nobody loves him more than April."
The Contrast: Pratt’s Action Stardom vs. Plaza’s Indie Reign
It’s wild to look at where they are now in 2026. Chris Pratt is... well, he's Chris Pratt. He’s the face of multiple billion-dollar franchises. He’s got the "Chris" baggage that comes with being a massive A-list star.
Then you have Aubrey Plaza. She took the "deadpan girl" trope and flipped it on its head, becoming one of the most respected actors in indie film and prestige TV. From The White Lotus to Megalopolis, she’s built a career that is the polar opposite of Pratt’s blockbuster path.
And yet, every time they’re in the same room, they revert. Pratt becomes the guy who would live in a pit, and Plaza becomes the girl who hates everything except him.
The "Dead Bug" Connection
Funny story: Pratt and his ex-wife Anna Faris once bonded over a shared collection of dead bugs. When Aubrey heard this, she reportedly joked that she knew he was her soulmate (platonically) because she also liked weird, macabre stuff. It's that specific brand of "weirdo" energy that made their on-screen marriage work. It wasn't about being pretty; it was about being equally gross.
What Fans Get Wrong About Their "Reunion" Rumors
Every few months, a "Parks and Rec Reboot" headline goes viral. People see a photo of Chris Pratt and Aubrey Plaza at a premiere and assume they’re filming something new.
Here’s the truth about a reunion:
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- The Cast Text Thread: Pratt confirmed recently that the Parks cast is still in a massive group chat. They talk almost every day.
- The Busy Schedules: Pratt’s 2026-2027 slate is packed with voice work and action sequels. Plaza is busy being a "serious actor."
- The Legacy: Both have said they’re hesitant to touch the characters again because the ending was so perfect. April and Andy ended the show with a baby and a move to D.C.—there isn't much "conflict" left to explore.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're still holding out hope for an April and Andy comeback, or just want to keep up with the duo, here is the best way to do it:
- Watch the 2020 Special: If you missed it, the Parks and Rec COVID reunion special is the closest we’ll ever get to a real "where are they now." It’s pure, unadulterated Andy and April.
- Follow the "Good Hang" Podcast: Amy Poehler’s podcast often features the old cast, and the episodes with Aubrey or Chris usually dive deep into the "behind-the-scenes" chaos of their filming days.
- Ignore the Tabloids: Any headline suggesting "trouble" between them or a "secret romance" is almost certainly clickbait. Their friendship has survived divorces, career shifts, and Marvel-sized fame without a single real scandal.
The bond between Chris Pratt and Aubrey Plaza is a rare Hollywood anomaly. They managed to create one of the most iconic couples in history without ever letting the "real world" ruin it. They stayed friends, supported each other's weirdness, and kept the magic of Pawnee alive without needing to date in the real world. Honestly, that's way more impressive than a short-lived celebrity fling.
Check out the old "Wired Autocomplete" interviews on YouTube if you want to see their non-scripted energy. It’s the best evidence that while they aren't married, they’ll always be "April and Andy" to each other.