Parks and Recreation Special Set for NBC

The original cast members of Parks and Recreation are reprising their characters from the hit comedy for NBC and Universal Television’s A Parks and Recreation Special, set to air April 30 at 8:30 p.m.

The Parks and Rec characters return in the 30-minute special, played by original cast members Amy Poehler, Rashida Jones, Aziz Ansari, Nick Offerman, Aubrey Plaza, Chris Pratt, Adam Scott, Rob Lowe, Jim O’Heir and Retta. In addition, several guest stars from the Pawnee universe may pop in. The story comes from the events of the day: Pawnee’s most dedicated civil servant, Leslie Knope, is determined to stay connected to her friends in a time of social distancing.

The telecast was created to raise funds for Feeding America’s COVID-19 Response Fund, which will enable foodbanks to secure the resources they need to serve the most vulnerable members of the community during this difficult time.

“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!”

“In such uncertain times, we can’t think of anyone better than Leslie Knope to unite our country with her unbridled enthusiasm and compassion,” said Lisa Katz and Tracey Pakosta, co-presidents of scripted programming at NBC Entertainment. “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.”