Parks and Recreation

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Season 1
  • Network: NBC
  • Series Premiere Date: Apr 16, 2009
Season #: 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 396 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 305 out of 396
  2. Mixed: 67 out of 396
  3. Negative: 24 out of 396
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  1. SimboTheKing
    Mar 7, 2022
    5
    I know that everyone seems to agree that season 1 is the worst for parks & rec and I'm so glad about that. If this was the level of all 7 seasons I would 1000% give this a skip. It's just so mid - it occasionally makes me exhale through my nose but largely it just comes and goes. But I understand that it sometimes takes a comedy a little while to find its feet and thus I'll watch the laterI know that everyone seems to agree that season 1 is the worst for parks & rec and I'm so glad about that. If this was the level of all 7 seasons I would 1000% give this a skip. It's just so mid - it occasionally makes me exhale through my nose but largely it just comes and goes. But I understand that it sometimes takes a comedy a little while to find its feet and thus I'll watch the later seasons - I knew going in that S1 is kinda notorious for being a bit poor so I'm not surprised. I always knew I was just gonna have to grind through the initial season… Expand
  2. bradens584
    Dec 19, 2020
    7
    Michael Schur can’t make a bad show, I don’t think it’s physically possible. Creator of the Office, Brooklyn Nine-Nine and the Good Place strikes again with Parks and Recreation. Starring Amy Poehler, Aziz Ansari, Nick Offerman, Rashida Jones (Karen from the Office) and Chris Pratt, Parks and Rec follows the bureaucracy of small government and the journey of Assistant Parks DepartmentMichael Schur can’t make a bad show, I don’t think it’s physically possible. Creator of the Office, Brooklyn Nine-Nine and the Good Place strikes again with Parks and Recreation. Starring Amy Poehler, Aziz Ansari, Nick Offerman, Rashida Jones (Karen from the Office) and Chris Pratt, Parks and Rec follows the bureaucracy of small government and the journey of Assistant Parks Department Director Leslie Knope as she tries to turn a pit into a park. Having seen the rest of the show, Season 1 is no where near its peak, it isn’t very deep and some of the characters are somewhat underdeveloped, but it’s still a strong and hilarious foundation for a great show.… Expand
  3. drlowdon
    Aug 29, 2019
    7
    Parks and Recreation was created by a number of the people behind the US version of the office. Anyone that has seen the US Office, or the British version for that matter, will be immediately familiar with the shows ‘mockumentary’ style presentation. On this occasion however the focus is on the Parks and Recreation department of local government and Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) inParks and Recreation was created by a number of the people behind the US version of the office. Anyone that has seen the US Office, or the British version for that matter, will be immediately familiar with the shows ‘mockumentary’ style presentation. On this occasion however the focus is on the Parks and Recreation department of local government and Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) in particular. Poehler is certainly the star of the show and it is impossible not to feel sympathy for the ever optimistic Knope as despite her best intentions things never quite seem to go her way and her character certainly went a long way to drawing me into the show. The supporting cast are somewhat underdeveloped but each episode still provides enough laughs.

    Seeing as this first season is only six episodes long it is difficult to judge just how funny it will become, as all sit-coms need time to allow audiences to understand the characters, but it certainly has potential and I am very much looking forward to watching the full twenty-two episode second season.    … Expand
  4. MattJacks2003
    Apr 3, 2019
    10
    This show is soooooo funny, Chris Pratt did a wonderful job working on this show, you gotta see it!
  5. popdod
    Mar 27, 2019
    9
    9 is for the show as a whole, maybe a 5 for the 1st season. This is actually still one of my favorite TV shows overall. I prefer it over The Office, which it's obviously based off of. I liked the characters more for the most part (Dwight is hard to beat though), prefer the more absurdist comedy, the greater variety of settings, and that the characters weren't talking to the camera nearly9 is for the show as a whole, maybe a 5 for the 1st season. This is actually still one of my favorite TV shows overall. I prefer it over The Office, which it's obviously based off of. I liked the characters more for the most part (Dwight is hard to beat though), prefer the more absurdist comedy, the greater variety of settings, and that the characters weren't talking to the camera nearly as much. The first season was rough though. None of the characters were really fleshed out and wasn't as funny or positive as other seasons, but that is common for most TV shows as is the last season(s) "jumping the shark," which happened with P&R as well.… Expand
  6. Dragonfly44
    Oct 11, 2018
    6
    The first seson in one of the greatest tv comedies of all time has heart, but is in no way a reflection of the show as a whole

