The latest television adaptation of Little House on the Prairie, created by Rebecca Sonnenshine, offers a fresh perspective but ultimately struggles to capture the magic of the source material. Sonnenshine, known for her work on The Housemaid, The Boys, and The Vampire Diaries, leads a creative team that introduces notable changes, including the addition of an entire Osage family to expand the narrative dynamics. Despite these creative liberties, the series remains firmly centered on the perspective of young Laura Ingalls, portrayed by Alice Halsey—previously seen in Lessons in Chemistry—who delivers the production’s most compelling performance.
Another notable highlight is Warren Christie, who plays John Edwards, a Civil War veteran and loner tasked with helping the Ingalls family construct their log cabin. However, the show often relies on shaky, hand-held camera work and extreme close-ups that can feel distracting. Critics also point out that the dramatic tension, particularly in scenes involving Ma’s fear of Edwards, fails to land as effectively as it did in the original books or the 1970s NBC series. These narrative beats often feel underdeveloped compared to their predecessors.
Laura Ingalls Wilder began writing her legendary book series in the early 1930s as a tribute to her childhood. Born in 1867 shortly after the Civil War, Wilder documented the trials and joys of pioneer life through the eyes of a precocious girl. Her work was famously adapted for television in the 1970s by Michael Landon, who starred as Pa Ingalls alongside Melissa Gilbert’s iconic portrayal of Laura. While the new Netflix version may draw in viewers based on the strength of the title, it struggles to resonate on the same level as the original. For those seeking the genuine charm of the story, the complete 1970s series remains available to stream on Peacock, providing a far more satisfying experience.
Alice Halsey, Crosby Fitzgerald and Skywalker Hughes star in Little House on the Prairie on Netflix. Eric Zachanowich/Netflix hide caption
Wilder loved her Ma and Pa, and her siblings, but she observed them all carefully, and perceptively. She was to Little House on the Prairie what John-Boy was to The Waltons, another nostalgic family TV series set during an earlier time — in that case, the Depression.
