User reviews

Whether absolutely realistic or not, this is a wonderful and touching glimpse of rural Western family life in the 1800's. The series is based, albeit loosely, on the actual pioneer family tales of Laura Ingalls Wilder, whose Little House books I must confess to not having read.

The series chronicles the everyday experiences of the simple farming Ingalls family, who live near the Prairie village of Walnut Grove. The family consists of father Charles Ingalls, mother Caroline, and their three young daughters...Mary, Laura, and Carrie. Later the family is joined by baby daughter, Grace, an adopted son, Albert, and orphaned siblings, James & Cassandra. The viewer witnesses the growing up years of the Ingalls children. Mary learns to cope with blindness, later marries Adam (a teacher at the blind school), and suffers through the tragic death of her baby. Laura matures to take up teaching, weds sweetheart Almanzo Wilder, and becomes a mother to little daughter, Rose. Other Walnut Grove townsfolk are also regularly depicted, including the schoolteacher Miss Beadle (and later others), the parson Rev. Alden, the country doctor Dr. Baker, and the Olsens, who operate the local mercantile. Ingalls family friends, especially the Edwards and the Garveys, are included in some of the episodes.

The Olsen family members, chief rivals to the Ingalls, are especially cleverly depicted. Harriet, the snobbish, opinionated, buxom family matriarch, frequently receives her comeuppance, but by the next episode is unrepentantly as bad as ever! Her nasty daughter, Nellie, with her well orchestrated blonde curls, is one of the most deliciously evil villains in TV history. She is a constantly whiny, jealous, uppity, and conniving thorn in young Laura's side...the girl everyone loves to hate. Nellie's mischievous younger brother, Willie, sometimes aids & abets his sister in her various schemes to outshine, hoodwink, or humiliate the Ingalls girls. Rivals Laura and Nellie frequently duke it out in one form or another. Only the long-suffering Olsen patriarch, Nels, emerges as a decent and sympathetic personage, forced to cope patiently with the arrogant, unscrupulous antics of his other family members.

Years later Nellie grows into quite a reasonable young woman, who unexpectedly chooses a Jewish husband. The Olsen parents adopt Nancy, another girl with blonde curls and intended as a nasty little carbon copy of the younger Nellie. However, whereas Nellie was primarily a spoiled brat, Nancy seems downright hatefully dangerous.

The stories of the strong, loving Ingalls family and their neighbours are amusing or heart wrenching, sometimes a little of both. I'm always touched by the earlier episodes' heart to heart talks shared by sisters Mary & Laura in their little loft bedroom at the Ingalls farmhouse. I also enjoy the portrait of the small, friendly community of Walnut Grove and the assorted goings on at the one room schoolhouse, as viewed from both the perspective of the pupils and later the young novice teacher, Laura. The program at times tackles some difficult issues, such as gossip, racism, child abuse, adultery, murder, and drug addiction. A sense of faith in God and messages of kindness and integrity shine through even in the darker tales.

Family and village life are often viewed through the eyes of the middle daughter, Laura, the heroine of the piece. We are given a vivid portrait of her growing up years, as she blossoms from a dreamy, feisty schoolgirl to a lovely young woman, who finds her own fulfillment as a schoolteacher, wife, and mother. The series beautifully captures Laura's romance with the handsome, teasing young Almanzo (her 'Manley'), who always calls her Beth, her middle name. Her older sister, Mary's struggles in adjusting to her blindness are also moving, but the series is really Laura's story.

The acting is universally stellar, especially the wonderful late Michael Landon, who portrays the hard working, good natured father, Charles Ingalls. Other notables include Karren Grassle as the gentle, compassionate wife & mother, Caroline, Katherine MacGregor as the condescending & domineering Harriet Olsen, Victor French as rough around the edges Mr. Edwards, Dean Butler as Almanzo Wilder, and Lucy Lee Flippin as his spinster sister, Eliza Jane Wilder. The young actresses portraying the girls are brilliant for their years... Melissa Sue Anderson as the gentle Mary and Alison Arngrim as that nasty bit of goods, Nellie Olsen. Above all, the incredible child pro, Melissa Gilbert, sparkles as the empathetic young heroine, Laura.

