One of the show’s most bizarre bloopers occurred in the season eight episode “Wave of the Future,” in which Nellie’s restaurant is turned into a franchise. As the storyline unfolds, none other than Colonel Sanders—the founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken—makes an appearance, offering Harriet Oleson a deal to start her own chicken franchise.
While hilarious, this cameo was anachronistic, as Colonel Sanders wasn’t born until 1890, and KFC didn’t emerge until 1952. Given that Little House is set in the 1870s and 1880s, the Colonel’s presence is a comedic but glaring error.
Adding to the hilarity, rumor has it that the fried chicken served on the show often came straight from KFC itself.
The Mystery of Missing Coats
In the Christmas episode “Bless All the Dear Children,” Laura’s baby is kidnapped in freezing Minneapolis during the holiday season. Strangely, characters walk around without coats or any visible discomfort, despite the city’s notoriously frigid December weather.
This oversight can likely be attributed to the show being filmed in Tucson, Arizona, during the summer months. The blazing heat of the set clashed with the need for cold-weather realism.
Caroline’s 20th-Century Bra
Eagle-eyed viewers have noticed a particularly amusing wardrobe malfunction: glimpses of Caroline Ingalls’ bra. The show is set in the 1870s and 1880s, but bras weren’t invented until 1912, making this an amusing anachronism.
Similarly, many of the women’s hairstyles featured perms and curls that were more reminiscent of the 1970s than the 19th century. And while most of the men sported clean-shaven looks, historical records reveal that beards were all the rage during the time period.
A Dummy’s Big Moment
In the season five episode “The Odyssey,” an intense scene shows an assailant attempting to throw Albert off a moving train. Laura heroically saves him, but observant fans noticed something odd: a dummy was used in place of Albert during the struggle, and its lifeless body landed awkwardly on the grass. Meanwhile, a stuntman dramatically rolled down the hill moments later, creating an unintentionally hilarious visual contrast.
Pranks Galore: Michael Landon’s Frogs
Michael Landon, the show’s star and producer, was known for his playful personality and frequent on-set pranks. According to Rachel Greenbush, who played Carrie Ingalls, Landon loved surprising cast members with frogs.
After catching frogs during breaks, Landon would place them in his mouth and approach unsuspecting crew members. He’d then open his mouth, releasing the frogs to jump out and startle everyone nearby. This mischievous humor added a sense of fun to long filming days.
Melissa Gilbert’s Rift with Michael Landon
Though the cast often felt like a real family, tensions occasionally bubbled to the surface. Melissa Gilbert, who played Laura Ingalls, once had a falling out with Michael Landon after discovering his affair with the show’s makeup artist, Cindy Clerico.
Landon’s infidelity shocked the cast, who had viewed him as a father figure. Gilbert later admitted that learning about the affair shattered her perception of him, though she ultimately came to terms with the complexities of his character.
Albert’s Mysterious Fate
Albert Ingalls, played by Matthew Labyorteaux, became a fan favorite after being adopted by the Ingalls family. However, his storyline took a tragic turn in the 1983 TV movie Little House: Look Back to Yesterday, where he was diagnosed with leukemia. The show never explicitly confirmed his fate, leaving fans to speculate for decades.
Katherine MacGregor’s Pilgrimage
Katherine MacGregor, who played the iconic Harriet Oleson, was notably absent from the show’s finale, The Last Farewell. Reports suggest she was on a pilgrimage to India, exploring her Hindu faith. However, other sources claim her absence stemmed from a long-standing dispute with Michael Landon over salary and creative differences.
The Traveling Quilt
The same white quilt with a double wedding ring pattern appears on multiple beds throughout the series. This clever reuse of props might have saved time and money, but it’s a detail that hasn’t escaped fans’ sharp eyes.
Legacy of Little House
Despite its occasional missteps, Little House on the Prairie remains a cultural touchstone. Its timeless themes of resilience, kindness, and family continue to resonate with audiences, proving that even the quirks and bloopers can’t tarnish its enduring charm.
