Parks and Recreation is absolutely, without a doubt, one of the best comedies ever created! I never really watched it when it was originally on but heard such great things about it through the years that I thought I'd give it a chance and I was absolutely blown away by how funny it was! The first season wasn't as good because the show was still trying to find itself so don't judge it by that, you could actually just skip the entire first season, but from then on every season is great. Also, the cast is terrific. Every single character on the show will make you laugh out loud and are funny enough to have their own spin-off. I promise you that you will not regret watching this hilarious show.
415 Reviews
One of the best comedies of all-time!
Rob133129 September 2022
Parks and Recreation is one of the best sitcoms ever made, period. The writing and the chemistry of the cast is just brilliant. It's not just the stars who make this show good either, the supporting cast are all just as funny as the main characters. In what starts as an imitation of The Office evolves into one of the funniest sitcoms in the history of television. It's about as perfect as a comedy can get. I dare you to find something wrong it! I still watch all the reruns when they're on, it's one of those classic sitcoms that you can watch as many times as you want and they're still just as funny after numerous viewings as they were after one.
Two shows in one.
fpuwasabadpresident27 June 2018
This show is really two shows. Pre season three and post season three.
Before season three the show was like the office, the main character is an idiot doing the best they can but failing. The show has very awkward humor and is really funny.
Post season three the show becomes very light hearted and goes for more the comedy the show is known for. It's about a smart capable main character who is a bit weird going against a bad system.
The show is really good and it can be very funny but the change is jarring and I know people who only like post season three and people who only like preseason three, I think this is also reflected by some reviews.
I recommend the characters are awesome.
Before season three the show was like the office, the main character is an idiot doing the best they can but failing. The show has very awkward humor and is really funny.
Post season three the show becomes very light hearted and goes for more the comedy the show is known for. It's about a smart capable main character who is a bit weird going against a bad system.
The show is really good and it can be very funny but the change is jarring and I know people who only like post season three and people who only like preseason three, I think this is also reflected by some reviews.
I recommend the characters are awesome.
Addictively funny
pjgross8 March 2020
Once you get into this one you can't stop. So be aware of what you are doing. 125 episodes are ahead. I am at number 27 and still laughing every episode. Although this series is set in a local government scenario, many things are painfully recognizable from other office environments. For lovers of mockumentary-style entertainment this is a must see.
Forget the haters
thedottedlion26 January 2010
Just watch it for yourself. I was drawn in by Amy Pohler, someone I didn't really like before I saw this show, and i stayed because of the beautifully drawn characters. Because they're deep characters, they're not gonna slam you over the head with comedy. This ain't My Name Is Earl, people. The show's funny, but in a real, get to know everyone kind of way.
Even though I loved it, I'd say the first season stumbled a bit, but the second season gets funnier with every episode. Try it out, I bet you'll like one character right off the bat, and if you're like me you'll end up loving them all.
Even though I loved it, I'd say the first season stumbled a bit, but the second season gets funnier with every episode. Try it out, I bet you'll like one character right off the bat, and if you're like me you'll end up loving them all.
Hilarious
JakeBrinkman2 January 2019
Note: I have seen all 7 seasons.
Before watching this show, I thought The Office was my favorite sitcom. Parks & Rec has now taken that title. After a rougher first season, each of the characters brings several laughs in every episode.
If you only want to watch the glory moments, stop watching after season 5. Season 6 and 7 are still funny, but not at the level of the previous seasons.
Before watching this show, I thought The Office was my favorite sitcom. Parks & Rec has now taken that title. After a rougher first season, each of the characters brings several laughs in every episode.
If you only want to watch the glory moments, stop watching after season 5. Season 6 and 7 are still funny, but not at the level of the previous seasons.
One of my favourite sitcoms
ethanjjacobs30 May 2021
I watched this right after I watched the office and didn't expect it to be on the same level. But it's better than the office in some ways. I personally like the office better but parks and rec is so much more consistent, every season was great and the writers knew when to end the show unlike a lot of tv shows, they could've done 3 more seasons that were average but they ended it at the right time. Another great thing about this show is that I like basically every character personally I love April, Andy and Ron but Iike all of them. If you haven't watched this yet you need to it's one of the best sitcoms ever.
Season 1 8.0.
Season 2 8.7.
Season 3 9.0.
Season 4 9.1.
Season 5 9.0.
Season 6 8.8.
Season 7 9.1.
Season 1 8.0.
Season 2 8.7.
Season 3 9.0.
Season 4 9.1.
Season 5 9.0.
Season 6 8.8.
Season 7 9.1.
