“Little House” Showrunner Gets Candid About Importance of Including Osage Perspective in New Series (Exclusive)

A fresh adaptation of the beloved “Little House on the Prairie” series is set to premiere on Netflix on July 9, 2023, introducing a new layer of depth to the narrative by incorporating the perspectives of the Osage people. This retelling aims to provide a comprehensive portrayal of the Mitchell family, who alongside the Ingalls, adds significant context to the story of life on the American frontier.

Showrunner Rebecca Sonnenshine expressed her intention to create fully developed characters that audiences could connect with. She emphasised the importance of representing the Osage community authentically, as they have historically been part of the prairie landscape that Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote about, but were not fully characterised in previous adaptations.

Reflecting on her childhood admiration for Wilder’s series, Sonnenshine recognised that the original narratives did not do justice to the Osage tribe. It was one of her first goals in developing this new series to shed light on the community’s stories and experiences. To achieve this, she consulted with Robert Warrior, an Osage scholar, who played a pivotal role in ensuring that the storytelling was both honourable and accurate.

In her discussions about the series, Sonnenshine noted that working alongside Warrior proved to be educational and enlightening. “It was a gift and an honour to learn so much from him regarding the Osage culture and history,” she said. This partnership was fundamental to the project’s authenticity, matching historical perspectives with engaging storytelling.

The introduction of the Mitchell family into the narrative serves as a parallel to the Ingalls. This mixed family—comprised of patriarch William, matriarch White Sun, and their daughter Good Eagle—reflects the complexities of life on the frontier. The Ingalls first encounter the Mitchells as they establish their homestead in Independence, Oklahoma, an area that has long been inhabited by the Osage people.

Working closely with Warrior, Sonnenshine also enlisted Indigenous cultural consultant Julie O’Keefe to ensure that the representation of the Osage community was both respectful and genuine. O’Keefe’s contributions extended beyond script advisement; she worked with costume designers to source authentic props and clothing from Osage artisans located in Oklahoma.

Sonnenshine praised O’Keefe’s dedication, stating, “She was an incredible asset to any production. I learned so much from her, and her commitment was invaluable.” O’Keefe’s role was complemented by Talee Redcorn, the show’s language consultant, who taught the cast foundational elements of the Osage language, further enriching the characters’ authenticity.

The heart of the new adaptation lies in the relationship between Laura Ingalls and Good Eagle, which Sonnenshine believes offers a new perspective to the audience. “We aimed to portray this relationship authentically and wanted the characters to resonate with viewers,” she explained. The intent is for the Mitchell family to be seen as fully realised individuals, allowing audiences not only to engage with their story but to appreciate the nuances and challenges of their lives on the prairie.

The expansive storylines are designed to reflect the values and experiences of both the Ingalls and the Mitchell families, highlighting shared challenges while celebrating the rich cultural tapestry of the Osage people. Sonnenshine expressed that the team’s dedication to authentic representation demonstrates a commitment to quality storytelling.

As the premiere date nears, excitement builds around the new direction of “Little House on the Prairie.” With a renewed focus on character development and historical accuracy, the adaptation hopes to captivate both long-time fans of the series and newcomers alike, paving the way for more inclusive narratives in television. Viewers can look forward to this thought-provoking retelling that shows, with care and respect, how diverse voices can enrich classic tales.