Did you know that it’s still possible to watch Parks and Rec on Netflix in 2024? It’s true! It doesn’t matter where you’re located or what device you’re using, in a matter of 10 minutes or less, you can have access to seven seasons of Parks and Recreation online free! Here’s how you can start streaming it today.
The facts is that Netflix licenses different TV shows and movies in different countries around the world.
So while Parks and Recreation may not be available to stream directly in the United States, it is available for viewing in 6 other countries across the world!
Because of this, all you need to do to watch Parks and Rec on Netflix is to trick the streaming service into thinking you’re located in a country where the show has been licensed.
In this case, that would be:
Where to Stream Parks and Rec
- Australia
- Canada
- Iceland
- South Africa
- Sweden
- United Kingdom
How can you watch a show when you’re not physically in one of those countries?
The Bottom Line
All you need is a paid subscription to both Netflix and a VPN service like Surfshark to stream Parks and Recreation immediately.
The 3-step process, which I’ll explain in more detail below, goes like this:
- Step 1: Purchase and install a VPN like Surfshark or NordVPN with servers in one of the 6 countries listed above. (8 min) If you’re not tech-savvy, watch my video on how to install a VPN.
- Step 2: Connect to a VPN server in the appropriate country. You may need to try more than one, but it usually works on the first connection for me. (2 min)
- Step 3: Log on to Netflix and search for “Parks and Rec”. Enjoy watching! (3 min)
That’s it! Sure you could try to watch on the official Parks and Rec stream with Peacock, but you need to be located in the U.S. Not only that, but they’ll force you to watch tons of ads for the first 2 seasons and then pay to watch the other 5 seasons!
Just think…in a little over 10 minutes you can start binge-watching Parks and Rec on Netflix without ads!
Note: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means that at no extra cost to you, I may be compensated if you choose to use the services mentioned. I only recommend what I personally use, though, and I’m grateful for your support of this website!
Stream Parks and Rec Online Free with Netflix (3 Steps)
For those that don’t feel comfortable with the short description above, here’s a more detailed explanation of the 3 steps required to watch Parks and Recreation on Netflix.
Step 1: Purchase and Install a VPN
It’s possible that you’ve never heard of a VPN before. Don’t worry, it’s nothing to be afraid of, I promise!
A VPN is simply a piece of software installed on your phone, tablet or computer that allows you to encrypt and route your internet traffic through a specific server in a specific country. (read more on my article What is a VPN?)
It may sound weird, but this means that you can literally choose on a map where in the world you want your computer to appear to be browsing from.
Netflix will read this “location” and then serve you the content licensed for that country.
Now, there are literally hundreds of VPN services on the market today, but there are only two that I would recommend for streaming Netflix:
- Surfshark (Best Value): This VPN has been incredibly reliable for streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu. It’s even worked well as a means to stream Disney+ outside the US.
- NordVPN: I’ve used this VPN for years to stream Netflix all over the world and it’s always worked beautifully.
Keep in mind that each of these services carries a monthly or annual cost and there are many good VPN services available beyond what I share here.
I don’t mind paying this because not only do I get to watch Parks and Rec on Netflix, I also get a secure connection both at home and while I’m on public WiFi networks.
Step 2: Connect to the Appropriate VPN Server
Once you’ve purchased, downloaded and set up a VPN on your computer or device, the next step is to connect to the appropriate server.
In this case, let’s say that you decide to find a server in Germany. For me, I’ve been connecting to the Surfshark Germany servers and the speeds have been excellent (no buffering!).
As you can see, you can choose from different cities within Germany if one happens to be slow.
All you have to do is click on one of them to connect, and you’re golden.
Step 3: Log Into Netflix and Find Parks and Rec
Important! Before you log in to your Netflix account or open the app, make sure that you’ve closed the browser or the app if it’s already running on your computer or mobile device. This will allow the app to reset your location when it restarts.
After you’ve logged in to Netflix with the VPN connected, you won’t see any special notification or indication that you’re connected in a different country.
The only difference will be the TV shows and movies that are available.
Obviously, you’re looking for Parks and Recreation on Netflix, which you can either browse or search for.
As long as you have a fast enough internet connection, you shouldn’t have a problem streaming the show through a VPN. I’ve done it from both China and Thailand and it’s been great!
Why You Need a VPN to Stream Netflix
Netflix, like pretty much every other streaming service, licenses shows and movies and because of this they have to restrict viewing for specific countries.
This is known as geo-restricting or geo-blocking content. It’s regulating who can view content based on their geographic location.
To be honest, it’s ridiculous.
If I’m a paying customer, shouldn’t I get access to all content on a certain platform? It only makes sense – and I predict we’re moving to a world where geo-restricting is no longer an issue – but for now, it’s a big deal.
Amazon geo-restricts content.
Hulu geo-restricts content.
Pretty much any streaming service you can think of places limits on their content.
The only way around these restrictions is to spoof your location using a VPN or another technology known as SmartDNS. You can think of it like changing the license plate on a car. The car hasn’t actually changed locations, but the license plate reads a different country.
Continuing on with this analogy, Netflix only looks at your license plate to determine where you’re coming from.
Those VPNs that are the best VPNs for streaming content give you the ability to “change the license plate” so to speak, in addition to encrypting and securing your internet connection.
For a deeper look into how you can use a VPN to find and stream US Netflix anywhere in the world, watch this video:
Be sure to subscribe to the All Things Secured YouTube channel!
It’s simple, easy to use and it gives you access to loads of extra content on platforms like Netflix.
Final Thoughts | Streaming Parks & Rec Online
Contrary to what you may have believed, it is entirely possible to stream shows like Parks & Rec or even watch The Big Bang Theory on Netflix in 2024. It takes an extra piece of security software and a few minutes to set up, but in the end…
…trust me, it’s worth it.
Think about it: you can trade about 15 minutes of work for access to seven seasons of Parks and Rec’s hilarious episodes!
I don’t know about you, but that seems like a pretty good trade. 🙂
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