Sonnenshine highlighted the inclusion of new Indigenous neighbors to reflect historical accuracy regarding the settlement of the region.
"We have a better understanding of how our country was settled, and now we've got the opportunity to tell these stories where people didn't have this opportunity in the past," said Sonnenshine.
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"That is an opportunity to be seized upon; we really help people get to know what the frontier was like.
What were the challenges, who were the people who were here first, who are the Osage? What were they all about?"
To maintain realism, the production focused on naturalistic dialogue rather than anachronistic speech patterns.
"I always say, 'Don't make it sound old-timey'! You could be having this conversation with a person today," said Sonnenshine.
"We want to make it feel like you're kind of stepping right into this world. That is part of the immersive experience where it doesn't feel dusty."
The showrunner also emphasized that the series depicts the strength and essential labor of pioneer women.
"Our show portrays women as incredibly strong characters," said Sonnenshine. "Women were really the reason that the West was settled.
… It was families of women making it happen, feeding people and keeping them clothed."
Sonnenshine noted that she hopes the adaptation encourages community connection and motivates audiences to read the book series.
"Reaching out to others, nurturing a community, nurturing your relationships, knowing your neighbors, spending time together, being in the moment without your phone, singing together, eating together — those things can really enrich your life," said Sonnenshine.
