Midway through The Office's run, NBC realized how much its viewers enjoyed unconventional mockumentaries. Thus, Michael Shur and Greg Daniels switched the setting from Scranton, Pennsylvania to Pawnee, Indiana, changed out Dunder Mifflin for a parks department, and replaced Michael Scott with a fiery female lead — and thus, Parks and Recreation was born. The show aired on NBC for seven seasons beginning in April 2009 and it wrapped up in February 2015. And though its number of viewers was not as large as that of The Office, the show boasted fans that were just as passionate.
We're here to take a look at every season of Parks and Recreation to see how they all stack up. Rather than choosing the best season based on our own opinions, though, we'll be turning to Rotten Tomatoes for answers. Each season will be ranked based on its Tomatometer score, which is based on the number of positive and negative critic reviews. Seasons which have a perfect critic score will instead be ranked based on their audience rating. Get ready to cruise into Indiana! Here is a lineup of Parks and Rec's best seasons according to Rotten Tomatoes.
Season 1 (67%)
The inaugural season of Parks and Rec happens to be the lowest-rated season of the show. Despite this, it raked in a 67% audience score for having quirky humor and a diverse cast of characters. Amy Poehler’s strong comedy talents were also evident from the get-go.
Chris Pratt makes his introduction into the show as a guest star, but thankfully, he signed onto the main cast after the initial season. Those who criticized Season 1 felt it was uncomfortable and lacked energy. Lucky for us, there were six more seasons to make it better.
Season 2 (88%)
The next season of Parks was a solid step up from its predecessor, ranking in at 88%. Season 1 was short — and after reevaluating the story, the writers were ready to make it more exciting.
Critics praised the funny plot lines and cleaned-up ensemble. They loved how Leslie’s character developed into someone who was braver and thought better on her feet. Additionally, people were excited to see Rob Lowe and Adam Scott introduced into the cast during the last couple of episodes. The season's single negative critic just didn’t find it to live up to its full entertainment potential.
Season 5 (95%)
Season 5 nabbed a 95% Tomatometer score for being snarky and heartfelt. People praised these episodes for their sharp humor and inventive scenarios. Leslie continues to face unhappy citizens while Tom further embarks on a business venture, Ron dates a single mother, and Ben and April work on a congressional campaign in Washington D.C.
Additionally, this season managed to elevate its predecessors' scenarios in a way that felt fresh, yet true to the show. It is a strong transitional season that pushes the show toward a conclusion.
Season 7 (100%)
The final season of Parks and Rec received a 100% Tomatometer score and a 92% audience score for giving each character a satisfying conclusion and tying up all of the loose ends.
This season is set three years in the future, where Andy has his own TV show, Ben continues to work as City Manager, Ron has parted ways with the parks department to start his own construction company, and Tom has finally reached his long strived-for business success. The issue comes when Leslie and Ron both attempt to purchase the same piece of land for their separate ventures.
Season 6 (100%)
The season before the finale is a slight step ahead with a 100% Tomatometer score and a 95% audience score. Season 6 sees Leslie merging Pawnee and the hated border town Eagleton together. This puts her job at stake since the resident response to the merge is not a positive one.
Ann and Chris leave midway to raise their new baby, and Ron gets ready for the birth of his own kid. Everyone’s growing up, and it shows. Critics loved the cast’s continued strong performances and the constant optimism of Season 6.
Season 4 (100%)
Season 4 was awarded a 100% critic score and a 96% audience score. It has Leslie running for a Pawnee city council seat against her nemesis Bobby Newport (Paul Rudd). She also determines that, in doing so, she has to break up with Ben in order to avoid a conflict of interest. Tom, meanwhile, embarks on an early business dream, ultimately creating an entertainment company that is cool and completely unpractical.
Critics loved how tight-knit and thought-out the season was, specifically praising the strong ending of “Win, Lose or Draw.” Many seasons, including this one, were lauded for final episodes that, while being complete on their own, left room for seasons to come.
Season 3 (100%)
Finally, raking in a 100% Tomatometer score and an equally impressive 97% audience score is the third season of Parks and Rec. Much of the season focuses on Leslie’s wish to throw a harvest festival. This is backdropped by a string of developing romances, including that between Chris and Ann, April and Andy, and Leslie and Ben — despite the latter of the bunch being forbidden to date as coworkers.
Amy Poehler is loved for being genuinely funny in Season 3. While the plot points are absurd, thanks to the sharp writing, the season doesn’t try too hard to be something its not. The show has natural talent — and that is to be praised.
Complete Series (92%)
As a whole, Parks and Recreation is an undeniably funny show. The series scored itself a 92% critic score and a 91% audience score, combining the ratings of each season. The show's tight writing helped shape many comedy stars, including Aubrey Plaza, Chris Pratt, and Adam Scott, into the stars they are today.
Additionally, Parks and Rec has become a cultural icon — one of those shows everyone watches and loves — thanks to its quirky style and memorable scenarios. Though not everyone shares in this love, most of the world does. And as recorded by Rotten Tomatoes, critics are just as obsessed with it.