At first glance, Livin’ on a Prairie might sound like a cozy, nostalgic love letter to a beloved television classic. And, okay, it is that—but it’s also a deeply personal, occasionally awkward, sometimes hilarious story about isolation, comfort, and the very real fear of rejoining society after you’ve been hiding out in something familiar for a little too long.

I created, wrote, co-produced, and star in Livin’ on a Prairie, a six-episode comedy series about what happens when a lifelong love of Little House on the Prairie becomes both a lifeline and—maybe a bit of a problem.

A Modern Story Rooted in Nostalgia (and Avoidance)

The series centers on a fictitious version of me—a socially awkward woman who feels out of step with the world around her, despite the expectation that adulthood brings connection and confidence. While others unwind with dating apps or social media, my character retreats into the warm, predictable universe of Little House on the Prairie. For her, the show represents family, kindness, moral clarity, unconditional love, and the comforting knowledge that Pa Ingalls will always do the right thing.

But Livin’ on a Prairie isn’t about fandom for fandom’s sake. Through humor and emotional honesty, I wanted to explore how nostalgia can sometimes become a shield — protecting us from pain while also keeping us stuck. My character’s obsession is comforting, yes, but it also prevents her from fully engaging with the messy, unpredictable present.

The show lives in that in-between space: quirky but grounded, heartfelt but never syrupy. Even viewers who’ve never seen Little House quickly recognize the bigger themes — grief, loneliness, and the creative ways we all avoid dealing with reality.

Comedy With a Conversation (and Actual Little House Legends)

Produced with Cut&Dry Films, each episode of Livin’ on a Prairie is short, punchy, and designed to make you laugh… and then maybe think a little more than you expected to. Alison Arngrim (Nellie) and Charlotte Stewart (Miss Beadle) make incredible cameo appearances, portraying the exact opposite of their Little House characters. (It’s a hoot!)

Several episodes end with interactive conversations featuring cast members from Little House on the Prairie, which still feels slightly surreal to write. These wrap-up chats, including Alison Arngrim, Charlotte Stewart, Karen Grassle, Dean Butler and more “OG” Little House cast members, reflect on the original series and its continued emotional resonance. These moments deepen the project’s meaning, transforming Livin’ on a Prairie into a dialogue about legacy, comfort television, and why certain stories continue to matter decades later.

Festival Success and Critical Recognition

Livin’ on a Prairie has made a strong impression on the festival circuit. The series was an official selection at the Tribeca TV Festival and earned multiple awards, including recognition from IndieFEST, Hollyweb, LAIFFA, and the Paris Lift-Off Global Network Festival.

I was honored to receive Best Actress at the Los Angeles Independent Film Festival, recognition that means a great deal to me since the role involves equal parts vulnerability, self-awareness, and occasionally making fun of myself on camera. Audiences and critics have embraced the show’s originality, yet it still feels widely relatable.

More Than a Love Letter

While Livin’ on a Prairie clearly springs from my affection for Little House on the Prairie, it was never meant to be just a tribute. Instead, I use that cultural touchstone to explore larger ideas: how we self-soothe, how nostalgia can both heal and hinder, and what it means to reconnect with life after emotionally checking out for a while.

At its heart, Livin’ on a Prairie is about finding your way back — from the safety of fictional worlds into the complicated, sometimes terrifying, but ultimately rewarding reality of human connection. Even viewers who have never watched a single episode of Little House have told me they see themselves in the story. (Those are my favorite fans!)

Where to Watch

Livin’ on a Prairie is available online through its official website and on YouTube, where full episodes and clips can be streamed.

Small in scale but rich in heart, Livin’ on a Prairie proves that sometimes the most meaningful stories come not from grand reinvention, but from honestly examining the things we cling to — and learning when it’s time to let them guide us forward instead of holding us back.