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Little House on the Prairie

Little House on the Prairie

Together, a pioneering family faces a crucial test of its courage and its love!

1974–1983Ended9 seasons204 episodes~60 min/epTV-PGMidcredits score: 81st percentile of all shows

When the big woods of Wisconsin becomes a difficult spot for hunting, Charles Ingalls reluctantly decides to move his family, pioneering west. Their life on the farm in Walnut Grove, Minnesota, in the 1870s and 1880s is full of adventure, tragedy, and triumph. Based on the books of Laura Ingalls Wilder.

Your rating, lists and review

Where to watch

Where can I watch Little House on the Prairie?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Little House on the Prairie streaming on Peacock, Prime Video and The Roku Channel (free) and to rent or buy on Prime Video.

Subscription

Free

Rent / Buy

Buy

Highlights

What stands out about Little House on the Prairie?

Little House on the Prairie earns 6 badges, led by Standout acting and Crowd Pleaser.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood

Reception

Is Little House on the Prairie worth watching?

Little House on the Prairie's Midcredits score is the 81st percentile of all shows, from 33K ratings across 2 sources. 82% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

81st percentile

Better received than 81% of shows

82nd percentile among Drama68th percentile among 1970s
Acclaim (how much people like it)80th
Approval (how many liked it)77th

Acclaim

Crowd Pleaser: Rating-distribution shape vs the catalog

How much people like it

78 /100

80th percentile of all shows

83rd percentile among Drama68th percentile among 1970s

Rating distribution

Most people land high, with a thin tail of low scores from those it didn't reach.

Approval

How many liked it

82% liked it

77th percentile of all shows

74th percentile among Drama62nd percentile among 1970s
82% rated it 7–1018% rated it 1–6

Reach

How many have seen it

94th percentile

31K ratings across platforms

93rd percentile among Drama98th percentile among 1970s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26

What reviewers say

Common ground

The show is a family-oriented drama that offers moral lessons and a sentimental view of pioneer life, whether viewers find that heartwarming or saccharine.

Fans praised

  • wholesome family entertainment with strong moral lessons
  • heartwarming portrayal of family bonds and community values
  • tackles serious issues like racism, addiction, and loss with sensitivity

Detractors panned

  • deviates significantly from the original books with fictional characters and plots
  • overly sentimental and melodramatic, especially in later seasons
  • historical inaccuracies in hairstyles, settings, and period authenticity

What stands out

ActingDivisive85

cast praised for genuine performances, especially Michael Landon and Melissa Gilbert

CharactersDivisive80

memorable archetypes like Nellie Oleson, but some found them cartoonish

AtmosphereDivisive80

immersive, cozy portrayal of 19th-century rural life

Emotional impactDivisive75

often tearjerking; fans deeply moved, detractors see manipulation

PacingDivisive60

leisurely pace suits the setting; some episodes feel padded

HumorDivisive60

light comedy from Oleson family and Pa's antics

Plot and storyDivisive55

episodic, often formulaic; fans enjoy the moral arcs, detractors find them contrived

Originality30

derivative of the books and highly formulaic within its genre

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Women

Women scored it 20 points higher than men.

Critics vs users

Preferred by Users

Users scored it 28 points higher than critics.

US vs non-US

Preferred by US Viewers

US viewers scored it 28 points higher than non-US viewers.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Under-30s vs over-30s 4 points apart

Episodes

9 seasons

Season 9 · 1982 · 21 episodes

  • S9E1

    Times are Changing (1)

    Sep 27, 198248 min
  • S9E2

    Times are Changing (2)

    Oct 4, 198248 min
  • S9E3

    Welcome to Olesonville

    Oct 11, 198248 min
  • S9E4

    Rage

    Oct 18, 198248 min
  • S9E5

    Little Lou

    Oct 25, 198248 min
  • S9E6

    The Wild Boy (1)

    Nov 1, 198248 min

Watch experience

What is Little House on the Prairie like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Earnest, serious and gentle — a slow-burn watch that leaves you hopeful.

ToneFeelDemandexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

What it feels like

Moods
WarmHopefulMelancholic
Heaviest: middle
Warm humor
Register
WarmSentimental · 4% of shows
Told as
Case of the week plus an arcNew arc each season
ToneThe series plays its material straight with earnest sentiment, never winking at the audience even during melodramatic moments.
The rideThe series maintains a consistent gentle warmth and optimism, with occasional sad storylines in the middle seasons (e.g., Mary's blindness) that deepen the emotional register.
StructureThe storytelling is conventional, mostly linear, without notable nonlinear or experimental devices across the run.
Episode formatMost episodes are self-contained moral or life-lesson stories, but there are multi-episode arcs (e.g., Mary's blindness, Albert's addiction) that extend across seasons.
Season formatEach season sees the family and community face a new set of challenges and milestones (e.g., Laura's teaching, Albert's arrival, Mary leaving for college), while the core cast remains.

How it leaves you

what you carry away
HopefulFeel-good
Why it leaves you this wayThe series leaves viewers with a warm, reassuring belief in family, community, and the power of kindness, often ending episodes on a note of restored harmony.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all shows
Monster — 18% of shows. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of shows. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 6% of shows. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 2% of shows. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 12% of shows. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 4% of shows. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 7% of shows. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 8% of shows. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 40% of showsPredator — 7% of shows. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 3% of shows. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of shows. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 3% of shows. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of shows. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of shows. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of shows. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of shows. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of shows. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of shows. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — 1% of shows. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of shows. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of shows. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of shows. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of shows. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 2% of shows. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 4% of shows. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of shows. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — under 1% of shows. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of shows. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 1% of shows. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — under 1% of shows. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of shows. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — under 1% of shows. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 2% of shows. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of shows. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of shows. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of shows. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 2% of shows. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of shows. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — under 1% of shows. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 1% of shows. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 1% of shows. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 1% of shows. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 1% of shows. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 3% of shows. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of shows. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 1% of shows. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of shows. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 6% of shows. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 1% of shows. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).RebirthHealing
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 18%: Predator 7% · Tyrant 3% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 3% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 6%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 2% · Mission 4% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage under 1%
  • Voyage 2%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 1% · Survival ordeal under 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent under 1%
  • Comedy 12%: Romantic comedy 2% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 2%
  • Tragedy 4%: Hubris 1% · Obsession under 1% · Corruption arc 1% · Doomed love 1% · Crushed by fate 1%
  • Rebirth 7% (this title): Redemption 1% · Healing 3% (this title) · Liberation 2% · Second chance 1%
  • Mystery 8%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 6% · Enigma 1%
  • No archetype 40%

Rebirth: A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed. · Healing: Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).

