Common Sense Media Review
By Kari Croop
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Local government spoof for mature viewers is goofy at heart.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Parks and Recreation
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 45 parent reviews
Based on 163 kid reviews
Kids say this show is incredibly funny and relatable, making it a favorite for many families while also featuring positive role models like Leslie Knope. Though some viewers mention inappropriate content, particularly with sexual jokes and mild swearing, the overall consensus is that it's a light-hearted and entertaining experience suitable for older children and teens, especially with guidance from parents.
- funny
- role models
- mild swearing
- family-friendly
- light-hearted
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
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?
This series is goofy, clever, and ultimately, full of heart. 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.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the way women are portrayed on television and why positive female relationships like those on Parks and Recreation 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?
How do the characters on Parks and Recreation demonstrate integrity and teamwork? Why are those important character strengths?
TV Details
- Premiere date : April 9, 2009
- Cast : Amy Poehler , Nick Offerman , Aziz Ansari , Adam Scott , Rashida Jones , Aubrey Plaza
- Network : NBC
- Genre : Comedy
- Character Strengths : Integrity , Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Awards : Emmy - Emmy Award Nominee , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Winner , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Nominee , NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Nominee
- Last updated : October 15, 2025
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