The funniest show ever
crunchwraptaco30 July 2023
"Parks and Recreation" masterfully balances clever wit and light-hearted humor, consistently delivering laugh-out-loud moments while also touching on important themes of friendship, community, and public service. The witty writing, clever political satire, and hilarious mock interviews add a unique layer to the show's comedic brilliance.
Furthermore, the show is not afraid to evolve and grow its characters over time, allowing them to face personal and professional challenges, creating genuine character arcs that tug at your heartstrings. It's a series that beautifully celebrates the power of resilience, teamwork, and optimism in the face of bureaucratic obstacles.
This heartwarming and genuinely funny show is a must-watch.
Furthermore, the show is not afraid to evolve and grow its characters over time, allowing them to face personal and professional challenges, creating genuine character arcs that tug at your heartstrings. It's a series that beautifully celebrates the power of resilience, teamwork, and optimism in the face of bureaucratic obstacles.
This heartwarming and genuinely funny show is a must-watch.
Funniest show on TV (surprisingly)
kosmiche7 November 2009
I was lukewarm on this show throughout the first season and for the beginning of the second, but the last few episodes have made this the funniest show on air for me. The humor is not always laugh out loud, but I can watch each episode a few times and find new things that make me laugh each time.
The mayor is one of the funniest characters I've ever seen on a show, and April the intern is funny even when she isn't saying anything. Some of the cameos aren't very funny, but all of the basic elements are fantastic and improving each episode. The Office seems to be (very slowly) running out of steam but this show is definitely making up for it.
There's quite a few bad reviews for this show, but I can't suggest it enough. It is the opposite type of humor from My Name is Earl (which it replaced), and I consider that a very good thing.
The mayor is one of the funniest characters I've ever seen on a show, and April the intern is funny even when she isn't saying anything. Some of the cameos aren't very funny, but all of the basic elements are fantastic and improving each episode. The Office seems to be (very slowly) running out of steam but this show is definitely making up for it.
There's quite a few bad reviews for this show, but I can't suggest it enough. It is the opposite type of humor from My Name is Earl (which it replaced), and I consider that a very good thing.
Best show ever!
tiffypoo-956497 July 2020
Cute Where The Office is Awkward
jbs001-19 July 2010
This show is basically a cute version of The Office. If you haven't seen The Office, it is a hilarious show that is filmed like a documentary. It has a weird vibe because all of the characters seem to know that the cameras are there. They also give asides to the camera which are always funny. The asides in Parks and Recreation are funnier than those from The Office. They seem to be more of a showcase for the actors to show off their comedy, not additions to the plot.
One thing that turns some people off about The Office (that is to say, what sets it apart from other shows), is that it gets incredibly and hilariously awkward. What sets Parks and Recreation apart is that it is incredibly and hilariously cute. Where The Office makes your jaw drop before you burst into laughter, Parks and Recreation gives you a warm smile before you burst into laughter. It makes it a lot of fun to watch.
Another subtle difference from The Office is that aside from Jerry (Parks and Recreation's version of The Office's Toby), is that all of the characters care deeply about one another.
The cast of Parks and Recreation is far better than the admittedly stellar cast of The Office. Amy Poehler lights up the screen every time she is in view. Rashida Jones has much better on screen chemistry with this cast than she ever did during her stint on The Office. This show is incredibly lucky to have Aziz Ansari before he becomes a worldwide phenomenon, because he is well on his way. Don't even get me started on how perfect Nick Offerman plays his role as the motivated slacker, libertarian boss.
In the end the haters will say, "Oh they just stole The Office's idea and put it in City Hall." That is a far to shallow of a response to such a deeply funny show that stands wonderfully on its own.
One thing that turns some people off about The Office (that is to say, what sets it apart from other shows), is that it gets incredibly and hilariously awkward. What sets Parks and Recreation apart is that it is incredibly and hilariously cute. Where The Office makes your jaw drop before you burst into laughter, Parks and Recreation gives you a warm smile before you burst into laughter. It makes it a lot of fun to watch.
Another subtle difference from The Office is that aside from Jerry (Parks and Recreation's version of The Office's Toby), is that all of the characters care deeply about one another.
The cast of Parks and Recreation is far better than the admittedly stellar cast of The Office. Amy Poehler lights up the screen every time she is in view. Rashida Jones has much better on screen chemistry with this cast than she ever did during her stint on The Office. This show is incredibly lucky to have Aziz Ansari before he becomes a worldwide phenomenon, because he is well on his way. Don't even get me started on how perfect Nick Offerman plays his role as the motivated slacker, libertarian boss.
In the end the haters will say, "Oh they just stole The Office's idea and put it in City Hall." That is a far to shallow of a response to such a deeply funny show that stands wonderfully on its own.