This series provides surely one of the most brilliant ever TV portrayals of a touching father-daughter relationship, between Half Pint (Laura) and her Pa (Charles). Laura questions her Pa at times but always with love and respect. As for Charles, he's usually wise and patient, always has a twinkle in his eye and a good understanding of his young daughter. It's very moving to learn of the warm real life relationship enjoyed by the two stars, Michael Landon and Melissa Gilbert, and to read trivia tidbits as to how the mature actor could elicit tears from the child actress when called for by the script.

In terms of family viewing, the only other series in its category is the Waltons. The Little House characters are so familiar that they almost seem like family members. Far better this warm, wholesome, and uplifting show than The Simpsons, with its glorification of rude manners (and even worse programs these days). Little House makes excellent family viewing, a series infinitely re watchable in re runs. If only we had more TV programming of its quality and values nowadays!

Honestly what needs to be said about the show that hasn't already been said by those who appreciate the show and wrote a sincere and true review.

I'm mainly writing in response to those writing "reviews" that mock the show and are designed to be nothing more than hateful, spiteful, and create drama. I'm sure some sort of self perverted pleasure is also derived from the reviews.

You're not funny. You're not affecting the decisions of others. No one is amused by your childish antics.

It's called Little House on the Prairie. It's wholesome, family entertainment. They have family struggles, wins, losses. They go to school, they farm, and yes they go to church. Are they asking or demanding that you go to church, Christian or otherwise, or that you believe? Never, not even once.

You really felt attacked by this show? If so, you need some self reflection and possibly some professional help.

This show debuted just after my birth, my mother watched it religiously and I was raised watching this show. I have read and re-read all of the books by Laura Ingalls Wilder and I now own every season available on DVD. Little House On the Prarie is a show that not only showed America what family is all about, it also tackled serious issues every week. I've read all of the negative comments and still can't see why anyone wouldn't love this show. Yes Michael Landon was a big part of the show, but the show was really about Laura and how she grew up, and as she grew up we got to watch a wonderful actress, Melissa Gilbert, grow up too. At 31 I now look back on this show with love and tenderness, remembering special times with my own mother as I watched it as a child. This is truly one of the best family shows that has ever been broadcast on TV. We need shows like this on TV now.

I grew up watching this show and then I went a few years as a young teenager without seeing it. After my dad left my family, I grew mare attached to this show by watching reruns on PBS because I imagined Charles as my dad. It was so nice to see such a close family and nice to see an example of a dedicated father. I realized how unrealistic that type of family was at least in our time, but I continue to hold it up as an example of what a family could be if we all served each other instead of serving our on self. I am forever grateful to all those individuals involved in the making of this show. I've bought the whole series and as a father of 5 kids, I watch this show with them. My kids see it purely as entertainment, but I know that the teachings of God and acts of kindness and charity for our fellowman is being instilled into their hearts. I never need to worry about what might be on the next episode. It's more than appropriate for all ages and fun and entertaining at the same time. This is what tv should be producing full time. I can't say enough great things about it.

I'm not totally sure why I like the show so much. It has it's serious moments, sad moments and funny moments. One thing I know that I do like best about it is the relationship they show between Pa and Laura. But it also makes you wonder what kind of relationship Michael Landon and Melissa Gilbert had in real life (and from what I've been able to understand it wasn't much different than it was on the show). It's a good wholesome family show and it's a show that makes your heart overfill with joy and love just by watching it. It's one of the best shows that has ever been on TV ever and there will never be another show like it. I've never gone out and bought a whole series of a TV show until LHOTP. I was a little surprised that I did. But once I started and watched the episodes I couldn't help it. It's one of those shows that you can watch over and over again and never get tired of it. Like I said I'm not 100% sure why I like the show so much. But I love the show and to me that is all I care about.

