Little House on the Prairie (Hallmark Channel, Syndicated)

common sense media says

Classic pioneer drama is one for the books.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

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.

Positive messages: Episodes stress the importance and collective power of family, community, and the Christian faith. Some storylines also deal with serious matters, including death, illness, loss, and addiction.
Positive role models: Members of the Ingalls family model mutual respect and affection toward each other; the adult role models are patient, loving, and hard-working and inspire their kids to be the same. 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 tend to be gender-based, but this accurately reflects the time period.
Violence & scariness: 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.
Sexy stuff: 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.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: 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.

More on Little House on the Prairie

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

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?

What's the story?

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?

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.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-G
Network: Hallmark Channel
Cast: Karen Grassle, Melissa Gilbert, Michael Landon
Genre: Drama
Where to watch: Hallmark Channel

This review was written by Emily Ashby
 
 

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What parents & educators say

8

Most useful reviews by all members

cammy48
kid, 11 years old
 
A bit too outdated
People do smoke. There is some violence sometimes even involving guns. In some episodes people die from ilnesses, etc. The show also touches on some deep issues such as prejudice. For example, In one episode I saw Ms. Oleson discriminates against a person just because he was a midget. Of, course the "midget' proves himself at the end by saving Ms. Oleson's daughter. The problems are always solved, so there is always a positive message at the end. Because of its themes, smoking and violence i say this deserves a mild TV-PG-D ( D stands for suggestive dialouge) rating. The show is very good, but younger will probably find it too slow. Also, there are some moments that feel to last generation. Overall: 9+ 7-8 iffy. 4.3/5

Jessica Frederick
kid, 10 years old
 
It has great messages
I love it. Me and my family always watch it. But please watch out for some parts about people at the saloon. Drinking, fighting, gambling, ect. But I think the message is great it teaches kids about how tough it was back then and it should make your kids appreciate what they have and how easy life is now days.

KelandryOfTortall
teen, 17 years old
 
Realllly good!
I love little house (and most other older shows). The episodes are really good, especially the newer ones, which seem to have more interesting plots. Must watch, especially for vintage-intolerant eleven-year-olds. :)))) xoxo KEL

F-250
parent of 9 and 11 year old
 
Great series for kids!
I love sitting with my two daughters and watching this. Never have to worry about objectionable content.

Softballlover
teen, 14 years old
 
Perfect for all ages!
I really like the show. Every episode has a good lesson to learn. Some episode have African-Americans coming in and the towns people acting wierd but that was just like it was back then. So I don't think there are any problems with the show!

loisj
parent of 5 and 8 year old
 
Beware outdated content
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!

cheerbear11
parent of 16 year old
 
Perfect for Young and old alike
I love the show. It has good role models. It teaches you how to deal with difficult people such as a Nellie Oleson. It has good values. It teaches you about perseverance. It teaches you not to make fun of people who are different. It one episode it even teaches young people to stay away from drugs and I think that's awesome.

momjen
parent of 9 year old
 
Great show
We love it! Teaches children life lessons in each show. Also teaches them how we use to live, how to get along, how to have fun even without everything, family values, and respect for others.

Jmac13ny
teen, 13 years old
 
Great show with Great Lessons but May Need to be watched with an Adult
Although I think this is one of the best shows of like ALLLL time, there is some inappropriate stuff that isnt mentioned above. For example, in episodes like the "The Plague" and "The Blizzard" and "The Raccoon", death is a main topic. Nellie is funny , but a HORRIBLE role model. Of course Laura always ends up overcoming her and in the last few seasons Nellie matures and is replaced by Nancy. Laura resorts to calling Nellie names and pushing and hitting her (which some parents may not believe in) but what Nellie and Harriet do is far worse. Drugs and achohal are mentioned and used... There is child abuse in episodes such as "Child of Pain" and Doctor Baker admitts that Graham (the child) could become crippled if his alchoholic father kept beating him. Of course, in the end, Charles helps the father stay sober. Charles beats some people up, but just to protect others. Overall- most episodes are OK but you may want to watch this show with kids under 12. I'm 13 now and when I was younger I only used to watch the episodes centered aroung the Olesons or the kids.

horsenrider
teen, 13 years old
 
Such A Great Family TV Show!!!
Little house on the Praire is such a good show! The role models are that good that ***I AM NAMED AFTER LAURA*** My parents often say that I turned out more rather like Nellie Oleson. There is always an important message behind each episode stating a rule about sharing and being positive and all that. Dad will usually ask at the end of the episode "What is the lesson this time kids?" We have all the seasons up to No7 and have learnt some interesting trivia such as... - Lindsay and Sidney Greenbush are identical twins that play Carrie. - Willie Olesen and Laura Ingalls are adopted brother and sister and so are Andy Garvey and Albert Ingalls. In later seasons, Laura and Almonzo have a few kissy scenes but it is nothing to get fussed about.

 
In a world of "That's so Raven" (not on at our house), I am truly surprised that my eight year old will watch this at all, but no fail when she hears the intro. she comes running. A family show that teaches values and respect towards parents instead of who's wearing the best outfit, I'm all in!

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