Additional Coverage:
- Commentary: The creator of ‘Little House on the Prairie’ isn’t worried about being called ‘woke’ (latimes.com)
Rebecca Sonnenshine, the creative force behind Netflix’s new adaptation of “Little House on the Prairie,” remains unfazed by earlier criticism aimed at the series. Eighteen months ago, Megyn Kelly sparked controversy with a tweet threatening to “ruin” the project if it was made too “woke.” Sonnenshine, however, is confident the show stays true to the spirit of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s original books.
In an interview, Sonnenshine explained that regardless of how “woke” is defined-an increasingly ambiguous term-viewers will find the series faithful to the source material. She also dismissed concerns from longtime fans about casting and setting choices, such as Mary Ingalls not being blond or the Ingalls family spending more time in Independence, Kansas, than in the novels. These adjustments, she noted, were made thoughtfully, balancing authenticity with practical production needs.
Adapting a beloved classic like “Little House on the Prairie” is a challenging task, especially given the legacy of the 1974 television series. Sonnenshine, an experienced writer and producer known for projects like “The Boys” and “The Vampire Diaries,” grew up in rural California and has long been inspired by Wilder’s stories. For her, these books represent more than just tales of pioneer life-they were a source of empowerment and creative inspiration.
Her approach to the series is both respectful and expansive. Sonnenshine aimed to remain faithful to Wilder’s novels while enriching the narrative with broader historical context, including the aftermath of the Civil War, Native American relations, and the racial diversity of Kansas during that era.
Characters like George Tann, a Black doctor who appears briefly in the books, are given fuller, more nuanced roles. The series also introduces new characters, such as Good Eagle, a young Osage girl, to reflect the diverse communities of the time.
Sonnenshine emphasizes that the show is grounded in historical accuracy, supported by thorough research into census records and local histories. She rejects the notion that the inclusion of diverse characters is simply a “woke” overlay, insisting that the American West has always been a complex, multicultural place shaped by families, not just armed settlers.
The series explores themes of resilience, hope, and family, consistent with Wilder’s original work. It also delves into pioneer experiences with fresh depth, including pregnancy and childbirth, while preserving the core dynamics of the Ingalls family. Music, an important element in Wilder’s storytelling, features prominently in the show, with all songs in the first season drawn directly from the books.
Looking ahead, the show’s second season will follow the Ingalls family’s move to Minnesota and introduce new characters, including the iconic Nellie Oleson. Sonnenshine views the story as one of continual renewal and perseverance, a message she relates to personally.
Drawing from her own upbringing with parents who valued hard work, education, and respect, Sonnenshine has shaped the series to reflect both historical authenticity and timeless family values. While the children in the show are portrayed with honesty and curiosity, they maintain a respectful relationship with their parents, mirroring the tone of the original stories.
For Sonnenshine, bringing “Little House on the Prairie” to life has been a fulfilling journey. She acknowledges that while she considers herself a realist, the optimism and hope inherent in the story have had a profound impact on her-and she believes audiences will feel the same.
In reimagining this classic, Sonnenshine has created a series that honors its roots while offering a richer, more inclusive look at pioneer life, inviting viewers to connect with a history that is both authentic and inspiring.