When I first saw that Netflix would be adapting Laura Ingalls Wilder’s iconic semi-autobiographical Little House books I was skeptical. There has already been a show based on those books that is still very watchable today. In fact I often put on the PlutoTV channel that only plays the original Little House on the Prairie reruns. Little House on the Prairie (1974–1983) which was produced in part by Michael Landon who also played Pa, was one of the most connected series that you could watch on television. Often touching on real life issues like racism and alcoholism. But after watching Netflix’s Little House on the Prairie first look which was put out on YouTube, it looks Like it may capture the charm of the original series.
A Story That Still Resonates Today
Rebecca Sonnenshine (The Boys) serves as showrunner for the series. The series obviously follows the books that were published in the 1930s and written by Laura Ingalls Wilder. This series takes place after they leave the Big Woods making their way for a new life on the prairie. The show’s synopsis reads, “Part hopeful family drama, part epic survival tale, and part origin story of the American West, 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.”
There is a lot of room for messing this up. Especially since the original series captured the hearts of so many people. Not only my generation who watched the reruns with my nana but also those who are a bit older now. This series if done right, will be a great entrance point for younger viewers everywhere. And since it’s a historical show, a great opportunity for them to learn about what it was like in a time before iPads and smart devices. Once upon a time life was much simpler and a lot more dangerous.
Meet the New Ingalls Family
Alice Halsey leads the series as Laura Ingalls. Luke Bracey will play the Ingalls family patriarch (Pa), Charles Ingalls. (Ma) or Caroline Ingalls will be played by Crosby Fitzgerald. Skywalker Hughes will play Mary Ingalls. I can tell you right now that this cast has the ability to pull this off wonderfully. If you watch the trailer you’ll see that they are great in their respective rolls. It may even set the series up to be one of the most watched on the platform. Not sure it will over take One Piece, but it should do well enough to warrant a second season.
You can watch the first look trailer down below.
