Show Notes
Every great journey has a beginning, and this week on Little House 50 Podcast, we're going all the way back to where it all started: the original Little House on the Prairie Pilot!
And oh, what a first it is! We're revisiting the episode that introduced us to the Ingalls family and gave us so many iconic moments that helped make Little House on the Prairie the beloved classic we know and love today. So how did we wait this long to recap the Pilot? We have some catching up to do!
Plus, let's talk about Melissa Gilbert—could she be the most perfect child actor ever cast in a television series? Her portrayal of Laura steals our hearts right from the start.
But wait… how on earth does the Little House Pilot compare to Rocky? Well we're going the distance, drawing some surprising parallels between these two unforgettable stories, and finally giving the Pilot the attention it deserves!
And stay until the end, because we have our very first Patreon video question to answer!
Then, join us on Patreon, where Alison and Dean take a deep dive into the incredible story of Ed Friendly, the creator and executive producer of Little House on the Prairie. Discover how he brought the series to life, the eventual rift between Friendly and Michael Landon, and the enduring legacy of Little House. Plus, they explore the remarkable career of Kent McCray, discussing his autobiography and his lasting impact on television history!
Links and Resources:
PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/LittleHousePodcast
www.LittleHouse50Podcast.com to connect with our hosts, and visit our BONNETHEAD BOUTIQUE merch store!
www.LivinOnaPrairieTV.com Check out the award-winning series created by Pamela Bob, with special guest stars Alison Arngrim and Charlotte Stewart.
Find out about Kent McCray and order his book, "Kent McCray: The Man Behind the Most Beloved Television Shows https://kentmccray.com/
To learn more about Little House on the Prairie: www.littlehouseontheprairie.com
Facebook/Instagram/TikTok: Dean Butler @officialdeanbutler Alison Arngrim @alisonarngrim Pamela Bob @thepamelabob, @prairietv
Social Media Team: Joy Correa and Christine Nunez https://www.paclanticcreative.com/
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/little-house-on-the-prairie-50th-anniversary-podcast--6055242/support.
More from Little House on the Prairie 50th Anniversary Podcast
This week on Little House 50 Podcast, we’re diving into one of the most talked-about—and polarizing—episodes in Little House on the Prairie history: “The Godsister.” And who better to help us recap, than the Greenbush Twins! Straight from the source!
Season 4 of the LittleHouse50Podcast is officially here, and we’re kicking things off with a look back what’s been happening behind the scenes since we wrapped Season 3, including an unforgettable trip to Nashville and a very special night at the Grand Ole Opry.
Some actors make an impression. Katy Kurtzman made two—and both are unforgettable. Little House fans first fell in love with her as Anna Gillberg in the beloved Season 3 episode "The Music Box," where she delivered one of the most heartfelt performances in the series as a shy young girl with a stutter who finds an unlikely friend in Laura Ingalls (and unfortunately crosses paths with one very smug Nellie Oleson and one very stolen music box). She later returned as young Caroline Quiner in "I Remember, I Remember," giving us a sweet glimpse into the early romance of Charles and Caroline. Beyond Walnut Grove, Katy built an impressive career with starring roles in television movies, hit series, and earned three Young Artist Award nominations before expanding into writing, directing, producing, and coaching the next generation of performers.
For nearly a year, Alison Arngrim managed to do the impossible: keep a secret. And not just any secret—she appears in a surprise cameo in Episode 2 of Netflix's brand-new Little House on the Prairie! On the very day the series premiered, we sat down with everyone's favorite Nellie Oleson to finally spill the beans. How did it happen? What was it like stepping back into the world of Little House? And perhaps most impressively... how on earth did Alison keep this from the fans for an entire year?
This week we're heading to Walnut Grove with "Circus Man," the episode that proves if a charming stranger shows up with a monkey, a few magic tricks, and some questionable miracle cures...everyone immediately forgets to ask for credentials. Academy Award winner Red Buttons guest stars as the lovable drifter Willie O'Hara, winning over the entire town—except Doc Baker, who isn't exactly thrilled to lose patients to a guy whose medical license appears to be "trust me." Which leads us to ask the eternal question: Is Doc Baker hot???