The REAL reason why My Little Pony is failing

[@PeacePetal]

Discovery Family’s grip on the G4 characters wouldn’t be a problem if G5 just… stopped trying to reach for G4 nostalgia points. That’s why TYT is finally succeeding. I do think the sale of eOne and the transfer of G5 to Atomic Cartoons may have done a lot of damage and resulted in this half-baked effect you’re describing.

[@pinkdiamond1847]

I would love Generation 5 if it wasn't trying so hard to be Generation 4. If it was its own thing completely unconnected to Generation 4 because I love the characters and the message of the movie that started G5 It had a good message and the story could have easily been told without shoehorning in G4. Forcing G4 into the story is what ruined it for me because it kind of ruined the happy ending we got in G4 the fact that we connected with G4. We watched it for 10 years. We watched the story play out. We got the happy ending and in G5 comes along and it's like well psych That ending didn't mean anything because right after that there was a big catastrophe and now everyone's racist.

[@PeacePetal]

@@pinkdiamond1847 Exactly. Of all the mistakes G5 made, this was the biggest one.

[@tiglishnobody8750]

​@@pinkdiamond1847G4 as Easter eggs or reference would be nice as G4 did look back to G3 or G1

[@LarsaXL]

​@@pinkdiamond1847Eyupp. Couldn't agree with you more on this one. I don't know why they didn't just make it a prequel instead, or they could have made it a direct sequel/soft reboot or as you say, much more distantly connected. They tried to have their cake and eat it too ny making something completely new from scratch that had to be meaningfully different from what people liked, yet still had to shoehorn in stuff that people liked in the last one.

[@Wildcard71]

I think the major problem has been the Netflix deal.

[@QuietRage]

The thing about generations is...its supposed to be a COMPLETE reboot. I grew up with G3, so checking out G4 I recognized a lot of the characters, but all of them were revamped entirely, not just in design but in personality too. (E.g Rainbow Dash from a fashionista to an athletic tomboy) The only thing that stays the same between generations is that its about ponies. But G4 was so successful it got in the way of G5 being its own thing. They wanted to have it both ways but ended up shooting themselves in both feet. I immediately checked out of G5 when the movie's synopsis was released and it turned out to be the low hanging fruit of 'racism is bad', rendering all of the adventures of G4 pointless by reverting everything they did. If it was a new universe, like it SHOULD have been, that would have been fine, but no, they just had to try and nostalgia bait. They wanted to make G4 money but failed to recognize that the reason G4 was so successful is because it ACTUALLY TRIED. There was nuance and humor that adults could appreciate, appealing visual design, you know, effort. They made it clear right out of the gate with G5 that they didn't want to put in the work, so they lost a huge chunk of people right before it even had a chance.

[@SunIsLost]

Yup *THIS*

[@pcapcom5283]

In my experience, I don't hate that Friendship is Magic ended, but I hate the way they ended it, only because I saw that the show still has a lot of unexplored potential. They should have ended the show in a way that they could come back to it anytime, this is why I prefer Season 7 to be the true Series finale (In fact, there was never a DVD release of Seasons 8 & 9, felt like they made a right choice in my perspective), I will admit the premises of the Movie, Season 8 & Season 9 are sound ideas, just not executed properly. I am currently working on an alternate continuation of Friendship is Magic that takes place after Season 7, under a new title. I am a dedicated Brony and I am anxious to see what else lies in the world of Equestria as well as see what other problems the Mane 6 can handle. If I don't write all this down, who will?

[@DiamondTheFairy]

@@pcapcom5283 I’ve heard that the creator of MLP wanted to continue G4 but hasbro didn’t let them.

[@CottenVee]

Fun fact: Paramount used to own Mlp G5, but they sold it to Netflix because of the pandemic.

[@maevblog9955]

I hate it that they sold it to Netflix

[@Musicradio77Network]

@@maevblog9955Paramount originally had MLP G5, but it was given to Netflix, so they should’ve put it on Paramount+.

[@Musicradio77Network]

@@maevblog9955 They should’ve stay with Paramount, because they owned the live action “Transformers” (aka “Bay-Formers”) movies.

[@maevblog9955]

@@Musicradio77Network i hope they will try again to make a theatrical MLP movie by paramount with G6

[@TheFunnyGuy9000]

Damn Paramount should've kept MLP, they did well with the Sonic movies

[@ChunkSchuldinga]

It failed because Chris Chan put a curse on the creators shortly before getting arrested.

[@opium4tmasss709]

Everyone knows G5 is Russian propaganda. Chris Chan said it so it must be true.

[@Diembee]

Now THIS is the correct answer

[@Sliperon05]

G5's problem: 1) A terrible initial idea, in which Equestria fell apart and Twilight failed. Moreover, she failed because of a villain who is so weak in G5 itself that any child could defeat him. Such a move is a slap in the soul of G4(FiM) fans. 2) 3D graphics and animation. The ponies look plastic, too humanized, they all look the same. The colors are too bright and oversaturated, they are literally acidic. Only the mane and panoramic views of the city look good, everything else is terrible. Not to mention the dragons look terrible. Well, the 2D graphics in another series are absolutely terrible, ponies with human faces and anatomy are beyond understanding. 3) A terrible main plot, during which almost nothing is told. There is nothing memorable or interesting in it, not to mention the fact that the story of the collapse of Equestria was not told at all. Literally no information was received, not even from Spike (who looks like a foam dragon pony). A complete contradiction of G4 in everything (in interaction with magic, which in G4 had to be learned, but now they use spells very simply and do not teach them, but simply use them as they want; pegasi do not learn to fly, everyone flies right from birth, etc.) 4) Wooden characters: They have no development, because they already have everything at the start. They don't have any memorable character traits. And the main character, Sunny, doesn’t look like a leading role at all, there’s just nothing, no leadership qualities and nothing. 5) And most importantly - no idea and no message. It's just chewing gum without meaning and that's all.

