Parks and Recreation

PARKS AND RECREATION (2009-2015) is a political comedy, mockumentary series. It follows the shenanigans of the Parks and Recreational town officers of Indiana's small town, Pawnee. I initially watched this to help me out of a bad post-Office bender withdrawal phase (along with Modern Family, Arrested Development, Community etc.) This one helped the most and the characters really grew on me.

"The absurd antics of an Indiana town's public officials as they pursue sundry projects to make their city a better place."

Overall, this series was super hilarious. This series stars the funny Amy Poehler as Leslie Knope, and the brilliant Nick Offerman as Ron Swanson and a plethora of other hilarious and likable characters. Chris Pratt as Andy Dwyer is another great character! A great watch! Give Parks & Rec a chance!

Big fan of Amy Poehler ever since she played Andy Richter's pigtailed, dental-retainered little sister (with the huge crush on Conan!) on Conan O'Brien's late night show. That first appearance is still the most amazing performance I've ever seen on TV. The addled but adorable Leslie Knope is the absolutely IDEAL character for Amy to play! I'm also thrilled to see Rashida Jones, another of my favorite super-talents, doing a thoroughly delicious characterization as Ann Perkins. Word was that the network was worried about the similarity to The Office. What's to worry? Two genius shows just might be better than one!!! The writing on this show is breathtakingly original and deeply enjoyable. You won't find a better cast anywhere on Earth. This is just another case of "a perfect storm" of comedy excellence on NBC -- along with The Office and 30 Rock. It's well known that the best TV comedy derives from complex, fascinating characters. Along with the creators and scribes of those other two shows, these writers are the absolute best at devising characters that are equally lovable and horrifying -- you can totally revel in their triumphs AND their tragedies!

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.

One of the show's standout qualities is its exceptional character development. Each character is uniquely crafted, and the chemistry among the ensemble cast is palpable. Leslie Knope's unwavering enthusiasm, Ron Swanson's deadpan humor, April Ludgate's sarcasm, and Andy Dwyer's lovable goofiness create a blend of personalities that consistently entertain and endear viewers.

The writing is sharp, clever, and often politically relevant. "Parks and Recreation" adeptly mixes witty humor with heartwarming moments. The show's ability to address real-life issues within the framework of a comedy series is commendable. The humor ranges from clever wordplay to absurd situations, all delivered with impeccable timing by the talented cast.

As the series progresses, the characters undergo substantial growth and development. Their personal and professional journeys, relationships, and ambitions are portrayed with depth and authenticity, making them incredibly relatable and allowing the audience to emotionally invest in their lives.

Beyond the laughs, "Parks and Recreation" subtly tackles social and political issues, celebrating the power of community and the importance of civic engagement. The show's heart lies in its portrayal of the characters' unwavering dedication to their town and the genuine friendships formed amidst the chaos of local governance.

With its memorable catchphrases, iconic characters, and enduring positivity, "Parks and Recreation" has left a lasting impact on popular culture. Its optimistic outlook, coupled with its ability to blend humor with meaningful storytelling, ensures its place among the most beloved sitcoms of all time ( except for the last few episodes of the last season)

I truly enjoy light-hearted comedies that allow you to form connections to characters. This show does just that. ALL main characters are extremely likeable and unique in their charm. The running gags are maintained throughout the years very well - like the one about Jerry's name lol. Leslie Knope - the protagonist - is most certainly flawed, but also painfully sweet and kind. All characters have very evident flaws, like any real human, but present themselves amiably. Some people might say this show is too similar to "the Office". I strongly disagree. Perhaps, the FIRST season resembles it a bit too much, but Parks and Rec soon develops itself as its own show. I personally enjoy this show over the Office, if anything. I enjoy the Office, but it feels a bit more pessimistic to me, whereas Parks and Recreation leans slightly in a more wholesome direction while still maintaining its humor - which I appreciate.

If you enjoy comedy television shows like Brooklyn Nine-Nine, the Office, New Girl, Modern Family, etc., watch this show. You won't regret it. It is LITERALLY one of my favorite shows. :)