*Little House on the Prairie* is a timeless classic that has captivated audiences for decades. Set in the 19th century, the show follows the Ingalls family as they navigate the challenges and joys of life on the prairie. Even today, reruns continue to draw viewers in with their heartwarming stories and memorable characters. However, behind the scenes, there were plenty of bloopers, mistakes, and interesting tidbits that often went unnoticed. Here are some of the most fascinating behind-the-scenes moments from the beloved series.
### Laura’s Never-Ending Pregnancy
In the seventh season, Laura (played by Melissa Gilbert) announced her pregnancy during the spring, when the prairie was in full bloom. However, as the season progressed into summer, Laura was still very much pregnant, leaving fans wondering just how long her character’s pregnancy lasted. The timeline seemed a bit off, and this inconsistency could have been handled better by the show’s writers.
### Nellie’s Famous Wig
Nellie Oleson, the character everyone loved to hate, was known for her signature blonde curls. But those curls weren’t natural—they came from a wig! Instead of subjecting Alison Arngrim, the actress who played Nellie, to the hassle of using an old-fashioned curling iron, the production team opted for a wig to achieve the look. It’s a fun little secret that adds to Nellie’s iconic style.
### Colonel Sanders’ Time-Traveling Cameo
One of the most amusing bloopers occurred in the eighth season when Colonel Sanders, the founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken, made a surprise appearance. He showed up to turn Nellie’s restaurant into a franchise, but after regretting the deal, Nellie teamed up with Charles and Nels to open a new eatery. The funny part? Colonel Sanders wasn’t even born until 1890, while the show was set in the 1870s and 1880s. Talk about a historical mix-up!
### Caroline’s Modern Wardrobe Malfunction
In a few scenes, viewers with a keen eye might have spotted something unusual: Caroline Ingalls’ bra peeking through her 19th-century attire. This was a bit of a historical oversight, as bras weren’t invented until 1912—nearly 30 years after the show’s timeline. It’s a small but amusing mistake that slipped past the costume department.
### Melissa Sue Anderson’s On-Set Reputation
Melissa Sue Anderson, who played Mary Ingalls, was a fan favorite for her portrayal of Laura’s older sister. However, behind the scenes, her co-stars described her as somewhat distant and aloof. While she delivered a heartfelt performance on screen, her reserved nature made it difficult for others to connect with her off-camera.
### Nellie and Laura’s Real-Life Friendship
Despite their fierce rivalry on the show, Alison Arngrim (Nellie) and Melissa Gilbert (Laura) became close friends in real life. When the cameras stopped rolling, the two actresses shared plenty of laughs and even had sleepovers at each other’s homes. Their off-screen bond added a layer of warmth to their on-screen dynamic.
### Michael Landon’s Pranks
Michael Landon, who played Charles Ingalls, was known for his playful sense of humor on set. One of his most memorable pranks involved frogs. Landon would put frogs in his mouth and then surprise his co-stars by letting them jump out. Even young Carrie Ingalls, played by twins Lindsay and Sidney Greenbush, fell victim to his antics. Landon’s pranks kept the set lively and fun.
### The Mystery of Albert Ingalls
Matthew Labyorteaux joined the show later as Albert, an orphan adopted by the Ingalls family. His character’s fate, however, remains a topic of debate among fans. In one episode, Albert was diagnosed with leukemia, but the show never confirmed whether he ultimately succumbed to the illness. This open-ended storyline left viewers wondering about his fate long after the series ended.
*Little House on the Prairie* may have been set in a simpler time, but its behind-the-scenes stories are anything but ordinary. From historical inaccuracies to playful pranks, these moments add a layer of charm to the beloved series, making it even more endearing to fans.
