Who directed the season two premiere, Pawnee Zoo?

Paul Feig directed the season two premiere, “Pawnee Zoo.”

The episode is the seventh overall installment of Parks and Recreation and opened the show’s second season on September 17, 2009. Leslie Knope’s attempt to promote Pawnee Zoo goes awry when she officiates at a wedding for two male penguins, accidentally making herself a public symbol in a debate over same-sex marriage.

Feig was already a prominent television comedy director. He created Freaks and Geeks and directed several episodes of The Office, including “Dinner Party” and “Goodbye, Michael.” His Parks and Recreation credit is sometimes confused with those of frequent series directors Dean Holland, Randall Einhorn, Troy Miller, or Seth Gordon.

“Pawnee Zoo” also marked Chris Pratt’s first appearance in the opening credits as a regular cast member rather than a guest star. The story drew inspiration from Harry and Pepper, a real pair of male penguins at the San Francisco Zoo.