UPDATE: You can now watch the episode here!
(But with some VPN support…)
ORIGINAL ARTICLE:
The end of a great sitcom often feels like losing a group of good friends. Like when you actually did lose friends in 2004 when FRIENDS ended. For those of us with the preference of fictional characters’ company over real people, that’s a never-ending pain.
Thankfully, in the land of television, the magic of reunions exist! And by the power vested in Networks, the Parks and Recreation gang are being reunited for a one-time scripted charity TV special.
Meet Leslie Knope
Hey, Pawnee! Free up your schedules on April 30, because #ParksAndRec is returning to NBC for “A Parks and Recreation Special”! Together with our neighbors at @StateFarm, we’re helping raise money for @FeedingAmerica. 🌳❤️ We hope to see you there! https://t.co/CYgzmwp3PO pic.twitter.com/NQoXpbmn7R
— NBC Entertainment (@nbc) April 23, 2020
That pretty much makes this an official, canonical entry to Parks and Recreation! The world’s gonna be alright again! Leslie Knope’s here to save us all!
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!
-Executive Producer Michael Schur
This special episode, expected to be half-hour long, follows Leslie on her telecommunication journey to keep in touch will the gang even this season of social distancing. The episode will be shot by the actors from their own homes due to their self-isolation.
The Reunion Will Rise Funds for Feeding America
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.
– Lisa Katz and Tracey Pakosta, Co-Presidents of Scripted Programming, NBC Entertainment
Some of the confirmed cast members set to return are Amy Poehler, Nick Offerman, Adam Scott, Aubrey Plaza, Rashida Jones, Aziz Ansari, Retta, Jim O’Heir, Rob Lowe, and Chris Pratt.