Netflix Renews Paramount’s ‘Little House’ Just Days After WB Deal Falls Through
Netflix is signaling stability following last Friday’s unexpected decision by Warner Bros. Discovery to terminate its merger agreement with the streaming giant. Instead, Warner Bros. entered a partnership with Paramount, which submitted a higher bid, leading to Netflix’s withdrawal from negotiations.
In a notable development, Netflix announced this morning the early renewal of Little House on the Prairie, a reboot of the iconic series based on Laura Ingalls Wilder’s books. This marks the first major transaction between Netflix and Paramount since the latter recently paid a $2.8 billion fee to Netflix following the termination of the Warner Bros. deal.
While early renewals are not uncommon—especially among streamers eager to maintain viewer engagement—the timing of this announcement is noteworthy. The renewal comes more than four months before Little House on the Prairie is set to debut on July 9.
Despite the surprising timing, the renewal itself is not unexpected. Netflix executives have expressed confidence in the show, especially following the completion of Season 1 last fall. Sources indicate that the initial viewing of the first season left a positive impression, with critics describing it as “fantastic” and “special” in its storytelling.
Additionally, a pre-greenlight writers’ room was established at the end of 2025, coinciding with Netflix’s successful bid for Warner Bros. Discovery. Following a strong reception of Season 1 and a compelling pitch for Season 2 by showrunner Rebecca Sonnenshine and her team, the renewal was firmly established.
Despite tensions between Netflix and Paramount over the recent deal-making—the two companies accused each other of “disinformation” during negotiations—production for Little House on the Prairie has proceeded without interruption. A dedicated writers’ room is currently at work on the upcoming season, which may introduce a classic character, Nellie Oleson, who did not appear in the first season.
Jinny Howe, Netflix’s head of U.S. and Canada scripted series, expressed excitement about the renewal. “We are delighted to renew this beautiful reimagining of Little House on the Prairie for a second season ahead of its Netflix debut,” she stated. “The exceptional work by Rebecca Sonnenshine and the entire cast and crew on Season 1 has established a rich foundation of storytelling for years to come. With its hopeful spirit and emotional authenticity, we’re confident that Little House will deliver even more of what fans truly love.”
The family drama, deeply rooted in the origins of the American West, features Alice Halsey as Laura Ingalls, Skywalker Hughes as her sister Mary, Luke Bracey as Pa, and Crosby Fitzgerald as Ma. This reboot is produced by CBS Studios and Anonymous Content, with Sonnenshine serving as executive producer alongside Joy Gorman Wettels, Trip Friendly, Dana Fox, and Susanna Fogel.
Paramount also produces Netflix’s successful comedy series Emily In Paris, which was renewed for a sixth season in January. Earlier that month, Netflix announced a U.S. licensing agreement with Paramount for several other shows, including Mayor of Kingstown, SEAL Team, and Watson.