Overlong and maudlin series based upon a series of novels written by Laura Ingalls Wilder , being semi-biographic and freely adapted . It is set in Midwest, Walnut Grove, Minnesota, nineteeth century. An enjoyable drama dealing with Ingalls family formed by parents, Charles : Michael Landon, Caroline : Karen Grassle, and daughters, Laura : Melissa Gilbert, Mary : Melissa Sue Anderson and the smallest daughter played by two little girls : Sidney and Rachel Greenbush, daughters of actor Billy Green Bush .As the family moves to Walnut Grove, as they arrive in Plum Creek where settle on the banks their little house.

It follows their adventures and dramas, surrounding their small house on the prairie, dealing with the children lives from childhood to adulthood. There is a multitude of stories about them, being often narrated by Laura Ingalls : Melissa Gilbert, alter ego of the novel's author, being a very loose rendition . Concerning all kinds of issues , such as poorness, religion, bullying, racism, wildlife with racoon included, alcoholism and other moral stories with usual happy end and tearjerjer. Special mention for the feeling episodes regarding Mary' s eventual blindness that have certain patetism, when she along with her husband Adam run a blind school far from Walnut Grove. There several and important secondary roles as Oleson family formed by the upright father Nels Olson, Grocery's owner : Richard Bull, his gossip and bad wife Harriet : Katherine MacGregor, and their egoistic children, the envious Nelli : Alison Armgrin and Willi : Jonathan Gilbert. Others roles appearing are as follows : the good, friedly reverend : Dabbs Greer, the honrable Doctor Baker : Kevin Hagen, the fine teacher : Charlotte Stewart and, of course, Victor French as Isaiah Edward and Merlin Olsen as Jonathan Garvey . And several guest stars intervening in episodes as Jason Bateman, Jeff Corey, Melora Hardin, Patricia Neal, John Ireland, Kenneth Tobey, James Griffth, Bonnie Barlett, Ray Bolger, Larry Pennell, and many others.

The series was well created by Blanche Hanalis with essention participation by Michael Landon and William F Claxton made a lot of episodes, likewise Landon himself who directed the first chapter, too, after his successful Bonanza. Though Michael Landon left the series in the 8th season then Melissa Gilbert as Laura, Melissa Gilbert, became the main starring along with his husband Almanzo played by Dean Butler.

What can I say? I', an older 42 year old guy who basically can't stand all the new reality TV these days. It makes one really appreciate what a "real quality show is". Little House on the Prairie is an absolute classic TV series drama that was acted and directed completely by professionals. Moving episodes that made you laugh, cry, touched your heart and mind and kind of made one want to be a better person after watching. There aren't any TV shows that can do that these days(few exceptions). The characters, TV sets, music, and stories were all first rate. The morals of the stories were very clear and acted to perfection. (Talk about our old default TV shows!!). What I mean by default is that you the viewer were pretty much guaranteed to be entertained without fail with this TV show. One could hardly say that today with all the "crap" out there nowadays. You can clearly see this show was from a "different era" where honesty and integrity were at the core of the Mr. Landon's Values. Find this on DVD, keep it. An absolute "must" for any collector of the best of classic television shows. 10 out of 10

"Little House on the Prairie", which originally aired on NBC from 1974 through 1983, depicts an American family's struggle to survive in pioneer America in the late 19th century. The television series was based on the books written by Laura Ingalls Wilder.

The series was largely written by, directed, and starred Michael Landon, who was a television veteran of the program 'Bonanza'.

In "Little House", Landon portrays Charles Ingalls. Along with his wife Caroline (Karen Grassle) and children Mary (Melissa Sue Anderson), Laura (Melissa Gilbert), and Carrie (Lindsay-Sidney Greenbush), the Ingalls family endures tremendous hardships in their daily lives, including life among American Indians, crop failures, disease, hunger, wild animals, rough weather, and their neighbors in Walnut Grove, Minnesota. The series is depicted from the perspective of Laura Ingalls.

My favorite character in the series is Harriet Oleson, portrayed by Katherine MacGregor. To prevent the story lines from becoming stale, it is crucial for every successful series to have a good villain. Along with her TV daughter Nellie, Harriet Oleson is without a doubt one of the most appealing villains in TV history. Week after week during the 1970s, Harriet Oleson (and her daughter Nellie) did everything possible to make the lives of the Ingalls family difficult.

