Parents' Guide to

Parks and Recreation

By Kari Croop, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Local government spoof for mature viewers is goofy at heart.

TV NBC Comedy 2009
Parks and Recreation Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

  • Parks and Recreation TV Show: The Parks department
  • Parks and Recreation TV Show: Donna and Ron Swanson
  • Parks and Recreation TV Show: Leslie Knope runs for office
  • Parks and Recreation TV Show: Leslie and Ben

Community Reviews

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age 13+

Based on 44 parent reviews

02befree
02befree Adult
December 8, 2016
age 16+

Adult themes, reference to genitals repeatedly - Why does everyone think this is okay for their kids.

This is obviously a popular show, and it even has a cult following, so I was a bit shocked as I watched part of this while my teens where watching it, and so many times there were things that really disappointed me. I'm a Christian and I'm not living in a box. I'm a business owner, I travel, I have gay relatives, and I'm quite aware of what's "going on out there". But to say Well times have changed and I think kids need exposure to stuff like this....I totally disagree. Hearing swear words and talking about male genitals has never been okay, and never will be okay. If your morals change with time and move with technology and "the times" that's your choice, but I don't think this show is appropriate for even teens and I think it will have an adverse effect on what they think is "normal". Isn't that the goal of the immoral forces of the world - to change what's "normal". Pull your head out of the sand.
ceebee
ceebee Adult
May 6, 2019
age 18+

Parks and Rec = Cheap Humor

Hi, I heard that Parks and Rec was a clean, funny show but upon watching episode after episode, I was disheartened to say the least. The show is littered with humor that is anything but clean; jokes are crude and usually sexually-oriented. The show's main tactic seems to be using sexual topics as "laughter fodder" - over and over and over again. I would cation people of all ages about watching this show, as the world's view of "clean" is astonishingly skewed. And props to all those who "watch what they watch!" ;)
See all 44 parent reviews

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?

Our review:
Parents say (44 ):
Kids say (158 ):

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

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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