Netflix's new adaptation of "Little House on the Prairie" has landed with a divided critical reception, drawing both praise for its expanded focus and criticism for what some deem an unnecessary reboot. The streamer's January announcement of a "fresh adaptation" of Laura Ingalls Wilder's books initially sparked backlash from some fans concerned about altering a "treasured piece of literature and Americana."
Showrunner Rebecca Sonnenshine, known for her work on "The Vampire Diaries" and "The Boys," defended the project, stating the books were a formative inspiration for her career. Melissa Gilbert, star of the beloved 1970s television series, expressed hope that the new version would adhere more closely to Wilder's original narratives, noting that the previous adaptation had taken significant creative liberties.
Upon release, some reviews echoed the sentiment that the reboot was "the reboot that nobody needed." Anita Singh of The Telegraph awarded the series two stars, suggesting that while it might appeal to nostalgia for those who remember the 1970s show, its "wholesome story of pioneer life" might be overlooked by younger audiences in favor of more "garish options" available on the platform.
However, other critics found merit in the reimagining. Lucy Mangan of The Guardian gave the series three stars, highlighting scenes of friendship that evoked a sense of simpler times, describing the new "Little House" as a "precision-tooled and well-oiled machine" where problems are resolved within a few episodes. Mangan noted the show's adherence to traditional elements like "peppermint sticks in the general store" and "handmade quilts," playfully warning or promising viewers as they wished.
Expanding the Narrative
A significant point of discussion among reviewers was the reboot's decision to dedicate its entire first season to the early events of Wilder's books, a departure from the original TV series which quickly shifted to a Minnesota setting. This approach allowed for a broader exploration of characters, including Dr. Tann, a Black physician played by Jocko Sims, whose role is based on a historical figure who aided the Ingalls family. David Brown of Radio Times awarded the series four stars, commending the "attention paid to those whose land is being settled, specifically the Osage people forced to surrender what was once theirs." He described the drama as "heartfelt" and noted its willingness to "ask some difficult questions about the true price of progress."
Cast and Themes
The young cast has also received attention, with Daniel Fienberg of The Hollywood Reporter singling out Alice Halsey, who portrays Laura Ingalls. Fienberg credited the casting directors and the youthful ensemble for maintaining the characters' endearing imperfections. Despite admitting that "wholesome" and "earnest" are not typically his preferred show attributes, he found himself invested in the "Little House on the Prairie" reboot and noted its renewal for a second season.
Aramide Tinubu of Variety also offered a positive review, stating that the series illustrates "the beauty of community, the horrors of encroachment and displacement, and the cost of being an American," appealing to both long-time fans and newcomers.
Conversely, Judy Berman of Time found that the new "Little House" suffered from "cloying excesses," similar to its predecessor. Berman suggested that perhaps the Ingalls' story is not as enduring as once imagined.
"Little House on the Prairie" is currently available for streaming on Netflix.