At the end of each episode, however, it was the Ingalls family who inevitably endured and survived life's challenges due to their belief in God, community spirit, work ethic, and mutual love and devotion to one another.

My siblings and I watched "Little House on the Prairie" each and every Monday night while growing up in the 1970s. During my childhood, I recall that it was not considered "cool" to admit that you watched this program, although it was consistently a top-rated program during it's original run on NBC.

"Little House on the Prairie" is an American television classic that has endured the test of time. Belief in God, helping your fellow neighbor, a solid work ethic, and family values are all promoted by this outstanding program.

If you decide to watch this excellent series from the 70's and 80's, I suggest you get the Director's Cut Lost Episode DVD set which includes both the episodes not aired but best liked by Michael Landon as well as the regularly broadcast ones.

The lost episodes includes those which adhere most closely to the actual books which the series was supposed to be based on but wasn't. The only agreement with the books is that some of the characters have the same names but often different personalities. Some of the lost episodes are as follows:

"The Curse" - a special Halloween two hour special where Laura decides to put a curse on Mary by 'casting her eyes' to the demon Asmodeous. The purpose was to win the romantic attention of Nellie's brother. Because Laura doesn't spell Asmodeous correctly when making the curse, Mary doesn't go blind until the following week's episode and Willie escapes her clutches.

"Feeding the Blind" - Nellie blackmails Willie into killing all the cats in town. Willie is then forced to thread them onto a spear like shish-kabobs and roast them over the fire at the local blacksmith's. The two playful sibs then feed the cats to the children at the blind school. This results in the usual hilarity when the ruse if found out.

"High Times in Walnut Grove" - the kids band up after school and attack the doctor rendering him unconscious. They steal his supply of morphine and dose each other heavily. They, high as second avenue crack whores, wander the streets of Walnut Grove performing a drunken dance some critics have likened to 'the Bolshoi done right'.

"A Picture is Worth A Thousand" - George Eastman comes to town on a trip designed to test his new film camera. He stops to water his horse at the Inghall's farm where he sees Mrs. Inghalls and Mary bathing in the creek. He snaps a few shots of them naked. To retrieve the photos before they appear in 'Farm and Nude' magazine, Pa has to travel to Rochester, NY and ransoms them from Eastman. Pa agrees to Eastman's demands which do not include money.

"Where's the Field?" - Pa decides to do some farming but discovers he lacks any seed, does not own a plow, rake or harrow and comes to the self realization that he has no idea what it means to be a farmer. He explains this to his wife who laughs at him saying what difference does it make since your so called farm is only a half acre mostly taken up by a house and barn!

I enjoy this series (I faithfully watch the reruns) for the same reasons millions of others do; the story lines that provide valuable lessons in life and the outstanding performances by regulars and guests. I would like to let readers know my all time favorite episode. It's the one titled "The Man Inside". This is the one about the fat man who decides to "leave" so his daughter will no longer have to be embarrassedd by him. Later, the children in the blind school open her eyes and help her realize what a great father he is.

I am a HUGE fan of Little House on the Prairie, and enjoyed the episodes as a child, and still as an adult. The acting talents on the show is incredible, and extremely rare today!! Michael Landon's talents and portrayal of the wonderful, humane father that he was, was outstanding. Not to mention his directing, writing and being executive producer, as well. Of course, his little 'half-pint,' was nothing less than an adorable little girl, who we saw grow up, who had so much love in her heart, that when she cried, you could feel her pain. Melissa Gilbert too was an incredible actress, as the entire cast was!!!! I've read reviews on the show on various websites, and there were a lot, mostly good!! However, one person said there was too much drama, but I replied, "They were just emphasizing how hard the times were," and did a GREAT job of that!!! Ma and pa were excellent role models, while helping their girls (and Albert), to figure things out for themselves, while teaching their children to respect themselves, and to do the right thing, and not to mention their Christian faith. The show was very believable, since the acting was incredible. Also, the Olson's input brought a lot of comedy to the show, as well as even pa (Michael Landon). Sometimes he was funny if he was upset or disappointed about something. If you have a chance, watch the episode from season 3, "Fred," it's hilarious!! I think what Michael Landon, God rest his soul, brought to the show, and the audience was a huge gift!!! Little House is a feel good show!!

