Based on Laura Ingalls Wilder’s series of “Little House” books, this much loved drama series follows the lives of the simple, farming Ingalls family: Charles, Caroline, Mary, Laura, Carrie and then Grace and the later adopted Albert, James and Cassandra, who settle into a quaint little house on the banks of Plum Creek near the small town of Walnut Grove during the late 1800s. Often narrated by Laura, the series follows her simple farm upbringing from her childhood until her adulthood with Almanzo Wilder with whom she starts a family of her own.
Little House on the Prairie premiered in 1974 as a movie ([Little House on the Prairie – The Premiere Movie](http://amzn.to/1FEuXwo)). The series ran for a total of 8 full seasons, from 1974 until 1982, and an extra season (the 9th) from 1982 until 1983 by the title “Little House: A New Beginning.” There are three additional Little House movies, [Little House on the Prairie – Special Edition Movie Boxed Set](http://amzn.to/1FEv5fg) (Look Back to Yesterday / Bless All the Dear Children / The Last Farewell). There is also a Christmas bundle, [Little House on Prairie: Merry Ingalls Christmas](http://amzn.to/1J5dn4R), with two holiday specials that ran during the series.
Starring Melissa Gilbert, Michael Landon, Lindsay Greenbush, Sidney Greenbush.
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 story lines deal with serious matters such as the plague and other epidemics, infant mortality, the death of a parent, and the threat of neighboring Native Americans. Though the bulk of the show’s content is gentle and controversy-free, occasional episodes touch on more serious subjects, from sexual assault to racism. Parents may find themselves answering questions about American history and geography, which is just one great reason to watch this epic series. – Common Sense Media