Alison Arngrim reveals original Little House on the Prairie set was a binge of alcohol and cigarettes

Actress Alison Arngrim, who played Nellie Oleson on the original Little House on the Prairie, told the U.S. podcast “Here’s What Happened” that the series’ production environment was far from the wholesome image of the show. She said the set was constantly filled with alcohol, cigarettes and sugary snacks such as coffee, sugar cubes and donuts.

According to Arngrim, the prop truck supplied the crew with beer and cigarettes, and staff often had to make multiple deliveries each day to keep the liquor flowing, otherwise production would have stalled. The series aired from 1974 to 1983 and remains a cultural touchstone, now prompting a new Netflix revival.

Arngrim’s comments highlight how the behind‑the‑scenes culture of 1970s‑80s television differed sharply from the family‑friendly narratives presented on screen.