There's not too many shows I've watched where I can honestly say they were excellent from start to finish. Little House is one of the few on that list. And that's pretty incredible considering how long it lasted.

I'm somebody that doesn't mind that the series went away from the books. I honestly think the series wouldn't have lasted as long as it did if they'd stuck directly to the source material. There were a few episodes throughout all the seasons that I'm not that fond of. Still doesn't change that it was incredible from start to finish. And this is a series that went through quite a few changes. A lot of series sour when the kids grow up, no, the series was still high quality as the kids grew into young adults. And it still remained an excellent series when the series kicked over into the "New Beginning" and you saw a lot of the main cast leaving and a few new people joining. And let me give special praise to the series finale movie. I've watched a lot of tv shows in my life and NOTHING has came close to that finale movie.

Little House is the kind of show where a person of any age can enjoy it. I enjoy the series on the level and at the same time I love to poke fun of certain parts of the show. One example is all the times Charles breaks his ribs. :P Major credit goes to the cast and crew for creating a show that I will more than likely enjoy for the rest of my life. There's so many enjoyable characters and memorable episodes. It's truly a timeless series you can watch over and over again.

I recently did a review for the tv series "Anne with an E" and linked the series to this series because I feel like both series share the same "heart". Overall it's a series that embraces being kind to others. We have our differences but that shouldn't stop us from getting to know each other, being kind to each other, etc. It truly is just a good natured show at heart and it's definitely a classic.

I get it, the studios are in California, the actors live in California, there's remote places for "western" themed shows and movies in California. THE MIDWEST IS NOT IN California. Season 2 just made me more and more mad. Thanksgiving in Southwest Minnesota and they are coming out of church in short sleeve dresses and leaves on trees? I don't think so. They're going to go camping in the hills over the holiday break? 1. The are no mountains in Minnesota, 2. No one in their right mind goes camping in December in Minnesota without cold weather gear or a camper with heat. The Sutter's Mill and gold panning episode...OMG, is this not supposed to take place in MINNESOTA? Has anyone ever heard of the great Minnesota gold fields? NO! Is this California history or Laura Ingall's history? I loved Little House on the Prairie growing up, I grew up and still live in Wisconsin. I went to college near her birthplace. The Ingall's story is important to the history of Wisconsin, Kansas, Minnesota, Iowa and South Dakota. Are any of those places named California? The remake that's in works better be shot somewhere more realistic. Think rolling hills, lakes, streams, and snow in December. Minneapolis isn't that far from Walnut Grove, film in it a realistic location. Anything west or near the Rockies doesn't count, so forget California, Oregon, Washington, Colorado or Vancouver.

The is one the the best shows I remember watching, although I was not old enough to watch the first shows, I caught them in reruns. Still to this day, whenever I come across this show while flipping channels, I stop and watch the show. I have even read the books several times. I like how the characters are not perfect and not every show is happy or ends the way I would like. This makes the show a little more like real life. I believe the show and the books helped mold my moral character and I recommend this show for all ages. It is just under the show The Andy Griffith Show for its life lessons.

I grew up with the little house on the prairie. It was a highlight every Sunday on television. A program for the whole family. The series offers something for all ages, and the theme engaged. Many years later, I discovered that the series is now being repeated on channel, and I wanted to see it again. The series is still worth seeing. It is a wonderful break from the hustle and bustle of today. What strikes me is that the creators of the series did not let themselves be deterred by daring to address demanding topics, about death, loss, grief, financial problems, poverty, bullying and jealousy. I think part of the key to the series' great success lies precisely in the ability to dare to challenge viewers with difficult topics. Family entertainment is often very predictable, with little demanding content. Another thing that is also clear with the reunion is how complete the series is created. We feel like we're really in the country, in the 1880s. All credit to this series, which I think many underestimated the importance of. I saw an interview recently with Karen Grassle (ma Ingalls). She said that people still come and thank her for the series. They say that the series meant a lot to them. It shows that unlike much other television entertainment, this one managed to reach out and in to the viewers with its message, with a content meant a lot to many. That must be the best legacy a movie or TV series can get, right?

