The BEST episodes of Parks and Recreation season 1

Every episode of Parks and Recreation season 1, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of Parks and Recreation season 1!

The series follows Leslie Knope, the deputy head of the Parks and Recreation department in the fictional town of Pawnee, Indiana. Knope takes on a project with a nurse named Ann to turn a construction pit into a park, while trying to mentor a bored college-aged intern. However, Leslie must fight through the bureaucrats, problem neighbors, and developers in order to make her dream a reality, all with a camera crew recording her every gaff and mishap.

Last Updated: 11/3/2024Network: NBCStatus: Ended
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Rock Show
star
7.66
3023 votes

#1 - Rock Show

Season 1 - Episode 6 - Aired 5/14/2009

Leslie attends what she believes is a business meeting with an elderly local government bigwig, unaware that her mother has secretly set her up on a blind date. Andy plays his first gig since breaking both of his legs in the pit.

Directors: Michael Schur
Writer: Norm Hiscock
Watch Now:Apple TV
Boys' Club
star
7.44
3494 votes

#2 - Boys' Club

Season 1 - Episode 4 - Aired 4/30/2009

Leslie attempts to break into the political "old boys' club," causing an ethical dilemma. Meanwhile, Andy plans a surprise for Ann.

Writer: Alan Yang
Watch Now:Apple TV
The Banquet
star
7.37
3272 votes

#3 - The Banquet

Season 1 - Episode 5 - Aired 5/7/2009

During a banquet honoring her mother's public service, Leslie tries to convince a local zoning official to support her proposed park project. Meanwhile, Mark and Tom try to meet some ladies.

Watch Now:Apple TV
The Reporter
star
7.24
3640 votes

#4 - The Reporter

Season 1 - Episode 3 - Aired 4/23/2009

Leslie arranges for a reporter to do a story about her park project, but she and her committee have the worst time staying on topic. She then calls Mark to help her save the story, but it ends up hurting more than helping. Meanwhile, Tom does all he can to suck up to his boss.

Directors: Jeffrey Blitz
Writer: Dan Goor
Watch Now:Apple TV
Canvassing
star
7.22
4096 votes

#5 - Canvassing

Season 1 - Episode 2 - Aired 4/16/2009

Leslie decides that she and her committee need to go door-to-door to gain support for the park project as well as support for an upcoming town hall meeting, but their mission does not go as planned. Meanwhile, Tom wanders away from the canvassing group and uses his own creative recruitment tactics.

Directors: Seth Gordon
Writer: Rachel Axler
Watch Now:Apple TV
Make My Pit a Park
star
7.20
5104 votes

#6 - Make My Pit a Park

Season 1 - Episode 1 - Aired 4/9/2009

Indiana government worker Leslie Knope is given the assignment to convert an abandoned quarry pit into a community park. A documentary film crew follows Leslie through her mishaps and gaffes as she tries to make her assignment a reality.

Directors: Greg Daniels
Watch Now:Apple TV