Netflix’s plan to reboot “Little House on the Prairie” sparks both excitement and concern among fans of the beloved classic series.
Fans are skeptical…but the old cast seems thrilled.
At a Glance
- Netflix announced a new adaptation of “Little House on the Prairie” in January
- The reboot will focus on Laura Ingalls Wilder’s original books, not the 1970s TV series
- Original cast members, including Alison Arngrim, have addressed fan concerns
- The new series aims to blend nostalgia with fresh narratives for modern audiences
- No original cast members are expected to return, though cameos are possible
A New Chapter for a Beloved Classic
As Netflix prepares to bring “Little House on the Prairie” to a new generation, the announcement has stirred a mix of anticipation and apprehension among longtime fans. Alison Arngrim, known for her role as Nellie Oleson in the original series, has stepped forward to address the diverse reactions from the show’s devoted following.
“People are like, ‘Oh my God, yay, a reboot. It’s the greatest thing that ever happened. The second coming.’ Or [they say], ‘No, no, no, not a reboot. The show is perfect. Don’t touch it.’ And they’re getting upset about it,” Alison Arngrim said.
And maybe the fans are right…how many shows have companies like Netflix already ruined with their reboots?
In an effort to allay fears of radical departures from the beloved narrative, Arngrim emphasized that the new adaptation will draw more heavily from Laura Ingalls Wilder’s original books. This approach aims to explore Laura’s early years and adventures, offering a fresh perspective on the familiar tale.
“They’re going back to the books – they’re going back to the beginning. They’re still hiring directors and everything. It’s still very, very early, but they’re looking into the first books when Laura is a very tiny girl. They’re going back to their roots,” Alison Arngrim said.
The decision to focus on the original literary works suggests a commitment to authenticity that may resonate with both longtime fans and newcomers to the Prairie universe. By delving into the early stories, Netflix appears poised to offer a unique blend of family drama, survival tale, and origin story of the American West.
But there’s an obvious question nobody has really touched yet: will they make it Woke?
While the new series promises a fresh take on the Ingalls family saga, those involved in the project are keenly aware of the original show’s enduring impact. Dean Butler, who played Almanzo Wilder in the 1970s series, acknowledged the unique charm of the original show while expressing optimism for the reboot’s potential.
“It’s never going to be what Michael did. Michael was Michael. He was a unique creative presence with this magical touch with an audience. And look, the creative team on the new show may also have a magical touch with an audience, but it’s a different touch and it will be different,” Butler said.
Let’s hope they don’t ruin it…