Season 5
22 episodes · first aired 2012-09-20
| Still | # | Title | Overview | Air date | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 01 | Ms. Knope Goes to Washington 2012-09-20 | 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. | 2012-09-20 | 7.2 |
 | 02 | Soda Tax 2012-09-27 | 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. | 2012-09-27 | 7.4 |
 | 03 | How a Bill Becomes a Law 2012-10-04 | 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. | 2012-10-04 | 7.4 |
 | 04 | Sex Education 2012-10-18 | 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. | 2012-10-18 | 7.6 |
 | 05 | Halloween Surprise 2012-10-25 | 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. | 2012-10-25 | 7.9 |
 | 06 | Ben's Parents 2012-11-08 | 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. | 2012-11-08 | 7.3 |
 | 07 | Leslie vs. April 2012-11-15 | 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. | 2012-11-15 | 7.4 |
 | 08 | Pawnee Commons 2012-11-29 | Leslie and Ben meet with an architect from their rival town, Eagleton, about designs for a new park. | 2012-11-29 | 7.3 |
 | 09 | Ron and Diane 2012-12-06 | 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. | 2012-12-06 | 8.0 |
 | 10 | Two Parties 2013-01-17 | Ben and Leslie's rival bachelor and bachelorette parties each take on a very different tune. | 2013-01-17 | 7.7 |
 | 11 | Women in Garbage 2013-01-24 | 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. | 2013-01-24 | 7.4 |
 | 12 | Ann's Decision 2013-02-07 | 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. | 2013-02-07 | 7.3 |
 | 13 | Emergency Response 2013-02-14 | 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. | 2013-02-14 | 7.8 |
 | 14 | Leslie and Ben 2013-02-21 | Leslie and Ben are getting married, and have to cram months of planning into two hours. Meanwhile, Ron's temper gets him in trouble. | 2013-02-21 | 8.4 |
 | 15 | Correspondents' Lunch 2013-02-21 | 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. | 2013-02-21 | 7.5 |
 | 16 | Bailout 2013-03-14 | 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. | 2013-03-14 | 7.4 |
 | 17 | Partridge 2013-04-04 | 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. | 2013-04-04 | 7.3 |
 | 18 | Animal Control 2013-04-11 | 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. | 2013-04-11 | 7.6 |
 | 19 | Article Two 2013-04-18 | 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. | 2013-04-18 | 7.6 |
 | 20 | Jerry's Retirement 2013-04-18 | 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. | 2013-04-18 | 7.4 |
 | 21 | Swing Vote 2013-04-25 | 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. | 2013-04-25 | 7.2 |
 | 22 | Are You Better Off? 2013-05-02 | 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. | 2013-05-02 | 7.7 |
Ratings shown are community scores. Once OMDB is wired, these become per-episode IMDB values.