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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 8

  • Oct 5, 1981First aired
  • 22 episodesin this season
  • 50mavg. runtime
#Episode nameAir dateRuntimeRating
0149mThe Reincarnation of Nellie (1)Percival and Nellie journeyed to New York, where Percival would assume responsibility for the family business following his father’s passing. Mrs. Oleson found herself deeply saddened by Nellie's departure. Seeking to fill the void, the Olesons resolved to adopt a daughter. While visiting Sleepy Eye, they discovered a young girl whose appearance bore an uncanny resemblance to Nellie as a child.Oct 5, 19817.0Oct 5, 198149m7.00249mThe Reincarnation of Nellie (2)Nancy proved to be more troublesome than Nellie had ever been, going so far as to lock one of the girls in the ice house. The students hatched a scheme to give Nancy a taste of her own medicine, cleverly persuading her to become the featured attraction in a dunking tank. Simultaneously, Adam and Mary relocated to New York City seeking employment, while Hester Sue arrived in Walnut Grove to find work at the local restaurant.Oct 12, 19818.0Oct 12, 198149m8.00349mGrowin' PainsJames had set about emulating Albert in every way he could, extending even to the meticulous ritual of his shaving. He’d attempted to mimic Albert's style so closely that he broke the man’s own razor during the process. Driven by a desire to maintain the illusion, James then pilfered a replacement from the mercantile, hoping Albert wouldn't discern the substitution. But when the truth was revealed regarding the borrowed blade, James fled. Albert pursued him, and it required considerable persuasiOct 19, 19816.0Oct 19, 198149m6.00449mDark SageWearied by a relentless workload—and spurred on by Mrs. Oleson’s persistent requests—Dr. Baker placed an advertisement seeking assistance. He found it in Dr. Caleb Ledoux, though he hadn’t anticipated the young doctor's race. The Ingalls family were among the scant few willing to embrace him; others met his presence with open hostility and prejudice. Even Dr. Baker himself wrestled with ingrained biases, demonstrating his discomfort by assigning Dr. Ledoux only the most minor cases. When a prOct 26, 19818.0Oct 26, 198149m8.00549mA Wiser HeartA literary seminar drawing visitors to town prompted Laura’s visit to Eliza Jane. Needing to supplement her income, Laura secured a part-time position, quickly finding it deeply unpleasant. A gentleman she'd encountered on the train began to develop an affection for Eliza Jane, while Eliza Jane herself found herself drawn to the professor leading the seminar—who, in turn, seemed intrigued by Laura. When Laura mentioned her happy marriage, the professor abruptly criticized her writing; a remark tNov 2, 19817.0Nov 2, 198149m7.00649mGambini, the GreatDuring a discussion about admiration and its potential pitfalls, Charles and Nels voiced serious reservations regarding an aging circus performer’s impact on the children of Walnut Grove. Their worry stemmed from the fact that several youngsters – most notably Albert and Willie – had attempted to imitate some of the man's more perilous feats, with predictably uneven outcomes.Nov 9, 1981Nov 9, 198149m0749mThe Legend of Black JakeNels was taken against his will by two men with dubious intentions. These individuals attempted to secure a ransom from Mrs. Oleson for her husband’s return, but she steadfastly refused. This decision caused considerable distress to Mr. Oleson, leading him to inadvertently assist the kidnappers. The perpetrators proved remarkably inept in their endeavor. Having unsuccessfully targeted several potential victims, they concluded that kidnapping was not a sustainable profession and departed withoutNov 16, 1981Nov 16, 198149m0849mChicagoCharles journeyed to Chicago, intending to offer solace to Mr. Edwards, who was consumed by grief following the sudden loss of his son, John Jr., in a devastating accident. However, that sorrow swiftly transformed into fury as evidence began to suggest that John Jr.’s death was far from accidental. Together, Charles and Mr. Edwards sought assistance from the editor of the newspaper where John Jr. had been employed, determined to uncover what truly happened.Nov 23, 1981Nov 23, 198149m0949mFor the Love of NancyA young boy, carrying extra weight, arrived at Walnut Grove School. The other students made cruel remarks about his size, their teasing relentless. Nancy, however, convinced him to turn the tables, suggesting he retaliate with his own brand of mischief. As the children’s jokes escalated and grew increasingly hurtful, the boy, overwhelmed, ultimately decided to leave school altogether. It was then that the others realized they had gone too far. A sense of shame settled over them, and a group of sNov 30, 1981Nov 30, 198149m1049mWave of the FutureMrs. Oleson transformed the local eatery into a chain establishment, but found herself struggling to meet the franchise’s