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
My life would truly not have happened without the show after being sexually abused by my brother in law from age 13 to 36 this show literally saved my life it was my safe place to escape where no one could hurt me my collection is extensive because I want it near me all the time I had tickets to lyle Tennessee and it was my chance of a lifetime to let them all know my story but it was canceled my dream is to meet the cast or just one to thank them for the impact they have made God bless you all
Thank you for bringing Laura to all of us in a way we could see and feel. I have loved little house since the moment I read the book series at age 8 and started watching the shows. Little House and Laura were something that as a child i was able to see another person who was like me and a family who was like mine and it made me feel as though I had close friends that understood. That it was ok to be the little girl that wanted to play with rhe boys, who was fiery and spunky and not always perfect. BUT LOVED DEEPLY, loved animals and her family and God. We were farmers and didn’t have money but my dad worked several jobs too And sometimes as a kid you are made to feel bad about that by others but when I turned on little house it was like someone else was that way too and it was ok and not important. Thank you for sharing her with all of us. For making me feel special and showing me it was ok to be yourself no matter what. Words don’t describe how much it brought to my life and still does.
Congratulations on 50 years of bringing joy to so many people. Like so many other fans of Little House, thru the years I too, have watched all the shows, bought the books, and even purchased the complete DVD collector’s set. And now that the 50th anniversary is here, I
Wholeheartedly get to re-live it all over again and I couldn’t be happier. Many thanks to you, Dean Butler, and all the other actors, actresses , and the many staff members who constantly work to keep this way of life alive.
Bless you all.
I absolutely loved, loved, loved watching the show in the 70’s and still watch it today. I can’t remember a time when I haven’t been able to catch it in reruns. I am 62 now so I was just a bit older than Mary was on the show. I grew up watching and have never stopped. In fact, I had it on earlier today. Thank you for keeping the spirit of the show alive. I wish I could have made the event held earlier this year celebrating the 50th anniversary of the show.
Hello Melissa and everyone.
I am so thrilled to have found your “Modern Prairie” website and also in particular, this area to leave a comment.
The Little House on the Prairie show meant so much to me and I adored it. It was a source of huge comfort and guidance to me as I look back, because I think I needed it very badly. My Dad knew It was my all time family show, & that I had to see it every week when a new episode came out.
You see, I suffered through four divorces between my family and stepparents, growing up and into my late teens. I was a lonely, only child with just visits to a half brother at times. So it was hard, (to say the least!), to survive growing up through all of that. I also read all of the Little House books; honestly I’d even like to read them over again, to kind of reconnect me to that inner child. The books text and the wonderful pictures, were a source of comfort and security to me, when I read them.
As I think back to the characters, I of course, really loved the whole Ingalls family. I loved the minister very much too, as I had zero christian or spiritual influence in my life growing up. Later at age 15, I become a Christian. Then in my 20’s, I married and had my three precious children, creating little house in suburbia 😉.
Through two divorces of my own that I didn’t want and now at age 59: i’m thrilled to come across your website! i’m in a newer, wonderful, safe relationship with a fantastic man, and am on a healing journey the best I can from the huge trauma of losing my only son William at age 27 1/2. He passed suddenly in his sleep 3/22/21 with no warning, due to unforeseen heart problems.
I’m SO glad you’re keeping that pioneer spirit alive, Melissa with this site. I have also enjoyed watching your movies through the years, that you’ve done.
By the way, when Michael Landon passed away, it was only about 9 months after my own father passed due to stomach cancer. I think I grieved almost as hard when Michael passed, his acting as Pa was so influential in my life. We lost his genius too soon 😢.
God bless you and yours and the whole staff of Modern Prairie!