NBC’s “Parks and Recreation” is now three episodes into its fourth season. The first few episodes of season four continue what has been one of the greatest episode runs in television history.
Beginning with the premiere of season three of “Parks and Recreation,” each episode has improved on the last. Not one of the 18 episodes since the season three premiere on Jan. 20 this year has been subpar. Week after week, “Parks” proves why it is the best show on television right now.
Four days before the season two finale, on May 16, 2010, NBC announced its fall television schedule. This announcement included that “Parks and Recreation” would be delayed until mid-season with a January date for its season three premiere. It left everyone – cast, crew and viewers – with a cliffhanger.
Paul Schneider, who played Mark Brendanawicz, would not return for the series’ third season. Two guest stars at the end of season two, Adam Scott and Rob Lowe, would be upgraded to regulars for season three. Ratings were low and it wasn’t clear how much longer the show had left at NBC.
So with no other choice, “Parks” took the extra four months it was given to write, produce and film one of the greatest comedic television seasons of all time. Season three did something nearly unheard of for a comedy on television – it got better with each episode. In fact, the season peaked just two episodes before the finale in “The Fight,” though one could easily argue the two episodes that follow are as good.
From Jan. 20 to May 19, it was clear “Parks” had taken it to another level. Talk to viewers who have watched the show from the beginning, and you’re likely to hear the same thing: Season one is not very good and season two is solid but not great. It wasn’t until season three that “Parks” took its spot as what many are calling the best show on television.
After being delayed until mid-season, “Parks and Recreation” came back with a vengeance. The show solidified the best ensemble cast since “Friends,” and following the demise of Jim and Pam on “The Office,” gave us characters we could actually care about. It’s nearly impossible to pick a favorite character – even Jerry and Donna can be the highlight of an episode. Aziz Ansari is growing into one of the funniest comedians, Chris Pratt is landing larger and larger movie roles and Amy Poehler was undeniably robbed at the Emmys a few weeks ago. Let’s not even get into Nick Offerman; one could write an entire article discussing the genius that is the character Ron Swanson.
After the first two episodes of season four, the show’s credibility persists. If you’re not already watching “Parks,” you should start now.