Controversy is brewing over Netflix's impending reboot of the beloved television series, "Little House on the Prairie," which originally captivated audiences from 1974 to 1983. The announcement of the reboot was met with criticism, particularly from former Fox News host Megyn Kelly, who took to social media to voice her concerns about the project potentially adopting 'woke' themes.
On January 30, 2025, Kelly tweeted, "If you wokeify 'Little House on the Prairie' I will make it my singular mission to absolutely ruin your project." Her comments echo significant scrutiny surrounding modern adaptations of classic tales, particularly those considered sacrosanct like the iconic story based on Laura Ingalls Wilder's semi-autobiographical books.
Melissa Gilbert, who portrayed Laura Ingalls Wilder on the original series, did not let Kelly's remarks go unchallenged. Responding on Instagram, she stated emphatically, "Umm…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 pointed retort highlights the show's legacy of confronting serious social issues long before the term 'woke' even entered public discourse.
Gilbert encouraged Kelly to watch the original series available on various streaming platforms, asserting its relevance and depth. The original show, known for its exploration of enduring social issues, was not only successful during its run but has been enjoying new popularity, particularly on streaming services like Peacock, where it was recently identified as one of the most-streamed titles.
Netflix's new series, announced on January 29, 2025, is intended to be part hopeful family drama, part epic survival tale, and part origin story of the American West. Jinny Howe, Netflix’s Vice President for Drama Series, expressed excitement about the reboot, saying, "This fresh adaptation of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s iconic semi-autobiographical Little House books offers a kaleidoscopic view of the struggles and triumphs of those who shaped the frontier."
Rebecca Sonnenshine, notable for her work on shows like "The Boys" and "Vampire Diaries," will serve as the showrunner and executive producer. She expressed her lifelong love for the original stories, which inspired her to pursue writing and filmmaking, reflecting the personal connections many fans still have with Wilder's work today.
Trip Friendly, one of the reboot's executive producers and son of the original show's producer Ed Friendly, commented on his dedication to honor his father's legacy through this new project. He remarked, "It has been a long-held dream of mine to carry on my father’s legacy and adapt Wilder’s classic American stories for a 21st-century audience." This commitment to producing high-quality, engaging narratives draws from several generations of fans.
It's important to note the original "Little House on the Prairie" series has not only survived the ages but has remained pertinent for new audiences due to its heartwarming yet realistic portrayal of family and community life. Over its nine-season run, it garnered multiple Emmy nominations and won hearts with compelling storytelling. Even decades after its original airing, Gilbert believes the resonance lies in its fundamental themes of love, family, community, and perseverance.
Critics and fans alike are now watching closely how Netflix navigates this new adaptation, particularly after the fervor ignited by Kelly's comments. Gilbert’s response adds another layer to this conversation by defending the show's historic integrity and its engagement with themes many today still grapple with.
Whether the new series will align closely with the original's legacy or take liberties to adapt to contemporary values remains to be seen. For now, the debate continues around what constitutes respect for such classics and how best to reinterpret them for today's viewers. The legacy of "Little House on the Prairie" is stronger than ever, raising questions about faith, family, and the fundamental human experience, ensuring continued interest and dialogue.