Parks and Recreation: Season 5
2012 · 22 episodes · ★ 7.6
What Season 5 of Parks and Recreation
Leslie Knope takes office as a city councilor in Pawnee with a first assignment: pushing through a tax on giant sodas. Leslie and Andy travel to Washington to visit Ben and April, who are starting new jobs there, and she feels overwhelmed by the city. In the Parks Department, Ron Swanson finds fault with every project, and Leslie also clashes with April, who wants to turn Lot 48 into a dog park. Leslie negotiates with her fellow council members to get her proposals passed. Ben, Tom and Andy have their own storylines involving business and Ben's family.
Season 5 Episodes
5x01 Ms. Knope Goes to Washington
Leslie and Andy visit Ben and April at their new jobs in Washington D.C., and Leslie feels overwhelmed by the city -- especially after meeting two of her idols. Meanwhile, Ron throws a "thank you" barbeque for the entire Parks and Recreation staff.
Directing: Dean Holland · Writing: Aisha Muharrar · Starring: Ben Zelevansky, Amy Tolsky, Jessica Hansen, Lauren White
5x02 Soda Tax
Leslie decides to wage war on obesity in Pawnee in her first mission as city councilor by passing a city-wide soda tax. Meanwhile, Andy tries to get in shape for his police-entrance exam, and Ben struggles to connect with the interns in his office.
Directing: Kyle Newacheck · Writing: Norm Hiscock · Starring: Lee de Broux, Courtney Cook, Pete Ploszek, Kevin Symons
5x03 How a Bill Becomes a Law
Leslie helps a local swim team get more practice time by working on a new law that extends the hours at the community pool; Ron finds himself filling a pothole for a local woman (Lucy Lawless) as part of Chris' new plan to solve citizens' problems around the city; April and Ben take a road trip to Pawnee.
Directing: Ken Whittingham · Writing: Daniel J. Goor · Starring: Lucy Lawless, Autumn Butler, Tyler F. Anderson, Hailey Sole
5x04 Sex Education
An STD outbreak amongst Pawnee seniors prompts Leslie to conduct a sex education class. Meanwhile, Ron helps Tom adjust to life without technology after his gadgets are taken away, and Ben and April meet Congressman Murray for the first time.
Directed by: Craig Zisk · Written by: Alan Yang · Starring: Adam J. Harrington, John Storey, Alex Morris, Alexis Jayde Burnett
5x05 Halloween Surprise
A new job offer for Ben causes Leslie to contemplates their future. Meanwhile, Ron and Andy take Diane's girls out trick-or-treating, and Tom searches for a new business idea.
Directing: Dean Holland · Writing: Michael Schur · Starring: Lucy Lawless, Kathryn Hahn, Jack Scalia, Susan Isaacs
5x06 Ben's Parents
Leslie is nervous about meeting Ben's divorced parents. Tom prepares to pitch his new business to Ron with Jean-Ralphio's help. Chris rides an emotional rollercoaster.
Directing: Dean Holland · Writing: Greg Levine · Starring: Jonathan Banks, Pamela Reed, Glenne Headly, Kulap Vilaysack
5x07 Leslie vs. April
Leslie gets upset when April tries to get Lot 48 made into a dog park. Meanwhile, Tom enlists Ben's help as he tries to launch his new business venture, and Andy hones his crime scene investigation skills.
Directed by: Wendey Stanzler · Written by: Harris Wittels · Starring: Paul Rust, August Emerson, Linda Lodge, Tracy Howe
5x08 Pawnee Commons
Leslie and Ben meet with an architect from their rival town, Eagleton, about designs for a new park.
Directed by: Morgan Sackett · Written by: Alexandra Rushfield · Starring: Dan Castellaneta, Brad Hall, Jessica Barth, Nick Toth
5x09 Ron and Diane Mid-Season Finale
Ron, Diane, and Leslie attend a wood working awards dinner after one of Ron's handcrafted chairs is nominated, but the happy occasion is threatened by the arrival of Tammy II. Meanwhile, Jerry hosts a holiday party at his home with his wife, and some of his friends are shocked to find they were not invited.
Directed by: Daniel J. Goor · Written by: Aisha Muharrar, Megan Amram · Starring: Lucy Lawless, Carol Avery, Duane R. Shepard Sr., Tracy Howe
5x10 Two Parties
Ben and Leslie's rival bachelor and bachelorette parties each take on a very different tune.
Directing: Dean Holland · Writing: Dave King · Starring: Roy Hibbert, Newt Gingrich, Kyle R. Robinson, David Wells
5x11 Women in Garbage
Leslie and April handle a garbage route, while Tom asks Andy and Ben to teach him about basketball. Meanwhile, Ron is left to watch Diane's kids while their babysitter is out of town.
Directing: Norm Hiscock · Writing: Harris Wittels · Starring: Lucy Lawless, Bonnie Bartlett, Michael Patrick McGill, Avner Garbi
5x12 Ann's Decision
Ann tries to get to know herself as Leslie meddles in one of her biggest life decisions. Meanwhile, things go south when Ben enlists the guys to help choose a caterer for the wedding.