requirements. Charles and Nels then joined forces, deciding to open their own restaurant directly across the street. This new venture quickly proved too much for Mrs. Oleson's business, ultimately driving it out of operation. The town settled back into its familiar rhythm, or as close to normal as one might expect.Dec 7, 1981Dec 7, 198149m1149mA Christmas They Never ForgotMary, Adam, Hester Sue, the Wilders, and the Ingalls were gathered as one for Christmas. Soon, the snow began to fall, swiftly deepening into a full-blown blizzard that effectively trapped them within their home. To while away the long hours, several of the group began sharing stories. Laura spoke then, recalling a Christmas from their time in Kansas, when Mr. Edwards had come to visit.Dec 21, 1981Dec 21, 198149m1249mNo Beast So FierceJames befriended Gideon Hale, a quiet boy whose speech was often caught in a stutter. Their nascent friendship faltered, however, when Gideon overheard James teasing him. Perhaps unexpectedly, a wild wolf that shadowed James and Charles during a delivery might prove to be the catalyst needed to coax Gideon from his reserve.Jan 4, 1982Jan 4, 198249m1349mStone SoupWith her teaching commitments at school and the demands of Almanzo’s orchard pressing down upon her—Almanzo and Charles being away on a journey to Arizona—Laura finds herself overwhelmed. A candid conversation with the increasingly thoughtful Willie might just unlock possibilities for them both.Jan 18, 1982Jan 18, 198249m1449mThe LegacyCharles began crafting tables with the hope of establishing a lasting heritage. As he did so, Albert took on the responsibilities of managing the farm. A deep distress settled over Charles when someone appropriated his design and commenced mass production of the tables. It was then that he understood the profound importance of cherishing memories of his family.Jan 24, 1982Jan 24, 198249m1549mUncle JedA family member, advanced in years, attempted to wrest custody of the children from Charles. However, the legal proceedings proved unsuccessful, leaving Charles to retain guardianship.Jan 31, 1982Jan 31, 198249m1649mSecond ChanceSam, Hester Sue’s former husband, returned to town. He assured her that he had abandoned his drinking and gambling habits. Believing in this transformation, Hester Sue quickly resolved to marry him. However, the truth about Sam revealed itself when his wife and children arrived, urgently warning her that he remained unchanged – still a man consumed by drink and games of chance.Feb 7, 1982Feb 7, 198249m1773mDays of Sunshine, Days of Shadow (1)The young Wilders’ marriage faced its initial, formidable challenge when Almanzo, scarcely recovered from a recent sickness, suffered a sudden and debilitating stroke.Feb 14, 1982Feb 14, 198273m1849mDays of Sunshine, Days of Shadow (2)Consumed by a debilitating ailment that seemed destined to confine him, Almonzo teetered precariously close to despair, even with the arrival of their daughter, Rose. His bleak outlook threatened to push Laura to consider abandoning her marriage. Yet, it was the devastating tornado that ripped through their farm—a catastrophe that might unexpectedly unlock the path forward for them both.Feb 21, 1982Feb 21, 198249m1949mA Promise to KeepConsumed by grief following the tragic loss of John Jr., Mr. Edwards succumbed to alcoholism, which ultimately fractured his marriage. He then journeyed back to Walnut Grove, seeking comfort in the familiarity of old friendships. Yet, those bonds were severely strained when an accident, brought on by Mr. Edwards’ intoxication, nearly claimed Albert's life.Feb 28, 1982Feb 28, 198249m2049mA Faraway CryA letter arrived from a dear friend of Caroline’s, pleading for assistance. The writer was with child and residing at a remote prospector’s camp, now gripped by an outbreak of influenza. As Caroline learned more, a troubling truth emerged: her friend's husband harbored resentment towards his wife, and even wished their newborn would not survive. Tragically, the young woman succumbed during childbirth, yet her baby lived. Simultaneously, in a nearby tent, another mother endured the loss of her owMar 7, 1982Mar 7, 198249m2149mHe Was Only Twelve (1)As Mr. Edwards, Charles, and James visited Sleepy Eye, a robbery at the local bank left James wounded by gunfire. He fell into a coma and was swiftly taken to the hospital for treatment. While James remained unconscious, Mr. Edwards, Mr. Ingalls, and Albert set out in pursuit of the robbers. They tracked them down and ensured they were brought before the law. Throughout it all, Charles held fast to his hope that James would recover.May 2, 1982May 2, 198249m2249mHe Was Only Twelve (2)Unable to accept the likelihood of James’s permanent injury from the shooting, Charles departs Walnut Grove, taking his adopted son with him. Deep within the forest, he constructs a makeshift altar, clinging to the hope of divine intervention and a miraculous recovery.May 9, 1982May 9, 198249m