Two of the biggest names from NBC's "Parks and Recreation" are reported leaving the show.
Rob Lowe and Rashida Jones are leaving the NBC comedy series at the end of the show's sixth season, producers confirmed.
"It felt like a natural time to move into the next phrase," executive producer Mike Schur said in a statement obtained by Buzzfeed. "We absolutely love both Rashida and Rob, and will be sad to see them go."
The pair will depart about halfway through the season, in the 13th episode. Jones who is an originally cast member from the show's pilot, plays Ann Perkins, the unlucky-in -love, loyal best friend of Amy Poehler's character, Leslie Knope. Lowe made his debut during season two as Chris Traeger, the super-upbeat state auditor. Lowe's and Jones's character began dating in season three.
"Rashida was one of the very first people we knew we wanted in the cast, and as important as Ann is to Leslie," said Schur. "She'll certainly never be far from Pawnee,"
Although the story line is unclear, Schur told Entertainment Weekly that when the show resumes, things will be going romantically well for Lowe's and Jones character.
"Their main thrust for the first chunk of episodes is just being a couple and dating, and also obviously, trying to have a baby," he said.
"It has literally been a world class pleasure," Lowe tweeted late Wednesday night. "I'm sure Chris will take great care of... Ann Perkins!!"
Lowe has a "holding deal" with NBC, but his next series will not be a Chris Traeger spin-off. Jones is also working on her own series.
Season six of "Parks and Recreations," debuts on Sept 26 with an hour long premiere that features a trip to London and guest stars Heidi Klum, Henry Winkler and Lucy Lawless.
