Parks and Recreation

:

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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User Reviews

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  1. StevenK
    May 10, 2009
    10
    Each show gets better and better. The show is hilarious. In fact, I may even find it funnier than The Office (I know, blasphemy). People should ignore the initial reviews, and really give this show a chance!
  2. JoeN
    Jan 25, 2010
    10
    A show with one of the most talented and well-scripted ensembles ever and certainly the best of running comedies! With each episode, nearly all members have improved their performance and added depth to their character.
  3. greg
    Nov 17, 2009
    10
    absolutely hilarious, gets better each ep. this show needs to stay right where it is!
  4. nbc
    Aug 17, 2010
    10
    Parks and Recreation has soared above and beyond The Office creatively and comically wise. Amy Poehler is perfection as Leslie Knope and Aubrey Plaza is a scene stealer as April Ludgate. If you didn't like it at first, check it out once more. It has improved tremendously. You have to watch this show!
  5. 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
  6. 1337cow
    Nov 10, 2010
    10
    Parks and rec is vastly superior to the office in every way. This show is absolute perfection and comedic genius. You really must give it a chance, and if you are a fan of TV which i know you are, you will do yourself a favor and watch this. Great acting, writing and just plain hilarious this show has everything going for it.
  7. wordisbond
    Jan 20, 2011
    10
    Parks and Rec is incredibly well-written, acted, and produced. It is hilarious. The characters are great, and the actors that play them our outstanding. I'm so glad NBC brought this show back.
  8. nozem
    Feb 24, 2011
    10
    Liked it immediately. The cast is well-chosen and the comedy they present to the viewer is maybe something of an acquired taste for some (considering the negative reviews), but still, to me it's very funny in its own left-field way. The Ron Swanson character is a future cult-classic. Other favourite series (for reference): Arrested Development, Community, Curb Your Enthousiasm, Louie, 30Rock, ...
  9. KimmyTee
    Mar 11, 2011
    10
    Absolutely love this show. It is always so funny and I love the cast. Amy Poehler is so cute and hilarious. The show is always fun and is great on the NBC Thursday night lineup. I hope we continue to see this show on for along time to come.
  10. Soandso
    Apr 18, 2011
    10
    'Kay, here's the deal: if you like intelligent comedy featuring more than two female characters who *gasp* don't exist solely to provide naked scenery, you will probably love Parks and Rec. If you want something more Married With Children, go watch Married With Children.
  11. pablosu
    Nov 20, 2011
    10
    This is simple one of the best show i ever watch! Every character is so well done. I think a lot of people is judging the show just for the first season. But the beauty of this show is that every season gets better and better! 10 / 10 !
  12. cymagen
    May 22, 2011
    10
    I started out watching this show thinking it was an Office rip-off, and in the first few episodes it definitely feels like that. I mean, many of the people who worked for The Office migrated to this show, and it's got the same talking head format. So of course I made that immediate comparison, which turned me off to it initially. But the places they have taken all of the characters, andI started out watching this show thinking it was an Office rip-off, and in the first few episodes it definitely feels like that. I mean, many of the people who worked for The Office migrated to this show, and it's got the same talking head format. So of course I made that immediate comparison, which turned me off to it initially. But the places they have taken all of the characters, and the stories they've woven around them are just fantastic, engrossing and entertaining. After a while you feel like these people are your good friends and you're peeking in on drama in their lives. That's how it was with The Office at first, but ever since about the end of the 4th season it all started feeling really contrived and I stopped caring about the characters, and they haven't been developing them with the kind of depth that they are developing the characters in Parks and Rec. I love everyone in this cast! Ron and April really stand out to me. Also, while we're making Office/Parks comparisons, one thing that stands out about Parks is that they don't focus on just one central character like in The Office with Michael. I mean, Leslie is the central character but she does not dominate like Michael does. It really feels like an ensemble cast, rather than a lead actor and supporting actors. SO! If you were put off by the first few episodes, or even just the first season, give it another chance, you will NOT regret it.… Expand
  13. LordoftheBrown
    Jul 14, 2011
    10
    Next to Bored To Death, this might be the funniest show on television. Nearly every character is a riot, and the writing keeps getting better and better.
  14. procritic
    Sep 23, 2011
    10
    A comparison with The Office is completely understandable since both shows are filmed in a similar way. Amy Poehler is a comedic genius surrounded by a cast that definitely know their art and know how to be supporting actors. I can understand that this type of humour is not for everyone but I can honestly say that this show is one that keeps you coming back and has you asking for more.
  15. Alambna
    Dec 15, 2011
    10
    This show is amazing. Beyond amazing. This show is the best comedy on television. Bow down to the queen, and for once, I don't mean Tina Fey. Amy Poehler kills it. The supporting cast kills it. Ron Swanson might be the best supporting character on television. Every week this show is solid. I hope it goes on forever. I want to grow old with this show.
  16. hypnofeed
    Jan 14, 2013
    10
    This review and gangster squad review confirm critics know nothing about anything. This is the best show on TV, you need to watch a couples of episodes before you really appreciate it. Who cares if it's "the same" as the office? And its not!
  17. 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.
  18. 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
  19. 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!
  20. 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.
  21. 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
  22. 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!!
  23. 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.
  24. 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
  25. MattJacks2003
    Apr 3, 2019
    10
    This show is soooooo funny, Chris Pratt did a wonderful job working on this show, you gotta see it!
  26. JoshF
    Apr 29, 2009
    9
    This show is a wonderful example of postmodern values: creating a satire of what we view modern politics as, pushing a non-traditional view of personal interrelationships, and gives us great irony and paradox with Amy's character. It is a pleasure to watch and laugh at!
  27. MaxM
    Apr 14, 2009
    9
    I think that its a good thing that the show is office style. I wouldn't say its a copy just the same the redone differently. We have had these "laugh track" comedies for to long these types of shows are the future for comedy in my opinion.
  28. gruntman
    Oct 28, 2010
    9
    This show really hits its stride later on. I suggest starting with Season 2, then watching Season 1. It's impossible to not draw comparisons to The Office since they're practically identical in format and share writers, but the formula works as beautifully in a public works setting as it did inside a stuffy office. Each of the characters in this ensemble cast are funny and unique; RonThis show really hits its stride later on. I suggest starting with Season 2, then watching Season 1. It's impossible to not draw comparisons to The Office since they're practically identical in format and share writers, but the formula works as beautifully in a public works setting as it did inside a stuffy office. Each of the characters in this ensemble cast are funny and unique; Ron Swanson and April Ludgate possibly being the funniest of the bunch. Watch this show!… Expand
  29. 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
  30. 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
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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.
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  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.
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  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.
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