Netflix’s Little House on the Prairie Adaptation Garners Positive Reviews for Wholesome Sincerity
6 verified5 unconfirmed
Netflix has released a new adaptation of Laura Ingalls Wilder's "Little House on the Prairie" novels, created by Rebecca Sonnenshine and executive produced by Trip Friendly, son of the original series producer. The eight-episode first season follows the Ingalls family—Laura, Mary, Charles, and Caroline—as they travel from the Big Woods of Wisconsin to Independence, Kansas, in the aftermath of the American Civil War. The series has been praised for its earnest, wholesome tone and strong performances, particularly from young leads Alice Halsey as Laura and Skywalker Hughes as Mary. Both reviews note the show's focus on themes of sisterhood, frontier hardship, and the complex interactions between settlers, the Osage tribe, and Black Americans in the post-war era. Critics highlight the casting of Jocko Sims as Dr. George Tann, a Black physician, and the inclusion of Osage characters with speaking roles. Netflix has already renewed the series for a second season.
What’s verified
The series is created by Rebecca Sonnenshine and executive produced by Trip Friendly.
The main cast includes Alice Halsey as Laura Ingalls, Skywalker Hughes as Mary Ingalls, Luke Bracey as Charles Ingalls, and Crosby Fitzgerald as Caroline Ingalls.
Jocko Sims portrays Dr. George Tann, a Black doctor in the frontier town of Independence, Kansas.
The story begins with the Ingalls family leaving their home in Big Woods, Wisconsin, and heading westward to Independence, Kansas.
The show has been renewed for a second season on Netflix.
Both reviews describe the series as wholesome, sincere, and appealingly old-fashioned in its storytelling.
Not yet confirmed
One review states the Ingalls family's journey was nearly 800 miles, but this distance is not confirmed by other sources.
One review specifically mentions an episode titled "Peace on Earth" centered on Christmas, while the other refers to a Christmas episode without naming it.
Details about specific secondary characters such as Eli the railroad man, Jemma the busybody wife, John Edwards the hermit, and Emily Henderson the store owner come from only one source.
One source notes that the series was shot primarily in Winnipeg and that the runtime of episodes is mostly under 50 minutes.
The term "woke" as a potential criticism of the show's expanded diversity is addressed in one review but not mentioned in the other.
Misconceptions
One review directly addresses the misconception that the series might be considered "woke" due to its expanded roles for Black and Indigenous characters, arguing instead that the show remains faithful to the spirit of Wilder's books and treats its themes with sincerity.
Key figures
Rebecca Sonnenshine – Creator of the Netflix series
Trip Friendly – Executive producer
Alice Halsey – Plays Laura Ingalls
Skywalker Hughes – Plays Mary Ingalls
Luke Bracey – Plays Charles Ingalls
Crosby Fitzgerald – Plays Caroline Ingalls
Jocko Sims – Plays Dr. George Tann
Wren Zhawenim Gotts – Plays Good Eagle (Osage child)
Michael Hough – Plays Eli (railroad man)
Mary Holland – Plays Jemma
Warren Christie – Plays John Edwards
Barrett Doss – Plays Emily Henderson
Kowen Cadorath – Plays Caleb
Meegwun Fairbrother – Plays Mitchell
Alyssa Wapanatâhk – Plays White Sun
Maclean "Jory Jordan" Fish – Plays Adam Scott
Sources: Variety, The Hollywood Reporter
