Alison Arngrim recalls 'insane' off-screen parties on family show's set

Alison Arngrim is lifting the curtain on what life was really like behind the scenes of Little House on the Prairie, revealing that the beloved family series had a much rowdier off-screen atmosphere than viewers ever imagined.

The actress, best known for playing the mischievous Nellie Oleson, reflected on the show's production during a recent appearance on the Here's What Happened podcast. 

She said the adult cast and crew came from a generation where smoking and drinking were commonplace, describing the environment as vastly different from the wholesome image portrayed on television.

According to Arngrim, the prop truck doubled as the social hub of the set, stocked with cigarettes, candy and large quantities of beer. 

As per People, she joked that production would grind to a halt if supplies ran low, recalling that crew members regularly consumed multiple cases of beer during filming. 

Despite the heavy drinking, she stressed that no one appeared intoxicated while working and that the demanding production schedule continued without disruption.

Moreover, the 64-year-old also remembered the show's wrap parties and Christmas celebrations as "insane," with makeshift bars set up after filming wrapped each day.

She noted that designated drivers were essential at many of the gatherings and said she was amazed by the crew's energy after long days on set.

Arngrim emphasised that the younger cast members were never exposed to the adults' drinking culture. 

Little House on the Prairie aired from 1974 to 1983 and remains one of television's most enduring family dramas, with a new Netflix adaptation introducing the classic story to a new generation.