Great news for anyone stuck at home needing any kind of good news: the all-original cast of Parks and Recreation are reuniting for a one-time special; and even better, the special, A Parks and Recreation Special, will benefit Feeding America’s COVID-19 Fund, which will “enable food banks to secure the resources they need to serve the most vulnerable members of the community during this difficult time.”
The 30-minute special, airing five years after the beloved comedy show ended, will follow Pawnee’s most dedicated civil servant, Leslie Knope as she “is determined to stay connected to her friends in a time of social distancing.” Don’t worry, everyone will make an appearance including Knope herself, Amy Poehler, as well as some of our Parks faves including Rashida Jones, Aziz Ansari, Nick Offerman, Chris Pratt, Adam Scott, Rob Lowe, Jim O’Heir, and Retta. The creators even hinted that several guest stars from the Pawnee universe may pop in. But honestly, we’re most excited to see what April Roberta Ludgate (played by Aubrey Plaza) has been up to; Pawnee’s most acerbic public servant is sure to be going through it during this pandemic.
“Like a lot of other people, we were looking for ways to help and felt that bringing these characters back for a night could raise some money,”executive producer Michael Schur said. “I sent a hopeful email to the cast and they all got back to me within 45 minutes. Our old Parks and Rec team has put together one more 30-minute slice of (quarantined) Pawnee life and we hope everyone enjoys it. And donates!”
In an effort to offer assistance to those affected by the coronavirus pandemic, the NBC and Universal Television’s show is teaming up State Farm and Subaru of America, which will be matching donations of $150,000 and, combined with NBCUniversal and the writers, producers, and cast of Parks and Recreation, a total of $500,000 in matching donations will be made through May 21.
A Parks and Recreation Special will air Thursday, April 30 at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT on NBC.