[@serkandevel7828]

Groups that protested against G5 also tried to distance themselves from Chris Chan

[@Khaloofidino]

@@Sliperon05we don’t need an essay Felicia

[@Sliperon05]

G5's problem: 1) A terrible initial idea, in which Equestria fell apart and Twilight failed. Moreover, she failed because of a villain who is so weak in G5 itself that any child could defeat him. Such a move is a slap in the soul of G4(FiM) fans. 2) 3D graphics and animation. The ponies look plastic, too humanized, they all look the same. The colors are too bright and oversaturated, they are literally acidic. Only the mane and panoramic views of the city look good, everything else is terrible. Not to mention the dragons look terrible. Well, the 2D graphics in another series are absolutely terrible, ponies with human faces and anatomy are beyond understanding. 3) A terrible main plot, during which almost nothing is told. There is nothing memorable or interesting in it, not to mention the fact that the story of the collapse of Equestria was not told at all. Literally no information was received, not even from Spike (who looks like a foam dragon pony). A complete contradiction of G4 in everything (in interaction with magic, which in G4 had to be learned, but now they use spells very simply and do not teach them, but simply use them as they want; pegasi do not learn to fly, everyone flies right from birth, etc.) 4) Wooden characters: They have no development, because they already have everything at the start. They don't have any memorable character traits. And the main character, Sunny, doesn’t look like a leading role at all, there’s just nothing, no leadership qualities and nothing. 5) And most importantly - no idea and no message. It's just chewing gum without meaning and that's all.

[@kaphwankim4416]

I think Izzy looks like a real leader.

[@0hvist]

_"It is a Tale told by an Idiot: Full of Sound and Fury signifying... Nothing."_ -Sir Patrick Stewart, _MacBeth_

[@sillycritter]

1, we don't know much about what happened, all we know is opaline tried to take over equestria and twilight created the crystals to stop her, the movie shows that the 3 ponies were around when the 3 main locations were established so you never know how long harmony actually lasted, it's a fine premise and it's not inherently a slap to anything, i'm a long time g4 fan and i like g5 2, they had a low budget, shut up about the bright colors, it looks fine and it can be quite pretty at times 3, i remember pretty much everything, and omfg it doesn't contradict g4, your complaints are grasping at straws, please shut up, also pegasi didn't have the ability to fly for years, they had to relearn it 4. yes because misty (a victim of abuse) didn't have an arc where she escaped her situation, surrounded herself with people who genuinely loved her, and reunited with her father yet had to figure out how to connect with him since she changed so much since she was a filly, not to mention the fact many abuse victims have identified with her 5, NOPE, NO, STFU, IT'S A SHOW ABOUT FRIENDSHIP AND UNITY, BUT NOT EVERYTHING HAS TO BE DEEP AND INTROSPECTIVE GOOD GOD STORY DRIVEN SHOWS HAVE ROTTED YOUR BRAINS anyways i like g5, it's a fun comfort show and people liking it isn't a problem :D

[@kaphwankim4416]

@@sillycritter You don't have the right to let other's shut up,buddy.😂😂😂

[@kaphwankim4416]

No matter how long the harmony of G4 lasts, in the end it will be a pony that splits with one mouth and three legs.Then some people say that the developer budget of G5 is insufficient. This was not the case when G5 was first launched, right? After looking at the ratings, Hasbro invested less.Then we don’t like the story background of G5 not because it is contradictory to G4, but because in the background of G5 all the efforts of the G4 protagonist group are ruined, and they are still eating up the legacy of G4. So you can like G5 with personal emotions, but ask those who don’t like to shut up. Not only do we dare to learn this.

[@DRAGAO_TECNOLOGIA]

the differences from the original MYM script according to the official 2022 document is: that those crystals that appear in the mlp g5 comic (the one with the flashback with Fluttershy) would be part of the plot about learning about the past, and the explanation that Opaline built the her castle to try to make a tree of harmony

[@dustyyhazzy]

what is this doccument?

[@DRAGAO_TECNOLOGIA]

@@dustyyhazzy it is a 500 page document about MYM but only a few pages are available, it is called "my little pony 2022 | core brand asset toolkit"

[@thechroniclesofcriss942]

sources please

[@JCBro-yg8vd]

That at least sounds like it could've been something.

[@ralphdary7050]

It ended up a comic idea. Discord included

[@QuantumHippologist]

This show is legit one of the strangest things I’ve ever watched It’s not like no one cared, there are some episodes that feel like they were written with thought and careful understanding of the cast and world- BUT, there are also some episodes that legit feel like first drafts, and MYM was never able to shake this off, not even at the end I think you’re right that external factors are at least somewhat to blame, but if that’s the case, then they shouldn’t have had the original story tie so heavily into the previous gen. ESPECIALLY when MYM repeatedly demonstrates all the potential the new stuff has on its own I can’t in good conscience call the show bad or the people behind it incompetent, so yeah, “confused” is the best word I got lol

[@petthequeenofmaddness8592]

they did spike dirty

[@Sliperon05]

There were no opportunities there initially

[@Revkor]

I say writing bad becasue if the g4 connection was decreed they could have bridiged it better.

[@TheRavenir]

Hey, I'm Raven. I definitely wasn't expecting to be namedropped in this video, but I sure do appreciate it. Thank you very much! I was glad to help. 😄 As for whether Discovery Family really does own some of FiM: I do have some serious doubts. After all, we really only do have a single person's testimony who supposedly went to Everfree Northwest 2023 and heard Gillian Berrow say all that.

[@mythicalnote1757]

Props to raven 👌

[@TwiMil2008]

100th like! Raven, you're my favorite Teen Titan! 🤗 *Hug*

[@Anneliese2340]

im the one who made the likes 101

[@TomSmith-ll2lp]

It would explain though to an extent why seasons 6-8 of FiM left Netflix in 2020 (in the US at least) and why season 9 never made it to Netflix. The rights for seasons 5-9 not exclusively being in Hasbros hands would mean they can’t give it to Netflix without Discovery’s permission.

[@LunaMoon8216yt]

GOOD JOB RAVEN!!

[@annonymousannonymous9586]

If Hasbro is the rightful owner of the MLP Franchise as a whole, then the channels that air them & the studios that produced the cartoons shouldn't have any ownership rights to MLP because they are just borrowing the IP, so Discovery shouldn't even deserve any money for the use of G4 characters in G5, any more than Disney should get any money for the use of G1 Transformers characters in newer Transformers cartoons just because the show was made through Marvel Productions back in the 80's & Disney bought out Marvel decades later, it just doesn't work through those kinds of extents.