First two seasons > all the rest
HagenSteele30 December 2012
Warning: Spoilers
I don't watch a lot of TV, but when I do, I watch entire seasons on DVD rather than through the commercial source. That's how I watched Parks and Rec this past week, and this review is based on the series as a whole.
The first two seasons were excellent in my opinion, and I'd give them 9 of 10 stars due to....
-Cast: Very strong, and even the weakest link STILL worked on the show. -Story: Quirky, comical, entertaining.
ENTER SEASON 3, AND THE DOOOOOWWWWNNNN SLIIIIIIDDDEEEEE.........
Season 3 kicks off with the addition of two new characters. Two new unfunny characters that is...
Rob Lowe may be a great actor, I don't know. I haven't seen much of anything he's done. I DO know, however, that he is a HORRIBLE comedic actor, and I know this because I've watched him on Parks and Rec, and he is awful. Rob Lowe lacks the timing, commitment, and delivery of his comedic peers, which makes watching his character almost unbearable.
Rob Lowe is just one unwelcome addition to the show starting in season 3 though. This is where the show starts to take itself too seriously, and instead of being a good smart comedy, it slowly starts to transition into something more along the lines of a straight up "chick show" soaked in drama and estrogen, and seemingly more concerned with "empowerment" than "comedy".
I made it through season 4, but won't be watching any further.
So, in summary.....
Season 1 and 2: 9 of 10 stars Season 3 and beyond: 6 of 10 at best
The first two seasons were excellent in my opinion, and I'd give them 9 of 10 stars due to....
-Cast: Very strong, and even the weakest link STILL worked on the show. -Story: Quirky, comical, entertaining.
ENTER SEASON 3, AND THE DOOOOOWWWWNNNN SLIIIIIIDDDEEEEE.........
Season 3 kicks off with the addition of two new characters. Two new unfunny characters that is...
Rob Lowe may be a great actor, I don't know. I haven't seen much of anything he's done. I DO know, however, that he is a HORRIBLE comedic actor, and I know this because I've watched him on Parks and Rec, and he is awful. Rob Lowe lacks the timing, commitment, and delivery of his comedic peers, which makes watching his character almost unbearable.
Rob Lowe is just one unwelcome addition to the show starting in season 3 though. This is where the show starts to take itself too seriously, and instead of being a good smart comedy, it slowly starts to transition into something more along the lines of a straight up "chick show" soaked in drama and estrogen, and seemingly more concerned with "empowerment" than "comedy".
I made it through season 4, but won't be watching any further.
So, in summary.....
Season 1 and 2: 9 of 10 stars Season 3 and beyond: 6 of 10 at best
Outstanding supporting cast nearly sunk by Poehler's Knope
adamrm13 March 2015
Warning: Spoilers
First off, I watched every episode of every season. This is not some hit piece, but a thought-out explanation of what was rubbing me wrong this whole time... rubbed raw by the end of it.
The comparisons to The Office are fine and well, especially in the first two season, but those two seasons were actually the best in the series... should have stuck with what worked. First the good: nearly ever single major supporting cast member. Pratt was Fantastic and lovable. Plaza was good weird. Ansari took many episodes and made them epic, especially whenever Ben Schwartz and Jenny Slate were involved. Ansari and Retta were also perfect together (treat yourself). Rashida Jones was the girl everyone wants to marry in real life. Rob Lowe eventually got going and really had some good moments, I never knew how funny he could be; his new DirectTv commercials take what he mastered in Parks and Rec to a whole new level. There are so many other supporting actors no one will read this if I list each one... so onwards and downwards.
Now the bad. The root of all issues lie with Leslie Knope, but I will come back to her character in a moment. Jerry/Gary/Larry - love this guy and how Jim O'Heir played him, I wish he was in my family... now why all the putrid bullying? If this character was a woman would anyone stand for this? It was out of left field many times with no reason given, just wrong. I thought maybe they were trying to find a "Toby" character to beat up on, but unlike Toby Gary/Jerry/Larry did NOTHING wrong EVER aside from being clumsy. It was strange and I think if the character was played by an overweight woman someone would have lost their job over the meanness of it all, what a double standard. Just go back and watch some of the bullying of him and mentally replace him with an overweight woman, you will see what I am saying.
Ben Wyatt. I have been a fan of Adam Scott since Party Down, and I think he did a good job here... but again Leslie Knope. The closer his character got to the Knope character the more emasculated he became, by the end there was no doubt who wore the pantsuit and who wore the pants. Too bad, I liked the board game obsession, the smart quirkiness, the general unique qualities to his character. It seemed all stripped away by the end and he was just some odd political husband without meaning. Also the entire romance was so unbelievable, absolutely zero chemistry.
