If you think Little House on the Prairie was picture-perfect, think again!
This beloved classic, known for its timeless charm, wholesome stories, and adventurous spirit, wasn’t without its share of slip-ups.
Despite its seemingly flawless appearance, a myriad of bloopers and mistakes somehow made it past the editing room.
I still find myself glued to reruns of Little House on the Prairie, just like my parents were back in the day. In an instant, it transports us to the late 19th century, and introduces us to the resilient Ingalls family.
Watching the episodes now, it’s clear that the show’s message is as powerful as ever — treating others with respect, embracing honesty, and valuing the importance of family and friends.
But those of us with a sharp eye have discovered a treasure trove of blunders and goofs that are sure to make you do a double-take — and maybe even make you chuckle.
Laura’s mystic pregnancy
Laura first announced her pregnancy late in season seven, during a warm season, with the flowers blooming and the prairie looking its best.
Yet, by the time the following summer rolled around, she was still very much expecting — leaving fans wondering just how long this prairie pregnancy was supposed to last.
Honestly, it just felt like there was a disconnect between the writers and the rest of the team, a clear case of sloppy story management.
Nellie Oleson wore a wig
We all remember Little House on the Prairie‘s resident troublemaker, Nellie Oleson, brought to life by Alison Arngrim. But did you know Nellie’s role in the show was much bigger than in the original books?
The character’s expanded presence is a testament to just how much viewers loved to hate this mischievous villain — especially when she teamed up with her equally conniving onscreen mother, Harriet.
Many surely remember Nellie’s iconic blonde curls, but achieving that look was no easy task. Alison Arngrim’s own hair was transformed into those signature ringlets using an old-fashioned curling iron that had to be heated in an oven — a rather painful process that required both time and patience.
The solution was to bring in a wig. To keep it securely in place, they used a large metal comb along with dozens of long, straight metal hairpins.
Colonel Sanders Cameo
One of the funniest bloopers on Little House on the Prairie has to be the unexpected appearance of Colonel Sanders, the iconic founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken, in a season eight episode titled ”Wave of the Future.” In this storyline, Nellie’s restaurant transforms into a franchise.
But, as you can imagine, things don’t go as planned, and Nellie regrets the whole ordeal. In an attempt to break free from the contract, she teams up with Charles and Nels to open a rival restaurant.
Then, in a bizarre twist, none other than Colonel Sanders himself shows up, offering Harriet a deal to start her own chicken franchise.
