Netflix has greatly increased its Originals program in recent years, with a strong focus on producing original content to compete with other platforms, but the streaming giants are also not averse to developing and creating projects based on existing intellectual properties, such as shows like The Haunting of Hill House. As Netflix looks to expand its business model, many other projects are being touted for development.
Of course, originals are the bread and butter for streamers like Netflix, but the great thing about existing IPs is that they have a built-in audience, as well as source material to work with. This presents an opportunity to take what’s been done, and do something different, or take a classic film/show and modernize it for contemporary viewers. And one classic Western series based on a beloved book series looks like it will be getting the remake treatment from Netflix.
Little House On The Prairie Is Set To Be Back On Screens
The Classic Western Will Return, But It Will Go Back to Basics
Based on the beloved children’s books by author Laura Ingalls Wilder, Little House on the Prairie became one of the most successful TV shows of the ’70s and ’80s, and was known for being a family-friendly show, but Little House on the Prairie had darker episodes too. Recent reports from Deadline revealed that Netflix ordered a reboot after the original show racked up 13 billion viewing minutes on the streaming site Peacock.
Now, according to series star Alison Arngrim in an interview with Remind, the reboot will focus more on the books than the original show, promising a different dynamic. She states that the show is not a reboot and will not be bringing in characters who were made up for the screen, instead focusing solely on the source material. Check out her comments below:
“It’s not really like a reboot, they’re not going back to Walnut Grove. They’re not going to have Doc Baker and Miss Beadle, and they’re certainly not going to have Al Burton and all the people who were made up for the show. It is going back to the books… So concerns that they’re going to run amok away from the books and make it into something weird — not happening. [Trip]’ll pull the plug on it before anything like that happens.”
Our Verdict On A Little House On The Prairie Remake
It Might Seem An Odd Choice, But Westerns Have Proven A Hit In Recent Times
Remakes of beloved projects can always be divisive, as has proven the case with the recent confirmation of a Buffy the Vampire Slayer revival show, and Little House On the Prairie will be no exception. Some fans will not want to see a reboot, whilst others will look forward to it, and focusing on adapting directly from the books could be just what the show needs to be successful. Furthermore, as Arngrim states, Trip Friendly, whose father Ed produced the original show, will be involved, meaning the show could keep legacy fans happy.
Little House On the Prairie might seem an odd choice for a Netflix reboot, but it may make more sense than it appears, especially following its successful stint on Peacock. Furthermore, Western shows have found popularity on streaming platforms in recent times, with shows like American Primeval and Yellowstone enjoying success. Little House On the Prairie could prove a big hit for Netflix, if the show follows the books, and shows respect to the original show.
Source: Remind