By How would the infrastructure of Pawnee, Indiana, handle the coronaviraus pandemic? In less than a week, we’ll be able to find out. Returning April 30th, much-loved NBC sitcom Parks and Recreation will air a special 30-minute episode in an effort to raise funds for COVID-19 relief.
Co-creator Michael Shur spoke to the relief aspect of the reunion, saying “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.”
The cast is indeed turning out, with Amy Poehler, Rashida Jones, Aziz Ansari, Nick Offerman, Aubrey Plaza, Chris Pratt, Adam Scott, Rob Lowe, Jim O’Heir, and Retta all returning to their civil duties. “Guest stars from the original show” are also said to be expected.
The episode will be current in its subject matter, with stalwart optimist and no-holds-barred deputy park director Leslie Knope (Poehler) looking to “stay connected to her friends in a time of social distancing.”
With funds being donated to Feeding America’s COVID-19 Response Fund, the production looks to give the people what they want, and serve a good cause while doing it.
Parks and Recreation ran for seven seasons on NBC from 2009 to 2015, netting Amy Poehler a Golden Globe for her performance, as well as several nominations there and other awards ceremonies.
No time has been set for the one-off episode, but expect it Thursday evening, April 30th, on NBC.
‘Parks and Recreation’ Cast to Reunite for Scripted Special in Aid of COVID-19 [Variety]