7% of shows fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeThe series follows the Ingalls family through pioneer hardships and personal growth; each episode often centers on a character's moral or emotional recovery, but the overall arc is a gentle coming-of-age for Laura and a journey of community building.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 31% of showsSelf — 27% of showsPower — 7% of showsMorality — 11% of showsSurvival — 9% of showsSociety — 10% of showsIdeas — 5% of showsRomantic love — 10% of showsMarriage — 2% of showsFamily bonds — 22% of showsParenthood — 1% of showsFriendship — 18% of showsLoyalty — 7% of showsIdentity — 20% of showsComing of age — 9% of showsAging — under 1% of showsSelf-worth — 7% of showsAmbition — 14% of showsPurpose — 16% of showsMemory — 3% of showsObsession — 2% of shows. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 5% of showsCorruption — 3% of showsGreed — 2% of showsClass — 4% of showsOppression — 2% of showsFreedom — 4% of showsJustice — 14% of showsDuty — 2% of showsRevenge — 1% of showsGuilt — 1% of showsRedemption — 3% of shows. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — under 1% of showsSacrifice — 2% of showsBetrayal — 3% of showsDeception — 6% of showsSurvival — 12% of showsWar — 1% of showsViolence — 2% of showsMortality — 2% of showsGrief — 4% of showsTrauma — 5% of showsMental illness — under 1% of showsAddiction — under 1% of showsIllness and disability — under 1% of showsCommunity — 25% of shows. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 3% of showsPrejudice — 2% of showsDisplacement — 1% of showsFaith — 1% of showsTradition vs change — 3% of showsFame — 5% of showsLegacy — 3% of showsFate — 1% of showsFree will — under 1% of showsTruth — 6% of showsHope — 4% of showsNature — 3% of showsArt — 2% of showsTechnology — 1% of showsSelfFamilybonds
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 31% (this title): Romantic love 10% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 22% (this title) · Parenthood 1% · Friendship 18% · Loyalty 7%
  • Self 27%: Identity 20% · Coming of age 9% (this title) · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 14% · Purpose 16% · Memory 3% · Obsession 2%
  • Power 7%: Power 5% · Corruption 3% · Greed 2% · Class 4% · Oppression 2% · Freedom 4%
  • Morality 11%: Justice 14% · Duty 2% · Revenge 1% · Guilt 1% · Redemption 3% · Forgiveness under 1% · Sacrifice 2% · Betrayal 3% · Deception 6%
  • Survival 9%: Survival 12% · War 1% · Violence 2% · Mortality 2% · Grief 4% · Trauma 5% · Mental illness under 1% · Addiction under 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 10%: Community 25% (this title) · Isolation 3% · Prejudice 2% · Displacement 1% · Faith 1% · Tradition vs change 3% · Fame 5% · Legacy 3%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 6% · Hope 4% · Nature 3% · Art 2% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Family bondsCommunity: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Coming of age · 9% of shows
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Ensemble lead
How it treats its themeThe series is fundamentally about the love, resilience, and support within the Ingalls family, set against the broader backdrop of pioneer community life and Laura's journey to adulthood.
StanceThe show consistently celebrates family bonds, community resilience, and moral integrity, even in the face of hardship.

The world

19th centuryRuralDomesticRealistic
Orchestral classicalFolkSupportive music · original score · David Rose
SettingWalnut Grove, Minnesota, 1870s–1880s pioneer farmstead
MusicThe iconic opening theme is warm and instantly nostalgic, evoking simplicity and prairie life.

Content guide

Is Little House on the Prairie okay for kids?

TV-PG

Little House on the Prairie is rated TV-PG. As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (40/100), sexual content at mild (16/100), language at mild (27/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (43/100) and frightening material at moderate (37/100). Overall it is heavier than 50% of TV-PG shows.

Ratings in 11 other countries
  • CanadaPG
  • AustraliaPG
  • Germany12
  • FranceTP
  • BrazilL
  • DenmarkA
  • FinlandK12
  • MexicoA
  • Norway9
  • Spain7
  • Türkiye13+
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 19% of all showsHeavier than 50% of TV-PG shows
Violence & Gore
Moderate
typical for a TV-PG show
heavier than 59%
Sex & Nudity
Mild
light for a TV-PG show
heavier than 16%
Profanity
Mild · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a TV-PG show
heavier than 42%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
heavy for a TV-PG show
heavier than 84%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
typical for a TV-PG show
heavier than 51%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is drug and alcohol content, heavier than 84% of TV-PG shows.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other shows that have them.

What content warnings does Little House on the Prairie have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Little House on the Prairie?

Cast

5 of the 10 billed cast had never appeared on screen.

Melissa Gilbert
as Laura Ingalls
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Michael Landon
as Charles Ingalls
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Karen Grassle
as Caroline Ingalls
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Rachel Lindsay Greenbush
as Carrie Ingalls
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Sidney Greenbush
as Carrie Ingalls
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Melissa Sue Anderson
as Mary Ingalls
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Katherine MacGregor
as Harriet Oleson
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Richard Bull
as Nels Oleson
Career best: Their highest-reaching show role by billing, audience size and rating.
Jonathan Gilbert
as Willie Oleson
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Kevin Hagen
as Dr. Hiram Baker
Career best: Their highest-reaching show role by billing, audience size and rating.

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What are shows like Little House on the Prairie?

TMDB's suggestions for shows like Little House on the Prairie include Bonanza (1959), Wagon Train (1957) and Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman (1993).

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What other shows share a tag with Little House on the Prairie?

196 other shows share the rarest tag below, premise: road trip. Each tag opens Browse with the shows that share it.