    Rating - 62%
  7. rrreeevvv49
    May 13, 2018
    6
    While this season is nowhere near as good as the future seasons, it did set the template for what was to come later and does feature some legitimately funny moments in it's own right.
  8. AlbertoHerbb
    Feb 4, 2018
    9
    I really enjoyed everything about this show. I didn't watched The Office so I didn't know that this show was sort of a spin off. Amy and the cast had such a chemistry that it was easy to watch all cast interact with each other. I was very sad when the show ended, I haven't found another show to replaced this one. After the show ended I watched The Office and it was a great show, but II really enjoyed everything about this show. I didn't watched The Office so I didn't know that this show was sort of a spin off. Amy and the cast had such a chemistry that it was easy to watch all cast interact with each other. I was very sad when the show ended, I haven't found another show to replaced this one. After the show ended I watched The Office and it was a great show, but I still like Parks and Rec better.… Expand
  9. kikideliversjoy
    Oct 31, 2017
    10
    Parks and Recreation satirizes warring American political ideologies in true mockumentary fashion. The show is well shot and perfectly paced, combining the genius of This Is Spinal Tap with lively intrapersonal office shenanigans. The characters, flawed and human as they are, really grow on you as the series progresses. And if you're looking for character development, you'll definitelyParks and Recreation satirizes warring American political ideologies in true mockumentary fashion. The show is well shot and perfectly paced, combining the genius of This Is Spinal Tap with lively intrapersonal office shenanigans. The characters, flawed and human as they are, really grow on you as the series progresses. And if you're looking for character development, you'll definitely find it here. Much of this show focuses on dealings with failure, heartbreak and depression which is counterbalanced by the protagonist's abundant optimism, so your heart is left feeling warm and tingly after nearly every episode. It's one of the few shows in which scriptwriters seem to genuinely empathize with each character. In a miraculous feat of scriptwriting, Parks and Recreation has created the sole instance in which I've found a libertarian to be charming. Watch this show; #treatyoself!… Expand
  10. night4
    Jun 6, 2017
    7
    Season 1 is horrendous, especially at the start. If you can stick with it, though, it really comes into its own by season 2.

    I'm now on season 3 and finding that a single episode gives me more laughs than a single episode of Family Guy x 3.

    A couple of the actors are horrible, and all they do is look into the camera, but Chris Pratt alone makes up for them.
  11. Taylor1
    Mar 8, 2017
    10
    This is literally the best show I've ever watched. I usually lose interest in most TV shows and stop watching, but I watch this one every day. It is hilarious and has great characters. All of them are very memorable. And I wish Ron Swanson was my dad.
  12. gabrielfobia
    Sep 9, 2016
    7
    While the first season gives you nothing to keep watching, the next seasons are insanely better. You can really catch you laughing of Amy Poehler's outstanding performance.
  13. TheApplegnome
    Jun 18, 2016
    7
    ‘Parks and Recreation’; a show full of random and embarrassing moments. Season 1 might not shine as much as its successors, but it sure is the first one. The humor is very good, and combined with these weird and funny characters, well it’s a smart mix-up! But it’s not always as funny as what it could be. As the first installment to a brand new show; a lot of time is spent on getting us to‘Parks and Recreation’; a show full of random and embarrassing moments. Season 1 might not shine as much as its successors, but it sure is the first one. The humor is very good, and combined with these weird and funny characters, well it’s a smart mix-up! But it’s not always as funny as what it could be. As the first installment to a brand new show; a lot of time is spent on getting us to know these diverse characters, which yes, may take some of the fun out of the plot and the humor, but there could have been way more inside to our characters. More development and less laughing zombie-alike characters could have been more awesome to see. The ambitious but unprofessional cinematography is another aspect, it’s a brave move and I adore it! The show kind of comes along as it goes, and the weird direction is therefor a fit. Still, the real shine lies with the genuine chemistry, the splendid actors & the relatable moments with our characters. That’s ‘Parks & Rec in a nutshell!