[@iamaperson5729]

There’s likely a legal contract in the way of Hasbro currently having full rights to use the G4 characters in other media. Stuff like this happens in the entertainment industry a lot, same deal with the film rights to Spider-Man being owned by Sony currently. I believe this also happened with the original G1 movies (as well as Transformers) being owned by Marvel up till the 2000’s.

[@Musicradio77Network]

And this is why Hasbro (or Hasbeen) is failing due to the “Star Wars” toys line being a train wreck, selling their stuff to Ollie’s, “Dungeons & Dragons” franchise are failing, and other companies like Basic Fun is acquiring Hasbro‘s legacy stuff like MLP G1 toys being back by popular demand. Hasbro is down the toilet.

[@ChicagoMel23]

@@Musicradio77Networkdont forget the Jurassic World fiasco. The Mattel toys aren't perfect (oversized feet and short tails, no claw paint) but they're waaaaay better than the original JW line in 2015. Some aren't happy with their jp3 line either but I don't mind those as much apart from the poses.

[@ChicagoMel23]

Like one of the shows I like...Highlander has had that issue with merchandise...Id love series stuff but most has been movie for license reasons And Star Wars was ruined by Dianey not continuing the existing EU canon but also though the Legends figures are welcomed, some of us wish they wouldn't kitbash old figures to make new ones.

[@evanrhildreth]

Make Your Mark reminded me of another 3D animated cartoon my daughter watched - "Mia and Me". Both felt like the storylines navigated around minimizing the number of sets and characters they had to design and animate. For example, both had evil queen like characters living in dark, remote castles, so they could avoid designing grand set pieces or more than a couple characters on screen at a time. In both shows, budget limited the storylines!

[@lorettabes4553]

Oh hey, I love the old Mia and Me as a kid! I think they did another version? Maybe it was a new season, but I remember a new girl being Mia.

[@Rhiorrha]

I remember that.Would've been great if the unicorns could speak. I mean, come ON: they're MAGICAL. They should have at least had the ability to speak telepathically.

[@rainpooper7088]

Hey, the first season of Mia and Me at least HAD an evil queen in a dark remote castle. The show got A LOT worse after Panthea kicked the bucket, the new villains were awful.

[@rainpooper7088]

@Rhiorrha The unicorns were able to talk later on. And trust me, after you've heard about three lines out of the Storm Unicorn, you wish it kept its trap shut.

[@Okanekaseguwatashiwasta]

Mia and Me is better than MLP G5

[@millabasset1710]

Why G4 succeeded financially and critically 1.) writers and animators simply made a good story with good characters, turns out that gets views. Shocker I know. 2.) Flash animation is cheap, it worked in the show's benefit creating a unique style 3.) The Mane 6, Celestia, Sunset Shimmer, Starlight Glimmer, Trixie, Queen Chrysalis and the Dazzlings. Iconic characters equals money. 4.) G4 was around when social media was picking up and continued to grow into 2020. G5 failed because episodes took too long to release and people naturally stop caring. Outside of Izzy and Zipp, who is memorable in the show?

[@YAPPwikiaFANDOMGamingOfficial]

Misty

[@nightshroud9671]

You forgot Spike.

[@Cxcd]

"Outside of the most memorable characters, who are the most memorable characters in the show?"

[@Sassafrass95]

@@nightshroud9671 he's only memorable because of how bad he looks....

[@nightshroud9671]

@@Sassafrass95 In Gen 5?

[@zigaudrey]

It was Lauren Faust's genius that make G4 the most successful version of MLP. She lefts the show in the middle of S2 because her focus on story (which is why MLP was good), clash with Hasbro's focus on selling toys. Does Hasbro realize that it's thank to the show that the toy sell themself? I feel like Lauren Faust has been used. And now we have G5 who break the rule by connecting to G5. Like why? Does they know what make G4 good? Why they won't start a new, separated Gen like the previous? 1:51 I wish it ended on S3! But Hasbro has other plan. When fan will realize even thing you love has to end?

[@Techno-Universal]

2:00 Saberspark when he was a brony KZbinr and was in RCRacebeast’s bronies react series with other creators like TheLivingTombstone! Pretty much Saberspark is now one of the biggest animation review KZbinrs while TheLivingTombstone went on to become a lead soundtrack composer for Spindle Horse studios! :)

[@SunIsLost]

Yea

[@ralphdary7050]

Saber is apparently here for a long time even before pony, which I didn't know. Good to see he branched out before it's too late.

[@bnoobb]

Boulder Media was producing a 2D G5 series at the same time they were producing the movie. This series was described as a TV show, not a web series or a clip show. This series was unceremoniously cancelled, and replaced with Little Critter Workshop's "Tell Your Tale" and Atomic Cartoon's "Make Your Mark." My hypothesis is that originally, when ANG was a theatrical release, it was to follow up with a 22 minute 2D series on Discovery Family. When COVID hit and all the theaters closed, Netflix offered a deal to Hasbro to distribute the film and become co-producers on the series. With Netflix's involvement, the show had an increased budget and the decision was made to switch over to 3D. Boulder either couldn't or wouldn't make the switch and Atomic was brought in to essentially restart development from scratch. Another thing to consider is that Megan McCarthy is not involved with G5. We don't know why she quit being the head of girl's storytelling at Hasbro, but we do know from the leaks that she used to butt heads with Hasbro corporate due to constant, sudden paradigm shifts paired with unreasonable deadlines.

[@thechroniclesofcriss942]

sources please

[@ChicagoMel23]

Really they shouldn't go by girls and boys anyway...you can't tell who will like what

[@inersdraco]

Maybe the pillow design was made by BM

[@bnoobb]

​@@inersdraco Kind of, but indirectly. The pillow designs look like they were vectors traced from Boulder Media's promo renders made for the movie. I'm more talking about the concept art Boulder's artists posted on their Artstation that resembles TYT, but the description says the project was put on hold and was "as of yet unreleased" despite being posted about a month after TYT's premiere.

