THE SHOW "Parks and Recreation" 
 WHEN | WHERE Season premiere 9: 30 p.m. Thursday on NBC 
 WHAT IT'S ABOUT Ah, breathe in that air! Smell that "sweet sugar of bureaucracy at work," says new Pawnee, Ind., councilwoman Leslie Knope (<a href="/topics//Amy_Poehler">Amy Poehler</a>), who has swung a trip to the nation's capital. On official business to directly apply for federal funds to clean up the Pawnee River, she's really there to hang with Ben (<a href="/topics//Adam_Scott">Adam Scott</a>) -- who took that job to work on a congressional campaign. Of course, Andy (Chris Pratt) had to tag along because April (Aubrey Plaza) is helping Ben. Back in Pawnee, Ron (Nick Offerman) is handling Parks and Rec; his management style is controversial. At a company social function, he insists, "Barbecues should be about one thing -- good shared meat." 
 MY SAY <a href="/topics//Washington">Washington</a> not only offers Leslie -- as well as "Parks and Rec" -- a wonderful new sandbox to play in, but wonderful new playmates as well. There are two effective senatorial cameos here -- Sen. <a href="/topics//Olympia_Snowe">Olympia Snowe</a> (R-<a href="/topics//Maine">Maine</a>), Sen. <a href="/topics//Barbara_Boxer">Barbara Boxer</a> (D-Calif.) -- but a third one by Sen. <a href="/topics//John_McCain">John McCain</a> (R-Ariz.) is just about priceless. This trip won't last long, then it's back to Pawnee, but at least the promise of future junkets remains. Leslie and her outsized enthusiasm for everything D.C. is a gold mine. 
 BOTTOM LINE Meanwhile, it seems almost redundant to say, but "Parks and Rec" remains funny, sharp and inventive. 
 GRADE A-

THE SHOW "Parks and Recreation" WHEN | WHERE Season premiere 9: 30 p.m. Thursday on NBC WHAT IT'S ABOUT Ah, breathe in that air! Smell that "sweet sugar of bureaucracy at work," says new Pawnee, Ind., councilwoman Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler), who has swung a trip to the nation's capital. On official business to directly apply for federal funds to clean up the Pawnee River, she's really there to hang with Ben (Adam Scott) -- who took that job to work on a congressional campaign. Of course, Andy (Chris Pratt) had to tag along because April (Aubrey Plaza) is helping Ben. Back in Pawnee, Ron (Nick Offerman) is handling Parks and Rec; his management style is controversial. At a company social function, he insists, "Barbecues should be about one thing -- good shared meat." MY SAY Washington not only offers Leslie -- as well as "Parks and Rec" -- a wonderful new sandbox to play in, but wonderful new playmates as well. There are two effective senatorial cameos here -- Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) -- but a third one by Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) is just about priceless. This trip won't last long, then it's back to Pawnee, but at least the promise of future junkets remains. Leslie and her outsized enthusiasm for everything D.C. is a gold mine. BOTTOM LINE Meanwhile, it seems almost redundant to say, but "Parks and Rec" remains funny, sharp and inventive. GRADE A-

Entertainment

ETBOT20.WEB

'Parks and Recreation' review: a D.C. sojourn

Newsday

parks-CROPPED

Entertainment trending

Take our quizzes

34 must-see fall concerts

Fall theater preview

Too much 'Jeopardy'?

Most Popular

Entertainment Rail Module

Five films, including "On the Waterfront" and "North by Northwest," will be shown on Oct. 25.

TCM to show Eva Marie Saint marathon

Roger Earl talks about why he loves the region ahead of the band's show at The Paramount.

Foghat's drummer calls Long Island home

He talks about his book, demise of WCBS NewsRadio 880, how industry has changed.

Catching up with WCBS NewsRadio's Tim Scheld

Islip guitar maker John Monteleone presenting event at The Jazz Loft Oct. 15-17.

Learn about the art of guitar making from a master at Stony Brook fest

A sampling of the Piano Man's collection of 70 bikes can be viewed ahead of a November auction.

Movin' out: Billy Joel's motorcycles on display at Christie's auction house

Billy Joel will be auctioning off more than 70 motorcycles at Gooding Christie's in Manhattan next month. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger got a sneak peek at three.

'It's a rider's collection'

Sign up for Newsday's Entertainment newsletter

Entertainment newsletter widget

More Entertainment

Entertainment Article Bottom Module

Emma Slater will perform and host this year's show, which will be Feb. 5.

