If you thought Little House on the Prairie was absolutely flawless, prepare to be surprised! This cherished classic, admired for its timeless charm and heartwarming stories, had its fair share of blunders.
Though it appeared perfect on screen, many funny slip-ups slipped through the editing process.
Even today, I find myself getting drawn into reruns of Little House on the Prairie, much like my parents did many years ago. In no time, it whisks us back to the late 19th century, introducing us to the steadfast Ingalls family.
Revisiting those episodes now, the show’s message resonates as strongly as ever—value honesty, respect others, and cherish the bonds of family and friendship.
For those of us with keen eyes, we’ve uncovered plenty of blunders and bloopers that are sure to make you take a second look—and perhaps give you a hearty chuckle.
Laura’s Extended Pregnancy
Laura announced her pregnancy toward the end of season seven, during a beautiful warm season when the prairie was in full bloom.
Yet, when summer arrived the following year, she was still very much pregnant—leaving fans puzzled about the duration of this prairie pregnancy.
Honestly, the disconnect seemed like a case of the writers and producers not being on the same page—certainly a little lapse in storytelling.
Nellie Oleson’s Secret Wig
We all remember Little House on the Prairie’s resident troublemaker, Nellie Oleson, with her unforgettable blonde curls. Brought to life by Alison Arngrim, her character had a larger role in the show than in the original books.
This expansion was due to viewers’ love-to-hate relationship with her. But achieving those iconic curls was no small feat. Alison endured an oven-heated curling iron until they finally switched to a wig.
Colonel Sanders’ Time-Traveling Cameo
One of the funniest slip-ups was Colonel Sanders’ surprising appearance in season eight’s “Wave of the Future.” In the episode, Nellie’s restaurant gets converted into a franchise, guided by none other than Sanders himself.
The irony was evident, as Colonel Sanders was not born until 1890, and KFC wasn’t founded until 1952—while Little House is set in the 1870s and 1880s. A little time-travel humor goes a long way!
Interestingly, the rumor was that when the show featured fried chicken, it was sourced straight from KFC!
The Mysteriously Missing Coats
One curious oversight involved the characters’ winter attire—or the lack thereof. In “Bless All the Dear Children,” set in Minneapolis during December, characters stroll coatlessly in what should be freezing temperatures. This likely happened because filming occurred in Tucson, Arizona, during warmer months.
A Fashion Faux Pas
In the series set in the 1870s-1880s, viewers occasionally glimpsed Caroline Ingalls’ modern bra—a garment not invented until 1912! Additionally, women on the show sometimes sported perms more reminiscent of the 1970s.
As for the men, most appeared clean-shaven, unlike the facially-haired fashion customary to the era. Historical photos contrast sharply with the show’s meticulous grooming.
The Dummy Stand-In
A funny moment occurs in season five’s “The Odyssey.” During a dramatic train scene, a dummy is tossed from the train instead of a real person, which is resolved by a stuntman’s much more active performance.
Though amusing, it highlights the triumph of practical effects and quick thinking over the limitations of prop work.
The Cold Persona of Melissa Sue Anderson
Melissa Sue Anderson, known as Mary Ingalls, was described by her co-stars as “cold and aloof.” Autobiographies by Melissa Gilbert and Alison Arngrim mention this mutual struggle to connect due to Anderson’s sometimes distant demeanor.
Despite these sentiments, photos from the set often show the cast enjoying camaraderie and bonding moments.
The Friendship of Nellie and Laura
Contrary to their fierce on-screen rivalry, Alison Arngrim and Melissa Gilbert became best friends. Off-camera, they shared laughs, indulged in slumber parties, and pranked other castmates, reflecting a friendship stronger than their on-screen personas.
The Grieving Misstep in “My Ellen”
“My Ellen” is a poignant episode focusing on grief and misunderstanding. When Ellen tragically drowns, her mother unjustly blames Laura, casting a somber tone over the show.
The scene’s emotional core was unmistakable, though its storytelling didn’t always support its themes, setting a confusing precedent for supporting characters.
Playful Pranking on Set
On set antics included Michael Landon’s famous prank involving frogs. Far from traditional pranks, Landon would place frogs in his mouth, then suddenly release them, causing startled laughter and merriment among cast and crew.
Melissa Gilbert’s Rift with Michael Landon
Despite the great chemistry shared by the cast, some tension arose between Melissa Gilbert and Michael Landon due to revelations about Landon’s personal life. Discovering his affair disappointed many, including Gilbert, who had seen him as a father figure.
Though hard to accept, such events cemented the notion that even beloved stars possess vulnerabilities.
The Traveling Quilt Mystery
Observant fans noticed the same quilt appearing in various character homes—a resourceful reuse of props noticeable to keen viewers.
Dean Butler’s Close Call
Dean Butler almost met disaster in his first scene with an uncontrollable horse wagon. Despite scary moments, it highlighted Landon’s humor and adaptability as an actor.
Butler’s near mishap turned into a fond memory of Landon’s willingness to tackle tough situations.
The Question of Albert’s Fate
Matthew Labyorteaux’s character Albert Ingalls was crucial to the series, yet his fate in “Little House: Look Back to Yesterday” remains ambiguous. Though diagnosed with leukemia, the episode left potential outcomes unclear.
Fans speculated, leaving Albert’s story up for debate, a testament to the series’s emotional storytelling.
Age-Defying Characters
In the finale, “The Last Farewell,” characters should reflect their ages in the 1901 setting, creating anachronistic inconsistencies with Charles Ingalls’ real-life passing in 1902 and evolving young characters.
The show’s ageless cast added touches of TV magic that meant forever freezing time in Walnut Grove.
Harriet Oleson’s Absence
Katherine MacGregor’s Harriet Oleson didn’t appear in the finale, some say due to her spiritual journey in India. Others link it to disagreements with Landon, adding a layer of intrigue to her absence.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this glimpse behind the scenes of Little House on the Prairie. If these tales brought you joy, feel free to share them with others and keep the laughter going!
