Viewers will have the chance to return to Pawnee, Indiana, to see all their favorite characters again. The cast of NBC’s massively success comedy series Parks and Recreation is planning a one-time half-hour scripted special to benefit Feeding America’s COVID-19 Response Fund.
Original characters from the series will return in the special, played by cast members Amy Poehler, Rashida Jones, Aziz Ansari, Nick Offerman, Aubrey Plaza, Chris Pratt, Adam Scott, Rob Lowe, Jim O’Heir, and Retta. A few guest stars may appear as well, including many Pawnee-universe regulars.
“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,” said executive producer Michael Schur. “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!”
The story is inspired by the current global health crisis, in which Pawnee’s most dedicated civil servant, Leslie Knope (Poehler), is determined to stay connected to her friends in a time of social distancing. This special will be the first time viewers will see Leslie Knope, Ron Swanson, and all the colorful cast of characters in five years since the show finished its run after seven seasons.
The Parks and Recreation reunion special is set to air on NBC, Thursday, April 30, at 8:30 pm ET/PT.