Little House on the Prairie (review)

Published by Mason Oldridge, 28 July 2026

We are transported back to 1870s Kansas for Netflix’s new adaptation of the famous book series.

The Ingalls family, consisting of father Charles, mother Caroline, older daughter Mary and younger daughter Laura, along with pet dog Jack and horses Pet and Patty, move to the developing town of Independence to claim land and build a house for a new life out on the prairie.

The series deals with themes of tension between the settlers and the Osage natives, financial struggles, alcoholism, friendship and love as well as class divides.

The series is so wholesome and heartwarming. The bond between the family members remains strong in the face of uncertainty and adversity (minus a spot of sibling rivalry) and the townspeople form a generally close-knit community (bar a few character clashes). Furthermore, the simplicity of American Western life is presented with such heart and happiness.

Each character complements each other perfectly to create such a likeable cast, though the breakout star has to be Alice Halsey for her enchanting performance of Laura lngalls as her mix of excitability, naivety, kind personality and fun-loving nature leads the feel-good aspect of the show. Additionally, Warren Christie gives a heartwrenching performance as John Edwards. A man struggling with alcoholism and mourning the death of his family, the pain in his eyes is so believable and the care he shows for the girls as he begins to rebuild his life makes for some truly tearjerking scenes.

A highlight has to be the Christmas episode as the Ingalls welcome baby Carrie, Mr Edwards delivers presents to the girls after ‘finding Santa Claus out on the prairie’ and Dr Tann and Emily grow close over a candlelit dinner.

The series delivers a dramatic ending too as the Founder’s Day festivities turn into a disaster when a prairie fire breaks out, resulting in the Ingalls having to leave town. As Mr Edwards joins them on their travels, here’s hoping the already-commissioned second season will bring just as much warmth.

Little House on the Prairie is unwaveringly captivating, demonstrating a cutesy way of life from time gone by.

9/10