    Overall personal rating for each episode: 68.3/100.

    Personal rating: 72/100
    Critical rating: 68/100    … Expand
  14. yxy
    Feb 27, 2016
    8
    I can safely say this is one of the best TV Shows I have ever watched. The characters, the plots, the jokes--all best you could ever ask for on the same show. So sad to see it ending on its 7th season.
  15. tobeery
    Dec 29, 2015
    6
    It's funny to look back at the first season compared to the later ones and see how far the show has developed. This first season was short and quite rightly so, testing the waters and find their way. The season did enough to get by but doesn't have the charm and comedic tone of what follows
  16. blee10988
    Aug 8, 2015
    10
    This is the only tv show i could give a 10/10. The amazing cast full of lovable characters and top shelf writing combine to make something truly special and unique. With a wide array of characters with extremely varying personalities and some of the best jokes on TV this show is a MUST WATCH!!
  17. Rtheom
    May 1, 2015
    7
    Parks and Rec is pretty good. It's funny, timing is great, the characters all interact pretty well, and there's very little I'd change in the end. The first season was rough, but it smoothed out pretty quickly and found its wings. Even Ann, the often least appreciated character, had her place as the straight man that elevated the antics of all of the other characters. Most say the show isParks and Rec is pretty good. It's funny, timing is great, the characters all interact pretty well, and there's very little I'd change in the end. The first season was rough, but it smoothed out pretty quickly and found its wings. Even Ann, the often least appreciated character, had her place as the straight man that elevated the antics of all of the other characters. Most say the show is too much like "The Office" but I didn't care for the office. I found its general cynicism and roughness of the characters to be too off-putting for me. That's what I liked most about Parks and Rec. Sure the characters had flaws, but they were people and they seemed to all understand that. There's a base level of respect between the characters that you don't see often in sitcoms, and I appreciated it.

    I'd recommend watching it if you're just looking for something light-hearted and fun and not too much else, because that's exactly what this delivers.    … Expand
  18. kat889
    Feb 3, 2015
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Favorite show of all time. It's hilarious, and full of laughter. Andy and April are the cutest dorkiest couple ever, and just... Watch this show, it's worth your time.… Expand
  19. Cerenzio
    Jan 28, 2015
    10
    A Fantastic GEM of Television, that improves with each passing episode, and season. It just keeps getting better and better. The cast is amazing, the characters they play are fantastic, and the dialog is the kind you quote during your work day. Lot's of heart, great humor, and a truly worth while set of story arcs. This is a show not to be missed. Office fans? This is Office #2, andA Fantastic GEM of Television, that improves with each passing episode, and season. It just keeps getting better and better. The cast is amazing, the characters they play are fantastic, and the dialog is the kind you quote during your work day. Lot's of heart, great humor, and a truly worth while set of story arcs. This is a show not to be missed. Office fans? This is Office #2, and that's a GOOD thing. It may actually be BETTER than The Office. And that is saying a lot! "Damn it Jerry!"… Expand
  20. vachou
    Dec 13, 2014
    5
    Well, you can't judge the quality of the show solely based on season one. In my opinion, the first season is bad. But the show gets better every time. Now it's one of my favorite.
  21. TheQuietGamer
    Nov 20, 2014
    6
    The people who brought us the U.S. version of The Office bring us this new sitcom with the hopes of achieving those same heights. While it seems they succeeded with the later seasons, this first one falls short. For one thing it basically feels way too much like The Office. Only instead of a paper company you get a political/government agency.

