I love having my kids watch this show because the themes are so innocent and because there's really no violence or sexual content. However, beware some outdated themes and ideas--I've found i have to watch with my kids and be ready to turn off the episode. For example, we watched an episode about an African American character, Joe Kagen, who was trying to get the townsfolks' "permission" to attend church (which takes some debriefing with young children to begin with). The two main male protagonists (Pa and Jonathan) were of course on the moral side of the episode's message, arguing on Joe's behalf, but Mrs. Olsen, the antagonist, was arguing against it. I was shocked to hear her begin spouting racist ideas such as "those people practice witchcraft, beat on drums, and EAT PEOPLE!" Then, as if that's not enough, her husband, who is supposed to be on the "right" side of the moral message, states that her view is ridiculous and "this is America, not Africa!" So not only do kids hear racist stereotypes that they might not otherwise hear, but then they're told that those things DO happen in Africa! So things like that, which were considered moral and "progressive" in 1979, are outdated, racist, and horribly ethnocentric by today's standards. Just beware the time lag!
Little House on the Prairie
(Rated TV-G, Drama, Starring Michael Landon, Karen Grassle, Melissa Gilbert, Where to watch: Hallmark Channel, Syndicated, DVD)
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Classic pioneer drama is one for the books.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 7 and Up
The good stuff
What to watch out for
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Violence & scariness:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Little House on the Prairie was written by Emily Ashby
Parents need to know that this drama is set on the American frontier in the late 19th century, so aspects of daily life may seem foreign to younger viewers who lack historical understanding. The Ingalls family is a model of mutual respect and affection. Some storylines deal with serious matters like the plague and other epidemics, infant mortality, the death of a parent, and the threat of neighboring Native Americans. Parents may find themselves answering questions about American history and geography, which is just one great reason to watch this epic series.
Families Can Talk About
Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
- Families can talk about American pioneers. What challenges did they face? Could you have persevered the way they did? How were their lives different from ours today? How were they the same? Families can also compare the series to Laura Ingalls Wilder's original books: What do the books and the show have in common? How are they different?
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More on Little House on the Prairie
What’s the Story?
LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE is set in the late 19th century and centers on the Ingalls family, who live in the growing pioneer town of Walnut Grove, Minnesota. Hardworking farmer Charles Ingalls (Michael Landon) and his wife, Caroline (Karen Grassle), rely on their devotion to each other and their family to see them through the daily trials of early settlement life. Cooperation and generosity are essential to everyone's survival in such a small, isolated town. Together the residents endure harsh weather, plagues, and droughts that threaten their livelihood.
Is It Any Good?
Based on Laura Ingalls Wilder's autobiographical books, Little House on the Prairie originally ran on NBC from 1974 to 1983, and now, decades later, it continues to provide quality family entertainment thanks to syndication and DVD. Little House on the Prairie is an ageless TV classic that ought to be on every family's watch list. On sheer entertainment value, the show sets the standard with rich characters, intuitive acting, and interesting storylines. But its truest merit lies in making historical TV so enriching and entertaining to watch.
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