The premiere of Netflix's new adaptation of Little House on the Prairie in July 2026 has sparked a resurgence of interest in the original 1974 television series.
The classic show, which ran for nine seasons until 1983, brought widespread fame to its cast, including Michael Landon and Melissa Gilbert.
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Melissa Gilbert, who portrayed Laura Ingalls starting at age 9, recently addressed comparisons between the various adaptations on Substack.
She noted that neither the original series nor the new Netflix version is entirely accurate to the books or the times.
“The short answer is no, neither are entirely accurate to the times nor the books,” Gilbert said.
She emphasized that dramatic license is present across all iterations, including the original books by Laura Ingalls Wilder.
Gilbert urged viewers to appreciate the storytelling without focusing on historical precision.
“So rather than getting all twisted up in what’s real and what’s dramatized, maybe just sit back and go for the ride,” she said.
She added that audience choice is paramount: “If you like it, stick with it. If you don’t, you don’t have to watch.”
Reflecting on her co-star and producer Michael Landon, who died in 1991 at age 54, Gilbert recalled his humor even during his illness.
“Even as sick as he was, he still maintained his incredible sense of humor,” she told Fox News Digital.
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