After over 40 years, the beloved series “Little House on the Prairie” is making a comeback to television screens. This Netflix adaptation, set to premiere on July 9, aims to closely follow the narrative of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s semi-autobiographical novels.
Showrunner Rebecca Sonnenshine, known for her work on “The Housemaid” and “The Boys,” emphasizes the show’s alignment with Wilder’s literary works, which chronicle the Ingalls family’s initial years on the Osage Nation Reservation from 1869 to 1871. Sonnenshine expressed her deep connection to Wilder’s novels, having read them extensively during her childhood.
While the story is set in southeastern Kansas, the production was entirely filmed in Manitoba, Canada. Sonnenshine credits Manitoba’s picturesque landscapes and tallgrass scenery for providing the ideal backdrop, capturing the essence of the untouched prairie.
The filming process faced challenges due to the province’s lingering winter weather extending into spring, delaying shooting until June. Despite encountering major floods, tornadoes, lightning, and strong winds, the cast and crew persevered, drawing parallels to the Ingalls family’s resilience in the face of adversity.
The new series aims to highlight the Osage perspective, a departure from previous adaptations that overlooked this crucial element. The Mitchells, the Ingalls family’s Osage neighbors, play a significant role in the narrative, offering a fresh portrayal of Indigenous characters on screen.
By collaborating with Osage consultants, including literature professor Robert Warrior, the creative team ensured authentic representation and historical accuracy. Cultural consultant Julie O’Keefe guided various aspects of production, incorporating Osage artists and language consultants to maintain cultural integrity.
The cast features Australian actor Luke Bracey as Charles Ingalls, the family patriarch, and Crosby Fitzgerald as Caroline Ingalls, the matriarch. The series also introduces Ojibwe actor Meegwun Fairbrother as William Mitchell and Alberta-raised Cree actor Alyssa Wapanatâhk as White Sun, offering diverse and nuanced portrayals of Osage characters.
Through the reimagined “Little House on the Prairie,” the production team hopes to transcend the period drama genre, presenting a heartfelt narrative about love, family, and community. The series, set to premiere on Netflix on July 9 with a second season in the works, aims to reignite interest in Wilder’s timeless literary works.