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The Best Episodes of Parks and Recreation Season 3

Every episode of Parks and Recreation Season 3 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of Parks and Recreation Season 3!

The Best Episodes of Parks and Recreation Season 3

In an attempt to beautify her town — and advance her career — Leslie Knope, a mid-level bureaucrat in the Parks and Recreation Department of...

Seasons7

  1. Background image for Go Big or Go Home
    7.6/10(28 votes)

    #1 - Go Big or Go Home

    S3:E1

    Leslie and the Parks Department return to work after three months to discover that the budget crisis still looms. After unsuccessfully trying to have their budget restored by using Ann to charm Chris with a date, Leslie decides to make an all or nothing play by resurrecting the Pawnee Harvest Festival. Meanwhile, Ben restarts the youth basketball league and instates Ron and Andy to coach the only two teams. April returns from a vacation with a new boyfriend.

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    Director:Dean Holland
    Writer:Alan Yang
  2. Background image for Flu Season
    8.1/10(30 votes)

    #2 - Flu Season

    S3:E2

    While planning for the local Harvest Festival, Leslie is struck with the flu and is forced to go to the hospital. Ron and Andy have a day of male bonding, and Tom hits the spa.

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  3. Background image for Time Capsule
    7.3/10(27 votes)

    #3 - Time Capsule

    S3:E3

    Leslie wants to bury a time capsule that encapsulates life in Pawnee, but an odd suggestion from a local man causes unforeseen consequences. Andy seeks help from Chris about how to win back April.

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  4. Background image for Ron & Tammy: Part Two
    7.9/10(27 votes)

    #4 - Ron & Tammy: Part Two

    S3:E4

    Tom tries to get back at Ron by going out on a date with Ron's ex-wife Tammy, while Leslie tries to protect Ron from falling prey to her charms. Meanwhile, April is assigned to work with Chris.

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    Director:Tucker Gates
  5. Background image for Media Blitz
    7.7/10(27 votes)

    #5 - Media Blitz

    S3:E5

    While advertising for the Harvest Festival, Ben has to deal with some troubling questions about his past. Meanwhile, Andy continues to try to win April back.

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  6. Background image for Indianapolis
    7.5/10(26 votes)

    #6 - Indianapolis

    S3:E6

    Ron and Leslie take a road trip to the big city in order to visit Ron's favorite place which happens to be a steakhouse, but Leslie has alternative motives for the trip.

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  8. Background image for Harvest Festival
    8.2/10(26 votes)

    #7 - Harvest Festival

    S3:E7

    It's make it or break it for the Parks Department at the Harvest Festival which is full of surprises.

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  9. Background image for Camping
    7.4/10(26 votes)

    #8 - Camping

    S3:E8

    Leslie takes the whole department camping in order to brainstorm new ideas. Meanwhile, Andy attempts a romantic gesture for April, while Ann gets nervous when Chris returns to Pawnee as the new city manager.

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    Director:Rob Schrab
  10. Background image for Andy and April's Fancy Party
    8.2/10(28 votes)

    #9 - Andy and April's Fancy Party

    S3:E9

    April and Andy host a dinner party for the Parks Department. Meanwhile, Ann tries to move on from Chris at a singles' party.

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  11. Background image for Soulmates
    7.9/10(28 votes)

    #10 - Soulmates

    S3:E10

    Leslie tries an online dating service, but doesn't end up with a stranger as she expects. Also, Chris challenges Ron to a grilling competition as part of his plans to make Pawnee healthier.

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    Writer:Alan Yang
  12. Background image for Jerry's Painting
    8.2/10(29 votes)

    #11 - Jerry's Painting

    S3:E11

    Jerry’s contribution to Leslie’s community art show causes a stir. Ben moves in with April and Andy and attempts to teach them how to be adults. Meanwhile, Leslie is frustrated by Chris and his interoffice dating rules.

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    Director:Dean Holland
  13. Background image for Eagleton
    7.9/10(26 votes)

    #12 - Eagleton

    S3:E12

    Leslie's ex-best friend, Lindsay Carlisle Shay, launches an attack on Pawnee, banning residents from visiting a nearby park in the neighboring city of Eagleton with a large fence, causing Leslie to go to war with Eagleton. Meanwhile, everyone finds out that it is Ron's birthday, a fact that he went to extreme lengths to conceal.

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  14. Background image for The Fight
    8.0/10(26 votes)

    #13 - The Fight

    S3:E13

    When Leslie tries to get Ann a job at city hall, her lukewarm reaction causes their first-ever fight. Tom invites the entire department to the Snakehole Lounge to help him promote his new alcohol, "Snake Juice."

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  15. Background image for Road Trip
    8.2/10(24 votes)

    #14 - Road Trip

    S3:E14

    When Chris sends Leslie and Ben on a trip to Indianapolis, Leslie is afraid she won't be able to deny her feelings for him. Ron teaches a young student about his views on government. Meanwhile, Andy gets his feelings hurt by April after playing Tom's new game.

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  16. Background image for The Bubble
    7.9/10(27 votes)

    #15 - The Bubble

    S3:E15

    Everyone in the office is unhappy when Chris decides to make some big changes in the parks department -- especially Tom who starts to question his career choices. Leslie is caught off guard when Ben has a meeting with her mom.

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  17. Background image for Li'l Sebastian
    7.9/10(24 votes)

    #16 - Li'l Sebastian

    S3:E16

    Leslie and the parks team put together a memorial service for a dearly departed friend. Meanwhile, Tom makes a big life decision, while Chris reacts badly to a health problem.

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Season 3 Ratings Summary

"Go Big or Go Home" is the best rated episode of "Parks and Recreation" season 3. It scored 7.6/10 based on 28 votes. Directed by Dean Holland and written by Alan Yang, it aired on 1/20/2011. This episode is rated 0.5 points higher than the second-best, "Flu Season".