[@aertnadle2466]

Maybe Megan just wanted to move on to other projects considering she probably didn't have as much attachment to Gen 5 as she did with Gen 4. Also, where do you get this info?

[@AWalYT]

I checked the recording I have for the EFNW 2023 "Equestria Daily - Writing 4 Pony" panel. It is mentioned that there is a lot of "Red tape" that needs to be cleared with the lawyers each time they want to directly reference something in the show, but there does not appear to be any mention of cost per use. It is stated, however, that the comics had more leniency, which comes at no surprise.

[@Place-Holder]

Where can we see this recording?

[@AWalYT]

@@Place-Holder On my hard drive

[@Place-Holder]

@@AWalYT Can we see it?

[@Techno-Universal]

Imalou was also one of the most famous artists in the brony fandom and was one of the earliest fan artists as they uploaded their first fan artworks of the show before the end of 2010 which was before season 1 aired and just after the pilot had aired! They then did art commissions full time as a freelance job until 2017 when they permanently closed commissions as they had been hired by a studio they couldn’t publicly disclose at the time. They then mostly went dark on the internet with them only posting the occasional personal artwork until the release of the MLP G5 movie when they were finally allowed to reveal that they were a lead visual design cast member on the movie and will be on MLP G5! Pretty much Imalou designed two of the main characters and did a ton of lead concept art work for the series and is still working on it today! :)

[@minkyway86]

I read that some or most of the g5 movie staff tried to apply for the openings to make the g5 series but Hasbro was not interested, they decided to outsource the production. This, as some others have mentioned, was a big change for G5 quality. I dont think G5 MYM is bad, but it might have been soo much more.

[@tylermccaw8092]

I can also think of a few reasons why this show is failing: 1. It tries too hard to connect to G4, when one of the mane reasons G4 was popular was because of the uniqueness to it. It just has to remind you almost every episode that, “Hey guys! We’re a part of G4, too! Look at us! Look at the stuff we have!”. Also, as they kept doing it, the more ludicrous it felt. 2. It’s not really streaming on TV, and I think it would be better if it was, because me personally, I just wanna reason to watch TV again. Also, it would be easier access to their audience………besides the internet. 3. The music. It’s all just pop, and I’m really, really tired of it. 4. WHY CAN THIS JUST BE AN ORIGINAL?!?! Also, the characters are kinda bland ngl.

[@SilverSnowyFox_]

From what I can remember, in regards to the animation of the show, a lot of the staff were tasked with basically learning how to use the programs the show is animated in. Don't quote me on this exactly, but I remember some staff saying they were just out of college and basically thrown into working on the show. As well as that the writers had no plan after the movie.

[@thechroniclesofcriss942]

sources please

[@SilverSnowyFox_]

@@thechroniclesofcriss942 The 3D animator DJTHED made a video on g5. The top comment is even from someone who worked on the show. But apart from that I remember seeing tweets but since it was a really long time ago I can't give you the exacts lol sorry

[@thechroniclesofcriss942]

@@SilverSnowyFox_ thanks. I looked up that name and looked into his youtube videos. under the video "My MLP Make Your Mark Special - Thoughts", a user by the name Catmint claimed to be a member of the animation team and said " ... the quality gets way better over time as the artists get used to the rigs." and further into the thread under that comment, he also says "there were quite a few juniors ..." so your info checks out.

[@Cxcd]

i wonder if that's why they do test shots in big animated movies, so the animators can screw around with the rigs and see what works and what doesn't

[@SilverSnowyFox_]

@@Cxcd Oh yeah! That would make a lot of sense to be honest

[@Makakaka]

This is such a great video! I agree with a lot of the points made, especially about Discovery Family needing money for the G4 characters to appear. If there's going to be another MLP movie, I really hope they find a way to fix those errors and explain everything in the most detailed way possible lol

[@ralphdary7050]

Sorry to burst your bubble but there won't be.

[@Huk256]

It's an interesting theory, but even if it's 100% true, that doesn't really explain the lackluster writing of the majority of G5 episodes. Let's be honest: MLP is not the first show where the ownership rights are all over the place, and one series (or episode) contradicts another (yeah, Star Trek, I'm talking about YOU!). And while legal shenanigans can play a part when it comes to quality, in the end, it all comes down to the writing skills and level of care of those involved (well, that... plus time constraints imposed by Hasbro). Sadly, we probably won't ever find out what the core issue was.

[@BuizelCream]

I agree with this one. Regardless of what is made available for creative use due to the limitations of their rights, the creativity and talent they got on board can still able to skillfully handle any of these potential issues. G5 doesn't even need to heavily rely on G4 to make its lore and characters. They already got the movie's narrative to build from. They should've focused on that and used G4 as inspiration to make something new, instead of backtracking to it.

[@Revkor]

@@BuizelCream but they need to explain what happened. let's go to trek for example. I hate the JJ films but I respect they admit from the get go it's Au. so it can be its own thing to succeed or fail. it failed by the way. but it shows clearly what happened. time travel effected the timeline and they deal with the results. here we have very vague clues on how we got here from G4's ending. that is not go enough. plus okay they now have magic back and gettign cutiemarks back but only on one flank?

[@gjshomeofsilliness9391]

G5 is a venture that was built with no plan, got screwed from the start by licensing issues, lackluster writing, corporate incompetence, and is driven by Hasbro's desire to make MLP toy money specifically from little toddler girls (the targeted audience for the G5 games). G5 is ultimately harmless and not the work of the devil. But, toddler girls deserve better quality shows.

[@the.axolotlgirl]

The main reason the new gen isn’t that good is it try’s to be connected to the show but then makes stuff like cutie marks different and adds to many do everything buttons

[@petthequeenofmaddness8592]

ya they don't connect well and there are so many plot holes

[@nightshroud9671]

And the fact stupid copyright stuff with Discovery hindered their use of Gen 4 stuff horribly. Which is a absolute blunder.

