Netflix’s adaptation of Little House on the Prairie featured a surprise change from the original story.
When the show premiered on Thursday, July 9, the Ingalls family moved from Wisconsin to build a homestead near Independence, Kansas, in the 1870s. Laura Ingalls Wilder‘s book series, meanwhile, is centered on family during their time in Plum Creek near Walnut Grove, Minnesota.
At the end of season 1, the Ingalls struggled under the weight of their debt. They ultimately made the decision to move — and head to Plum Creek. This would connect the show back to its original story line, which will continue after Netflix renewed Little House on the Prairie for season 2. (The book series made reference to the family residing in Kansas before Plum Creek.)
Netflix’s version comes after NBC released an adaptation in 1974 with Michael Landon, Karen Grassle, Melissa Gilbert and Melissa Sue Anderson leading the cast. Little House also launched the careers of Jason Bateman, who played James Cooper Ingalls, and reality star Kyle Richards, who starred as Alicia Sanderson Edwards.
After Landon departed the show during the show’s ninth and final season, the show title was changed to Little House: A New Beginning. Three movies were released after Little House on the Prairie wrapped up its run.
Netflix announced plans for its own version, which stars Alice Halsey, Luke Bracey, Crosby Fitzgerald and Skywalker Hughes. Jocko Sims, Warren Christie, Wren Zhawenim Gotts, Meegwun Fairbrother, Alyssa Wapanatâhk and more round out the cast.
Before the show’s premiere, showrunner Rebecca Sonnenshine issued a message to fans who are concerned about how their favorite show would be adapted.
“I want people to know, first of all, everybody making this show cares about the books and bringing it to life and being as authentic as we can and bringing all those details to life that people love,” she told People. “Everyone cares so much.”
Sonnenshine previewed the vision for the show.
“This series is basically told through the eyes of Laura, who’s taking all of us on this journey of discovery and joy and adventure,” she said, adding that “you needed someone who could really mine the reality of it.”
The screenwriter called the books “such an important piece of American literature” and “window into all the complicated and good things about our country.” She assured fans that the stories will be “focused on people doing good works and being generous and kind to each other and building community.”
Little House on the Prairie is streaming now.
