Little House on the Prairie debuted on September 11, 1974. The hour-long NBC drama had a successful run until its last episode on March 21, 1983. The western show was an automatic ratings winner and developed an extensive fan base that still exists today.

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Based on the autobiographical books by Laura Ingalls Wilder, Little House on the Prairie chronicles the life and times of the Ingall Family and the other residents in and around the fictional town of Walnut Grove. Recounted by the Ingalls middle daughter, Laura, the show is a vivid exploration of life on the American frontier. The series begins with head of the household, Charles Ingalls relocating his family from Wisconsin to the banks of Plum Creek near the small town of Walnut Grove, Minnesota. Once the family builds and settles in their new cabin, Charles along with wife, Caroline and their three young daughters, Mary, Laura and Carrie begin to move into a life that is expected to bring better opportunities and advantages. However, it's not long before the Ingalls learn that life on the Frontier is not as easy as it seems. With little money to keep their farm flourishing, Charles must often take multiple jobs in exchange for his needed farming supplies. His wife, Caroline helps keep the family together with her nurturing and compassionate strength. Cooking, cleaning, raising the children and pitching in with the farming are what she does best.

While Ma and Pa Ingalls are working to keep the family together, oldest daughter Mary focuses on her books and excelling in school. As one of the prettiest girls in Walnut Grove, Mary is highly coveted by the local boys. With perfect scores in school and a host of boys eager to walk her home, Mary is used to a life without many obstacles. But when a critical illness leads to the unexpected loss of her eyesight, Mary is forced to live a new life riddled with obstacles.

Middle daughter, Laura is a natural born explorer. Enthusiastic to venture into the wide open frontier, she helps bring new insight into her family's life in Walnut Grove and the people who live there. Laura's strong spirit and often feisty demeanor is a perfect balance to Mary's gentle manner. Laura is not afraid to stand up for her beliefs and she will confront anyone who dares to challenge her, including the Olesons and their horrible daughter, Nellie.

The authentic Laura Ingalls Wilder was born on February 7, 1867 in Pepin, Wisconsin. In 1868, her parents, Charles and Caroline moved Laura and her sister Mary to the prairies of Kansas. Life on the prairie was at times quite joyful and during others, filled with hardship and disappointment. When Laura reached her middle-age, she began to journal her life and adventures during her upbringing on the Kansas plains in the 1800's. Upon securing a publisher, Laura wrote a successful series of children's books chronicling her youth on the frontier.

In the early 1970's, television producer and executive, Ed Friendly came across the autobiographical Little House books written by the real Laura Ingalls Wilder. Friendly was easily charmed by the tales of life on the American Frontier and approached Michael Landon to direct a television pilot. Once Landon suggested himself for the role of Charles Ingalls, NBC knew they had the makings of a hit series. With a loose adaptation of the original Little House books, Little House on the Prairie debuted with exceptional ratings. For nine strong years, American audiences had a front row view into life on a nineteenth century western frontier. The trailblazing series gave birth to some of the most memorable characters in television history. TV Guide rated Charles Ingalls as the fourth greatest TV Dad of all time and Nellie Oleson was crowned number three of TV's 10 Biggest Brats.

With Michael Landon in the role of actor, producer, writer, director and executive producer, he was able to maintain a stronghold on the series. He was also not afraid to tackle controversial issues such as addiction, racism, and elitism. Melissa Sue Anderson's performance of a town beauty who suddenly loses her vision brought critical acclaim and earned her an Emmy nomination for her dramatic interpretation.

But after a nine year run and witnessing the maturation of Laura Ingalls and the trials and tribulations of the rest of the Walnut Grove inhabitants, audiences grew weary of the week to week tales. On March 21, 1983, Little House on the Prairie took its final bow. Though audiences no longer wanted to see the Ingalls on a weekly basis, they still craved more. To satisfy their Little House appetite, four television movies based on the original series were produced.

Today, Little House on the Prairie is finding fame again with a new and younger set of fans. Even with the modern comforts of the twenty-first century, people around the world can still relate to the love, strong morals and rich family values that the Ingalls represent. And for the enthusiasts who grew-up watching the popular television drama, Little House still continues to fulfill the pioneer seeker in all of us.

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