New 'Little House on the Prairie' Photos Compared to the Originals
In a world of reboots, reunions and recreations, it’s difficult not to compare new projects to their predecessors, especially when it comes to a classic like Little House on the Prairie. The 1974 series warmed hearts, filled homes with laughter and smiles and earned a devoted fan base that is still holding on 50 years later.
Now, that same story is being told in a new light and there are some major details that change. The new Little House follows the original books by Laura Ingalls Wilder much more closely, so instead of extra warmth and heart, there is a bit more grit and realism. The Netflix series is taking the time to emphasize Laura Ingalls’ real experience, rather than show it in an idealized way.
While you wait for the new series to be available, photos from the Netflix series have dropped and although there are some differences, there are lots of similarities between the two shows. Take a look at the new photos from Netflix’s Little House on the Prairie and see how they compare to photos from the original.
Laura in the wagon
In the first episode of both Little House on the Prairie series, the Ingalls family packs up their wagon and heads west in search of a new home and a new life. The photo above features Alice Halsey as Laura and Skywalker Hughes as Mary, as they prepare to leave behind their home for a new life.
In the photo below, you can see a very similar picture of Melissa Gilbert as Laura and Melissa Sue Anderson as Mary, also looking out the back of their family wagon. While the photo quality and actress are different, the meaning behind them are very much the same.
The newer photo, however, showcases that moving to a new place wasn’t easy and their journey was a long and difficult one.
Charles “Pa” Ingalls
Many fans of the original series thought it would be impossible to find an actor to portray Charles “Pa” Ingalls quite like the legendary Michael Landon. But it seems that Luke Bracey has done just that, taking on the role while bringing the spirit of Charles to life.
Both photos show the character of Pa looking off into the distance wearing the usual suspenders, a soft brimmed hat and simple clothing. The above picture features Bracey in his new role while the photo below shows the legendary Michael Landon.
Ma and Pa
In both the original and new Little House on the Prairie shows, it’s clear that Charles and Caroline Ingalls loved each other. The couple were a picture of strength and love in each of their scenes, and that is certainly being recreated in the new series.
In the above photo, Pa (Bracey) is holding and Ma (Crosby Fitzgerald), as they cross the threshold into their new home. The photo below shows Pa and Ma, portrayed by Landon and Karen Grassle, as they travel somewhere on their wagon. Both photos show that same look of love and strength.
The Ingalls family
No Little House on the Prairie, whether from 1974 or 2026, would be complete without Pa and his fiddle while the family dances around him. In the photo above, you can see Luke Bracey as he fiddles like Charles Ingalls, while his girls enjoy the music. Below, Michael Landon is holding the instrument as his family dances and claps to the tune.
In real life, Pa Ingalls really was an accomplished fiddler, often playing his tunes for the family. He usually would pull out the instrument when his girls needed some comfort or entertainment, which is exactly what is happening in both photos.
Be sure to tune into the new Little House on the Prairie begining on July 9, 2026, only on Netflix!
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This story was originally published May 13, 2026 at 12:26 PM.