The nostalgia is real! For many of us, the iconic TV series “Little House on the Prairie” was more than just a show – it was a beloved part of our childhoods. Who can forget the wholesome stories, the charming characters, and the wholesome values that poured out of the Ingalls family’s humble abode? Well, it seems like the good folks at Netflix have decided to bring back the magic, announcing a reboot of the classic series. But, as with any remake, not everyone is thrilled with the new direction. Megyn Kelly, the conservative TV host, recently expressed her disapproval of the reboot, claiming that the new production team is “woke-ifying” the original story. But what does the OG star of the show, Melissa Gilbert, think about it all? In an exclusive interview, Gilbert shares her thoughts on Kelly’s comments and encourages viewers to “watch any episode” to see the timeless values that have made “Little House on the Prairie” a beloved classic
Melissa Gilbert’s Response to Megyn Kelly’s “Woke-ify” Gripe
Original star Melissa Gilbert has come to the defense of the upcoming Netflix reboot of Little House on the Prairie, after Megyn Kelly threatened to “ruin” the project if it became too “woke.” Gilbert, who played Laura Ingalls Wilder in the classic 1974-83 NBC series, took to Instagram to remind Kelly that the original show tackled a range of “woke” topics, including racism, addiction, nativism, antisemitism, misogyny, rape, and spousal abuse.
“Apparently Megyn tweeted (I’m not on that platform) asking that Netflix not ‘woke-ify’ their Little House remake,” Gilbert wrote in a statement on Instagram. “Ummm… watch the original again. TV doesn’t get too much more ‘woke’ than we did. We tackled: racism, addiction, nativism, antisemitism, misogyny, rape, spousal abuse and ever other ‘woke’ topic you can think of. Thank you very much.”
In the caption, she told Kelly to “watch any episode on any streaming platform anywhere in the world.” Gilbert’s response was a clear shot at Kelly’s threat to ruin the project, and a nod to the original show’s commitment to tackling tough topics.

Kelly’s Threat to Ruin the Netflix Reboot
Megyn Kelly’s threat to ruin the Netflix reboot of Little House on the Prairie was made in a tweet, in which she asked the streaming platform not to “woke-ify” the update. Kelly’s tweet read: “If you wokeify Little House on the Prairie I will make it my singular mission to absolutely ruin your project.”
Kelly’s threat has sparked a debate about the role of “wokeness” in modern media, and the potential impact of updating classic shows to reflect modern values and themes. While some argue that updating classic shows can make them more relevant and engaging for modern audiences, others argue that it can be a form of cultural appropriation, or a way to impose modern values on a show that was originally created in a different time and place.

A Look Back at the Original Show’s Content
The original Little House on the Prairie series was known for its portrayal of tough topics, including racism, addiction, and spousal abuse. The show tackled these issues in a way that was ahead of its time, and paved the way for future shows to tackle similar topics.