[@OG.StrawberryGoat]

It honestly would make sense. It feels like the g5 writing team just threw out the world building of g4 and half-baked the script for MyM BUT if they were suddenly told "Discovery is gatekeeping g4" then yeah, the writers would have to suddenly scrap anything referencing g4 characters or locations and try to fill the space with *something*. It also would explain why the dragons, specifically Spike, had to look so drastically different or why creatures like the griffins or the yaks aren't ever referenced. It isn't the g5 writing team just deciding to go weird directions, it's the fact that the majority of their own source material is being paywalled 0.0

[@FuriousFanBoyAdventures]

vvho can blame them

[@nightshroud9671]

And they made Spike a failure to prop up the new heroes with him falling to Opaline's brainwashing

[@gjshomeofsilliness9391]

@@nightshroud9671 We get it, G5 sucks.

[@nightshroud9671]

@@gjshomeofsilliness9391 That doesn't negate my point though.

[@ralphdary7050]

​@@gjshomeofsilliness9391oh boy. Lemme tell ya, his disdain for Spike not being a gigaultramega Chad goes deeper. Oh wait, I just explained it.

[@starfox5647]

I believe it was during GalaCon (German MlP Convention), where one of the Guests told the audience, that the Series "Make your Mark" actually was done before the Movie A "New Generation". This is how they explained the partially vastly different characterization of the Ponies. Even though the Movie was what Bronies saw first, liked and expected to translate over to the series, the actors and makers of the series couldn't capture that, because at that time the Movie didn't even exist yet.

[@Babbleplay]

I'm getting 90s Tick flashbacks. Loved the cartoon, but was baffled why no side characters from the animated series were in the comics I got. All character ownership rights stuff.

[@JW-ux1oq]

I know this is purely anecdotal, as I don’t have a recording, but I asked MLP comic writer Jeremy Whitley about the comics. He also mentioned to me that G4 characters are very unlikely to appear in G5 outside of special exceptions like Twilight, but that the G5 comics have free range to use anyone from G4. I didn’t mentioned the Equestria Daily article or GM Berrow’s quote at all to him, he brought it up on his own. And he works on the MLP comics, so he’d know about this. Hub was a joint 50 50 split between Hasbro and Disc, but Hasbro sold 10% to Disc, giving them a majority stake in the channel, and all content and series produced for Disc Family, IE Season 5-9. This is also why only Seasons 1-4 remain on Netflix. Hasbro owns the MLP IP and all characters for merchandise and comics, but Disc owns television rights for many aspects. My guess as to why Hasbro has to pay Disc for Twilight (a character Hasbro owns), is because the appearance in Growing Pains was very specifically “Twilight Sparkle from My Little Pony Friendship is Magic”, a Discovery Family series, appearing in another series on another network. Yeah it’s technical, and cruddy, but that’s business. But like everyone is saying, it would be nice if G5 could break away more from G4 and truly stand on its own, and I think it is slowly getting to that point.

[@nightshroud9671]

Sadly its too late to break away from that point by hard-confirming its in Gen 4's timeline. Is there anyway to ask the comic writer on why did the Season 10 comics ignored the fact Spike is a Element Bearer now?

[@ralphdary7050]

"Free range". Well I guess Hasbro simply banned idw from including or making any g4 stories or cameos

[@hanks0255]

G5 would have worked very well without the flashbacks or even forgetting completly about G4, but they thougth they would atract more viewers by adding some flashbacks and sort of telling what happened to the main 6, but in reality what they were doing is ruining the good ending it had before and also lots of people still had that ending on its memories.

[@SaignusUnltd]

You know, it would be different if mlp seemed to be the only franchise suffering from huge issues with weak story and poor writing. The whole entertainment industry seems to be flailing in the last few years, and it seems like g5 came along at a really bad time... not that the rights thing isn't possibly contributing

[@FuriousFanBoyAdventures]

have you seen disney recently

[@JCBro-yg8vd]

I blame the success of TTG. Once Cartoon Network started shamelessly plugging it and started making up "specials" and marathons for it, everyone started looking at it and realized they could get away with not trying as long as the show was profitable. They folllowed the mentality of Nick with their yellow sponge, just squeeze the life out of the show to get as much money as possible, regardless of whether it's actually any good.

[@ChicagoMel23]

@@JCBro-yg8vdTTG?

[@oilking-bo3gt]

Ponylife Exists so i dont think Discovery has Rights to MLP

[@Insert_Creativity_Here]

That thing you said about G4 being overall generally really good tho Like even if you didn’t like some episodes or seasons the overall net positive was so good that it’s really hard to feel disappointed in the end At least that’s how I feel about it

[@aaronmiller5012]

Neat! What about the EG series of G4?

[@SilverSpoonRiche]

My friend, my dude, it's far simpler than all that. I'm afraid Hasbro bucked up. Because the director of A New Generation admitted that there WAS NO PLAN going forward. There was NOTHING he was apart of in the movie that was setting up for the show. There was no plan, and they released the weird animated parody shorts LONG before they released the actual series. It would be like Teen Titans GO coming before Teen Titans. It would be like Pony Life coming before Friendship Is Magic. Now I enjoyed the Tell Your Tale cartoon exclusively up until they started spoiling episodes of Make Your Mark. Ever since then every episode is confusing and insulting. Even the toys are failing. Walmart here in Texas does not even carry MLP and hasn't carried it for at least a year maybe two. OH but you can find tons of them in Ollie's Bargain Outlet.

[@thechroniclesofcriss942]

sources please.

[@SilverSpoonRiche]

@@thechroniclesofcriss942 I have seen the director and writing staff in conference calls talking about how the movie was all they were involved in and there was no plans going forward. I have seen several brony reviewers address this subject and compare G5 to the sequel trilogies in Star Wars. Where there was also no plan from Force Awakens forward. I can't tell you which ones brought up the conference zoom call as evidence.

[@SilverSpoonRiche]

@@thechroniclesofcriss942 Lets see, there's Starstrike, Beatfox, Master Code, MLP Fever. That's all the reviewers on youtube I can think of.

[@thechroniclesofcriss942]

@@SilverSpoonRiche aiht, thanks

[@SilverSpoonRiche]

@@thechroniclesofcriss942 Sorry I couldn't be more specific. I think it was one of Starstrike's videos. In fact I'm pretty sure I remember him talking about it before showing the clip.

