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The Best Episodes of Little House on the Prairie

Every episode of Little House on the Prairie ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of Little House on the Prairie!

Binge this in 6h 37m•Peaking at 3.9/10

The close-knit Ingalls family builds a new life on the Western frontier, where the joys of nature and the struggle for survival are deeply intertwined.

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
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    Little House on the Prairie Season 1 Episode 1 - Independence
    3.9/10(22 votes)

    #1 - Independence

    S1:E1

    The Ingalls family trades Wisconsin's woods for the wide-open plains of Kansas, where their new life brings both breathtaking beauty and genuine danger.

    Director:Sarah Adina Smith
    Writer:Unknown

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  2. Little House on the Prairie Season 1 Episode 2 - The House on the Prairie
    3.3/10(19 votes)

    #2 - The House on the Prairie

    S1:E2

    A neighbor steps up to help the Ingalls build their new home, but their growing bond is threatened by the shadows of his past — and Caroline's.

    Director:Julie Anne Robinson
    Writer:Rebecca Sonnenshine

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  3. Little House on the Prairie Season 1 Episode 3 - News of the World
    3.0/10(20 votes)

    #3 - News of the World

    S1:E3

    As the house on the prairie approaches completion, a troubling encounter makes the family reconsider their decision to settle in Independence.

    Director:Julie Anne Robinson
    Writer:Francesca Butler

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  4. Little House on the Prairie Season 1 Episode 4 - Life Let Us Cherish
    2.8/10(16 votes)

    #4 - Life Let Us Cherish

    S1:E4

    With fever gripping the town and medicine in short supply, the Ingalls face their most perilous challenge yet.

    Director:Kat Candler
    Writer:P. Carter Kristensen

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  5. Little House on the Prairie Season 1 Episode 7 - A Softer Note in the Sound of the Wind
    2.5/10(10 votes)

    #5 - A Softer Note in the Sound of the Wind

    S1:E7

    The Osage gather for a pivotal tribal council, with the fate of the land — and Laura's friendship with Good Eagle — in the balance.

    Director:Sydney Freeland
    Writer:Tom Hanada

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  6. Little House on the Prairie Season 1 Episode 5 - A Circle of Blue Sky
    2.2/10(13 votes)

    #6 - A Circle of Blue Sky

    S1:E5

    Caroline and the girls struggle to fit in at a ladies' event. Charles sets out to find the family's missing horses — and clear an innocent man's name.

    Director:Kat Candler
    Writer:Adam Starks

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    The 20 WORST Episodes of Little House on the Prairie

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  7. Little House on the Prairie Season 1 Episode 6 - Peace on Earth
    2.1/10(13 votes)

    #7 - Peace on Earth

    S1:E6

    Snowed in and far from family, the Ingalls try to find a little cheer on a quiet Christmas Eve. But Santa has a surprise or two in store.

    Director:Erica Tremblay
    Writer:Eleanor Burgess

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  8. Little House on the Prairie Season 1 Episode 8 - This Is Now
    2.1/10(13 votes)

    #8 - This Is Now

    S1:E8

    After catching wind of their parents' debts, Laura and Mary resolve to save the day by winning prize money at the town's first Founder's Day.

    Director:Sydney Freeland
    Writers:Eleanor Burgess, Adam Starks

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Best Episodes Summary

"Independence" is the best rated episode of "Little House on the Prairie". It scored 3.9/10 based on 22 votes. Directed by Sarah Adina Smith and written by Unknown, it aired on 7/9/2026. This episode scored 0.6 points higher than the second highest rated, "The House on the Prairie".