If there's one TV show that never fails to make us laugh, it's Parks and Recreation. This hilarious ensemble comedy has captured the hearts of millions of viewers with its witty writing and lovable characters. Set in the small town of Pawnee, Indiana, the show follows Leslie Knope, a mid-level bureaucrat in the Parks and Recreation Department, as she tirelessly works to make her town a little bit more fun.
Since its debut in 2009, Parks and Recreation has become a cult favorite, gaining a dedicated fanbase that can't get enough of Leslie's hijinks and the antics of her colleagues. With eight seasons under its belt, the show has provided us with countless memorable moments and episodes that we can't help but revisit time and time again.
So, whether you're a die-hard fan or just looking for a new show to binge-watch, we've compiled a list of the best episodes of Parks and Recreation that are guaranteed to keep you entertained. From Leslie's ambitious plans for the annual Pawnee Harvest Festival to the outrageous shenanigans of Tom Haverford and his business ventures, these episodes showcase the show's unique blend of humor and heart. Get ready to laugh, cry, and fall in love with the quirky world of Pawnee all over again.
Written by Sophie and last updated on jan 22, 2024.
PS: The following content contains spoilers!
PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!
Leslie is outraged when Ron wins a “Woman of the Year” award for a project she started. Meanwhile, Tom is desperate to find some money to invest in a local Pawnee club.
The episode was rated 7.77 from 1435 votes.
Leslie designs the Pawnee Winter Wonderland Festival, but has to hide from the press when a meeting with a disgraced Councilman lands her in the middle of a sex scandal. Meanwhile, Ron offers to cover for Leslie for the day, and quickly discovers how much work she really does.
The episode was rated 7.77 from 1487 votes.
After Leslie finds out that Tom is getting a divorce, the department takes him out on the town to cheer him up. Meanwhile, Andy tries to hustle Mark in a game of pool.
The episode was rated 7.77 from 1482 votes.
After one of the murals in City Hall is defaced, Leslie and the Parks Department compete to come up with a new design. Meanwhile, Andy and Ron share an uncomfortable moment at the shoeshine stand.
The episode was rated 7.79 from 1551 votes.
After an amazing date with Justin in Indianapolis, Leslie tries to impress him with a dinner party at her house.
The episode was rated 7.79 from 1449 votes.
Preparing the Summer Events Catalog, Leslie decides to take Ron and the past directors of the Parks Department out for a picnic lunch. Tom enlists the help of Ann and Mark to pose for the cover photo.
The episode was rated 7.81 from 1401 votes.
Leslie enlists the help of Dave and Andy in order to catch a local teen vandal. Meanwhile, Ann struggles to make her Halloween party fun, and ends up getting help from an unlikely source.
The episode was rated 7.84 from 1552 votes.
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.
The episode was rated 7.87 from 1649 votes.
Leslie is upset when she learns the library department wants to take over her lot. Making matters worse, the library is run by Ron's ex-wife Tammy, who still has a powerful emotional hold on him. Meanwhile, Andy gets a job in hopes of winning Ann back.
The episode was rated 7.88 from 1553 votes.
Ann sets Leslie up on a blind date with a co-worker, which does not go as well as Leslie hoped. An old friend of Ann's makes Mark feel insecure.
The episode was rated 7.88 from 1484 votes.
Leslie hosts a late-night shift for a local telethon, and lands former Indiana Pacer Detlef Schrempf as a celebrity guest. Meanwhile, Mark has big plans for his relationship with Ann.
The episode was rated 7.92 from 1404 votes.
Ron is furious when April mistakenly schedules a ton of meetings for him. Meanwhile, Leslie fights to preserve a historical landmark.
The episode was rated 7.97 from 1410 votes.
Leslie is disappointed when her new park plans are put on hold by a visit from two state auditors. April has plans for Andy at her birthday party, and Ann tries to piece together a romantic mystery.
The episode was rated 7.99 from 1424 votes.
Leslie tries to prove she can hang with the guys so she invites herself on Ron’s annual hunting trip, but things don’t go as planned. Meanwhile, April and Andy bond in the office while everyone is away.
The episode was rated 8.09 from 1585 votes.
When Ben prevents Leslie from holding a children’s concert, she takes matters into her own hands. Mark makes some big decisions about his life, and Andy gets some unexpected romantic attention.
The episode was rated 8.10 from 1417 votes.
