In an effort to further expand its catalogue, Netflix has announced plans to reboot a beloved classic television series for their platform. Interestingly, their plans for rebooting this series come as a surprise given that this is quite different from typical Netflix flare.
The streaming service has rarely adapted a property of this caliber, but it seems as though they hope to bring in both fans of the classic property and newcomers. Interestingly, the original series that this new incarnation is itself based on a classic book series, so we could see a more faithful adaptation with Netflix’s new attempt.
The new series is based on the original television series that ran from 1974 to 1983 along with the original books that inspired it, released in the 1930’s and 1940’s by Ingalls Wilder. A ninth book from Wilder was published posthumously in 1971.
Here’s what Variety shared about the plans Netflix has for rebooting this classic series:
“Netflix has greenlit a new TV adaptation of ‘Little House on the Prairie,’ the beloved book series written by Laura Ingalls Wilder.”
The outlet adds that Rebecca Sonnenshine is set to serve as the showrunner and executive producer for the new Little House on the Prairie series. Joy Gorman Wettels of Joy Coalition will also executive produce the series with original Little House on the Prairie executive producer Ed Friendly’s son, Trip Friendly, for Friendly Family Productions. Dana Fox, and Susanna Fogel. CBS Studios and Anonymous Content Studios will be producing the series for Netflix.
Jinny Howe, vice president of drama series for Netflix, released the following statement:
“’Little House on the Prairie’ has captured the hearts and imaginations of so many fans around the world, and we’re excited to share its enduring themes of hope and optimism with a fresh take on this iconic story,” Howe began. “Rebecca’s vision threads the needle with an emotional depth that will delight both new and existing fans of this beloved classic.”
The logline for the new Little House on the Prairie series was shared as follows:
“Part hopeful family drama, part epic survival tale, and part origin story of the American West, this fresh adaptation of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s iconic semi-autobiographical ‘Little House’ books offers a kaleidoscopic view of the struggles and triumphs of those who shaped the frontier.”
Sonnenshine also released her own statement:
“I fell deeply in love with these books when I was five years old,” said Sonnenshine. “They inspired me to become a writer and a filmmaker, and I am honored and thrilled to be adapting these stories for a new global audience with Netflix.”
Likewise, Friendly is also excited to work on the property his father was once involved with:
“It has been a long-held dream of mine to carry on my father’s legacy and adapt Wilder’s classic American stories for a 21st century audience in a way that brings together fans of both the books and the original television series,” Friendly added. “I am thrilled by our talented creative team led by Rebecca Sonnenshine who are bringing these beloved stories about family, community, and survival to long-time fans and new generations.”
Stay tuned to ScreenGeek for any additional updates regarding Netflix and their plans for rebooting Little House on the Prairie as we have them. The original TV series has been a classic example of television production for decades, so it’ll be interesting to see how Netflix takes the brand into the modern digital age.