The ‘My Little Pony’ Animated Series Will Be Ending This Year, But With a Bang
What will the bronies do? My Little Pony fans of all ages were saddened to learn that after nine seasons, the animated show, Friendship is Magic, is leaving the air.
For almost a decade, fans have watched Princess Twilight Sparkle, Spike, and the rest of her pony friends besting villains, navigating the highs and lows of friendship, and solving problems Ponyville. But fans should know things will be ending on a high note.
The ‘My Little Pony’ wrap-up was announced earlier this year
My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic was a reboot in the MLP franchise that introduced a new generation of ponies—which includes unicorns and pegasuses—in animated form. Hasbro reignited excitement for the beloved toys with this series under the creative direction of Lauren Faust, who’s known for her work on Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends and Powerpuff Girls.
After launching in 2010, Friendship is Magic quickly gained popularity not only with its child audience, but with adults as well. The official announcement about the show’s ending came in March when Discovery Family stated that the final run would be comprised of 26 episodes.
The network kicked off the new season this past spring with Mane 6-centered marathons and specials, and promised that the last chapter would feature the return of fan favorite characters like Weird Al Yankovic’s Cheese Sandwich.
Additionally, its 200th episode celebration in April is considered one of its funniest with the “Sibling Supreme” theme turning Equestria into a hilarious setting for a sibling rivalry competition.
‘My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic’ series finale promises to be phenomenal
Next month, the ponies will gallop off into the sunset with a major finale event. According to a press release from Discovery Family, there’s going to be a takeover in October, starting with “Pony Palooza” on Oct. 6. Fans and newbies can catch up on the show from its humble beginnings before it segues into the 90-minute curtain call on Oct. 12.
“In the 90-minute series finale special, a villainous alliance unleashes their unified might on Equestria and it’s up to the Mane Six to save the kingdom. Then, years later in the future, Princess Twilight is visited by a student with a friendship problem. As she attempts to solve it, she looks back on the times she and the Mane Six spent together.”
What adventures await Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and the rest of the crew for the last stretch? In addition to an extended finale, fans will also be treated to interviews and behind the scenes peeks from the cast, animators, and creators of the series. Prepare to ride though Friendship is Magic history.
What does the ending mean for fans?
The MLP fandom is a varied bunch made up of kids, parents, and grown men who are nicknamed bronies. There’s a nostalgia for the MLP series that stems from the Hasbro line of toys that first came on the scene in the ‘80s.
A visit to 2019 BronyCon by the Baltimore Sun revealed that teens—many of them young men—and grownups appreciate the storytelling in Friendship is Magic and have formed a camaraderie among themselves over their shared love for the series. Because the show is ending, this marks the last year for the convention.
In general, the series will be sorely missed by its adoring fan base that spans multiple ages and backgrounds. But according to Polygon, there’s a possibility that a new generation of ponies will be cropping up soon.
The site reports that a leak hints at a G5 revival for My Little Pony, as Friendship is Magic was considered G4—a fourth generation reboot that included toys and a show. The outlet stated that Hasbro would only confirm there is an exciting future is on the horizon for the entire brand.
The My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic series finale airs on Saturday, Oct. 12 at 8 p.m. EST.