Ron Swanson. He was great, Nick Offerman was great. The storytelling was awful. Ron is supposed to be the Anti-Knope. The libertarian/conservative reasonableness to the progressive pushings of Leslie Knope. But in every single standoff Ron Swanson gives in to his values and bends to Knope's wishes because she "really believes" or "really fights" or "really tries" to do something. I am sorry, but if you believe in the opposite of someone else, just because they are "really trying" hard doesn't mean you forsake all of your own beliefs. This was no more evident than the end when he gives in to Knope one last time to work for the Federal Government to essentially be a park Ranger. The Ron Swanson I would have liked to see would have somehow finagled the land from the Federal Government and opened up his own Wilderness park to teach kids not to be such sissies and depend on themselves and each other for survival, all the while respecting what he loves most... nature.
So let's get this over with... Leslie Knope was the biggest bully of them all. She bullied every single character to do her bidding, relentlessly, degradingly, sometimes with a smile, sometimes with a tantrum, sometimes in "their" best interest... but it got annoying real fast. If the series would have shifted away from her as a central character and instead someone they all had to deal with, that would have been ideal and would have let the truly exceptional characters shine. I could handle the antics 5 minutes an episode, way too many other characters I would have preferred seeing.
Keeping the Knope character in the spotlight quickly turned this series (which would have been great with the true ineptitude of government bureaucracies as a backdrop for hilarious people doing hilarious things) to a huge progressive love-fest with every progressive cliché and politician making a cameo.
Towards the end (seasons 6-7) it was very formulaic writing and was basically reduced to a bunch of small skits to get each one's shtick in, absolutely no effort or thought was put in to the overall story. The giant take away is that government rules best when ruled by people who really want to rule you...
The comparisons to The Office are fine and well, especially in the first two season, but those two seasons were actually the best in the series... should have stuck with what worked. First the good: nearly ever single major supporting cast member. Pratt was Fantastic and lovable. Plaza was good weird. Ansari took many episodes and made them epic, especially whenever Ben Schwartz and Jenny Slate were involved. Ansari and Retta were also perfect together (treat yourself). Rashida Jones was the girl everyone wants to marry in real life. Rob Lowe eventually got going and really had some good moments, I never knew how funny he could be; his new DirectTv commercials take what he mastered in Parks and Rec to a whole new level. There are so many other supporting actors no one will read this if I list each one... so onwards and downwards.
Now the bad. The root of all issues lie with Leslie Knope, but I will come back to her character in a moment. Jerry/Gary/Larry - love this guy and how Jim O'Heir played him, I wish he was in my family... now why all the putrid bullying? If this character was a woman would anyone stand for this? It was out of left field many times with no reason given, just wrong. I thought maybe they were trying to find a "Toby" character to beat up on, but unlike Toby Gary/Jerry/Larry did NOTHING wrong EVER aside from being clumsy. It was strange and I think if the character was played by an overweight woman someone would have lost their job over the meanness of it all, what a double standard. Just go back and watch some of the bullying of him and mentally replace him with an overweight woman, you will see what I am saying.
Ben Wyatt. I have been a fan of Adam Scott since Party Down, and I think he did a good job here... but again Leslie Knope. The closer his character got to the Knope character the more emasculated he became, by the end there was no doubt who wore the pantsuit and who wore the pants. Too bad, I liked the board game obsession, the smart quirkiness, the general unique qualities to his character. It seemed all stripped away by the end and he was just some odd political husband without meaning. Also the entire romance was so unbelievable, absolutely zero chemistry.
Ron Swanson. He was great, Nick Offerman was great. The storytelling was awful. Ron is supposed to be the Anti-Knope. The libertarian/conservative reasonableness to the progressive pushings of Leslie Knope. But in every single standoff Ron Swanson gives in to his values and bends to Knope's wishes because she "really believes" or "really fights" or "really tries" to do something. I am sorry, but if you believe in the opposite of someone else, just because they are "really trying" hard doesn't mean you forsake all of your own beliefs. This was no more evident than the end when he gives in to Knope one last time to work for the Federal Government to essentially be a park Ranger. The Ron Swanson I would have liked to see would have somehow finagled the land from the Federal Government and opened up his own Wilderness park to teach kids not to be such sissies and depend on themselves and each other for survival, all the while respecting what he loves most... nature.
So let's get this over with... Leslie Knope was the biggest bully of them all. She bullied every single character to do her bidding, relentlessly, degradingly, sometimes with a smile, sometimes with a tantrum, sometimes in "their" best interest... but it got annoying real fast. If the series would have shifted away from her as a central character and instead someone they all had to deal with, that would have been ideal and would have let the truly exceptional characters shine. I could handle the antics 5 minutes an episode, way too many other characters I would have preferred seeing.
