
Netflix Announces Modern Remake of Beloved 'Little House on the Prairie' Series
Netflix has greenlit a fresh adaptation of Laura Ingalls Wilder's beloved "Little House on the Prairie" book series, marking a significant revival of the cherished franchise that captured hearts worldwide. The streaming giant is bringing together an accomplished team of industry veterans to reimagine this timeless story for contemporary audiences.
Experienced Creative Team Takes the Helm
Rebecca Sonnenshine, known for her work on acclaimed series such as "The Boys," "Vampire Diaries," and "Archive 81," will serve as showrunner and executive producer. The project brings together an impressive roster of executive producers, including Joy Gorman Wettels (Joy Coalition), Trip Friendly (Friendly Family Productions), Dana Fox, and Susanna Fogel.
The series will be produced by CBS Studios and Anonymous Content Studios exclusively for Netflix. In a touching connection to the show's heritage, Trip Friendly, son of original "Little House" producer Ed Friendly, joins the production team to continue his father's legacy.
A Fresh Vision for a Timeless Tale
Jinny Howe, Netflix's Vice President of Drama Series, expressed enthusiasm about the project: "Little House has captured the hearts and imaginations of fans worldwide. We're excited to present this iconic story through a new lens, bringing themes of hope and optimism to both existing fans and new audiences. Rebecca's vision adds emotional depth to this beloved classic."
The new adaptation is being positioned as both "a hopeful family drama and epic survival story, as well as an origin story of the American West."
Literary Legacy Meets Modern Storytelling
Laura Ingalls Wilder published eight "Little House" books during the 1930s and 1940s, with a ninth volume released posthumously in 1971. The series, based on the author's childhood experiences in the American Midwest during the late 1800s, has sold over 73 million copies worldwide.
Historic Success and Contemporary Appeal
The original NBC television series, which aired from 1974 to 1983, ran for nine seasons with over 200 episodes, followed by three television films. The show's enduring popularity continues to resonate with modern audiences - according to Nielsen, it accumulated 13.25 billion viewing minutes on Peacock in 2024, ranking among the platform's most-watched content.
Creative Vision for the New Adaptation
Rebecca Sonnenshine shared her personal connection to the project: "I fell deeply in love with these books when I was five years old. They inspired me to become a writer and filmmaker. I'm honored and thrilled to have the opportunity to introduce these stories to a worldwide audience through Netflix."
Trip Friendly added his perspective: "It has been my long-held dream to continue my father's legacy and adapt Wilder's classic American stories for 21st-century viewers in a way that will unite both book and series fans. Working with our talented creative team under Rebecca Sonnenshine's leadership, I'm delighted to present these beloved stories of family, community, and survival to both longtime admirers and new generations."
This thoughtfully crafted adaptation aims to honor the original while bringing fresh relevance to a new generation of viewers, balancing nostalgia with contemporary storytelling techniques.