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Little House on the Prairie (1974 – 1983)

1974 • 9 seasons • Drama, Western • TV-PG
On October 3, 2026
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All seasons

Little House on the Prairie — Season 4

  • Sep 12, 1977First aired
  • 22 episodesin this season
  • 51mavg. runtime
#Episode nameAir dateRuntimeRating
0149mCastoffsThe loss of Jack was a sharp blow for Laura, and her Pa, seeing her grief, brought another dog into their lives – a scruffy fellow named Bandit who had simply followed him home one day. Though Bandit seemed eager to please Laura, she couldn't bring herself to want him. It wasn’t until she visited Aunt Kezia, a woman living in quiet solitude, that Laura began to understand and truly cherish the dog’s companionship.Sep 12, 19777.0Sep 12, 197749m7.00249mTimes of ChangeHaving experienced Chicago firsthand for the first time, Charles and Mary found themselves deeply disheartened by the reality of urban living.Sep 19, 19778.0Sep 19, 197749m8.00349mMy EllenConsumed by grief after her daughter’s devastating loss in a drowning accident, a mother retreated into profound denial. Seeking solace, and driven by an unbearable longing, she made the unthinkable decision to abduct a young girl named Laura, harboring a desperate hope that this child might somehow fill the void left by her daughter.Sep 26, 19778.0Sep 26, 197749m8.00449mThe HandymanCharles had been obliged to rush off to Mankato with an urgent delivery, leaving the addition to his house unfinished. Consequently, Caroline engaged a striking young man named Chris to complete the work. Now, Mary couldn’t help but suspect a growing fondness between her mother and Chris.Oct 3, 19777.0Oct 3, 197749m7.00549mThe WolvesWith Charles and Caroline gone, Mary was left to oversee things. Meanwhile, Laura and Andy discovered a litter of wolf cubs.Oct 17, 19776.0Oct 17, 197749m6.00649mThe Creeper of Walnut GroveA wave of petty thefts has fallen upon Walnut Grove, and Laura and Andy find themselves determined to uncover the culprit. Their investigation, however, quickly stirs up resentment amongst the townsfolk – particularly when their inquiries draw the ire of Mr. Ingalls himself, a consequence amplified by the inexplicable turn his hair has taken toward an alarming shade of green.Oct 24, 19777.0Oct 24, 197749m7.00749mTo Run and HideWhenever Doc Baker failed to heal someone under his care, a shadow of discontent would fall upon him, and he questioned his calling as a physician. He would then seek out another doctor for the town. Yet, invariably, when he observed that the replacement lacked genuine concern for their patients, Doc Baker remained, convinced that his own presence was still needed.Oct 31, 19776.0Oct 31, 197749m6.00849mThe AftermathJesse and Frank James sought refuge in Walnut Grove. It wasn't long before the townspeople discovered their true identities, as bounty hunters arrived searching for the notorious brothers.Nov 7, 19778.0Nov 7, 197749m8.00949mThe High Cost of Being RightWhen fire consumed Mr. Garvey’s barn and all the harvest within, Alice sought work at the post office. Her husband disapproved, convinced it was a man's duty to provide for his household. He entertained thoughts of ending their marriage, until he understood the damage his own rigid pride was inflicting on them all.Nov 14, 19777.0Nov 14, 197749m7.01074mThe FighterA palpable excitement hung over Walnut Grove as townsfolk wagered on the upcoming boxing match. Mr. Ingalls remained unaware that his opponent was gravely ill; a fact which explained his astonishment when, stepping into the ring, he swiftly overcame his adversary. Following the man’s sudden collapse, he was immediately taken to Doc Baker, who managed to stabilize him but cautioned that further participation in such contests would be detrimental to his health.Nov 21, 19777.0Nov 21, 197774m7.01149mMeet Me At the FairThe Ingallses and Olesons journeyed to the county fair. A playful rivalry unfolded between Patrick, a young man working at the carnival and Mary’s beau, and Cass, his employer—a balloonist known for his charm and easy manner—both vying for Mary's attention. Meanwhile, Charles and Nels bravely entered the spirited jackass riding contest, while Carrie found herself caught up in an adventure of her own.Nov 28, 19777.0Nov 28, 197749m7.01249mHere Come the BridesWith a fresh start in mind, Adam Simms