Parks and Recreation

2009 • TMDB 8.0 • 7 seasons • 122 episodes • Comedy • NBC

Overview

Parks and Recreation starts with a hole in the ground and ends as one of television’s great love letters to public service. Leslie Knope, deputy director of Pawnee, Indiana’s Parks Department, begins with a modest dream — turn a construction pit into a park — and spends seven seasons dragging her town, her department and eventually herself toward bigger things. Shot mockumentary-style, the show pairs small-town absurdity (town hall meetings gone wrong, the terrifying citizens of Pawnee) with an ensemble that became iconic: Ron Swanson’s libertarian deadpan, April and Andy’s chaotic romance, Tom’s entrepreneurial schemes, Donna’s luxury, Jerry’s misfortune and Ben Wyatt’s love of calzones. What sets it apart is its optimism. Where most workplace comedies are cynical, Parks and Rec believes government can be good and people can grow. Leslie’s relentless positivity is the engine, and by the finale — which flashes forward through everyone’s futures — it earns every tear.

Creator and Main Cast

Created by Michael Schur and Greg Daniels.

• Amy Poehler as Leslie Knope (122 episodes)
• Aziz Ansari as Tom Haverford (122 episodes)
• Nick Offerman as Ron Swanson (122 episodes)
• Aubrey Plaza as April Ludgate (122 episodes)
• Chris Pratt as Andy Dwyer (122 episodes)
• Jim O’Heir as Jerry Gergich (121 episodes)
• Retta as Donna Meagle (118 episodes)
• Rashida Jones as Ann Perkins (101 episodes)
• Adam Scott as Ben Wyatt (94 episodes)

Seasons Snapshot

Parks and Recreation ran for 7 seasons and 122 episodes. Season 1 — 6 episodes, premiered April 9, 2009; Season 2 — 24 episodes, premiered September 17, 2009; Season 3 — 16 episodes, premiered January 20, 2011; Season 4 — 22 episodes, premiered September 22, 2011; Season 5 — 22 episodes, premiered September 20, 2012; Season 6 — 20 episodes, premiered September 26, 2013; Season 7 — 12 episodes, premiered January 13, 2015, with the finale “One Last Ride” airing February 24, 2015. TMDB also lists an 11-episode Specials collection, which is not counted in the 122-episode total.

Why Watch Parks and Recreation?

• Leslie Knope is one of TV’s most inspiring heroes.
• Ron Swanson alone is worth the watch.
• A mockumentary that grows funnier every season.
• An ensemble where every character gets their moment.
• Optimism about public service that feels radical.
• A finale that pays off seven seasons beautifully.

Trailer

Watch the official trailer on YouTube (complete-series trailer, Universal Pictures At Home).

Where to Watch

As checked on JustWatch US on October 30, 2026, Parks and Recreation streams in the United States on Peacock Premium and Peacock Premium Plus with 7 seasons. It is also available to buy on Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home and Amazon Video (7 seasons each).