Addressing Tough Topics
The original show tackled a range of tough topics, including:
- Racism: The show addressed racism in a number of episodes, including one in which the Ingalls family encounters a group of racist townspeople in Minnesota.
- Addiction: The show explored the issue of addiction through the character of Mr. Edwards, who struggles with a drinking problem.
- Nativism: The show tackled the issue of nativism in an episode in which the Ingalls family encounters a group of anti-immigrant activists.
- Antisemitism: The show addressed antisemitism in an episode in which the Ingalls family encounters a group of anti-Semitic townspeople.
- Misogyny: The show explored the issue of misogyny through the character of Harriet Oleson, who is a vocal opponent of women’s rights.
- Rape: The show tackled the issue of rape in an episode in which one of the characters is raped by a group of men.
- Spousal Abuse: The show addressed spousal abuse in an episode in which one of the characters is a victim of domestic violence.
- Family: The show explored the importance of family in a number of episodes, including one in which the Ingalls family comes together to support each other in the face of adversity.
- Community: The show tackled the issue of community in a number of episodes, including one in which the Ingalls family becomes embroiled in a dispute with their neighbors.
- Resilience: The show explored the importance of resilience in the face of adversity, through the character of Charles Ingalls, who is a symbol of perseverance and determination.
The show’s portrayal of these topics was often praised for its sensitivity and nuance, and paved the way for future shows to tackle similar issues.
The Show’s Timeless Themes
Despite the fact that the original show tackled tough topics, it also explored a range of timeless themes that continue to resonate with audiences today. These themes include:
These themes continue to resonate with audiences today, and make the original show a timeless classic.
The Netflix Reboot: What You Need to Know
The Netflix reboot of Little House on the Prairie is a reimagining of the classic 1974-83 NBC series, based on the book series by Laura Ingalls Wilder. The show is set to follow Charles, his wife Caroline, and their daughters Laura and Mary as they leave Wisconsin to settle in Independence, Kansas.
The Showrunner and Executive Producers
The showrunner and executive producer on the Netflix reboot is Rebecca Sonnenshine, who is known for her work on The Boys, Vampire Diaries, and Archive 81. Other executive producers on the show include Joy Gorman Wettels for Joy Coalition, Dana Fox, Susanna Fogel, and Trip Friendly for Friendly Family Productions.
The show’s premise and characters are expected to be similar to the original series, with a focus on the Ingalls family’s journey to Independence, Kansas. The show will also introduce Osage characters in the first season, based on the book Little House on the Prairie.
Implications and Analysis
The debate over “woke-ifying” classic shows is a complex one, with different perspectives on the role of updating classic shows to reflect modern values and themes. Some argue that updating classic shows can make them more relevant and engaging for modern audiences, while others argue that it can be a form of cultural appropriation, or a way to impose modern values on a show that was originally created in a different time and place.
The Pros and Cons of Updating Classic Shows
There are a number of pros and cons to updating classic shows to reflect modern values and themes. Some of the benefits of updating classic shows include:
- Increased relevance: Updating classic shows can make them more relevant and engaging for modern audiences.
- Improved diversity: Updating classic shows can provide opportunities to include more diverse characters and storylines.
- Better representation: Updating classic shows can provide better representation of underrepresented groups, such as people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities.
- Cultural appropriation: Updating classic shows can be a form of cultural appropriation, or a way to impose modern values on a show that was originally created in a different time and place.
- Loss of original intent: Updating classic shows can result in a loss of the original intent and meaning of the show.
- Disconnection from original audience: Updating classic shows can result in a disconnection from the original audience who loved the show in its original form.
However, there are also a number of cons to updating classic shows, including:
The implications of Kelly’s comments on the cultural conversation around representation and diversity in media are significant. Kelly’s threat to ruin the Netflix reboot if it became too “woke” sparked a debate about the role of “wokeness” in modern media, and the potential impact of updating classic shows to reflect modern values and themes.
The Future of the Netflix Reboot
The future of the Netflix reboot of Little House on the Prairie is uncertain, given Kelly’s threat to ruin the project if it became too “woke.” However, it’s worth noting that the show is still in development, and it’s unclear whether Kelly’s comments will have an impact on the show’s production.
The implications of the reboot’s portrayal of “woke” topics on its reception by audiences and critics are significant. If the show is successful in tackling tough topics in a way that is sensitive and nuanced, it could be a groundbreaking achievement in the world of television. However, if the show falls short, it could be a missed opportunity to tell important stories and explore important themes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the article highlights Melissa Gilbert’s candid reaction to Megyn Kelly’s criticism of the “Little House on the Prairie” Netflix reboot, which she claims has been “woken-ified” to appease modern audiences. Gilbert, who played the iconic role of Laura Ingalls, urged fans to watch any episode of the classic show to understand its enduring impact, emphasizing that the series has always addressed real-life issues and values. The article underscores the significance of this debate, as it reflects the ongoing struggle to balance artistic creativity with cultural sensitivity and historical accuracy.
The implications of this controversy extend beyond the “Little House on the Prairie” reboot, as it speaks to the broader issue of how we approach storytelling and representation in the media. As audiences become increasingly diverse and demanding of more authentic portrayals, creators must navigate the complex task of preserving cultural heritage while also staying relevant and inclusive. The article suggests that Gilbert’s defense of the show’s timeless values and messages offers a valuable lesson for creators and audiences alike, emphasizing the importance of staying true to the spirit of the original work while also acknowledging the need for evolution and growth.
Ultimately, the article concludes with a powerful statement that resonates with readers: “The true test of a timeless classic lies not in its ability to conform to modern standards, but in its capacity to endure and inspire across generations, sparking meaningful conversations and reflections that continue to shape our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.”