Feet accomplished: MSG to host 'Dancing With the Stars'

"The Good Wife" creators should have a hit with this series starring Mike Colter.

The verdict for legal drama 'Cupertino': Guilty of being terrific

Before "Abbott Elementary," there was "Our Miss Brooks" and more shows with smart TV teachers.

Remember these classy TV teachers?

The city of New York plays a big role in this "NCIS" spinoff.

Does 'NCIS: New York' make the grade with its locations?

The sitcom star and the executive producer of "Everybody Loves Raymond" will be inducted on Nov. 5.

Ray Romano to be inducted into LI hall of fame

NEWSDAY TV SHORTS

Vertical videos

NewsdayTV's Carissa Kellman explores the historic and festive charm of Sleepy Hollow during a fall day trip.

A hauntingly good time in Sleepy Hollow

NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano has your look at what to know ahead of the 2026 Oyster Festival.

What to expect at this year's Oyster Fest

NewsdayTV's Macy Egeland talks to Lisa Lackner, founder of Beyond Motherhood, about maternal mental health.

Working Moms: Maternal mental health

NewsdayTV's Doug Geed visits a vineyard in Cutchogue featuring on-site B&B accommodations.

Out East: Sannino Vineyard

A sneak peek of Billy Joel's motorcycles going to auction next month

NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano visits Das Biergarten in Long Beach.

It's Oktoberfest every day at this Long Beach restaurant

The firefighter says her free speech rights were violated. The case demonstrates the depths of the divisiveness of politics in America today. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

LI fire department removes volunteer after Facebook comment about ICE

The Mineola High School marching band and wind ensemble have been invited to perform at London's New Year's Parade in 2028. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie has more.

LI High School marching band to perform in London New Year’s Parade

Stuart Cameron, now the chief of the Old Westbury Police Department, said "The Long Watch" began as an attempt to share his experiences during 40-plus years in law enforcement with his children and grandchildren.

Chief Stuart Cameron talks new book 'The Long Watch' and Gilgo investigation

Marine life experts said two juvenile humpback whales became stuck due to sandbars created in last month's nor'easter. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa has more.

2 whales stranded on LI

Sitewide Video Playlist

Islandia village officials have cleared the path to build a mixed-use development with hundreds of housing units and 50 hotel rooms on 13 acres of vacant land near Jake's 58 casino. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

Two 5-story buildings to occupy site

Steel beams from the World Trade Center have become memorials to those who were lost in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and can now be found scattered throughout Long Island. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa reports.

'It's a beautiful testament'

For many of the approximately 100,000 Muslims living on Long Island, the deadliest terrorist act committed on U.S. soil — carried out by 19 al-Qaida hijackers — pointed an unwelcome spotlight at them. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

'Hoping things will be different for my kids and my grandkids'

NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn looks at how Long Island schools are using first-person memories and immersive experiences to teach about 9/11, 25 years later.

'History's a living, breathing thing'

Mohammad Salman Hamdani, a Muslim 23-year-old NYPD cadet and paramedic living in Queens, was the subject of a police wanted poster until his remains were found at Ground Zero. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger has more.

'It's about my son, Salman, his sacrifice'

Tanya Jackson's dismembered body was once tied to the Gilgo Beach serial killer probe, authorities said. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn has more.

Possible motive in 'Peaches' case revealed

Santos Banegas Reyes, a 42-year-old ICE detainee, died in Nassau County Jail last year after staff provided "inadequate medical care," a federal report found. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

'My reaction to the report is outrage'

Some of the largest water consumers in Suffolk are commercial customers. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn has more.

'Conservation is a shared responsibility'

New court filings show the girl was allegedly isolated in her room and told not to leave the bed or speak with anyone for a full day while her appointed caretaker, Emily Kelly, visited the girl's father in prison. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn has more.

New court documents in Jor'Dynn Duncan case

Nearly $1.2 billion in unclaimed funds is available across more than 5 million accounts on Long Island, according to the state comptroller's office. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

$1.2B available across 5 million accounts on LI

The parking shortage at Jake's 58 Casino Hotel has been a common complaint. Now, the site is set to get an additional 800 parking spaces. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

'When it gets late, you can't find a spot'

App Nativo Ad Unit Slot

TV - megaslot

Newsday TV critic Verne Gay reviews new TV shows and series from Netflix, Max, Hulu and more. Plus, what Long Island actors are working on and Long Island filming locations.

'Parks and Recreation' review: a D.C. sojourn

Most Popular

Top Stories

Stay logged in.