The new Netflix adaptation of Little House on the Prairie has won over at least one familiar face from the beloved original television series. Dean Butler, who played Almanzo Wilder during the final four seasons of the classic NBC drama, recently shared his thoughts on the reboot and praised its faithfulness to Laura Ingalls Wilder’s books.
According to Entertainment Weekly, while many longtime fans have compared the new series with the original, Butler highlighted one feature that immediately stood out to him. He believes the reboot captures an important part of the books that the earlier television adaptation rarely explored.
Dean Butler applauds the show’s musical approach
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Butler explained that he especially enjoys the way the new Little House on the Prairie incorporates family singing throughout the story. He noted that the songs, accompanied by Pa’s fiddle, closely reflect the atmosphere Laura Ingalls Wilder described in her novels. According to Butler, the original television series only featured similar moments during church scenes, making this a welcome addition.
The actor also praised the production’s overall quality, complimenting its cast, cinematography, and storytelling. After watching several episodes, he described the music as one of the biggest highlights and expressed hope that future episodes would continue featuring the family’s musical traditions.
Original cast members embrace the new series
Butler is not the only original cast member supporting the reboot. Alison Arngrim, who famously portrayed Nellie Oleson, has also endorsed the new adaptation. She even made a surprise cameo in the second episode before celebrating the casting of Willa Dunn as the show’s new Nellie.
Unlike the original NBC series, the Netflix version follows Laura Ingalls Wilder’s books more closely, placing greater emphasis on the author’s real-life experiences. As audiences continue discovering the series, the enthusiastic support from former cast members has added another layer of excitement for both longtime viewers and newcomers eager to experience Little House on the Prairie in a fresh way.