Michael Landon took a lot of liberties with the stories of Laura Ingalls Wilder. First off Mary Ingalls had a tragic life who I believed was blind earlier and never got married. She was also taken care of by her younger sister Carrie for all her life. The hardships of the Ingalls family was far worse. There was no Albert Ingalls he was a total fictional character. Michael created Albert to get young males to watch LHOTP cause it was watched by girls. The show should have ended with the marriage of Laura and Almonzo cause the tone totally shifted. It attempted to be more contemporary cause Westerns have become dated. When Michael Landon left cause he was tired of being in Westerns so he gave Melissa Gilbert the starring role but viewers also got tired and it lasted one more season and three TV movies to wrapped it up.

I remember watching this show both in reruns and on Sunday evening television. This show was pretty much geared for families or anybody who wanted a combination of good drama and comedic moments. Of course, Michael Landon developed and produced a fantastic show from the Laura Ingalls Wilder novels about life in the American West. Who could forget Melissa Gilbert as Laura and Karen Grassle as the matriarch. We all remember evil Nelly who none of us liked as well as the other cast members. Seeing that family on the prairie made us want to read more and be part of the family. I read the books and enjoyed watching the show. Maybe I'll catch it on TV Land in reruns, there were almost 200 episodes which is quite an accomplishment in television history. Little House on the Prairie is for fans of all ages and all kinds of families.

Those who want to see the "Little House" book series vivid on the TV screen would be disappointed. The TV series are not based upon Laura's books as claimed at the beginning of each episode, but rather based upon the characters in Laura's books. I can see Pa, Ma, Mary, Laura and Carie, and Jack (not a bull dog as mentioned in the book series), but I see very little of their adventures, while their struggle to survive in the wild and against the nature and their escapes from death are not seen.

The first disk entitled "The Pilot – The Premiere Movie" covers the book "Little House on the Prairie", but there are no birds, rabbits, gophers and as described in the book. The creek crossing of the family's wagon is described vividly and excitingly in the book, but it becomes pathetic in the movie. Pa's fiddler is not impressive as described in the book: the melodies are nowhere to be felt. The scene of Mr Edwards "went down the creek road and out of sight, Pa played, and Pa and Mr. Edwards and Laura sang with all their might" the song "Dan Tucker" is not impressive at all. Pa's encounter with the wolf pack is not as exciting as in the book. In short, the adventures, the hardship, the danger... are not shown as vividly as in the book.

Then Season 1 and Season 2 (6 disks each) covers the book "On the Banks of Plum Creek", near Walnut Grove. There are no dugout, plum trees, badger, blood-suckers, cattle stampede, grasshopper swarm (it is a hailstorm instead), wheels of fire, blizzards, flooding. But Mr Edwards is the permanent resident of Walnut Grove whereas he is not mentioned at all in the book "On the Banks of Plum Creek". And so the plots are totally different from the book. Some are too intrigued to the point of being absurd and unconvincing, while others are soon forgotten after viewing without leaving any impression in me. In short, the exciting and adventurous events described in the book series are not seen in the TV series. Pa seldom does farming, but he does mainly labor work for hire and voluntary work for Walnut Grove dwellers. And Mrs. Oleson is an extremely mean person. If this person had been real while the book "On the Banks of Plum Creek" did not say anything bad about her, then the TV series might have committed slandering of Mrs. Oleson! Then I lost patience and quickly went through the first disks of Sessions 3 and 4: still episodes in Walnut Grove.

Disk 1 of Session 5 shows the blind Mary as mentioned in the book "By the Shores of Silver Lake", but the scenes are still in Walnut Grove. Also according to that book Laura meets Almanzo in Silver Lake, but the TV series show they met in Walnut Grove.