Directed by: Ken Whittingham · Written by: Nate DiMeo · Starring: Tuc Watkins, Sarah Beth Bassak, Brendan Jennings, Jimmy Smagula
5x13 Emergency Response
Leslie and Ben organize a black tie gala to raise money for their park, but their plans are derailed when a city-wide emergency response drill is called. Meanwhile, Andy prepares to take his Police Academy Exam and Ron fills in for Leslie on Pawnee Today.
Directing: Dean Holland · Writing: Norm Hiscock, Joe Mande · Starring: Matt Walsh, Jim Hanna, Michael Eisenstein, Rhomeyn Johnson
5x14 Leslie and Ben
Leslie and Ben are getting married, and have to cram months of planning into two hours. Meanwhile, Ron's temper gets him in trouble.
Directing: Craig Zisk · Writing: Michael Schur, Alan Yang · Starring: Tracy Howe, Dave King, Barry Ashley, Rhomeyn Johnson
5x15 Correspondents' Lunch
Leslie's speech she prepared for a special event is stolen. Ben begins his new job at the Sweetums Charity Foundation. Ann summons the courage to ask an important question.
Directing: Nick Offerman · Writing: Alexandra Rushfield · Starring: Tracy Howe, Jamie Denbo, Morgan Peter Brown, Susan Yeagley
5x16 Bailout
Leslie is determined to help a local video store stay in business, while Chris offers Tom advice on how to deal with a difficult employee. Elsewhere, Ann resorts to blackmail to get April to be her friend.
Directing: Craig Zisk · Writing: Joe Mande · Starring: Gary Kraus, Mara Marini, Joe Mande, Christopher Frontiero
5x17 Partridge
Leslie accompanies Ben on a trip to his hometown which has offered him a key to the city. Ron deals with a lawsuit filed against him by Councilman Jamm. Ann and Chris take a parenting compatibility quiz.
Directing: Tristram Shapeero · Writing: Dave King · Starring: Bil Dwyer, J.K. Simmons, Annabeth Gish, Wolf Muser
5x18 Animal Control
Leslie decides to give the Animal Control Department a much-needed makeover. Ann tries to get Ron the medical attention he needs. Ben, Tom, and Andy recruit donors for their charity foundation.
Directing: Craig Zisk · Writing: Megan Amram · Starring: Donick Cary, Katie Dippold, Timothy Hornor, Kevin Symons
5x19 Article Two
Leslie works to get rid of outdated laws from the original town charter. April and Ron receive management training from Chris. Ben finds himself in a bidding war against Ann to win a present for Leslie.
Directing: Amy Poehler · Writing: Matt Murray · Starring: Patton Oswalt, Jaime Moyer, Brian Stack, Kevin Symons
5x20 Jerry's Retirement
When Leslie finds out Jerry is retiring, she struggles with the proper way to commemorate the occasion. Chris and Ann prepare to have a baby together. Tom worries he will become the office punching bag once Jerry leaves.
Directing: Nicole Holofcener · Writing: Norm Hiscock, Aisha Muharrar · Starring: Christie Brinkley, Sarah Wright, Katie Gill, Maliabeth Johnson
5x21 Swing Vote
Leslie deems Ron's budget-cut proposals unacceptable. Andy and Ben celebrate a big donation made to their charity. Ann tries to solve Tom's girlfriend troubles.
Directing: Alan Yang · Writing: Alan Yang, Joe Mande · Starring: David Phillips, Esther Povitsky, Allison Poccia, Jenny Slate
5x22 Are You Better Off? Season Finale
Leslie celebrates her first year as a city councilwoman. Retired Special Agent Burt Macklin is recalled to action. April gets some life-changing news. Tom debates a big business opportunity.
Directing: Dean Holland · Writing: Michael Schur · Starring: Lucy Lawless, Mara Marini, Mary Faber, Jenny Slate
Season 5 Cast
Jim O'HeirJerry Gergich22 episodes
James GreeneCouncilman Milton10 episodes
Jon GlaserCouncilman Jamm9 episodes
Yvans JourdainCouncilman Howser8 episodes
Lucy LawlessDiane Lewis5 episodes
Kevin SymonsCouncilman Dexhart5 episodes
Richard BurchHerman Lerpiss5 episodes
Tracy HoweOfficer Skorggel4 episodes
Alison BeckerShauna Malwae-Tweep4 episodes
Mary FaberKathryn Pinewood3 episodes
Jenny SlateMona-Lisa Saperstein3 episodes
Helen Slayton-HughesEthel Beavers3 episodesAll Seasons
Season 12009 · 6 ep. · ★ 7.3
Season 22009 · 24 ep. · ★ 7.8
Season 32011 · 16 ep. · ★ 8.0
Season 42011 · 22 ep. · ★ 7.7
Season 62013 · 20 ep. · ★ 7.7
Season 72015 · 12 ep. · ★ 7.8Where to Watch Season 5 of Parks and Recreation
Buy
More info and links
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does season 5 of Parks and Recreation have?
Season 5 of Parks and Recreation has 22 episodes.
When did Parks and Recreation Season 5 premiere?
Premiered on September 20, 2012.
Where to watch Parks and Recreation Season 5?
Currently not available on the major subscription platforms (availability may vary by country).
What is the best episode of Season 5?
According to the TMDB audience rating, episode 5x14, "Leslie and Ben," with a 8.5.