Keeping the Knope character in the spotlight quickly turned this series (which would have been great with the true ineptitude of government bureaucracies as a backdrop for hilarious people doing hilarious things) to a huge progressive love-fest with every progressive cliché and politician making a cameo.
Towards the end (seasons 6-7) it was very formulaic writing and was basically reduced to a bunch of small skits to get each one's shtick in, absolutely no effort or thought was put in to the overall story. The giant take away is that government rules best when ruled by people who really want to rule you...
Very endearing, while absolutely hilarious!
mattyschreck20 July 2010
There is no doubt that one of the main inspirations of this show was The Office - you will realise this in the first minute of the first episode. However, instead of trying to copy the main points of that show's success, Parks and Recreation has come up with its very own recipe. Amy Poehler is amazing as the lead actress, she plays an extremely enthusiastic city official in a department filled with bludgers and lazy bums.
What sounds a little lame actually becomes very endearing very quickly: all supporting characters have great story-lines, and grow quickly with a light yet sometimes strangely moving plot. The dialogue is fantastic, every show will make you laugh out loud plenty of times, and the roughly 20 minutes of each episode are over way too quickly.
I found myself re-watching the whole two seasons immediately after I had finished them for the first time, and the show holds up easily. Each character gets enough screen time to stay interesting, and very quickly, the show establishes a Simpsons-like range of in-jokes and extras who add even more depth to the story.
Before you know it, you wish your own city had such a department, and you will fall in love with Amy Poehler's stellar performance. An absolute must-watch!
What sounds a little lame actually becomes very endearing very quickly: all supporting characters have great story-lines, and grow quickly with a light yet sometimes strangely moving plot. The dialogue is fantastic, every show will make you laugh out loud plenty of times, and the roughly 20 minutes of each episode are over way too quickly.
I found myself re-watching the whole two seasons immediately after I had finished them for the first time, and the show holds up easily. Each character gets enough screen time to stay interesting, and very quickly, the show establishes a Simpsons-like range of in-jokes and extras who add even more depth to the story.
Before you know it, you wish your own city had such a department, and you will fall in love with Amy Poehler's stellar performance. An absolute must-watch!
Really Good Stuff
velocityboy-228 October 2009
I'm surprised at how many people wrote negative reviews of this show despite it being my most-looked forward comedy of the week, followed by the Office, Curb, Sunny in Phily, and the Peep Show - a great British comedy.
The characters are unique and the comedy comes mostly from subtleties such as intonations, gestures, and camera glances. It's high-end comedic stuff in my opinion. Though Arrested Development was untouchable in this regard. Boy AD was good.
I suppose if you like trite predicable comedy, you wouldn't see it as funny, but the thing about this show is that's it's also fun to watch, the characters are very charismatic on screen, I think the casting was great. Is this 10 lines yet IMDb?
A really great show.
The characters are unique and the comedy comes mostly from subtleties such as intonations, gestures, and camera glances. It's high-end comedic stuff in my opinion. Though Arrested Development was untouchable in this regard. Boy AD was good.
I suppose if you like trite predicable comedy, you wouldn't see it as funny, but the thing about this show is that's it's also fun to watch, the characters are very charismatic on screen, I think the casting was great. Is this 10 lines yet IMDb?
A really great show.
Battle through season 1 and then enjoy the best sitcom of recent times
silentbobni5 February 2020
Probably my favourite comedy show of all time. Season 1 is a bit hard going due to it trying a bit too hard to be like the office but once you hit the first Tammy episode in season 2 then the real quality starts which is the only reason why it doesn't get a 10 from me.
Please and Thank You.
swordsnare6 February 2019
Recently rewatched the whole series yet again. Still found it as engaging as the first time I watched it. I find the all cast/characters share the limelight at one stage or another in this mockumentary style comedy series. The seventh season doesn't share the same tone as the other seasons, but forgivable nonetheless.
Great show in its own right
malty-185-4883375 May 2020
Fantastic, A Classic In My Book
karyuu8 July 2015
There are always a few television shows that seem to "define" a genre every decade or so, and considering Parks and Recreation finished its final run several months ago, I feel it important to revisit the show and the impact it left. Many times it was spurned as "The Office Rip-Off" in its starting days, despite it being more of a brainchild of the writers than anything. It seems safe to say, that after more than seven years on the air, Parks and Recreation has carved its own spot amongst the quirky and well-loved comedies that are hard to come across today.
The show stars hard-working public servant Leslie Knope (played by the amazing Amy Poehler) and a cast of humorous and memorable characters that navigate through bureaucracy and red tape in the local city government to complete projects. The most notable--and perhaps most powerful--asset of this show is its lovable and unforgettable characters, some that will leave you rolling your eyes and chuckling while others will simply make you smile in the most joyous kind of way. The cast has obvious chemistry amongst one another, and this certainly breaks through into the characters in ways that will make a viewer grow more attached to them.