Disk 1 of Session 6 is back to Walnut Grove, with Almanzo.

Disk 1 of Session 7 shows "Laura Ingalls Wilder" in Episodes 1 and 2, but then I lost interest.

I dearly want so to see Laura's family life in the Big Wood with many exciting events and interesting activities, but the TV series simply ignores this period. I dearly want to listen to Pa's fiddler, but Michael Landon's playing is pathetic. I dearly want to listen to nice melodies mentioned in the book "Little House on the Prairie", like "Bye, baby Bunting", "Daisy Deane", "Green grows the laurel", "Roll on silver moon", and particularly the song "The blue Juniata" that Ma sang – a rare occasion that she sang an entire song but there is none . Similarly, don't expect to enjoy songs from "On the Banks of Plum Creek" like "Lily Dale", "Swanee River" or "Wait for the wagon". Lacking such songs played and sang by Pa and Ma, the soul of the book series has lost.

I am annoyed with excessive lighting throughout the scenes. The isolated house uses oil lamps, but it looks like it is lit by several 100-watt electric bulbs, inside and outside. In several scenes, the shadow of the oil lamp is seen clearly on Pa's pillow, and even when he turns down the lamp, there is strong light from the outside through the window and it does not look like moonlight at all. And no fire-light can be seen. Such excessive lighting dampens the rustic but warm atmosphere of the forlorn house on the prairie; it looks like any wooden house in a modern town with electricity.

While the picture looks acceptable, the sound is bad: it is not 5-channel sound at all except for the introduction of the TV (or whatever logo) at the beginning of each episode.

In short, the TV series is loosely - in fact too loosely - based upon the "Little House" book series such that many feelings and meanings conveyed by the book series are entirely lost. A big disappointment. I do not see how the TV series "capture the heart of viewers" as its booklet claims. It does not capture my heart at all. If you want entertainment without thinking of the book series, then this TV series may be for you. But if the book series has captured your heart, keep it this way but DO NOT view this TV series else your heart will be broken.

I've also read the negative comments and I have none. I've noticed some of the things that were mentioned but so what? What's wrong with showing emotion and crying? What's the problem with bringing new characters on for just one episode? That's the way shows are done, which should be obvious to all adults by now - if they've watched at least, well.....*anything* in film. I've been part of filming many times and I can tell you honestly that Michael Landon would have been a dream to work with. Melissa Gilbert is a pro and I absolutely adore her work. She remains one of my favorite actors to this day. The rest of the players are priceless. I'm 41 now and I was growing up watching this show and I just wonder how in the world could a parent NOT want their child to watch something like that? I learned so much from the storylines, and they taught me the meaning of goodness and purity. Little House was the epitome of good. They brought to light many situations and the best solutions to them and in most cases no one was ever hurt(unless an emotional learning experience). And not even Jack drowned. :o) If you want a wholesome show that the family will love and will benefit from, this is it. Not even the Waltons can top this one, and I love that show. Overlook the discrepancies that were mentioned here and you won't be sorry you took the chance. I came here to post because I saw that the first season of Little House is coming out and I would love for others to benefit. I just wish they'd filmed it in the past 5 years so my son could've been part of it. :o)

I absolutely love watching the "Little House on the Prairie". Every short story has some moral behind it. If you like nostalgic shows with very powerful meaning being sent across to you, you will like this one! I haven't read the books which this is based on, but I simply cannot imagine how good the books must be. Every character plays an awesome role in the 1974 show, Micheal Landon, Karen Grassle, Melissa Gilbert, Melissa Sue Anderson. All of them are truly amazing on screen, including the seemingly rude characters played by Scottie MacGregor(Harriet Oleson), Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson)and Allison Balson (Nancy Oleson ). This show is good for all ages from 5 and up, but I think it's best watched as an adult simply because you feel so nostalgic and connected with all of the characters. I highly recommend this show to anyone! I give it a 9/10, one point less only because I need to give the book all honors for coming up with the stories a 10/10.