 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Parks and Recreation
Common Sense Media says
Local government spoof for mature viewers is goofy at heart.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that teens who watch this mockumentary-style sitcom from the creators of The Office will find adult-oriented humor when it comes to sexual content, alcohol, and language (including a little bleeped swearing). That said, the main character is goofy but likeable, and her well-intentioned quest to perform her public duties as ethically as possible -- however misguided -- is a noble one.
What's the story?
In PARKS AND RECREATION, an unseen camera crew documents the efforts of Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler), an idealistic parks and rec official working for the town of Pawnee, Ind., to change her community for the better. But her efforts are often hampered by her own incompetence. Among those aiding Leslie on her quest -- and often standing in her way -- are her skeptical boss, Ron (Nick Offerman); her enterprising colleague, Tom (Aziz Ansari); and a state auditor (Adam Scott) with whom she enters into an under-wraps office romance. She also works closely with a local nurse (Rashida Jones) who becomes the city health department's new public relations director -- and her best friend.
Is it any good?
Playing a deluded public servant with a can-do attitude, Poehler -- who first found fame on Saturday Night Live -- tackles a different kind of comedy in this mockumentary that attempts to do for small-town bureaucrats what The Office did for misguided middle managers. And the verdict is that Parks and Recreation pulls it off, thanks in large part to the comedic chops of a woman who once gangsta rapped with Sarah Palin on SNL's "Weekend Update" while 8 months' pregnant.
The show's first season was funny, if not rolling-on-the-floor hilarious -- but the character-driven comedy gets better with time once audiences are more familiar with the players involved and come to embrace their quirks and foibles. The decision to keep things fresh with new regulars and a steady stream of guest stars and is a smart choice, too, pulling talent like Scott, Rob Lowe and Patricia Clarkson into the mix.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the way women are portrayed on television and why positive female relationships tend to be such a rarity. Are women on TV more often shown working together, or working against each other? How do TV stereotypes match up to the behavior of the women you know in real life?
Does the mockumentary style work well for a comedy like this one? Would the show be as funny if it were presented as a typical sitcom with a laugh track? Why do you think the show's creators decided to film it the way they did?
As far as the content, do you think the show exaggerates what happens behind the scenes in local government offices? Do you think local officials do a good job of running your community?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Hilarious for older kids
THIS IS THE FUNNIEST SHOW EVER! It's one of my favorite shows and I think that kids should be able to watch it. Kids younger than 10 probably wouldn't get the jokes but I think it's apropriatte for basically any age. It's really funny. I LOVE AMY POEHLER! I love how she just turns any situation around in this show. cough *positive messages* cough.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Whats the big deal?
This TV is definitely appropriate for kids eleven and up. There is minor sexual reference and some language but its not bad at all. My only complaint is that it is very much like the Office and the main character is a slightly more knowledgeable Michael Scott in female form. I love it and it is particularly funny especially when the main character tries to sing Lady Marmalade and says "Lady Marmalard!"
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
An Okay Show...
PARKS AND RECREATION is an okay show. The whole weekly episode is only 20 minutes long, and there are some funny parts. It's like this: when it's funny, it's really funny. But when it's not funny, it's dull.
There is some language: "b**ch", "a*s", and "d**n" are all used some (stronger language is bleeped out). Reference is made to "getting plastered" at a meeting, and mention is made of two colleagues sleeping together. There is mention of covering up cartoon penises on a mural (nothing is shown).
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Not nearly as bad as the main reviewer says
This show is pretty clean, and mostly quite family friendly. And did I mention it's hilarious? Recommended for basically everyone 10 and up
Was this review useful?
|
|
April 22, 2009
AGE
Pretty good
This Show is pretty funny, I wouldn't quite say "tame" but a far-cry from the worst thing I've ever seen. I think I'll continue watching it. I think this is appropriate for 14-15 year olds, any younger and I just don't think the kids will find it funny
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
It's an "okay" show... but has good potential.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
13 and Up Seems Just About On
From what I've seen of it, this one's great.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Don't miss out on Parks and Rec!
Great show. Like with the Office, we found that catching this show every now and again when it aired was disappointing, but we started the series from the beginning this go round, and allowing the show to introduce the characters and build relationships/personalities/etc. with each episode created a much "funner" experience. The show does not really seem to push any agenda politically, which is nice, too. There are characters who voice opinions about limited government involvement, and those who are proponents of government use of resources for good purposes... but the show never really presents an over arching support of either idea, and the particular characters with these views show so much respect for one another, which is really awesome. The characters are much nicer and more likeable than their Office "counterparts," with the exception of a pretty universal animosity for one character by all the other characters (but this is never portrayed to be an appropriate sort of behavior). Drinking is an issue in some episodes, but generally it is not presented in a positive light. There is some innuendo, but it's pretty ridiculous, and I'm pretty sensitive to that kind of stuff. There is one character who can be a little sleazy, but like so many other things in this show, they don't glamorize the behavior. Overall, a good show. Most episodes would be appropriate for kids even younger than I have voted this show, so if you review before watching with your kiddos, you will find some episodes you'd want to pass on them seeing, but mostly a pretty good and appropriate show. My husband really likes this show, too.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
It's okay for mature older kids.
This show is very funny. I'd say it's the new The Office.
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Topics: | great girl role models, misfits and underdogs |
| TV rating: | TV-PG |
| Network: | NBC |
| Cast: | Amy Poehler, Aziz Ansari, Rashida Jones |
| Genre: | Comedy |
Review It
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already seen it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
