"Parks and Recreation" is hands down my favorite show. However, I can acknowledge that some seasons are better than others, and some seasons are just flat out bad. Here are, in my super scientific opinion, how the seasons should be ranked.
7. Season 1
Coming in at six episodes, season 1 can barely be considered a season. The plot was dry and confusing. It’s kind of difficult to tell the intention of the show. There’s this, arguably crazy, lady that works in government… Building a park? In addition to that, the characters were poorly developed. Other than Leslie, it was difficult to tell who the main characters were. I understand that this was the foundation of the show, but I feel like it could have been executed better.
6. Season 2
There is one reason that this season is so low on the list. Mark. Why, why, WHY does Mark leave after this season. I understand that this was probably an issue with production and that the writers probably didn’t intend on writing out a main character. That doesn’t change the fact that it’s awkward to rewatch this season and realize you forgot who Mark was, especially since his character never returns or is mentioned again.
5. Season 6
The biggest disappointment of this season is when Chris and Ann move away. However, they still maintain a presence in the show and Leslie’s life. It’s also disappointing to see Leslie recalled from city council, it almost cheapens the previous seasons. Additionally, the city merger between Pawnee and Eagleton is just really confusing. The saving grace of this season is the unity concert. I have mixed feelings about the time jump.
4. Season 7
Similar to season 1, this season was short and aired in only a month, making it look like they were just trying to get the show over with. I have really mixed feelings about this season. The season as a whole is actually kind of bad, a result from the time jump. However, the show was ended in a very beautiful manner. The flash forward through the future of each individual character was really interesting and closes the series with conviction.
3. Season 4
Although I was never too big on the idea of Leslie running for city council and pretty much leaving the parks department, making the show's title obsolete, after rewatching the season, I really enjoy it. It’s really nice to see all of Leslie’s friends get together and help her out. Leslie’s team takes setback after setback, but in the end, is ultimately successful, and that just makes me really happy.
2. Season 3
This is the season where Ben and Chris are really introduced. Watching for the first time, Ben and Chris could easily be mistaken as guest characters. Because of that, it's really nice to see them become main characters of the show. It's also nice to see Leslie and Ben’s secret relationship grow. I also REALLY liked April and Andy’s wedding episode.
