Go Big or Go Home

"Go Big or Go Home" is the third season premiere of the American comedy television series Parks and Recreation, and the 31st overall episode of the series. It originally aired on NBC in the United States on January 20, 2011. In the episode, Leslie gets Ann to go on a date with state auditor Chris to persuade him to increase the parks department budget. Meanwhile, Andy continues to harbor feelings for April, while a youth basketball game is ruined by Tom's jealousy over Ron dating his ex-wife Wendy.

The episode was written by Alan Yang and directed by Dean Holland. It was the first to feature Adam Scott, Rob Lowe, Jim O'Heir and Retta as regular cast members rather than guest performers, as well as the first episode not to feature Paul Schneider in any capacity. Frequent guest stars Jama Williamson and Natalie Morales also reprised their roles. "Go Big or Go Home" marked the first original Parks and Recreation episode in eight months. It was filmed immediately after the second season concluded due to Amy Poehler's pregnancy, but NBC ended up placing the show on hold to accommodate their new series, Outsourced.^[1]

The season premiere was the first Parks and Recreation episode to air in its new 9:30 p.m. Thursday time-slot between the two popular shows The Office and 30 Rock. According to Nielsen Media Research, it was seen by 6.19 million households. It was the series' highest rating in the ages 18 to 49 demographic, and marked the highest overall viewership since the series premiere. The episode received highly positive reviews, with several commentators particularly praising the scene featuring the "Swanson Pyramid of Greatness", Ron Swanson's guide to successful living.