Parks and Recreation poster

TV series

Parks and Recreation

2009TV-147 seasons8.0 / 10

Because parks don't grow on trees.

In an attempt to beautify her town — and advance her career — Leslie Knope, a mid-level bureaucrat in the Parks and Recreation Department of Pawnee, Indiana, takes on bureaucrats, cranky neighbors, and single-issue fanatics whose weapons are lawsuits, the jumble of city codes, and the democratic process she loves so much.

Streaming, rental and purchase options

Where to watch in United States

Checked Jul 22, 2026

Parks and Recreation is available to stream on Peacock and Peacock Premium in United States. You can also rent or buy it from Google Play, Amazon, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home. Use the direct links below to open the provider.

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Synopsis

In an attempt to beautify her town — and advance her career — Leslie Knope, a mid-level bureaucrat in the Parks and Recreation Department of Pawnee, Indiana, takes on bureaucrats, cranky neighbors, and single-issue fanatics whose weapons are lawsuits, the jumble of city codes, and the democratic process she loves so much.

Season 1 episodes

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Episode 1

Pilot

22m7.2 / 10

Indiana government worker Leslie Knope is given the assignment to convert an abandoned quarry pit into a community park. A documentary film crew follows Leslie through her mishaps and gaffes as she tries to make her assignment a reality.

Episode credits

Directed by Greg DanielsWritten by Michael Schur, Greg DanielsGuest stars Chris Pratt, Jim O'Heir, Retta, Ian Roberts, Loudon Wainwright III, Martin Chow, Bryce Hurless, Jon Daly

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Episode 2

Canvassing

22m7.1 / 10

Leslie decides that she and her committee need to go door-to-door to gain support for the park project as well as support for an upcoming town hall meeting, but their mission does not go as planned. Meanwhile, Tom wanders away from the canvassing group and uses his own creative recruitment tactics.

Episode credits

Directed by Seth GordonWritten by Rachel AxlerGuest stars Chris Pratt, Retta, Phil Reeves, Lennon Parham, Brian Huskey, John Ingle, Nancy Lantis, Lauren Katz

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Episode 3

The Reporter

22m7.2 / 10

Leslie arranges for a reporter to do a story about her park project, but she and her committee have the worst time staying on topic. She then calls Mark to help her save the story, but it ends up hurting more than helping. Meanwhile, Tom does all he can to suck up to his boss.

Episode credits

Directed by Jeffrey BlitzWritten by Daniel J. GoorGuest stars Chris Pratt, Jim O'Heir, Retta, Steve Zissis, Alison Becker

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Episode 4

Boys' Club

22m7.2 / 10

Leslie attempts to break into the political "old boy's club," causing an ethical dilemma. Meanwhile, Andy plans a surprise for Ann.

Episode credits

Directed by Michael McCullersWritten by Alan YangGuest stars Chris Pratt, Jim O'Heir, Retta, Windell Middlebrooks, J.W. Wolterman, Stewart Skelton, Todd Grinnell, Eric Edelstein

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Episode 5

The Banquet

22m7.4 / 10

During a banquet honoring her mother's public service, Leslie tries to convince a local zoning official to support her proposed park project. Meanwhile, Mark and Tom try to meet some ladies.

Episode credits

Directed by Beth McCarthy-MillerWritten by Tucker CawleyGuest stars Chris Pratt, Jim O'Heir, Retta, Bruce Jarchow, Loretta Fox, Cletus Young, Deirdre Wall, Pamela Reed

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Episode 6

Rock Show

27m7.6 / 10finale

Leslie attends what she believes is a business meeting with an elderly local government bigwig, unaware that her mother has secretly set her up on a blind date. Andy plays his first gig since breaking both of his legs in the pit.

Episode credits

Directed by Michael SchurWritten by Norm HiscockGuest stars Chris Pratt, Jim O'Heir, Ron Perkins, Todd Grinnell, Stephanie Erb, William Walton, Pamela Reed, Jama Williamson

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Episode information updated Jul 24, 2026

More about Parks and Recreation

Cast

Amy PoehlerLeslie Knope
Rashida JonesAnn Perkins
Aziz AnsariTom Haverford
Paul SchneiderMark Brendanawicz
Nick OffermanRon Swanson
Aubrey PlazaApril Ludgate
Chris PrattAndy Dwyer
Adam ScottBen Wyatt

Credits

Created by
Michael Schur, Greg Daniels

Production details

Status
Ended
Series type
Scripted
Episodes
122
Original language
English

Networks & production

  • NBCUnited States
  • Universal TelevisionUnited States
  • Deedle-Dee ProductionsUnited States
  • FremulonUnited States
  • 3 Arts EntertainmentUnited States

Themes

employer employee relationshipfemale protagonistindiana, usamockumentaryoffice romancepolitical satirepoliticssatire