Biggest TV Changes in Netflix’s ‘Little House on the Prairie’: Missing Characters to Religious Details

Netflix adapted Little House on the Prairie — but what changes does their version have compared to the original series?

Based on the book series by Laura Ingalls Wilder, Little House on the Prairie series is centered on the Ingalls family, who live on a farm on Plum Creek near Walnut Grove, Minnesota, in the late 1800s.

NBC released an adaptation in 1974 with Michael Landon, Karen Grassle, Melissa Gilbert and Melissa Sue Anderson leading the cast. Little House also launched the careers of Jason Bateman, who played James Cooper Ingalls, and reality star Kyle Richards, who starred as Alicia Sanderson Edwards.

After Landon departed the show during the show’s ninth and final season, the show title was changed to Little House: A New Beginning. Three movies were released after Little House on the Prairie wrapped up its run.

Netflix announced plans for its own version, which is set to be released in July 2026. The series was renewed for a second season ahead of its premiere with Alice Halsey, Luke Bracey, Crosby Fitzgerald and Skywalker Hughes leading the cast.

Jocko Sims, Warren Christie, Wren Zhawenim Gotts, Meegwun Fairbrother, Alyssa Wapanatâhk and more round out the cast.

Keep scrolling to see how the Netflix version differs from the ’70s series:

Missing Characters

While the youngest member of the Ingalls family joined them later in the season, Carrie wasn’t present since the beginning as expected.

Nellie Oleson is also missing after viewers were awaiting an appearance in season 1. Netflix has renewed the show for season 2, which is when Nellie is expected to appear.

A Change of Place

When the Netflix show premiered, the Ingalls family moved from Wisconsin to build a homestead near Independence, Kansas, in the 1870s. Laura Ingalls Wilder’s book series, meanwhile, is centered on family during their time in Plum Creek near Walnut Grove, Minnesota.

At the end of season 1, the Ingalls struggled under the weight of their debt. They ultimately made the decision to move — and head to Plum Creek. This would connect the show back to its original story line.

The Religion Details

In the original series, the family goes to church and highlights their connection to God. While faith is mentioned in Netflix’s version, it hasn’t been as prevalent, which connects it back to the books.

Introducing Indigenous Stories

Netflix’s version made an effort to center season 1 around an Osage family, which wasn’t the focus of the books and the ’70s show.