and his son Luke arrived in town. Soon after, Adam found himself drawn to Miss Beadle, while a budding romance blossomed between Luke and Nellie Oleson. Following a heartfelt conversation with Miss Beadle about the nature of love and marriage, Luke and Nellie made the surprising decision to wed.Dec 5, 19778.0Dec 5, 197749m8.01349mFreedom FlightA young man from India arrived in Walnut Grove, seeking assistance for his ailing father. Unfortunately, the townspeople reacted with suspicion and animosity towards him and his people. It was through the intervention of Mr. Ingalls that the family managed to find a path to safety and escape the hostility surrounding them.Dec 12, 19779.0Dec 12, 197749m9.01448mThe RivalsCharles finds himself battling a rival to protect his livelihood. Meanwhile, Laura, deeply in love with Jimmy Hill, faces competition for his affections.Jan 9, 19788.5Jan 9, 197848m8.51548mWhisper CountryWith genuine enthusiasm, Mary accepted a position as a teacher in a remote rural settlement. However, her arrival brought with it the most formidable challenge of her professional life—and far more—as she encountered the community’s matriarch: an aged woman fiercely opposed to education, and harboring a deeply concealed secret.Jan 16, 19788.0Jan 16, 197848m8.01648mI Remember, I RememberA broken wagon wheel, struck by a relentless downpour, held Mr. Ingalls back severely, delaying his journey. It happened to be Charles and Caroline’s wedding anniversary, a day for which everything had been carefully arranged. When Charles was unable to arrive on time, Caroline confided in the children about the difficulty she'd once faced in earning his attention, recounting the many disappointments she’d endured before finally understanding the depth of his love.Jan 23, 19787.0Jan 23, 197848m7.01773mBe My FriendWhile Laura played by the creek, she discovered a bottle containing a simple message: "Be my friend." Persuading Pa to join her search, they set out to find whoever had sent it. Their quest led them unexpectedly to a baby. Charles then took on the task of locating the child’s parents. It turned out the baby belonged to a young couple. The mother, unable to face the disapproval of her father regarding her relationship with the baby's father, had left the infant hoping someone would find it. ReuniJan 30, 19787.0Jan 30, 197873m7.01848mThe InheritanceThere’s a chance Mrs. Olesen might at last be rid of those perpetually troublesome Ingalls children from Walnut Grove when the family receives an inheritance from a distant relative. Despite his reservations, Charles impulsively spends the money on farm equipment and various necessities, only to discover he'd unwittingly used worthless Confederate currency for the transactions.Feb 6, 19787.0Feb 6, 197848m7.01948mThe StrangerFollowing a series of difficulties both at home and in school, Nels’ brother sent his twelve-year-old son to Walnut Grove. Matters became further complicated when Mrs. Oleson attempted to disrupt her husband's efforts to guide the boy toward better behavior; consequently, Nels requested Charles’ assistance in imparting some essential principles.Feb 13, 19787.0Feb 13, 197848m7.02048mA Most Precious GiftCharles and Caroline were expecting again. Throughout her pregnancy, Caroline consistently spoke of their child as if it were a boy. Then, unexpectedly, labor began early, leaving Charles to step in and assist with the delivery. To their surprise, the new arrival was not the son they had anticipated, but a daughter—Grace.Feb 27, 1978Feb 27, 197848m2148mI'll Be Waving as You Drive Away (1)Mary found herself falling in love with Seth. As her vision began to fail, Charles took her to see a specialist, only to be stricken by the news: Mary would lose her sight entirely. He hesitated for some time, unable to break that terrible knowledge to her. When blindness finally claimed Mary, the entire family felt its profound and heavy weight.Mar 6, 1978Mar 6, 197848m2248mI'll Be Waving as You Drive Away (2)Charles and Caroline arranged for Mary’s enrollment at a school for the visually impaired in Iowa. Initially, she resisted engaging with the curriculum, but after spending time under the guidance of her teacher, Adam Kendall, her perspective began to shift. Recognizing her exceptional aptitude, Adam invited Mary to join him as an assistant instructor at another school serving blind students.Mar 13, 1978Mar 13, 197848m