Finally, after over 40 years since the original series concluded, Netflix has announced a fresh adaptation of Little House on the Prairie. The streaming giant revealed the reboot on Wednesday, they described it as a “kaleidoscopic view of the struggles and triumphs of those who shaped the American West,” Fans of the original series are both excited and wary about what the reimagining will bring.
The new adaptation, which will feature Rebecca Sonnenshine as showrunner, is bringing a modern twist to Wilder’s semi-autobiographical books. “Little House on the Prairie has captured the hearts and imaginations of so many fans around the world,” said Jinny Howe, Netflix’s vice president of Drama Series. “We’re excited to share its enduring themes of hope and optimism with a fresh take on this iconic story.”
‘Little House On The Prairie’ reboot – what we know
Netflix made the decision to reboot Little House so they could continue producing content that would appeal to a diverse and global audience. The original television series, which aired from 1974 to 1983, explored themes of survival, family, and faith. The books themselves were first published in the 1930s and 1940s. They are based on Wilder’s childhood experiences, though some details were fictionalized for storytelling purposes. With over 73 million copies of the books sold, there’s no denying that readers and viewers love the world Wilder created. They are just hoping that Netflix and Rebecca would do a good job of capturing that world.
Rebecca Sonnenshine, who has long admired the Little House books, shared that she fell deeply in love with these books when she was five years old. “They inspired me to become a writer and a filmmaker, and I am honored to adapt these stories for a new global audience, she continued. The adaptation is set to offer a more modern perspective, with a mix of family drama, survival elements, and the origins of the American West. The goal is to introduce Wilder’s characters to a new generation while maintaining the original story.
Fans have concerns about a ‘woke’ take on the show
While Netflix’s reimagining has garnered excitement from fans, some viewers are already expressing concerns about a potential “woke” version of Little House on the Prairie. The use of the word “reimagining” has led many fans to question whether the reboot will remain true to the conservative values celebrated in the original books. Laura Ingalls Wilder’s writing emphasized themes such as independence, faith, and family, and fans are eager to see these principles retained in the new series.
Megyn Kelly, former Fox News host, voiced her concerns on social media, stating, “Netflix if you wokeify Little House on the Prairie, I will make it my singular mission to absolutely ruin your project.” Other fans expressed similar reservations. While Netflix has promised a fresh approach, viewers wonder if the reboot will strike the right balance between nostalgia and woke.