Little House on the Prairie
A great pick
Ages 10–13First shown 1974
Based upon the best selling "Little House" series of books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. The show follows the lives of a simple farming family, the Ingalls, who settle into a quaint little house near the small town of Walnut Grove during the late 1800s. The majority of the shows were narrated by Laura and the series follows her from when she and her family arrive in Walnut Grove until her adulthood with Almanzo Wilder, with whom she starts a family of her own.
Our verdict
- Good influence 4/5
- Parent appeal 5/5
- Well made 4/5
Calm and gentle
Little House on the Prairie is highly regarded by reviewers as a wholesome family drama that emphasizes timeless values like perseverance, kindness, and integrity. While the show is praised for its emotional depth and high production quality, some modern commentary notes historical inaccuracies and the presence of dated, stereotypical depictions of certain groups. Most viewers agree it is an engaging series for both children and adults, though the frequent tragic storylines can be heavy for some.
Why these scores
Good influence
Does it show behaviour you'd be happy to see copied?
4out of 5
The show is widely praised for modelling kindness, hard work, and moral integrity through a close-knit family and community. However, some reviewers highlight problematic elements, including stereotypical depictions of Indigenous people, the use of corporal punishment, and instances where negative behavior goes uncorrected. While the central family provides a strong positive arc, the inclusion of intense themes like child abuse and prejudice creates a complex moral landscape.
Parent appeal
Will you enjoy watching it with them?
5out of 5
Many adults find the series deeply rewarding due to its emotional depth and willingness to tackle complex social issues such as mental health and poverty. While most appreciate it as a high-quality family drama, a minority of viewers find the constant stream of tragedies depressing or the sentimental tone 'soppy.' A few reviews also mention that the slow pacing might be boring for those used to modern television.
Well made
Are the writing, animation and sound made with care?
4out of 5
The production is highly regarded for its award-winning musical score and cinematography, as well as its natural acting performances. There is significant disagreement regarding historical authenticity; while some praise the set research, many modern viewers criticize the 'polished' look, modern hairstyles, and anachronistic dialogue. Some fans of the original books are also bothered by the frequent deviations from the source material.
Watch-outs
Calm and gentle
Reviewers consistently describe the show as slow-paced, relaxing, and low-key, making it the opposite of overstimulating.
Toy-led: not enough data
We haven't found enough independent sources to say yet.
Grating audio: not enough data
We haven't found enough independent sources to say yet.
Where to watch
Stream for free
- Not that we know of
Stream with a subscription
- Not that we know of
Rent or buy
- Not that we know of
DVD and Blu-ray
Last updated 18 October 2026.