“A PERFECT REBOOT” — NETFLIX IS TURNING LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE INTO THE PERIOD DRAMA DOWNTON ABBEY FANS HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR 🌾✨
A beloved classic is being reimagined, and early buzz says it’s everything fans hoped for. Netflix’s upcoming adaptation promises sweeping landscapes, intimate family drama, and the kind of quiet emotional power that made Downton Abbey unforgettable.
Old-fashioned values. Modern storytelling.
👇 This is the period drama everyone will be talking about next.
ownton Abbey fans, you can finally stop the search because we’ve found the dream period drama to fill the void. Little House on the Prairie is getting a brand-new TV adaptation thanks to our friends over at Netflix, with Laura Ingalls Wilder’s classic American stories being given a 21st-century spin. If you enjoyed Downton Abbey, we think you’re going to adore this one.
If you need reminding what the story is about, Little House on the Prairie follows pioneers, Charles Ingalls (Luke Bracey), Caroline Ingalls (Crosby Fitzgerald), and their children as they move from Wisconsin to Kansas in 19th century America to build a new home in Indian territory – and the highs and lows along the way. Netflix has described the new adaptation as “a bold reimagining”, suggesting we can expect some differences from the original story.
While we wait for Little House on the Prairie to arrive on Netflix, here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming series, including the plot, cast and how to watch it.
What is Little House on the Prairie about?
Netflix
As we mentioned, Little House on the Prairie is based on US author Laura Ingalls Wilder’s semi-autographical series of children’s novels, which were originally published between 1932 and 1943. They were later adapted into the classic US series, also called Little House on the Prairie, between 1974 and 1983.
According to Netflix, the new adaptation will “bring to life the joy and grit of survival on the prairie.” The official synopsis continues: “This new adaptation is an epic and thrilling family adventure with a kaleidoscopic view of the mythic American West. It is an autobiographical story, part true and part imagined, of a 19th-century world that vanished with the arrival of the modern era and the closing of the frontier. It’s part fairy tale, part survival story, part family saga.”
NBC
To remind you of the original story, Little House on the Prairie introduces us to pioneer Charles Ingalls (Luke Bracey), his wife Caroline Ingalls (Crosby Fitzgerald) and their children, as they leave the woods of Wisconsin due to overcrowding for the open prairies of Kansas in the late 1800s. After discovering a beautiful spot on the plains near the Verdigris River, they decide to unpack their wagon and claim the land as their own.
While out hunting one afternoon, Charles Ingalls (Luke Bracey) bumps into a neighbour, a bachelor named John Edwards (Warren Christie), and both agree to help each other build their houses. Though they’ve finally found “home”, life isn’t without hurdles for the Ingalls family, as they cope with dangerous wildlife, hostile weather conditions and illness, all with limited resources. On top of that, they also have to deal with the challenges of settling on Indian Territory – is their new life about to come to an abrupt end?
Steve Granitz
Jinny Howe, Vice President, Drama Series, Netflix, has said of the new series: “Little House on the Prairie has captured the hearts and imaginations of so many fans around the world, and we’re excited to share its enduring themes of hope and optimism with a fresh take on this iconic story. Rebecca’s vision threads the needle with an emotional depth that will delight both new and existing fans of this beloved classic.”
Who’s in the cast for Little House on the Prairie?
Jeff Kravitz
The cast of Little House on the Prairie includes:
Luke Bracey as Charles Ingalls
Crosby Fitzgerald as Caroline Ingalls
Alice Halsey as Laura Ingalls
Skywalker Hughes as Mary Ingalls
Warren Christie as John Edwards
Jocko Sims as Dr. George Tann
Meegwun Fairbrother as Mitchell
Alyssa Wapanatâhk as White Sun
Wren Zhawenim Gotts as Good Eagle
Xander Cole as Little Puma
Are Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House on the Prairie novels any good?
Yes – Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House on the Prairie novels are considered classics and have stood the test of time. The nine books have sold over 73 million copies in more than 100 countries, translated into at least 27 languages. They offer a heart-warming portrait of family life, while also examining the tough realities of being a settler in 19th Century America.
How can I watch Little House on the Prairie?
NBC Universal
Good news – Netflix has confirmed that Little House on the Prairie will premiere in 2026. The streamer hasn’t yet shared an exact release date, but as soon as we have more news, we’ll share it here.
What other period dramas can I watch now?
Starz Entertainment//Channel 4
For a truly brilliant period drama, try The White Princess. The series centres around the marriage of Henry VII (Jacob Collins-Levy) and Elizabeth of York (Jodie Comer), which ended the War of the Roses, but causes serious problems closer to home. You can watch The White Princess on Channel 4. For another gem of a period drama, we’d recommend Tom Jones. Hannah Waddingham plays Lady Bellaston, who will stop at nothing to end her niece, Sophia Western’s (Sophie Wilde), blossoming new romance with Tom Jones (Solly McLeod). You can watch Tom Jones on ITVX.
