Little-Known Bloopers and Mistakes in Little House on the Prairie
For generations, Little House on the Prairie has been a beloved television classic, bringing the heartwarming story of the Ingalls family to audiences worldwide.
But while the show is celebrated for its authenticity and charm, keen-eyed fans have spotted a surprising number of bloopers and historical inaccuracies that made it past the editing room.
From unexpected celebrity cameos to timeline inconsistencies, let’s explore some of the most intriguing mistakes that even the most dedicated fans may have missed.
Laura’s Unusual Pregnancy Timeline
In Season 7, Laura Ingalls announces her pregnancy in what appears to be a warm season, with blooming flowers and green fields.
However, by the following summer, she is still pregnant, leading to confusion about the timeline.
This continuity error suggests a disconnect between the script and the show’s filming schedule.
Nellie Oleson’s Iconic Curls Were a Wig
Alison Arngrim, who played Nellie Oleson, had to endure hours of hairstyling with an old-fashioned curling iron heated in an oven.
The process was so uncomfortable that the crew eventually opted for a wig, which was secured with metal combs and pins.
A Surprise Appearance by Colonel Sanders
One of the most surprising bloopers occurred in the episode Wave of the Future when a character resembling Colonel Sanders, founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken, makes an appearance.
The issue? The real Colonel Sanders wasn’t born until 1890, decades after the show’s timeline!
Winter Without Coats?
The series often portrayed harsh winters, but the characters were frequently seen without coats—even in scenes set in frigid locations like Minneapolis during December.
This was likely due to the show being filmed in sunny Tucson, Arizona, where winter gear wasn’t exactly necessary.
A Modern Wardrobe Mishap
Despite the show’s 19th-century setting, some characters occasionally wore undergarments that didn’t exist at the time.
In certain scenes, Caroline Ingalls’ bra is visible, despite the fact that bras weren’t invented until 1912. Similarly, some hairstyles, including permed curls, were more reflective of the 1970s than the 1870s.
