Former Little House on the Prairie star Melissa Gilbert has stepped forward to defend the original series against criticism from broadcaster Megyn Kelly, who recently threatened to ruin the upcoming Netflix reboot of the beloved 1974-1983 show if it underwent what she terms 'woke-ification.'
Kelly took to social media to voice her concerns about Netflix’s intentions with the reboot, declaring, "if you wokeify Little House on the Prairie I will make it my singular mission to absolutely ruin your project." Her comments quickly caused a stir, rekindling discussions about the original show’s themes and narrative choices.
Responding to Kelly’s provocations, actress Melissa Gilbert, who portrayed Laura Ingalls Wilder on the original series, posted to Instagram urging Kelly to revisit the original episodes. Gilbert pointed out the factually rich discussion the original show embraced, stating, "Ummm… watch the original again. TV doesn’t get too much more ‘woke’ than we did. We tackled: racism, addiction, nativism, antisemitism, misogyny, rape, spousal abuse and every other ‘woke’ topic you can think of. Thank you very much.” This emphatic response not only defended the show’s legacy but also contested Kelly's current appraisal of the series as needing preservation from modern sensitivities.
Melissa's statement provides insight not often discussed: the original series wasn’t afraid to address heavy social issues, which remains relevant today. With her call to action for Kelly to explore the original work, Gilbert reinforced the notion of Little House on the Prairie as more than just sentimental family fare—it also functioned as a social commentary.
Netflix’s upcoming reboot of Little House on the Prairie, expected to follow the Ingalls family’s migration from Wisconsin to Kansas, has promising backing. Rebecca Sonnenshine, known for her work on acclaimed series like The Boys and The Vampire Diaries, is set to serve as showrunner and executive producer. The network plans for the reimagined series to maintain the heartwarming narratives reminiscent of the original works by Laura Ingalls Wilder, albeit with updated sensibilities. The reboot is described as "part hopeful family drama, part epic survival tale, and part origin story of the American West," according to Jinny Howe, Netflix's Vice President of Drama Series.
The original series broke ground on television over four decades ago, addressing racism, mental health, and societal norms long before these discussions became commonplace. Gilbert’s reminder of the notable issues explored by the show serves as both an acknowledgment of its complexity and a rebuttal to Kelly’s perceptions about the need for the reboot’s protection.
Both critics and supporters of the new show express curiosity about how these themes will be interpreted and presented to today’s audience. Conversations surrounding reboots and how they handle historical integrity have surged, particularly under the lens of current cultural tensions. The upcoming series, produced by CBS Studios and Anonymous Content Studios, is set to include Osage characters consistent with the first season’s book backdrop, thereby embedding diverse narratives within its plotline.
Megyn Kelly’s remarks about the sanctity of the series not only reignited interest among fans of the original show but sparked broader discussions about artistic integrity and representation. Can the new show stay true to its roots, or will it be modified to fit contemporary narratives and ideologies?
Fans and stakeholders alike are eagerly awaiting the reboot, hopeful it will breathe new life and perspective to the classic tale, or fearful it may distort its original magic. Gilbert’s spirited defense is not just about one TV show; it reflects larger cultural conversations about the representations of American history, gender roles, and social issues on screen.
With all eyes on Netflix, the reception of Little House on the Prairie’s reboot will inevitably shape future adaptations of classic content, making this moment particularly significant as the lines between nostalgia and modern storytelling continue to blur.