[@AlexphoenixWing]

I was at The PonyConHolland panel and the reason we don't have any recordings is because we weren't allowed to make any due to possible rights issues. But Yes, Berrow did say that they needed to pay a fee for every name from G4. This included plans to name the 'Together Trees' 'Trees of Harmony' instead but what the studios asked for the name was more than what Berrow and her team wanted to pay. They needed to pay per mention....

[@Cxcd]

So despite someone telling me it was actually Everfree Northwest, you’re telling me it was actually-actually Ponycon Holland?

[@AlexphoenixWing]

@@Cxcd I believe they said it was the comic panel during ENW that alluded to lawyers and double checking.

[@SethistoEQD]

@@Cxcd EQD has people that report on things and don't want to be named for legal reasons. Panels are not recorded for legal reasons. Show staff can't confirm things for legal reasons. Just chock it up to learning how news works and maybe don't rip a website apart in future videos with the same kind of "he said she said" evidence you cite as bad.

[@Pyro7693]

I recently spoke with Doc Anubis. He confirmed that it WAS at Ponycon Holland where G.M Borrow said this. He said that he attended the convention, and that recordings were forbidden as part of an NDA. That's why there don't seem to be any official sources.

[@slimstrider517]

i think the biggest part of why the story of G5 was that a good portion of the development team were dedicated G4 fans who had to contest with the restrictions of picky executives, rigid writing standards and censors, design rights, and companies ultimately putting merchandising opportunities above everything else. Running in overlapping circles with the people who worked on the design and story teams, I've seen a lot of different perspectives about these things too. Too many conflicting interests between companies and creatives. G4 even had issues with development due to lapsing copyrights for certain designs, such as the one that inspired twilight sparkle. The difference was the team had more creative freedoms and didn't let prior stories completely take over the project. The characters and locations may have been familiar but the stories were detached and entertaining. Of course we got nostalgic call backs such as the shmooze, Tirek, and Grogar, but they hadn't come along until the series had solidly cemented itself a place in modern media. There have been talks about the story of G5 being different before having to be changed, being deemed too serious in tone as well, lending me more to believe the overarching companies had more to do with its failures than anything else. The necessity of creating a new cash cow like G4 without wanting to take the risks that G4 did and the development teams' story suffering from it, ultimately refusing to try when it wasn't as immediate of a hit as the last generation. The only big risk they took was the jump from 2D to 3D, which I still haven't been fond of due to the obvious restrictions they had, knowing the decline in quality from the movie to the show itself you had mentioned. The writing itself was at its best when it was intended to be conflicting, yet relatable, and able to stand on it's own. Misty's development arc was touching and added interpersonal stakes to the story outside of "oh no, we won't have magic anymore", intending to be good life lessons as well. It was a good choice to focus on her struggles and I wish the teams could have done more like that. Of course, anything can be taken with a grain of salt as I'm just friends of friends of people, I've never gotten to talk directly to anyone involved, but restrictions and censoring are always the biggest contenders in situations like this.

[@inxinfate]

one thing that bugs me about g5 is the lack of merchandise. idk if its just my country's stock but there is significantly less mlp merch now than when g4 was airing, and im a BIG collector ill buy any mlp stuff i see but there really isnt much?? and most of the time it looks very uncanny and strange, and frankly cheap looking (yet for a high price)

[@ralphdary7050]

They don't have any new guys or even Sprout post-MYM and TYT actually had loads of new characters now that to this day still don't get toys.

[@beingweirdisnormal1404]

Yeah, I noticed that, too. I don't see ANY MLP merchandise anymore, not G4 or G5. Honestly the last time I may have seen something of the sort was like back in 2018, if even.

[@Revkor]

the only stuff i see is g4

[@whowantswaffles]

it definitely feels like there was at least some production hell and loss of direction. I get the impression it was always meant to be very separate to the G4, and the movie was just easter eggs (and easter eggs ARE NOT LORE despite what people think). But then in the series they sort of shoe horned in these call backs to G4, making it lore, but not actually running with it enough to make it make sense. It's a strange production choice. Maybe just too many producers involved, too many cooks in the kitchen - who knows. Incidentally...I think the princess episode was pretty bad too XD

[@Lucienchol]

As I understand it, Hasbro still owns the characters but Discovery has Distribution Rights for G4. Meaning G4 characters can only show up as cameos in G5. (Basically a Spider-Man situation, where Sony owns Distribution rights and only allowed Tom Holland to show up in MCU as a special thing that Disney and MCU had to negotiate.)

[@SunIsLost]

Yup

[@DRAGAO_TECNOLOGIA]

If the problem is only with streaming, your theory makes sense, as TYT has more references to G4 in some aspects that MYM does not have

[@ralphdary7050]

They're not references. They're cameos.

[@DRAGAO_TECNOLOGIA]

@@ralphdary7050 it's references for now, cameo is only when a character appears

[@mk-aka-morgan8386]

I miss the Hub 😢 i dont know if the channel even exists anymore since i havent had cable in a LONGGGG time

[@badgerfeet]

It might have something to do with DHX owning some of the FIM rights? Hasbro owns the trademarks to some character names, but I wonder if the character designs, location names, etc, from FiM are off-limits unless they pay royalties. I definitely think there are some legs to this reasoning, hopefully the blanks will fill themselves in eventually.

[@Musicradio77Network]

DHX Media was the one that co-produced “My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic” with Hasbeen Studios and Allspark for the last 2 seasons. Not only the show, they acquired the DIC cartoon catalogue after Cookie Jar folded.

[@ChicagoMel23]

*Hasbro studios

[@Musicradio77Network]

@@ChicagoMel23 More like, Hasbeen Studios.

[@halfgenieboy0610]

G5 was sure a letdown because of the inconsitences that sufferred. It's bad that I prefer visual kei bands (Japanese rock acts with makeup,like X Japan,Luna Sea,Gazette,Buck-Tick and L' Arc en Ciel) in terms of music and Sailor Moon and shōujo anime than MLP these days?

