Can you believe it? It’s been 50 years since the first episode of Little House on the Prairie aired on our television screens, introducing the world to the Ingalls family and the small town of Walnut Grove. Half a century!
As I sit down to reflect on this incredible milestone, I am overwhelmed with gratitude, nostalgia, and a deep sense of pride for what Little House has come to mean to so many.
When I first stepped into the role of Laura Ingalls, I had no idea how much my life was about to change. I was just a young girl, excited to be a part of this new show set in the late 1800s. From the first time I put on my calico dress, bonnet and boots that I needed a real button hook to wear, I felt transported to another time and place—a simpler, yet challenging world where family, love, and perseverance were at the heart of everything. Everything seemed so real and so true. It was the greatest game of ‘dress-up’ anyone ever got to play.
I had no idea at that time, that this role would become a defining part of my life and an important symbol of American television.
There’s a reason for that. Little House on the Prairie was more than just a TV show; it was, and still is, a beacon of light and hope. It brings families together in their living rooms, offering them stories filled with love, hardship, and the importance of doing the right thing. The themes of individual episodes tacking important issues like, racism, nativism, drug addiction, violence against women and children, and antisemitism to name a few. The values of Little House, family, community, love, tolerance and acceptance resonated with audiences then, and they continue to resonate today. I think that's why Little House has stood the test of time—it speaks to universal truths that are just as relevant now as they were in Laura Ingalls Wilder's time.
One of the things I cherish most about Little House is the sense of family the whole cast and crew still feel for each other. We truly were a family on set. Michael Landon, who played Pa, was not only a father figure to me but also a mentor, guide and dear friend. His laughter, wisdom, and kindness were the glue that held us together. The bond I shared with Karen Grassle (Ma), my sisters on the show, and the entire cast and crew and their families was genuine, and it remains strong to this day. These relationships shaped who I am, both as an actress and as a person.
Over the years, fans have shared countless stories with me about how Little House touched their lives. I’ve heard from people who found comfort in the show during difficult times, who saw themselves in Laura’s spunk and determination, or who were inspired by the Ingalls family's resilience. Those letters and conversations have meant the world to me. They remind me that Little House was more than just entertainment—it was a source of strength, encouragement, and moral guidance.
As we celebrate this 50th anniversary, I am struck by how the themes of Little House remain relevant. The world has changed in so many ways, yet the need for compassion, integrity, and love endures. In a time where we are often divided, the lessons of Walnut Grove—kindness, community, and the power of family—are more important than ever. I believe that’s why new generations continue to discover and fall in love with the show.
To our wonderful fans, thank you.
Thank you for welcoming us into your homes, for sharing your lives with us, and for keeping the spirit of Little House alive. Your love and support have been the driving force behind the show's enduring legacy. Every time I meet a fan or hear a story about how Little House has impacted someone's life, my heart swells with joy and gratitude.
While it’s been 50 years, the heart of Little House continues to beat strong. I’m excited to see how future generations will connect with the show, find meaning in its stories, and carry its messages forward. Whether through reruns, new adaptations, or simply sharing the love of Little House with their children and grandchildren, the spirit of the Ingalls family lives on.
Here's to 50 years of laughter, tears, and the simple joys of life.
Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey. Here’s to many more years of Little House on the Prairie and the lessons it continues to teach us.
With oceans of love and gratitude,
31 comments
Thiswas one of my mom‘s favorite shows because she herself had three daughters pretty similar in ages as the girls on little House. We love to watch the show over and over again. It never seems to lose its luster. We feel like we’re part of the family, I really think that people ache to go back to this time or people truly had each other‘s back some life lessons. We could sure use today. I’ve watched this series in my life where I’ve had happy moments and sad moments and it’s always brought me peace and comfort I’m so glad the show was made and created. It’s brought so many people such inspiration enjoy and what real family values are, thank you from the bottom of my little house on the Prairie heart ,Kelly
I have to share Melissa’s sentiments above as I had the honor and priviledge of being her set sitter/guardian for a few years during Little House on the Prarie. I took her many times to Simi Valley to shoot and got to go on location too. Everyone was so nice and welcoming. It was one of the fondest memories of my life and Melissa is as nice and sweet and she seems! I even taught her how to drive a stick shift..lol. Thanks for the memories Melissa from all those years ago and even 50 years later…I hope to see you again…Take Care.
Michael Landon’s “Pa” was the only father figure I had growing up. So, at least I had Something to lean on in a situation where my own “dad” was about as absent and abusive as they come.
Hi, Melissa.
One of my greatest memories of Little House On The Prairie is on April 27, 1980, as I watched, I became an aunt for the first time. My nephew Joshua was born at 9:34 that night. I was sitting in the front bedroom of the house I grew up in and I looked at the clock when the phone call came. I was twelve years old. I don’t know what episode it was. I just know that I became an aunt while watching Little House. That baby is now in his forties and I am fifty eight years old. I loved Little House On The Prairie and never missed a show. I had the books and I used to have a cook book too. Thank you for good memories. I’m watching on Amazon Prime right now.
Hi Melissa! “Home is the nicest word there is”. You will always have a special place in my heart ❤️. I was 14 when Little House came on. I was hooked and at 64 I still watch it. My kids grew up watching it and now my grandkids are. It’s a show you can turn to for comfort, love and hope. I was in Walnut Grove in July and was able to have lunch with Michael Landon Jr. He told us about the funny things his dad did on the set and how driven he was. How he always had a yellow tablet in his hand writing the next episode. I know you must miss him. Thank you for all you do. Happy 50th Little House! ❤️❤️