Although it was initially developed as a spin-off from The Office, Parks and Recreation evolved into a beast of its own. With a stellar cast anchored by Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman, Parks and Rec developed its signature unique groove by the second season.
It may not have been the ratings giant that its fellow mockumentary series was, but the streaming age has ensured that Parks and Rec has taken its rightful place as one of the most revered and popular TV comedies of the 21st century. So, here are 10 Parks and Rec episodes that’ll never get old.
Hunting Trip (Season 2, Episode 10)
Although Parks and Rec got off to a shaky start with its first season, it was in full swing by season 2’s “Hunting Trip.” Ron takes the staff hunting in the woods, which ends in tragedy when he takes a stray bullet to the back of the head.
As Andy and April were the only two left behind in the office, the B-plot of “Hunting Trip” paired them up, and we got our first glimpse at Chris Pratt and Aubrey Plaza’s incredible chemistry.
Moving Up (Season 6, Episodes 21/22)
Since it wasn’t as big of a ratings hit as The Office, Parks and Rec was never guaranteed another season. The series’ staff had to write the season 6 finale “Moving Up” as if it might be the series finale.
This isn’t an ideal situation for a TV writing staff to be put in, but it did lead to a wonderful episode that brings every character’s arc to an emotional climax. Plus, the time jump at the end set up an interesting premise for season 7, so it’s a good thing the show continued.
Flu Season (Season 3, Episode 2)
In season 3’s “Flu Season,” a flu pandemic hits Pawnee right before Leslie is expected to give a presentation and, in true Leslie fashion, she’s determined to fight through the sickness and fulfill her commitments.
There are a ton of great character moments in this episode, from picture-of-health Chris succumbing to flu symptoms to Ron and Andy bonding.
End Of The World (Season 4, Episode 6)
The best episodes of Parks and Rec — and the best episodes of sitcoms in general — start out with a premise filled with comic potential and then spend half an hour realizing that potential with hilarious results.
A prime example of this is season 4’s “End of the World,” in which the parks department’s employees butt heads with the Reasonabilists, an apocalyptic cult that hires out a park to celebrate what they believe will be the end of the world.
Halloween Surprise (Season 5, Episode 5)
In season 5’s “Halloween Surprise,” Ben mulls over a big career decision while Ron struggles to develop his relationship with Diane, and Donna live-tweets a schlocky horror movie.
From Jerry’s “fart attack” to Ron deciding that he’s ready for a family, “Halloween Surprise” is filled with unforgettable moments ranging from the hilarious to the heartwarming.
One Last Ride (Season 7, Episodes 12/13)
It’s rare that a TV series finale is able to satisfy fans, but Parks and Rec nailed it. Rather than explain the presence of the in-show documentary crew like its cousin The Office, Parks and Rec’s finale ditched the mockumentary angle and kept the focus on the characters.
This didn’t make the series feel inconsistent; instead, the finale feels like a love letter to fans who stuck with the Pawnee parks department for seven years — and to the characters themselves, who all deserved their happy endings.
Li’l Sebastian (Season 3, Episode 16)
The premise of the season 3 finale, “Li’l Sebastian,” revolves around Pawnee grieving the loss of the titular miniature horse. As the parks department arranges for a memorial service, every character has ample opportunities for hilarity.
It’s rare that a show with an ensemble as big as Parks and Rec’s can have an episode that brings out the best in every character, but in “Li’l Sebastian,” everyone’s in fighting form.
Leslie And Ben (Season 5, Episode 14)
From the moment that Leslie and Ben met, it was clear that they were perfect for each other. So, Parks and Rec fans were delighted when the pair tied the knot in season 5’s “Leslie and Ben.”
Jamm’s attempts to ruin the ceremony are thwarted by Ron, who punches him in the face in a more satisfying display than Tyrion slapping Joffrey. From Ron walking Leslie down the aisle to the actual wedding itself, “Leslie and Ben” is filled with adorable moments.
Andy And April’s Fancy Party (Season 3, Episode 9)
Usually, when two characters on a TV show are getting married, the series spends weeks building up to it as they plan the wedding. But on Parks and Rec, Andy and April’s wedding was a surprise that they sprung on their party guests.
“Andy and April’s Fancy Party” is a fun enough episode, as we see how the characters act at parties, but the midpoint twist that Andy and April’s party is actually their wedding makes it a stone-cold classic.
Leslie And Ron (Season 7, Episode 4)
One of the most surprising changes after the time jump that opens season 7 is that Leslie and Ron are no longer on speaking terms. The two characters who have had each other’s backs since the beginning suddenly hate each other for inexplicable reasons. In the episode “Leslie and Ron,” they get locked in the office together for an entire night to work through their differences.
The episode has plenty of hilarious moments, courtesy of Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman’s impeccable chemistry, and it also has some really heartbreaking moments, like the revelation of why Ron isn’t speaking to Leslie.