As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the debut of Little House on the Prairie, the pioneer series is more popular than ever as it continues to be a go-to show for generations of audiences. The NBC drama, based on the popular books by Laura Ingalls Wilder, debuted with a pilot in March 1974 that was spun into a series just six months later. Although the successful show ended with a two-hour TV movie in December 1984, Little House has remained a hit with “Bonnetheads” around the world in the decades since its finale aired. The series experienced a resurgence during the COVID-19 pandemic as people turned to the comforting and familiar, but the show’s star Melissa Gilbert was not surprised that it “started to blow up,” noting that it served as a “reminder of where we used to be” as a society. In this special issue, we look back at the stars of the show and delve into the best episodes and behind-the-scenes secrets. We also have photos and info from the cast reunion and 50th anniversary celebration that took place in California earlier this year as well as exclusive interviews with Alison Arngrim, who played bad girl Nellie, and Dean Butler, who portrayed Laura’s husband, Almanzo.
Little House on the Prairie
A Lasting Legacy • Little House on the Prairie has stood the test of time over the past 50 years.
From Page to Screen • How the bestselling children’s books by Laura Ingalls Wilder spawned a hit TV show.
The Heart of the Show • Melissa Gilbert was 9 when she was cast as Laura Ingalls. Now, 50 years later, she’s sharing her memories of the show that helped shape her life.
The Prairie Patriarch • Michael Landon led the Little House cast and, as a writer, director and producer, imbued the show with “the ideals he carried around in his own heart,” as Melissa Gilbert said.
Ma Speaks Out • Karen Grassle’s time playing Caroline Ingalls was sometimes taxing due to her tenuous working relationship with Michael Landon, as she detailed in her memoir.
Big Sister, Bigger Struggles • As eldest child Mary Ingalls, Melissa Sue Anderson took her Little House role seriously, even as her character dealt with one tragedy after another.
Whoa, Nellie • Alison Arngrim talks exclusively to Jennifer Vineyard about reuniting with the cast of Little House on the Prairie as the show celebrates its 50th anniversary.
Manning Up • Dean Butler opens up exclusively to Jennifer Vineyard about sharing kisses with Melissa Gilbert and being knocked on his ass by Michael Landon.
Family and Friends • These supporting actors played small but important roles—and occasionally stole the show.
Getting to the Heart of It • The first season of Little House on the Prairie mined Laura Ingalls Wilder’s books but also featured emotional stories dreamed up by Michael Landon.
On Location • With a little TV magic, California sets were transformed into realistic recreations of the Midwest.
Strong Stories, Poor Ratings • The sophomore season tackled topical issues including drug addiction, but a dwindling audience almost saw the show cancelled.
Required Reading • Laura Ingalls Wilder’s novels featured a collection of stories not included in the TV adaptation.
Nellie Gets Her Just Desserts • Season 3 saw Nellie fake an injury and get pushed into a creek by her frenemy Laura, as the show moved to a new time slot.
Tackling the Issues • The TV series examined some challenging subjects throughout its run.
Two Heartbreaking Episodes • A record number of viewers tuned in (and cried) as Mary Ingalls suddenly lost her sight in Season 4.
Famous Faces • Some of Little House on the Prairie’s day players were already big names in Hollywood, but many others were still on the rise.
The Show Gains a Teen...