Many fans know Chris Parnell from his role as Jerry on Rick And Morty. His deadpan delivery and awkward character development make Jerry one of the best characters in Rick And Morty. However, has appeared in dozens of TV shows throughout his career.
Parnell made his break on SNL and worked in over 100 episodes. Before then, he made guest appearances on shows like Seinfeld. Since his days on SNL, Parnell has appeared on several TV shows, in both live-action and voice roles. Fans have taken to IMDb to rate the best shows he has lent his talent to.
Samurai Jack — 8.5
Samurai Jack came to audiences in 2001 and tells the story of the adventures of the titular samurai. The series took a 12-year hiatus before completing a final season in 2017. Parnell lent his voice to the second episode of the last season.
Parnell plays two roles in the episode “XCIII.” He voices Mud Alien and a nameless Scientist. Parnell is a small part of Samurai Jack, but his inclusion in the celebrated show is part of a pattern in the actor’s career.
Alpha Betas — 8.6
Alpha Betas is one of several animated shows Chris Parnell voices a character on. The series follows a group of the most advanced video-game players the world has ever seen. They are hired by the U.S. government to put their skills to good use.
Chris Parnell appears in one episode of Alpha Betas. He plays Darryl in the premiere episode ” This Is Alpha Team.” Parnell helps lay down the foundation for the series and present its setup. Alpha Betas is perhaps less known than some of Parnell’s other shows, but it has a cult following.
Archer — 8.6
Chris Parnell is a regular cast member on Archer and has voice-acted in over 100 episodes. The show parodies stories of the spy genre, following protagonist Sterling Archer and his subsequent adventures. Archer works with several colleagues and against various antagonists throughout the series.
Parnell plays Cyril Figgis. Fans of Archer might say Cyril gives the show some of its funniest moments. Viewers perhaps say Parnell’s Cyril and H. Jon Benjamin’s Archer play off each other in several hilarious exchanges throughout the series. Archer is both one of the highest-rated shows in which Parnell appears, and one of the shows in which he appears in most regularly.
The Simpsons — 8.6
It’s hard to argue The Simpsons isn’t a cultural phenomenon. The show has showcased dozens of guest stars throughout its 33-season run. Bart, Lisa, Marge, and Homer run into several interesting personalities on the show. It may be a surprise for fans to learn Chris Parnell has only appeared in one Simpsons episode, and only recently got the gig.
Parnell appears in the 32nd season of The Simpsons in “A Springfield Summer Christmas for Christmas.” The episode focuses on a newcomer to Springfield who wants to film a Christmas movie there, and Parnell plays her fiancé. His role is small but memorable for viewers of the series.
BoJack Horseman — 8.7
BoJack Horseman showcases the story of a former TV star in a unique world of anthropomorphic animals. The show has gathered up a cult following since its debut. Several comedians join the cast of BoJack Horseman in both regular and guest appearances.
Chris Parnell appears in one episode, titled “Our A-Story Is a ‘D’ Story.” He takes on two roles, both as News Reporter and Klaus. The News Reporter role is less descript, while Klaus is a heavily-tattooed gang member who Todd meets in prison. Parnell rarely plays such rough-and-tumble personas and his voice makes for a funny character.
Curb Your Enthusiasm — 8.7
Creator and star Larry David has amassed a large following for his series Curb Your Enthusiasm. His regular cast of characters like Jeff Greene and Richard Lewis drive several plots. However, some of Curb Your Enthusiasm’s best episodes feature guest stars. Chris Parnell appears in season 8.
Parnell is showcased on Curb Your Enthusiasm in “The Hero.” He plays Hank, a dinner party guest who sits next to Larry. As he responds to Larry’s questions in his attempt to “elevate small talk to medium talk,” they create one of the episode’s funnier exchanges.
Friends — 8.8
It’s hard to argue that Friends isn’t one of the most significant sitcoms of the 1990s. The show focuses on the titular friends and the relationships they form in New York City. Fans remember several conflicts having to do with their personal lives and oft spotlit interpersonal romantic relationships.
Chris Parnell appears in the episode “The One with Rachel’s Date” as Chandler’s co-worker Bob. The main joke surrounding his character involves calling Chandler by the wrong name. When Bob asks how his “pal Toby” is doing to Chandler, he says he’ll ask if he sees him. The miscommunication makes for one of the episodes running jokes.
Seinfeld — 8.8
Seinfeld is unsurprisingly highly rated on IMDb. The show has quite a reputation, and many fans hail Seinfeld as one of the best sitcoms of the 1990s. From Brian Cranston to Jon Lovitz, guest stars have appeared regularly to enrich the plotlines of Jerry, George, Kramer, and Elaine.
Chris Parnell appears in “The Butter Shave” during Seinfeld‘s final season. In the episode, Jerry tries to pitch a pilot to NBC. Parnell plays one of the NBC executives. Interestingly, the appearance comes before Parnell’s regular run on NBC’s SNL starting in 1998.
Gravity Falls — 8.9
Gravity Falls comes from Disney and showcases the adventures of Mason “Dipper” Pines. He and his sister Mabel explore the area of Gravity Falls, Oregon after moving there to live with their great-uncle. Strange occurrences unfold and Dipper and Mabel investigate their mysteries.
The animated series is both one of the highest-rated shows in which Chris Parnell appears, and one of the actor’s most minor credits. He only appears as “additional voices.” He voice acts in two episodes and contributes to the celebrated program.
Rick And Morty —9.2
It is unsurprising to fans that Rick And Morty is the highest-rated TV show in which Chris Parnell appears. The adventures of Morty Smith and his grandpa Rick Sanchez have been followed by a cult fanbase since they began. Parnell plays one of the main characters, Morty’s father Jerry Smith.
Jerry has several hilarious quotes in Rick And Morty. He makes for funny moments, and the show features episodes that focus on Jerry like “Mortynight Run.” Parnell’s passive delivery helps develop Jerry’s hilarious yet woeful character, and his struggle to keep up with the pandemonium Rick causes makes for several conflicts. Rick And Morty wouldn’t be the same without Parnell’s Jerry.
About The Author