    The mockumentary style feels very familiar    The people who brought us the U.S. version of The Office bring us this new sitcom with the hopes of achieving those same heights. While it seems they succeeded with the later seasons, this first one falls short. For one thing it basically feels way too much like The Office. Only instead of a paper company you get a political/government agency.

    The mockumentary style feels very familiar and main character "Leslie Knope" is basically just a female Michael Scott. None of this would be a very big deal if the show was funnier. It's not a bad first season, but it is a very disappointing one. One that doesn't provide enough laughs and feels too familiar. However there is still some entertainment to be found here. I just hope the next season is as much of an improvement as it's said to be.    … Expand
  22. gossipmags
    Sep 10, 2014
    10
    This show is hilarious. It will put you in a good mood, and help to see government in a positive light (which we could use these days.) It is fun and entertaining.
  23. logaems
    Aug 17, 2014
    4
    Very good ideas but terrible main character. I only heard of this show in the US and it's completely unknown elsewhere. This is the "saturday night live" effect. Somehow, actors out of "saturday night live" are supported by american critics. In my opinion, Poehler is unbearable and she is destroying the show despites the very good secondary characters. I'm already not an addict of theVery good ideas but terrible main character. I only heard of this show in the US and it's completely unknown elsewhere. This is the "saturday night live" effect. Somehow, actors out of "saturday night live" are supported by american critics. In my opinion, Poehler is unbearable and she is destroying the show despites the very good secondary characters. I'm already not an addict of the office, so I shouldn't have tried this.… Expand
  24. ydnar4
    Aug 11, 2014
    8
    This show is just as good as any other comedy on television. Amy Poehler is great in the lead role. I get a big kick out of Chris Pratt, he is probably my favorite character on the show and overall the premise is very original and funny. I'm going to check out the next season for sure!
  25. claire
    May 6, 2014
    10
    I love Parks & Rec. Amy Poehler is hilarious and lovable in her role as Leslie Knope. I ended up loving many of the P&R characters. Actually, that's what makes it unique as a sitcom. I grew really quite fond of the characters along with being very funny. I cried during some episodes, happy tears, sad tears. How many sitcoms can carry that off?

    Wow! No wonder Parks & Rec hasn't won    I love Parks & Rec. Amy Poehler is hilarious and lovable in her role as Leslie Knope. I ended up loving many of the P&R characters. Actually, that's what makes it unique as a sitcom. I grew really quite fond of the characters along with being very funny. I cried during some episodes, happy tears, sad tears. How many sitcoms can carry that off?