The humor of the show itself also sets Parks and Rec apart from other television shows. While it's apparent the first season struggled to differentiate itself from The Office's "awkward humor", Parks found its stride in the simple "cute humor", the kind that is so innocuous and dumb and simply "cute" that it becomes hard not to laugh at the bumbling antics of the Parks and Recreation branch of the city of Pawnee. The episodes are mixed with the right amount of comedy, wit, and actual drama and storytelling; each character is crafted with the perfect amount of depth, that really separates from other comedy shows that rely on cardboard characters with running jokes to spew the funny. Even in its heartfelt moments, there is always room for laughs, but it never pushes aside the rest of the characters or their development. If you find yourself immersed in Parks and Recreation, it is almost certain you will find yourself immersed with one, more, or maybe all characters.
The simple genius, the style and passion this show was borne of, really marks it as a one-of-a-kind show, one that may not have had all the high ratings or prime-time slots or huge important newspaper reviews, but it became its own, and that's really what mattered in the end. After struggling in the shadow of The Office, and finding its stride in later seasons, Parks and Recreation became its own kind of wonderful recipe, one that delivered its own style of warmth and humor not found in many television shows. It may even define the style of comedy itself; after all, both Parks and The Office made famous the "mockumentary", "talking heads" sort of humor that others are sure to try and replicate. What gave Parks and Recreation a "name" per say, is the fact that the characters were so much larger-than-life, the stories so innocuous and believable, that the avid viewer can begin to believe them too, and find that this show is as heartfelt, funny, and enjoyable as I found it. 10/10
The show stars hard-working public servant Leslie Knope (played by the amazing Amy Poehler) and a cast of humorous and memorable characters that navigate through bureaucracy and red tape in the local city government to complete projects. The most notable--and perhaps most powerful--asset of this show is its lovable and unforgettable characters, some that will leave you rolling your eyes and chuckling while others will simply make you smile in the most joyous kind of way. The cast has obvious chemistry amongst one another, and this certainly breaks through into the characters in ways that will make a viewer grow more attached to them.
The humor of the show itself also sets Parks and Rec apart from other television shows. While it's apparent the first season struggled to differentiate itself from The Office's "awkward humor", Parks found its stride in the simple "cute humor", the kind that is so innocuous and dumb and simply "cute" that it becomes hard not to laugh at the bumbling antics of the Parks and Recreation branch of the city of Pawnee. The episodes are mixed with the right amount of comedy, wit, and actual drama and storytelling; each character is crafted with the perfect amount of depth, that really separates from other comedy shows that rely on cardboard characters with running jokes to spew the funny. Even in its heartfelt moments, there is always room for laughs, but it never pushes aside the rest of the characters or their development. If you find yourself immersed in Parks and Recreation, it is almost certain you will find yourself immersed with one, more, or maybe all characters.
The simple genius, the style and passion this show was borne of, really marks it as a one-of-a-kind show, one that may not have had all the high ratings or prime-time slots or huge important newspaper reviews, but it became its own, and that's really what mattered in the end. After struggling in the shadow of The Office, and finding its stride in later seasons, Parks and Recreation became its own kind of wonderful recipe, one that delivered its own style of warmth and humor not found in many television shows. It may even define the style of comedy itself; after all, both Parks and The Office made famous the "mockumentary", "talking heads" sort of humor that others are sure to try and replicate. What gave Parks and Recreation a "name" per say, is the fact that the characters were so much larger-than-life, the stories so innocuous and believable, that the avid viewer can begin to believe them too, and find that this show is as heartfelt, funny, and enjoyable as I found it. 10/10
Quality stuff
Mr-Fusion12 January 2016
As sitcoms go, "Parks and Recreation" is certainly on the more refreshing side of things. Incidentally, I was drawn to this show when "The Office" took a dive, and I haven't looked back. It's a great staging area for mocking the Midwest (I like living here, but it's deserved), and even still, the producers seem to have an affinity for small-town American . . . so it all evens out in the end.
But at its (oversized) heart, this is a show where everybody pulls together to fix a problem - and when that's centered on government, sentimentality or no, that's an angle we should all be able to get behind. It's just so damn optimistic, and that can-do attitude is personified by Amy Poehler. A more likable character (or actress) you'll be hard-pressed to come by.
Also, Ron Swanson, who's probably the best sitcom character we've seen in decades.
9/10
But at its (oversized) heart, this is a show where everybody pulls together to fix a problem - and when that's centered on government, sentimentality or no, that's an angle we should all be able to get behind. It's just so damn optimistic, and that can-do attitude is personified by Amy Poehler. A more likable character (or actress) you'll be hard-pressed to come by.
