Little House On The Prairie

Thursday, streaming on Netflix

If you’re “of a certain age”, chances are you’ll well recall the 1970s TV version of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s American classic — Michael Landon and his lustrous head of curls is forever etched in our collective minds as the epitome of capable, rugged masculinity.

Or perhaps that’s just me.

Fast forward 40-odd years, and the story, based on Wilder’s experiences growing up in a “frontier family” in America’s south in the late 1800s, is getting a big-budget Netflix remake.

But if you think it will be a sanitised, soft-focused, idealised version of her life (ie. the version we all remember from back in the day), think again.

This one adheres more closely to the books, and doesn’t shy away from some of the thornier topics surrounding what was going on during that time.

If you’ve read Wilder’s books, which she wrote in 1920s Depression-era America, you’ll be well aware that some of the language used is far from what we’d consider acceptable these days. Let’s just say the subtleties of frontier politics and the reality of what was actually going on with the First Nations owners of the lands the Wilder family were squatting on aren’t explored with much nuance.

This version is seeking to redress that, with a number of Indigenous actors cast in key roles. As you can imagine, the usual voices of dissent are claiming this will be a “woke, revisionist” retelling of the story, but that’s not necessarily true — the book, and parts of that 70s version, were far more progressive than you are perhaps remembering.

I can’t yet tell you more as there’s still an embargo in place, but mark my words: there is lots of buzz building around this series.

Mark your diaries.

The Great Outdoors

Saturday, 8pm, Seven

If you love a bit of armchair travel, you’ll want to check out the return of this old favourite. Seven’s hit travel series is back for another innings, this time with James Tobin, Phil Burton, Teigan Nash, Lee Carseldine and Kimberley Busteed at the helm. They’re taking us to the Cook Islands, the remote Shetland Islands and . . . Canberra. Let’s face it, none of us can afford to go anywhere ourselves, so we may as well live vicariously.

Silo

Screening now on Apple TV Plus

Apple TV has some wildly original TV on their platform right now — kudos to them for always taking a swing. One of the unique series is this thoroughly original dystopian sci-fi drama starring Rebecca Ferguson, who also executive produces. This season sees the arrival of new characters, played by Colin Hanks, Ashley Zukerman and Jessica Henwick. We’ll learn more about why they’re all underground and what’s actually afoot. One for fans.

Do Not Watch This Show

Monday, 7.30pm, ABC Kids

Not sure what it is about this cartoon, but it’s like small people crack — they absolutely love it! They’re also really into the books by Andy Lee that it is based on, so that probably explains a lot. Season two hits free-to-air this week, with Wizz and his mates, which include a happy kiwi fruit, a fabulously camp lime and an ancient tortoise, back with new adventures. Don’t worry: Douglas the scientific expert is also still kicking around. Silly fun.

That Blackfella Show

Wednesday, 9.10pm, ABC

This First Nations variety show was heaps of fun last year, and it’s returning again as part of NAIDOC Week. This time, Australian music royalty and all-round top chick Jessica Mauboy is at the helm. Jess never misses, so no doubt she’ll be great in the hosting chair. She’ll be joined by a fab line-up of First Nations talent, including Drifting Clouds, Baker Boy and Dyagula. Look out for new sketches featuring fan fave Aunt Kerrie and Barkaa, making her acting debut.