Little House on the Prairie
Netflix has been expanding its catalog of original content in recent years. While the platform is known for producing exclusive shows and films, it also invests in reviving classic stories. One example is The Haunting of Hill House, which was adapted from an existing novel. Now, Netflix is working on more projects based on well-known intellectual properties.
Creating original series is a major part of Netflix’s strategy, but reviving beloved stories has its own advantages. Established titles already have a dedicated fan base and a rich source of material to draw from. This allows creators to reimagine past works in new ways or update them for modern audiences. One of the latest projects getting this treatment is a classic Western series adapted from a famous book collection.
Little House on the Prairie is Returning to TV
A Classic Show Gets a Fresh Approach
Originally based on the children’s books written by Laura Ingalls Wilder, Little House on the Prairie became a hit television series in the 1970s and 1980s. It was widely regarded as a wholesome, family-friendly show, though it also included darker and more serious storylines. Recently, reports from Deadline confirmed that Netflix has ordered a new version of the show after its previous episodes gained massive popularity on Peacock, accumulating 13 billion viewing minutes.
According to Alison Arngrim, who starred in the original series, this new adaptation will focus more closely on the books rather than reintroducing elements created specifically for television. She shared in an interview with Remind that this version will avoid bringing back characters that were added for the original show. Instead, it aims to stay true to the source material.
Her comments shed light on what fans can expect:
“It’s not really like a reboot, they’re not going back to Walnut Grove. They’re not going to have Doc Baker and Miss Beadle, and they’re certainly not going to have Al Burton and all the people who were made up for the show. It is going back to the books… So concerns that they’re going to run amok away from the books and make it into something weird — not happening. [Trip]’ll pull the plug on it before anything like that happens.”
This approach signals a significant shift from the previous TV adaptation, focusing on authenticity and staying faithful to Wilder’s original writing.
What We Think About Little House on the Prairie’s Return
A Surprising Choice, But One That Could Work
Whenever a beloved show is remade, opinions tend to be divided. This was the case when a revival of Buffy the Vampire Slayer was announced. Some fans welcome the idea of a reboot, while others fear it will not live up to the original. With Little House on the Prairie, staying loyal to the books might help the show connect with both new and old audiences.
A key figure in the project is Trip Friendly, whose father, Ed Friendly, was responsible for producing the original series. His involvement could reassure longtime fans that the show’s legacy will be respected.
At first glance, Little House on the Prairie might seem like an unusual choice for a Netflix reboot. However, considering its recent success on Peacock, the decision makes more sense. Additionally, Western-themed shows have been gaining popularity on streaming platforms. Series like Yellowstone and American Primeval have drawn in large audiences, proving there is still demand for stories set in the American frontier.
If Netflix stays true to the books and respects the original show’s themes, Little House on the Prairie has the potential to become a major success.
