Best-Reviewed Special Episodes 2020

One of the gifts of 2020 was a collection of some very special episodes of TV favorites, including the year’s Golden Tomato winner in this new category, “A Parks and Recreation Special,” which reunited the stars of the NBC comedy, including Amy Poehler, Rashida Jones, Aziz Ansari, Nick Offerman, Aubrey Plaza, Chris Pratt, Adam Scott, Rob Lowe, Jim O’Heir, and Retta. While some were content with podcast reunions and video table reads (looking at you, Community) to bring joy to the locked-in masses, Parks and Rec, Euphoria, and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt each offered up a little something extra.

The order of the rank below reflects the Adjusted Score as of December 31, 2020. Scores might change over time.

Parks and Recreation: A Parks and Recreation Special

#1

Adjusted Score: 101846%

Critics Consensus: Against all odds the delightful cast and crew of Parks and Recreation pull off a socially distant reunion that's warm, funny, and very, very special.

Synopsis: Leslie Knope connects with her friends from the Pawnee Parks and Recreation department -- Ron Swanson, Andy Dwyer, April Ludgate,... [More]

Starring: Amy Poehler, Aziz Ansari, Nick Offerman, Aubrey Plaza

Directed By: Greg Daniels, Mike Schur, Howard Klein, David Miner

Euphoria: Trouble Don't Last Always

#2

Adjusted Score: 99174%

Critics Consensus: Euphoria slows down the tempo without losing the beat in a special episode that pairs a raw Zendaya with a steady Colman Domingo to create small screen magic.

Synopsis: Rue celebrates Christmas in the aftermath of being left by Jules at the train station and relapsing.... [More]

Starring: Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney, Maude Apatow, Jacob Elordi

Directed By: Drake, Adel Nur, Sam Levinson, Ravi Nandan