A Parks and Recreation Special
  • Network: NBC
  • Series Premiere Date: Apr 30, 2020
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 36 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 36
  3. Negative: 5 out of 36

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User Reviews

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  1. damien_k98
    May 2, 2020
    6
    I'm a bit mixed on this one. I really thought that maybe they were planning to drop a Parks and Rec revival series on Peacock this summer so they decided to release the first episode on TV kinda like how NBC (or is it CBS?) drops the first episode of an upcoming show on YouTube for free. To me, while the special retains the spirit of the show via a Zoom meeting, some of the performancesI'm a bit mixed on this one. I really thought that maybe they were planning to drop a Parks and Rec revival series on Peacock this summer so they decided to release the first episode on TV kinda like how NBC (or is it CBS?) drops the first episode of an upcoming show on YouTube for free. To me, while the special retains the spirit of the show via a Zoom meeting, some of the performances and jokes make me feel like I was walking through the line of a Parks and Rec ride and everytime you enter a new room, another returning cast member is there to greet you, I mean the episode even ends like a ride (most specifically the Despicable Me ride) everyone gathers around and the most iconic song plays (for DM it was that Pharell song). Overall, it's quite a nostalgic experience, but it isn't a strong one.… Expand
  2. Antiquecardboar
    May 3, 2020
    5
    As a fan of the series this special is very forgettable. Not worth your time. I don't know what the critics watched that gave this a high rating. All the actors did a good job...it just wasn't very funny or entertaining. Maybe I am just sick of video conferencing in general...and that is all this episode is.

Awards & Rankings

8
#8 Best TV Season of 2020
63
#63 Most Discussed TV Season of 2020
44
#44 Most Shared TV Season of 2020

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
89

Universal acclaim - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. The Oregonian
    Reviewed by: Kristi Turnquist
    May 1, 2020
    90
    The “Parks and Recreation” special made the most of its brisk running time, packing in lovely moments for the characters, and gently delivering the message that we need to take care of our emotional and mental health as we quarantine during these anxious times.
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  2. Vanity Fair
    Reviewed by: Sonia Saraiya
    May 1, 2020
    80
    Parks and Rec delivered to its fans what the show is famous for: Hope, sweetness, enthusiasm, and light comedy.
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  3. Rolling Stone
    Reviewed by: Alan Sepinwall
    May 1, 2020
    80
    The commercial parodies are funny (particularly a lonely Jean-Ralphio begging people to call him), and there are a few inspired jokes about life at a remove from one another. ... Mostly, though, Schur and company lean on what we already know about the characters.
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