Netflix's Little House on the Prairie reboot fixes original show’s biggest blind spot

For generations, the Michael Landon-starring Western series Little House on the Prairie has been remembered as one of television's most beloved family dramas, celebrated for its heartfelt storytelling, timeless values, and unforgettable characters.

Adapted from Laura Ingalls Wilder's semi-autobiographical books, the classic series painted an idealized picture of life on the American frontier but also reflected the limitations of its era. One of its most persistent criticisms was its portrayal (or lack thereof) of Indigenous communities, which often received little screen time and were viewed largely through the perspective of white settlers.

Decades later, Netflix's Little House on the Prairie reboot appears determined to change that. In addition to recreating the nostalgic and wholesome charm, the reboot embraces a more historically grounded approach by giving Native American communities, including the Osage through the Mitchell family, greater depth and agency.

Here's how Netflix's Little House on the Prairie fixed the original show’s biggest blind spot through the Osage perspective.

Netflix's Little House on the Prairie: Exploring the Osage perspective

What makes Netflix's Little House on the Prairie a modern reboot is the involvement of the Osage community, who are an important part of Wilder's books but were neglected in the original adaptation. While the 1970s series glossed over Indigenous land rights, the new adaptation acknowledges that pioneers stole land from the Osage. When the Ingalls arrive in Kansas and are allowed to build homes, they are told the land was 'free'. However, as the finale revealed, federal officers arrived with devastating news that the land belonged to the Osage community, resulting in the Ingalls' forced eviction.

While the original series closely followed Ingalls and their struggles on the Kansas frontier, Netflix's Little House on the Prairie sheds an equal light on the Osages through the Mitchell family. The reboot does not forget the hardships faced by the Indigenous people but highlights how the settlers stole their land, creating the story's main conflict.

The Osage perspective matters because it gives a new meaning to Wilder's story. Fans of the story, who villainized the Osage community after the Ingalls' forced eviction from the frontier, understood that the land belonged to them. The finale featured an unspoken and heartwarming understanding between Pa and the Mitchells, as the former decided to back down and dismantle the family's cabin, built on Indigenous land. It's impressive how the reboot handled the Osages' win over the Ingalls after federal officers forced the latter to evict.

Netflix's Little House on the Prairie concluded not with the defeat of any community. The Osage community did not celebrate their victory over another but silently rejoiced in the reclaiming of their land.

Bringing the Osage community to life in Netflix's Little House on the Prairie

For showrunner and executive producer Rebecca Sonnenshine, an authentic portrayal of the Osage community was an important part of her TV series. To achieve this, Osage cultural consultant Julie O'Keefe (who served as a consultant for the film Killers of the Flower Moon) and Osage artists were used to guide the production on hair, makeup, and clothing.

In an interview with Netflix's Tudum, O'Keefe reiterated the need to include both perspectives from Wilder's story:

“If you’re going to tell the story, then you need to tell both sides.''

Additionally, Osage actor and language consultant Talee Redcorn was brought in to translate the dialogue and coach actors about the culture.

Netflix's Little House on the Prairie not only brought the Osage community into the fold but also delivered an authentic and respectful portrayal of the community. The series rejected the outdated stereotypes and prejudices and highlighted the community's traditions and culture, featuring a story deeply rooted in historical accuracy.

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You can stream the reboot on Netflix now.

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