Netflix has revisited one of America’s classic family dramas, announcing its plans to reboot Little House on the Prairie, based on Laura Ingalls Wilder’s beloved book series. The streaming giant confirmed the project on January 30, 2025, marking a significant return to the cultural staple known for its themes of family, resilience, and community.
The reboot, described by Netflix as a "reimagining" of the iconic series, is set to be helmed by Rebecca Sonnenshine, who has previously made her mark as showrunner on acclaimed productions like The Boys and The Vampire Diaries. Sonnenshine expressed her long-standing passion for Wilder’s works, sharing, "I fell deeply in love with these books when I was five years old. They inspired me to become a writer and filmmaker, and I am honored and thrilled to be adapting these stories for a new global audience with Netflix." This decision aims to bring the stories of Charles, Caroline, Laura, and Mary Ingalls to both longtime fans and new generations.
The original series aired on NBC from 1974 to 1983. It featured the lives of the Ingalls family as they navigated life’s challenges on the American frontier. The show was notable not just for its rich storytelling but also for its successful mixture of drama and heartwarming moments. Michael Landon, who played Charles Ingalls, was instrumental both as the star and as the executive producer, contributing significantly to the show’s lasting legacy.
Interestingly, the revival of interest, amounting to over 13 billion minutes of viewing time on Peacock last year, reflects the classic show's continued popularity. The reboot will reportedly follow the Ingalls family's ambitious move from Wisconsin to Independence, Kansas, illustrating their pursuit of a hopeful future.
Trip Friendly, the son of original producer Ed Friendly, is also involved as one of the executive producers. Friendly stated, "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..." His commitment adds historical weight to the reboot, bridging the past with present storytelling.
While the reboot sparks nostalgia, it also raises eyebrows and concerns from devoted fans. Prominent voices, including political commentator Megyn Kelly, have taken to social media to voice apprehensions about potential alterations to the series' original ethos. Kelly warned on X, "If you wokeify Little House on the Prairie I will make it my singular mission to absolutely ruin your project," reflecting sentiments echoed by many fans who hope the reboot will stay true to its wholesome roots.
One user voiced concerns about preserving the core of the show: "It’s not just about not being ‘woke.’ Little House on the Prairie was openly Spiritual... Without the Christian faith-based ethos, it’s just pablum." Others fear the producers may inject modern political ideologies incompatible with the show's fundamental values. Another comment humorously speculated how the reboot might skew by proclaiming, "My god, leave this well alone. You can see it now, Mary will be a blind non-binary vegan with blue hair.” Such reactions underline the emotional ties fans have to the original series.
Critics also highlight the original series' complicated legacy, particularly its handling of Indigenous history. Set against the backdrop of land conflicts, Wilder’s portrayal of Native Americans has faced scrutiny for being detached and often offensive. Scholars have remarked on the damaging narratives embedded within the series, with one expert noting, "There are literally dozens of derogatory, dehumanizing and damaging messages." Acknowledging this history will be key for the reboot, according to industry insiders.
Although no casting has been announced, anticipation builds as fans speculate if any original cast members will reprise their roles. A few surviving actors from the original series, like Melissa Gilbert and Karen Grassle, have expressed skepticism about the success of any new adaptation, considering the unique charm brought to the characters by the late Michael Landon, who succumbed to cancer at the young age of 54. Grassle poignantly reflected, "Michael was a genius at casting and writing... and you don’t find those qualities every day."
Jinny Howe, Netflix's VP of Drama Series, expressed confidence in Sonnenshine's vision for the series, stating, "Rebecca's vision threads the needle with emotional depth..." She assured fans it would delight new and existing admirers alike, hinting at the series’ potential to retain impactful messages when it premieres.
With no definitive release date yet, the reboot of Little House on the Prairie will undoubtedly face the struggles of balancing nostalgia with modern audience expectations. It remains to be seen how the show will navigate these waters, but the conversation surrounding its development continues to be rich and varied, reflecting both the enduring influence of the original series and the complex dynamics of storytelling today.