Little House on the Prairie might seem like the epitome of perfect family life, but even this beloved series has its fair share of amusing slip-ups. From historical mix-ups to quirky behind-the-scenes moments, here’s a lighthearted look at some of the show’s most memorable blunders that even the sharpest fans might have missed.
The Mystery of Laura’s Never-Ending Pregnancy
In season seven, Laura announces that she’s expecting a child during a sunny springtime. However, as the show progresses, the timeline becomes confusing — she remains pregnant well into the following summer, making viewers wonder just how long her pregnancy really lasted. It’s a classic case of inconsistent storytelling that leaves fans scratching their heads.
Nellie Oleson’s Wig Secrets
The villainous Nellie Oleson, played by Alison Arngrim, was notorious for her blonde ringlets — but those curls weren’t all natural. Arngrim’s own hair had to be painstakingly curled with an old-fashioned iron that was heated in an oven! Eventually, the production team decided to use a wig, held in place by a combination of hairpins and a metal comb.
Colonel Sanders Makes a Little House Appearance
In the 8th season’s “Wave of the Future,” a surprising guest shows up: Colonel Sanders, the founder of KFC. In a bizarre twist, he offers Harriet Oleson a deal to open a chicken restaurant. The only problem? The episode takes place in the 1870s, while Colonel Sanders didn’t even found KFC until 1952! Some fans joked that the fried chicken served on set actually came from KFC, which might have made his cameo feel less out of place.
Missing Coats in Freezing Weather
In the Christmas episode “Bless All the Dear Children,” viewers are left puzzled when characters walk around Minneapolis in freezing December temperatures without wearing coats. This oversight likely happened because the show was filmed in Tucson, Arizona, where the crew had to work around the desert heat.
A Fashion Faux Pas
Little House on the Prairie set in the 1870s and 1880s had some glaring fashion errors. In certain scenes, you can catch a glimpse of Caroline’s bra — a garment that wouldn’t be invented until 1912! Additionally, several women on the show sport hairstyles more fitting for the 1970s than the 1880s, and most of the men remain clean-shaven, despite facial hair being popular in the era.
A Stunt Gone Wrong
In one of the more intense moments of season five’s “The Odyssey,” a dummy was used as a stunt double for Albert, who is nearly thrown from a moving train. While the scene tried to create tension, the dummy’s awkward landing in the grass made it clear that not everything went according to plan.
Off-Screen Drama: Melissa Sue Anderson’s Reserved Reputation
Fans of Little House on the Prairie may have admired the relationship between Mary and Laura, but behind the scenes, things were a bit more complicated. Melissa Sue Anderson, who portrayed Mary, earned a reputation for being “cold and aloof” on set, making it harder for her co-stars to connect with her. Theories about her overprotective mother influencing her behavior were often discussed by the cast.
A Friendship Beyond Rivalry
While onscreen, Laura and Nellie were enemies, off-screen, their actresses, Melissa Gilbert and Alison Arngrim, were the best of friends. The pair would often prank their co-stars and spend time together during breaks, showing that their fierce rivalry on screen was all in good fun.
The Tragic “My Ellen” Episode Blunders
In the emotionally heavy episode “My Ellen,” viewers saw Laura grappling with guilt over the drowning of her friend Ellen. While the storyline was heartbreaking, the lack of adult support for Laura during her moment of crisis was somewhat puzzling. With so many characters around her, none seemed to step in to comfort Laura when she needed it most, creating a disconnect in the otherwise powerful scene.
Michael Landon’s Frog Prank
Known for his playful spirit, Michael Landon would often surprise the cast with pranks. One memorable stunt involved Rachel Greenbush and Melissa Gilbert catching frogs during breaks, which they would bring back to the set. Landon, always the trickster, would pop the frogs into his mouth and surprise everyone by letting them hop out, causing chaos and laughter.
The Michael Landon Affair Scandal
Behind the scenes, not everything was so lighthearted. Melissa Gilbert recalls feeling deeply hurt when she learned that Michael Landon, who had been like a father figure to her, was having an affair with the show’s makeup artist, Cindy Clerico. This revelation created a lasting rift between Gilbert and Landon, shattering the idealized image she had of him.
The Mystery of the Traveling Quilt
Eagle-eyed fans may have noticed that a particular quilt — which appears in various episodes, sometimes on different beds — seems to travel throughout the series. This recurring prop error was likely due to budget constraints, but it’s a fun little detail that keen viewers have picked up on over time.
Dean Butler’s Near-Disaster
Dean Butler, who joined the show in later seasons as Almanzo Wilder, had a terrifying experience on his first day of filming. While driving a horse-drawn wagon, Butler lost control, and the horses charged toward a tree. Thankfully, a crew member was able to prevent a disaster, but the incident left Butler with a new respect for the stunts involved in the show.
Albert’s Unresolved Fate
Albert, portrayed by Matthew Labyorteaux, became a central character on the show, but his fate remained somewhat unclear. In the 1983 TV movie Little House: Look Back to Yesterday, Albert is diagnosed with leukemia. However, whether he survives or not is never explicitly addressed, leaving fans to speculate about the character’s final fate.
The Last Farewell’s Time Travel Slip-Up
In the final TV movie, The Last Farewell, the show’s timeline is a bit off. Set in 1901, many of the characters should be considerably older, but they appear almost unchanged from earlier seasons. This time gap inconsistency stands out, especially since many of the characters’ real-life counterparts had long since moved away by this time.
Katherine MacGregor’s Absence
In the series finale, The Last Farewell, fans noticed the absence of Katherine MacGregor, who played Harriet Oleson. While reports claim that MacGregor was on a spiritual journey to India, some sources suggest she was also dealing with personal conflicts over salary and her role on the show, adding another layer of complexity to her absence.
As we revisit these quirky and unexpected moments, it’s clear that Little House on the Prairie wasn’t just about heartwarming tales of family life — it was also full of bloopers, behind-the-scenes drama, and some fun surprises that kept fans laughing through the years.