[@exploringim6191]

I loved the G5 movie sooooo much. I still have all the music downloaded. I use to rant to everyone. If the series was better, I could have seen myself collecting merch, writing fanfics and being a part of the community. Unfortunately... this is where it all ended.

[@Philomenapipp4petals]

Hasbro shouldn't made make your mark a Netflix exclusive show because for me it limited it audience unlike friendship is magic which aird on tv cable which had more audience then Netflix.

[@SunIsLost]

Exactly!

[@CandiWildManes]

Monster high's made by Mattel and they still do the generation thing, same with care bears, strawberry shortcake, rainbow brite

[@PeachWookiee]

“Discovery owns everything”… That explains everything.

[@EpicFableBean]

4:53 it actually had bad writing and there was so many shortcuts in the animation. Easily the worst cartoon i have ever watched. Also dude my friend asked the writers as a con on how Misty got Sparky. It was one of many things that happened off screen. Important events. Something you should NEVER do. It took the writer 3 seconds to think of an answer. They legit had no thought about it and then made excuses.

[@kayleighdriessen]

Looking back at the MLP-francise's older works helped me realize how underrated yet so precious simplicity can be. When there were only a handful of male-ponies amongst the amazonian/female-dominated paradise of Ponyville and there were barely to no major conflicts going on like war or racism or petty competition, when the world of Ponies was limited to a village instead of extended to multiple governments and no one had to get married or worry about someone cheating on them.

[@delfinal7560]

This video is extremely well made. Thank you for sharing this theory. This seems absolutely possible

[@moisieiev7124]

G5 as a sequel to G4 could work if the characters were actually discovering the secrets of the fallen Equestria

[@kaphwankim4416]

Until today I still can't accept the incredible background story and the models of Twi and Spike of G5.

[@SunIsLost]

G5 is not canon to G4, I declare it!

[@kaphwankim4416]

@@SunIsLost Yeah.

[@RodaMoonknight]

Oh wait Zaslav owns Discovery... Now it all makes sense

[@JaredtheRabbit]

Of course…

[@Pyro7693]

I don't follow.

[@mgtowbrony5387]

My question. Why don’t we have the MLP FIM 9 season dvd/blu-ray collectors set???

[@KvaGram]

It would explain why the comics have the stories we want, but the show did not.

[@ixiahj]

This suggests G5 would have been way more dependent on G4 than it should be. If they couldn't use characters from the previous generation, it shouldn't have been a problem for G5 because its supposed to be after G4. G5 could've been completely independent from G4 like a completely new universe but they didn't do that.

[@fatcat1414]

Cool to see a ponytuber using their real face for the majority of the video. I understand the appeal of using ponysonas, but sometimes I like to be reminded that my fellow fans truly are average human adults like me :)

[@NewFoundBronyOFFICAL]

glad to see that you (sorta) got an answer to where the source came from.

[@nonconfermanist]

The “tell your tale” series is trying to be a meme or funny when it’s really not

[@TheFunnyGuy9000]

I never cared to watch Tell YourTale to begin with

[@ralphdary7050]

Too bad! It's the _only_ thing they'll make and show

[@tarvoc746]

"I would really like for my theory [that the show turned bad due to outside forces] to be true..." To me, this sounds a bit like: FiM fans: *sobbing uncontrollably.* Game of Thrones fans: "First time?"

[@Pyro7693]

Star Wars, Legend of Korra, and Owl House fans: "Welcome to the club."

[@saikaustav9975]

Simply, MLP G5 went bad because of using fan service and the reliance of nostalgia to please G4 fans. This is reminding me how poorly Ninjago Crystalized was handled that it ruined several years of development in the spread of 30 11-min episodes.

[@oneovertwo1186]

What do you mean no other company you know of does? He-Man & Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have been rebooted like 4+ times each at this point!

[@GabyGeorge1996]

Yes but each iteration isn’t called a “Generation”

[@robbycooper6787]

Where can I watch all of g4

[@ponyfics1315]

Oh boy I miss the good old days when you could watch the g4 on the hub. G5 should’ve stayed with discovery with 2D animation.

[@weeb535]

I watched a few episodes of G5 and they where nowhere near as good as G4. It's confusing and all over the place.

[@VagineerHuur]

Yeah the theory was a bit sus because while it does sound very plausible, I haven't seen anyone link any actual sources to back it up.

[@traviseller8160]

For a second I thought the intro was an Easter egg for the "Super Mario All-stars" intro.

[@Mecharnie_Dobbs]

2:33 I'm glad they changed the name of The Hub.

[@dumbo1950]

G4 has a cartoon creator veteran that is partially responsible for billions of children's childhoods. Fosters home and Powerpuff girls. Conflict and comedy is very similar to both shows aswell. Character realizes their flaws and learns a lesson but continues acting the same as before. And ofcourse slapstick, self aware comedy. To top it all off the designs were just too cute. Haven't seen g5 or any of the old ones but considering how internet breaking g4 was I don't think its too hard to understand why it's not working anymore as I just explained why.

[@gerardorodriguez7500]

It’s falling because it’s nothing like G4

[@benjaminbarriga7821]

The worst part is that there's this G5 smart aleck nerd KZbinr named "Hawk Nightwing" who is literally a G5 defender. He's always trying to convince us that G5 is good, always trying to get us to like G5 with his annoying and obnoxious defense videos on G5. Like seriously if you watch his "Why I Am Making MORE Videos Defending My Little Pony: Generation 5! (2 Year Anniversary Update)" video, oh my Celestia god does this guy have a lot G5 defending videos planned for the future, that should tell you how annoyingly obnoxious he is with the G5 defending stuff.

