Little House on the Prairie - TV-G

Classic pioneer drama is one for the books.

TV Rating: TV-G Network: Hallmark Channel, Syndicated Cast: Michael Landon, Karen Grassle, Melissa Gilbert Genre: Drama
Available on: DVD

Common Sense Note

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 context to place them in. The Ingalls family is a model of mutual respect and affection. Some storylines deal with very serious maters 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 American pioneers. What challenges did they face as they moved West? Could you have persevered the way they did? How were their lives different from ours today? How were they the same? This series is a great jumping-off point for discussions about many aspects of American history, and families can use it to talk about the struggles that preceded our country's existence today. 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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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Emily Ashby

Based on Laura Ingalls Wilder's autobiographical books, LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE is one of TV's most successful family shows. The series originally ran on NBC from 1974 to 1983, and now, decades later, it continues to provide quality family entertainment thanks to syndication and DVD.

The show is set in the late 19th century and centers on the Ingalls family, who live in the growing pioneer town of Walnut Grove, Minnesota. Hard-working 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.

When the show began, Charles and Caroline had three daughters: quiet, studious Mary (Melissa Sue Anderson); no-nonsense tomboy Laura (Melissa Gilbert); and young Carrie (twins Lindsay and Sidney Greenbush). Baby Grace (Brenda and Wendi Turnbaugh) joined the family in the fifth season.

For the most part, the residents of Walnut Grove are upstanding, benevolent people like the Ingalls family. 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. Their faith in God and each other is constantly tested, and their strength is an inspiring testament to the spirit of American pioneers.

The core of the series' cast remained intact during most of its nine-year run. Supporting characters include Nels Oleson (Richard Bull), proprietor of the town's mercantile, and his gossipy, scheming wife, Harriet (Katherine MacGregor). Their spoiled daughter, Nellie (Alison Arngrim), and mischievous son, Willie (Melissa's brother, Jonathan Gilbert), often team up to torment the Ingalls kids. Reverend Alden (Dabbs Greer) and Doc Baker (Kevin Hagen) tend to the town's spiritual and physical needs, and Charles' jovial buddy Isaiah Edwards (Victor French) adds spice to the town's mix.

Little House on the Prairie welcomed handfuls of newcomers throughout the years, some of whom started their film careers with the Walnut Grove clan. Jason Bateman (Arrested Development) joined the cast in 1981 as James Cooper, an orphan taken in by the Ingalls family. And before her days on the beaches of Beverly Hills 90210, Shannen Doherty played Jenny, niece of Laura and her husband, Almanzo Wilder (Dean Butler), in the show's last season.

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.

Fans young and old will enjoy the Little House on the Prairie book series. For more pioneers on TV, try Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman.

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content Budding romances sometimes are mixed into the plot, but, as was customary during the time in which the series is set, there's very little outright flirting and nearly no physical contact.
Violence At least one gun usually is prominent and accessible in each home, and the men use them for hunting or -- more rarely -- self-defense. Physical punishment is the norm in some households, and children who break the rules often face their father's belt.
Language
Message
	Social Behavior One regular character is African American, and the town residents never show a hint of prejudice toward her (perhaps a bit anachronistic, but a great example to follow). Native Americans are usually portrayed as peaceful, although some white characters use derogatory terms for them. Roles are very gender-based, but it accurately reflects the time period. The adult role models in the Ingalls family are patient, loving, and hard-working and inspire their kids to be the same.
	Commercialism
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco The main adult male character smokes a pipe. When alcoholism or drug use is portrayed, the consequences are always severe. Heavy drinking is usually limited to men in saloons.