Big Dreams from Netflix: Why Little House on the Prairie Still Resonates Today (and a Spoiler-Free Review)

Ask any GenXer about their favorite television shows of the 1970's and 80's, and they'll undoubtedly bring up Little House on the Prairie. In fact, many Millennials also fell in love with the show through reruns, DVD's and streaming services. Parents have passed the Little House love down to their children and even grandchildren, encouraging them to watch favorite episodes and read the original book series by Laura Ingalls Wilder (which the television show is based on). Now Netflix is debuting a reimagined Little House on the Prairie (airing July 9th), with a whole new cast, beloved stories and fresh excitement for people of all ages. Read on to learn more about the new series and see why Little House on the Prairie has remained popular almost 40 years after the original series ended.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of Review Wire Media for Netflix. Photos courtesy of Netflix.

What is it about Little House on the Prairie? I can still hear those first few notes of the theme song in my head. I can see Laura running down that golden hill with her braids flapping. Many of us have favorite episodes (or even episodes we can't forget) that are still discussed on social media today. Sometimes I can't remember why I walked in a room, but I can remember the nasty antics of Nellie Olesen or the song Mr. Edwards would sing while walking through Walnut Grove.

So here's what I think. At its core, Little House on the Prairie isn't just about frontier life. It's about growing up, family, friendship, loss, forgiveness, and resilience. Almost every episode dealt with emotions that people still experience today, like wanting to belong, facing bullies, coping with loss and grief, overcoming tragedy, finding hope, rising above hardship, and so much more. Those feelings and experiences don't become outdated, which is why Netflix's Little House on the Prairie series is already generating a buzz. People are excited to see the Ingalls family again and to watch episodes that feature concepts of integrity, hard work, gratitude, empathy, personal responsibility, generosity, and community (just to name a few!).

What Will the New Netflix Series Be Like?

The highly anticipated Little House on the Prairie Netflix series is set to premiere on July 9, 2026.

Part hopeful family drama, part epic survival tale, this fresh adaptation of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s iconic Little House books offers a kaleidoscopic view of the struggles and triumphs of those who shaped the frontier. Just as in the Little House books, Laura is our window into this community, guiding us through a story of resilience, courage, and optimism. The series has already been renewed for Season 2, in which audiences will meet the infamous Nellie Oleson and watch her rivalry with Laura Ingalls unfold.

The beloved Ingalls family will be portrayed by Luke Bracey (Charles Ingalls), Crosby Fitzgerald (Caroline Ingalls), Alice Halsey (Laura Ingalls), and Skywalker Hughes (Mary Ingalls) in what promises to be a stunning adaptation of Wilder’s classic frontier tale.

Why We Still Love the Ingalls Family

The Ingalls family wasn't perfect, which is why we related to them so well. Their family had strong values and plenty of love, and these are qualities that many people still strive for, even in today's high-tech society. Many viewers find comfort in seeing a family that isn't wealthy or glamorous, but is still deeply connected. Plus, we all love the beautiful and wild setting, am I right?

Watch a Trailer for the Little House on the Prairie Netflix Series

If you're wondering what the new series is like, check out this official trailer for Little House on the Prairie, airing on Netflix July 9th.

Little House on the Prairie Still Resonates Today

For many adults (myself included), watching Little House on the Prairie is a connection to childhood. Parents and grandparents often introduce it to younger family members, creating a shared viewing experience across generations. And Netflix's new series holds that promise of nostalgic connection and generational love.

And finally, one of the biggest reasons I think Little House on the Prairie still resonates is because it offers hope. The characters face enormous challenges, but the series consistently suggests that love, perseverance, and compassion can help people through difficult times. Can you think of a better lesson for the world to learn right now than that?

The Jersey Momma's Spoiler-Free Review

*I received an early screener of the series

If you're a fan of the original Little House on the Prairie from the 1970's-1980's, I think you're going to enjoy this new version. I'll be honest, I was skeptical at first. I am a loyal Little House OG fan, and I didn't see the point in "rebooting" something that was already so iconic and relevant. However, the moment I started watching Netflix's Little House on the Prairie, I was hooked. Here's why: it's not the same show at all. You heard me, they didn't try to cut and paste the original. They didn't try to duplicate the Ingalls family that we grew up with. Even though this is still the Ingalls family, it feels like a whole new Ingalls family, and it's one that we get to fall in love with all over again. The Ingalls family actors are wonderful, the costumes are beautiful, and the scenery, of course, is perfection. Alice Halsey is just as lovable as young Melissa Gilbert was in the role of Laura. There's still a heartwarming sense of family, yet also the underlying drama of danger and excitement.

And unlike the 1970's television show, the Netflix series stays much closer to Laura Ingalls Wilder's original books. As just an example, "Doc Baker" was actually a fictional character in the early series, but the Netflix series incorporates Dr. Tann from the books. Dr. George A. Tann was a pioneering, free-born black physician in the late 1860's who treated the Ingalls family for malaria during their time in Independence, Kansas. The Netflix adaptation makes Dr. Tann a main character in every episode of the first season, and I think that's wonderful. So please grab your family, your loved ones, your friends and check out Netflix's Little House on the Prairie. Or just take some time for yourself to watch with some cozy slippers, a cup of tea or even some cornbread and blackberry jam!