    Wow! No wonder Parks & Rec hasn't won awards. The critics don't like it. Boo critics!    … Expand
  26. lukechristiansc
    Apr 30, 2014
    1
    Let me guess Poehler and Offerman do a show about their comedy on drugs . is'nt what the show is about? . the show is an insult to People's addictions of drugs but adding Poehler and Offerman just made it worst by their dumb comedy . They can not make thier hometown any better with their dumb ass comedy ?
  27. justachair
    Apr 27, 2014
    5
    Taking into consideration the short, dorky first season, Parks and Recreation is a dumber, toned down version of The Office. Amy Poehler on the lead tries everything she can but in the end, the result is a mixed bag of childish jokes, political innuendo that comes out rather flat and an extremely short range of characters that have lots of screen time but little background knowledge.
    The    Taking into consideration the short, dorky first season, Parks and Recreation is a dumber, toned down version of The Office. Amy Poehler on the lead tries everything she can but in the end, the result is a mixed bag of childish jokes, political innuendo that comes out rather flat and an extremely short range of characters that have lots of screen time but little background knowledge.
    The first season is not entirely bad. The pilot, unfortunately, gives a bad first impression. Is silly, way too mild, with no sharp Poehler humour to be found. Chapter 2 is also something of an abomination. Then the show starts to picks up, finding more love in the characters and taking advantage of the Mockumentary formula. It is a skippable season, due to length and quality, and to say its the worst of the 6 its an undeniable truth.    … Expand
  28. TVluver
    Apr 14, 2014
    10
    Cannot get enough of this show! Finally, a sitcom on TV where all the jokes are not about people being mean to each other. Great diverse cast. Keep in coming!
  29. Skulb
    Feb 26, 2014
    6
    This show is depressing to watch in bulk after 5 seasons. The first three seasons are great and easily the best American comedy, along with The Office, since Arrested Development was cancelled because of the low IQs of US TV watchers. But then season 4 and 5 are partly average and partly unwatchable porn gossip, with the until then interesting lead character being reduced to perving overThis show is depressing to watch in bulk after 5 seasons. The first three seasons are great and easily the best American comedy, along with The Office, since Arrested Development was cancelled because of the low IQs of US TV watchers. But then season 4 and 5 are partly average and partly unwatchable porn gossip, with the until then interesting lead character being reduced to perving over her stick insect boyfriend`s butt constantly. The funny part of the show was that Leslie Knope was utterly delusional but somehow managed to cram her delusions down people`s throats with her relentless optimism. The counterpoint to her anti government boss was perfect and produced almost all the comedy this show managed to generate. But when the pathetic script writers started turning her into a success, thereby confirming her delusions, they killed the heart of the show in a similar way that fat Chandler dating dull Monica did to Friends. And it didn`t help much that Ron Swanson had his character destroyed at the same time, leaving an otherwise uninteresting cast of unfunny people doing cheap sex gags to pick up the slack. This is not a comedy after season 4. Why anybody would think it is comedy I have no idea. The same kinds of people who laughed at dwarf tossing in the Middle Ages I guess, and to me all I can think of by way of comparison is the guy watching Ow My Balls! in Idiocracy all day long.

    The second problem seems to be that political satire is apparently banned in the USA, or perhaps Americans are just too sanctimonious about their government to get it. Either way what careful doses of it there were on this show get replaced with more and more crude propaganda in the fourth and fifth seasons; Elections aren`t rigged, bought out and controlled at all in P&R which they most certainly are in real life, taxes are good and not at all funneled into the endless pit of the Federal Reserve and local politicians make decisions as opposed to rubber stamping federal and UN "legislation". If a comedy show can`t tackle this satirically, and instead rah rahs about how wonderful Obama and Hitlery Clinton are, it needs to avoid the topics altogether. But P&R did not and destroyed itself in the process. Season 5 might as well have been written by John McCain or some other Washington parasite. Indeed the ghastly McCain even makes an appearance in season 5, setting his stamp of death and decay on this ruined "comedy" show. If any poor Americans want an example of what real political satire looks like I recommend either the old BBC show Yes Minister or the movie Brazil.

    I would advise people to get the three first seasons of Parks and Recreation and then pretend it got cancelled, which in some ways it did since it`s not much of a comedy after this point. Seasons 1-3 I would rate a 9, season 4 a 5 and season 5 a 1. Watching beyond this point seems highly pointless.    … Expand
  30. gdog243
    Jul 27, 2013
    10
    My favorite comedy sitcom. I love all the characters and every week I smile after watching an episode. Looking forward to the new season and more Bert Macklin.
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Awards & Rankings

21
#21 Most Discussed TV Season of 2013
26
#26 Most Shared TV Season of 2013

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
58

Mixed or average reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 25
  3. Negative: 1 out of 25
  1. Variety
    Reviewed by: Brian Lowry
    50
    Series creators Greg Daniels and Michael Schur provide the show with moments of dry wit, and Poehler certainly has acting oblivious down to a wide-eyed science. Yet there's no escaping that this feels like "Office Lite," thrown together as a vehicle for the star rather than out of any grand inspiration.
    Read full review
  2. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Paige Wiser
    63
    All in all, it might be worth sticking with Parks and Recreation, because there are lots of funny little moments that could add up to a great series.
    Read full review
  3. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Ken Tucker
    75
    While I laughed out loud only a few times during Parks' pilot, I dug the performances, the attitude, and the atmosphere that's being created.
    Read full review
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