Also, Ron Swanson, who's probably the best sitcom character we've seen in decades.
9/10
Loses its Balance
sendmeafreepenguin9 December 2018
Warning: Spoilers
As many other reviewers have pointed out, the first season and a half is fairly weak. You can tell the writers are trying to figure out a direction for the show, trying not to make it a knockoff of The Office (and mostly failing). But around the episode with the telethon, something magical happens. More jokes strike their mark. The characters become more human, more lovable. The show stops following the brokenness of government and starts following the brokenness of its cast.
For a couple seasons, anyway.
Now, when I say the show loses its balance, I don't mean it stops being funny, or the quality of writing plummets. Far from it. The writing remains consistently strong, the jokes are hilarious, and the characters just get better and better. No, I mean that the show becomes less politically balanced as the series goes on.
The writers loved Obama. This becomes apparent sometime around the fifth season, when Leslie stops being a well-meaning bubbly liberal whose schemes to help her town sometimes succeed and sometimes backfire; and starts being an Obama stand-in who is harassed from every side by meddling Republicans who want her gone because they don't like her personally. And I'm not going to say the writers didn't have a right to do that; but I will say that this decision was to the show's detriment.
Take the episode where Leslie decides to save the local video store as an example of the balanced Parks and Rec. It's a perfect grey situation: The store does have community value, but it's also failing. Leslie has a point when she says that it should be preserved for its historical value, but Ron also has a point when he says it's best to let a failing business die. When it blows up in Leslie's face, it proves Ron right, but Leslie proves herself right by preserving the video store's community and historical value a different way. It was a great episode: funny, timely, and most of all, balanced.
Now take the soda tax as an example of the unbalanced Parks and Rec. This, too, is a good grey situation: Leslie wants to curb obesity in Pawnee, so she places a tax on soda. In reality, a tax on soda would be a sin tax-a tax ostensibly to curb negative behaviors, like the one on cigarettes. The people who object to sin taxes aren't mad that the government is "restricting our personal freedoms," but rather that the sin tax doesn't restrict anything at all. It just makes indulging a sin more expensive, and who reaps that extra profit? Yep, the government. The storytelling potential was ripe here. We could have gotten citizens saying that rather than restricting the size of sodas sold, Leslie chose the move that allowed the government to profit off of bad behavior. Ron could have pointed out that people are going to buy giant sodas if they're available, no matter how much they cost. Perd Hapley could have talked to people who found the move a shady one, who accused Leslie of not caring about obesity at all because the government would soon be dependent on the revenue generated by the soda tax. But Leslie is now our Obama stand-in, and we can't have her opponents looking reasonable, now can we?
Additionally, the writers seem to forget that Leslie is not the mayor, but the most junior city council member, and so she would not have the authority to merge Pawnee and Eagleton, or to unilaterally institute a soda tax.
It's just frustrating. I'm going to continue to watch this show because I love the characters, but the political storylines are getting worse. In the beginning, you could tell the writers leaned left, but they were more than willing to critique their own ideas. Now, they only seem interested in talking up Obama and using Jamm as an amalgamation of every Republican they despise.
For a couple seasons, anyway.
Now, when I say the show loses its balance, I don't mean it stops being funny, or the quality of writing plummets. Far from it. The writing remains consistently strong, the jokes are hilarious, and the characters just get better and better. No, I mean that the show becomes less politically balanced as the series goes on.
The writers loved Obama. This becomes apparent sometime around the fifth season, when Leslie stops being a well-meaning bubbly liberal whose schemes to help her town sometimes succeed and sometimes backfire; and starts being an Obama stand-in who is harassed from every side by meddling Republicans who want her gone because they don't like her personally. And I'm not going to say the writers didn't have a right to do that; but I will say that this decision was to the show's detriment.
Take the episode where Leslie decides to save the local video store as an example of the balanced Parks and Rec. It's a perfect grey situation: The store does have community value, but it's also failing. Leslie has a point when she says that it should be preserved for its historical value, but Ron also has a point when he says it's best to let a failing business die. When it blows up in Leslie's face, it proves Ron right, but Leslie proves herself right by preserving the video store's community and historical value a different way. It was a great episode: funny, timely, and most of all, balanced.
