The first episodes of Netflix's adaptation of "Little House on the Prairie" have premiered, revisiting the Ingalls family's journey westward. The series, created by Rebecca Sonnenshine, adapts Laura Ingalls Wilder's autobiographical book series, which was previously adapted into a popular 1970s television show. While Wilder's books were published in the 1930s, they have faced criticism in recent decades for their portrayal of expansionism and racist depictions.
This latest adaptation arrives as the country marks its 250th anniversary, prompting discussions about the nation's foundational narratives. The show's announcement drew immediate attention, with some critics, such as conservative podcaster Megyn Kelly, expressing concern that the series might be "woke-ified," a term often interpreted as an attempt to include perspectives beyond those of white settlers.
The series attempts to address these historical complexities by presenting a more balanced view. A central approach is mirroring the Ingalls family's experiences with those of an Osage family. Charles and Caroline Ingalls develop a friendship with Osage couple Mitchell and White Sun, and their children, Laura and Good Eagle, become close friends. This inter-family relationship allows the show to explore the challenges of one family seeking a new future while another group strives to protect their own existence.
![Caroline Ingalls, Laura Ingalls, Mary Ingalls, Charles Ingalls, and John Edwards in "Little House on the Prairie."]( "L to R) Crosby Fitzgerald as Caroline Ingalls, Alice Halsey as Laura Ingalls, Skywalker Hughes as Mary Ingalls, Luke Bracey as Charles Ingalls, Warren Christie as John Edwards in "Little House on the Prairie."
The show also raises questions about the historical narrative of westward expansion, considering the roles of individual settlers versus powerful entities like railroad barons and government policies that promoted cultural assimilation. The producers' stated intention was to "face the problematic nature of the historical text head-on."
Beyond its historical and social commentary, the series also captures the adventurous spirit and daily realities of 1860s and 70s frontier life, which has enthralled younger viewers. Themes of survival, such as the Ingalls family facing river crossings, building shelter, dealing with illness, and fending off wildfires, are woven into the narrative. Simultaneously, moments of simple joy, like finding a blackberry or enjoying a peppermint stick, are depicted.
White Sun's observation that the Osage "tell stories… to remember that moving and changing brings us closer to understanding Wah’Kon-Tah, the Great Mystery" underscores the show's thematic exploration of understanding and change. The remake aims to provide a multifaceted view of the past, one that moves beyond a singular perspective and acknowledges the impact of events like Manifest Destiny on diverse groups.
This approach has resonated, leading to the show's renewal for a second season. The series is available for streaming on Netflix.