The essential episodes of Parks and Recreation
Watch these 15 in order and you've got Parks and Recreation — each pick states its reason.
- 01
From Emmy Award-winning executive producers of "The Office" comes a new mockumentary that looks at the exciting world of local government. The documentary cameras follow Leslie Knope a mid-level bureaucrat in the Parks and Recreation Department of Pawnee, Indiana. In an attempt to beautify her town Leslie takes on what should be a fairly simple project: help local nurse Ann Perkins turn an abandoned construction pit into a community park. Leslie is alternately helped and undermined by her colleague, Tom Haverford, who cheerfully exploits his government position for personal gain. She is also thwarted by her boss Ron Swanson who is philosophically opposed to government in any form. Helping Leslie and Ann navigate the Pawnee bureaucracy is charismatic city planner Mark Brendanawicz, whose outlook has been soured by 15 years of public service. If they can pull it off, Leslie hopes that she also will have inspired her uninterested college intern April and April's whole generation - all the while moving one step closer to her ultimate goal: becoming the first female president of the United States.
- 02
When Leslie invites a reporter to do a story on her park project, she and her committee have trouble staying on message. Leslie calls in Mark to help save the story, but he only makes the situation worse. Meanwhile, Tom kisses up to his boss.
- 03
Leslie is nervous about her first date with Dave, so Ann takes her on a practice date to help her prepare. Meanwhile, after a local councilman is caught up in a sex scandal, Tom, Ron, April and Mark decide to see who can uncover the worst dirt on each other.
- 04
While planning for the local Harvest Festival, Leslie is struck with the flu and is forced to go to the hospital. Ron and Andy have a day of male bonding, and Tom hits the spa.
- 05
Tom tries to get back at Ron by going out on a date with Ron's ex-wife Tammy, while Leslie tries to protect Ron from falling prey to her charms. Meanwhile, April is assigned to work with Chris.
- 06
With the fate of her entire department hinging on the success of the Harvest Festival, Leslie deals with last-minute problems with a Wamapoke tribal leader, who threatens to put a curse on the event. Meanwhile, April is upset with Andy, while Ann gets romantic advice from an unlikely source.
- 07
Andy and April host a dinner party for all their friends. Ben asks Leslie for some career advice, while Ann tries her luck at a singles party.
- 08
Jerry's contribution to Leslie's community art show causes a stir. Ben moves in with April and Andy and attempts to teach them how to be adults. Meanwhile, Leslie is frustrated by Chris and his interoffice dating rules.
- 09
When Leslie tries to get Ann a job at city hall, her lukewarm reaction causes their first-ever fight. Tom invites the entire department to the Snakehole Lounge to help him promote his new alcohol, "Snake Juice."
- 10
Leslie and the parks team put together a memorial service for a dearly departed friend. Meanwhile, Tom makes a big life decision, while Chris reacts badly to a health problem.
- 11
It's election day in Pawnee, and Leslie and Bobby Newport are separated by a razor-thin margin. While everyone waits with Leslie for the race to be called, they ponder their futures, and their new opportunities.
- 12
New job offer for Ben causes Leslie to contemplates their future. Meanwhile, Ron and Andy take Diane's girls out trick-or-treating, and Tom searches for a new business idea.
- 13
Leslie debates whether to take the job with the National Parks Service during a convention in San Francisco. Ben tries to get free wi-fi for Pawnee. Tom decides to open his bistro early.
- 14
Leslie and Ron attempt to work out their differences.
- 15
The Parks gang complete one last task together before saying so long to Pawnee when the series comes to an end after seven seasons.
Shows like Parks and Recreation
The closest matches on shared genres, ranked by match strength and popularity.
- 01Comedy·Drama·CrimeThe essential episodes of Fargo2014·FX
Fargo is a seasonal anthology crime drama with some dark comical elements, inspired by the film Fargo written by the Coen brothers. - 02ComedyThe essential episodes of The Big Bang Theory2007–2019·CBS
The Big Bang Theory is a comedy about brilliant physicists, Leonard and Sheldon, who are the kind of "beautiful minds" that understand how the universe works. - 03Comedy·FamilyThe essential episodes of The Simpsons1989–present·FOX
The Simpsons is the longest running scripted show in US television history. - 04Comedy·FamilyThe essential episodes of Family Guy1999–present·FOXFamily Guy follows Peter Griffin the endearingly ignorant dad, and his hilariously offbeat family of middle-class New Englanders in Quahog, RI.
- 05ComedyThe essential episodes of South Park1997–present·Comedy Central
South Park is an adult comedy animation show centred around 4 children in the small town of south park. - 06Comedy·FamilyThe essential episodes of American Dad!2005–present·FOXIn American Dad!, Stan Smith leads the all-American family in this animated sitcom filled with wild and crazy extremes.
Keep going
Episodes, ratings, cast and the full series dossier.
ChartsBest episodesThe highest-rated hours of Parks and Recreation, ranked.
ChartsRatings graphEvery rated episode of Parks and Recreation on one chart.
StreamWhere to watchEvery service carrying Parks and Recreation, region by region.