Parks and Recreation to return for scripted reunion in aid of coronavirus charity
Half-hour revival will see Leslie Knope and friends contend with the struggles of social distancing
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Beloved sitcom Parks and Recreation will return for a scripted special to raise money for coronavirus charities.
Most of the show’s original cast, including Amy Poehler, Rashida Jones, Aziz Ansari, Nick Offerman, Aubrey Plaza, Chris Pratt, Adam Scott, Rob Lowe, Retta and Jim O’Heir, are coming back, as well as some of the series’s guest stars.
The half-hour-long special, helmed by series creator Michael Schur, will see civil servant Leslie Knope contend with the struggles of social distancing.
Money raised from the broadcast will benefit Feeding America’s Covid-19 Response Fund.
Parks and Recreation ran on NBC from 2009 to 2015, and focused on the adventures of a group of dysfunctional – or, in Leslie’s case, over-functional – employees working for local government in the fictional town of Pawnee, Indiana.
Lisa Katz and Tracey Pakosta, NBC’s co-presidents of scripted programming, said: “In such uncertain times, we can’t think of anyone better than Leslie Knope to unite our country with her unbridled enthusiasm and compassion.”
“A huge thank you to Mike Schur and the cast of ‘Parks and Recreation’ for putting this wonderful special together and bringing a smile to all our faces while raising money for such a worthwhile cause.”
The episode will air in the US on April 30. No UK air date has been announced.
Show creator Schur said: “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.”
“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!”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments