The TV Movie Came First
Before the famous television series began, NBC released a Little House on the Prairie television movie on March 30, 1974.
The movie was based on Laura Ingalls Wilder’s books and introduced viewers to the Ingalls family. Its success convinced NBC to order a full series.
Filming the Original Series
Production on the television series began later in 1974. Most outdoor scenes were filmed at Big Sky Ranch near Simi Valley, California, while additional scenes were shot at nearby locations in Southern California.
The production recreated life on the American frontier using specially built sets, including the town of Walnut Grove and the Ingalls family farm.
When Did the Series Air?
The original Little House on the Prairie television series premiered on September 11, 1974, on NBC.
It ran for nine seasons and aired until March 21, 1983, becoming one of the most beloved family dramas in television history.
A Lasting Television Classic
The series starred Michael Landon as Charles Ingalls, Karen Grassle as Caroline Ingalls, and Melissa Gilbert as Laura Ingalls.
More than 40 years after it first aired, the original Little House on the Prairie remains popular through reruns and streaming services, while inspiring Netflix’s 2026 reboot for a new generation of viewers.