Now take the soda tax as an example of the unbalanced Parks and Rec. This, too, is a good grey situation: Leslie wants to curb obesity in Pawnee, so she places a tax on soda. In reality, a tax on soda would be a sin tax-a tax ostensibly to curb negative behaviors, like the one on cigarettes. The people who object to sin taxes aren't mad that the government is "restricting our personal freedoms," but rather that the sin tax doesn't restrict anything at all. It just makes indulging a sin more expensive, and who reaps that extra profit? Yep, the government. The storytelling potential was ripe here. We could have gotten citizens saying that rather than restricting the size of sodas sold, Leslie chose the move that allowed the government to profit off of bad behavior. Ron could have pointed out that people are going to buy giant sodas if they're available, no matter how much they cost. Perd Hapley could have talked to people who found the move a shady one, who accused Leslie of not caring about obesity at all because the government would soon be dependent on the revenue generated by the soda tax. But Leslie is now our Obama stand-in, and we can't have her opponents looking reasonable, now can we?
Additionally, the writers seem to forget that Leslie is not the mayor, but the most junior city council member, and so she would not have the authority to merge Pawnee and Eagleton, or to unilaterally institute a soda tax.
It's just frustrating. I'm going to continue to watch this show because I love the characters, but the political storylines are getting worse. In the beginning, you could tell the writers leaned left, but they were more than willing to critique their own ideas. Now, they only seem interested in talking up Obama and using Jamm as an amalgamation of every Republican they despise.
Pathetic after first 2 seasons
abhishekmurthy15 January 2021
Only the first 2 seasons were funny and deserve the 8+ rating, All the later seasons are pathetic, sad and boring.
2 stars for first 2 seasons and all the other seasons had a couple of bits of comedy in the entire season until season 3 and after season 3 its just sad, boring, depressing drama and not an entertaining one either. As the seasons progress the comedy element fades away.
2 stars for first 2 seasons and all the other seasons had a couple of bits of comedy in the entire season until season 3 and after season 3 its just sad, boring, depressing drama and not an entertaining one either. As the seasons progress the comedy element fades away.
Better Each Time I Watch!
moooovieman23 April 2009
There was a lot of anticipation for Amy Poehler's new series, at least around here there was, and after eagerly tuning in to the pilot episode and every episode since then, I can honestly say that it has lived up to my expectations!
Parks and Recreation has a sort of dry humor, where the really funny parts are the awkward moments between Leslie (Amy's character) and other characters. It is truly Amy's strong point, as we saw during her (too short!) run on SNL and in movies like "Blades of Glory" and "Baby Mamma". Amy absolutely steals the show, but it might be just because that's how the show has been written; the supporting cast are all strong actors, and, with the right material, could all bring in huge laughs for the show.
It is obvious when watching "Parks and Recreation" that there has been a lot of effort put forth to put out a great show, and I believe they have pulled it off. The show leaves me not only laughing hysterically but also rooting for Leslie and her committee. The show is a welcome addition to my weekly TV schedule, and is worth checking out more than once.
Parks and Recreation has a sort of dry humor, where the really funny parts are the awkward moments between Leslie (Amy's character) and other characters. It is truly Amy's strong point, as we saw during her (too short!) run on SNL and in movies like "Blades of Glory" and "Baby Mamma". Amy absolutely steals the show, but it might be just because that's how the show has been written; the supporting cast are all strong actors, and, with the right material, could all bring in huge laughs for the show.
It is obvious when watching "Parks and Recreation" that there has been a lot of effort put forth to put out a great show, and I believe they have pulled it off. The show leaves me not only laughing hysterically but also rooting for Leslie and her committee. The show is a welcome addition to my weekly TV schedule, and is worth checking out more than once.
One of my absolute favorites!!
cscott23314 June 2023
I watched this weekly when it originally aired. The hard part was waiting a week haha. Years later I streamed every episode again and think I enjoyed it even more. As I write this review it's on my TV. I don't ever watch regular TV...commercials suck. But whenever I find this playing in the background I always stop and watch some. So this time I decided to leave a review. You Need to get through the first couple episodes, because I swear it just gets batter and better. Those aren't the strongest episodes so beat with it. The storylines are always interesting and fun. They add soooo many amazing people throughout the years. Wether a cameo or years long additions. Some recurring roles here and there through the series and they do not disappoint! It's easy to watch, the characters are so much fun and man can they make me laugh! I hope I'll always be able to find this show because it can always bring a smile to my face. They just don't make shows like this anymore. The simple fact there's no laugh track!!!! If you haven't watched it in it's entirety you should. It really is great.
Give it a chance
peterboesen-0215711 October 2023
Parks and Recreation has a very rough start, and the first seasons requires some determination to get really in to, but when you get trough the first seasons, you will never want to stop again. The show is full of likeable characters, with great development trough out the show, and the humor is just spot on. The middle seasons are especially great, with some of the funniest episodes in television history.
If you like shows like the office you will certainly love this gem. So please just fight trough what might not be the perfect beginning, because you will without doubt love what comes after.
If you like shows like the office you will certainly love this gem. So please just fight trough what might not be the perfect beginning, because you will without doubt love what comes after.
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