[@jacobjcb8883]

​@@benjaminbarriga7821Yet he brings up some decent points

[@benjaminbarriga7821]

@@jacobjcb8883 He does but here's the thing about Hawk Nightwing, He's literally a G5 egghead smart aleck nerd who thinks he knows everything about MLP G4 and G5 and uses that knowledge to defend G5 and try to get us to like G5 when most of us don't like G5. Also when I watch his videos not only I'm get the feeling that he's being such a smart aleck but at the same time I feel like he's really making fun of us G5 haters. He's always telling G5 haters "You're wrong about G5" and "that 100% false" like bro I not only he acts like a smart aleck but also at the same time he's literally making fun of us, and to add more insult to injury some of his Subscribers are literally harassing us and bullying us for hating G5 and we don't like getting made fun of. Like this guy is always trying to get us to like G5 with his annoying and obnoxious defense videos on G5 like he can't handle not even the tiniest bit of G5 slander. Look if you like G5 that's totally fine, but Hawk Nightwing needs to learn how to accept people's opinions weather he agrees with them or not. He can defend G5 all he wants but that won't save G5 from all this hatred. Look I appreciate everything he's doing to defend G5 but it doesn't matter, because no matter how many defense videos of G5 he makes, no matter how much effort he's puts in those videos, no matter how much he defends G5, it's not gonna change people opinion on G5. Like I feel like Hawk Nightwing is not only wasting our time with his defense videos but he's also wasting he time making them, like can't he just take a break for a month or two from those defense videos on G5? Like there's more to life than defending a show that many people hate in other words there's more to life than defending G5. Look I don't want to start to fight and I'm sorry for being harsh to Hawk Nightwing but this is how I feel about him. That irritating smart aleck nerd is always trying to prove that we're liars when we are not liars, we are just sharing our honest thoughts on G5. And believe me I don't like G5 but at least I don't send death threats to those who like G5, neither do Star Strike or MasterCode they would never send death threats to those who do like G5, if you like G5 that's fine we respect your opinion. Please understand how I feel about him, but hey once again if you like G5 that's fine I respect your opinion. So yeah those are my thoughts on Hawk Nightwing and I get he's a G5 defender but I feel like he's taking it way too seriously.

[@jacobjcb8883]

@@benjaminbarriga7821 There's also more to life than hating G5 too

[@benjaminbarriga7821]

@@jacobjcb8883 Do you not understand what I'm talking about? Look I feel like Hawk Nightwing is such a smart aleck and he's always making fun of us and try to understand Two things ok? 1. You can't tell people what to do. That includes if they want to rant about G5 let them it's their KZbin channel they can do whatever they want, same thing for Hawk if he wants to make G5 defense videos then so be it. But he doesn't have to take it too seriously and he doesn't have to be such a smart aleck. 2. You can't get people to like something they don't like. We've already started our opinion on G5 and people's opinions ARE people's opinions and whether you agree with them or not you can't change them. Look try to understand how I feel about Hawk Nightwing, look I don't want to start a fight ok because I don't like fighting and I like to be more friendly and if am being harsh I apologize to that person, but please understand how I feel about Hawk OK? Plus I respect your opinion on G5.

[@thechroniclesofcriss942]

so according to the information in the video and the comments combined, the reasons are (and take them with a few grains of salt because there's not much source-citing): - corporate incompetence. - rookie writers. - copyright laws. - convoluted or otherwise stupid contract terms. - the coof. - a (metaphorical) ping pong game where there are way too many players and the ball is being flung around more forcefully and rapidly than it should be, resulting in production staff not having the time needed to produce quality entertainment content. did I get everything? also, people really should cite sources. many claims have been made in the comments but I se no source for any of this information.

[@quin2203]

G4 was both visually and audibly aesthetically pleasing. It was reminiscent of old Disney animations. The stories were fairly simple, but had a lot of lore and passion behind them. This combined to become one of the best animation tv series of all time for all ages. G5 is none of that. They should have brough Lauren Faust back. They should never have gone full 3D and should have instead went with a more modern 2.5d look, similar to "Puss in Boots: Last Wish". Honestly, I'd cut G5 short. It's only been a couple years. I'd wind it down this year and move on to G6 that's more true to G4. But we all know that won't happen because Hasbro is going bankrupt.

[@-A-Hybrid-Skunk-Productions-]

Your Theory to me in my opinion definitely seems ligit. I enjoyed G 5 for what we got. But it is just strange how it had an epic start with the movie and then crashed and burned compared to what it could have been. I still admit I enjoyed all of g5 but it was definitely missing alot. But I just can't put my finger on it. I know I'm late to the party with this video being 6 months. But still. I find your theory most logical.

[@gamingonamonday6342]

MLP:FIM was lightning in a bottle. All the right things at the right time. I dont think we'll get something like it in its prime again, and honestly? Thats ok. It created a kids show that still told mature stories, and people love that stuff.

[@TheDanteEX]

Man, 10 years ago every single panel at every single convention would have at least one fan recording. Professional recordings stopped around then (bless Everfree Network and Ponyville Live for the work they put in), but you'd see at least one audience recording pop up. I actually feel like recording must have started to be discouraged by staff and guests since the cast has gotten in trouble a few times for saying or doing things during these conventions. I don't have any evidence that this is the case since I've never been to a convention or seen anyone saying you can't record during panels, but it's just the vibe I was getting towards the end of the show's life. These conventions were still getting record numbers but the amount of videos out of them, namely voice actor panels, were and still are nearly non-existent.

[@revelare_xvii6269]

The whole point of each generation is to completely reboot the series as a whole, so “generation” 5’s existence is literally the exact opposite of how the franchise even works.

[@Pukkie201195]

I know that GA Barrow said on PonyCon Holland that they can't use g4 trademarks like Heart's Warming Day and similar things, which is why G5 has inconsistency with G4. I also know she said something in the lines of having to pay for every time they use the word Twilight Sparkle, but I vaguely remember that this was more likely a joke or running gag during the con.

[@Revkor]

if they have that issue why ever do you connect to G4?

[@Pukkie201195]

@@Revkor Good question, I wonder if we'll ever find out... My assumption is that the writing team for the G5 movie did not know this at the time, or that the problem only came to be when Make Your Mark and Tell Your Tail came to be after the movie already came out.

[@ego-lay_atman-bay]

The video that youtube tecommended right under this one, is the one you shouted out.

[@wernerpotysch28]

They better give us Friendship is Magic back.

[@Revkor]

diubtful. the amount of work to brign cast, and studio back in is too much for hasbro right now

[@wernerpotysch28]

@@Revkor You have to writing overall your Argumentation in the Comments Right?

[@Revkor]

@@wernerpotysch28 huh?

[@izzymoonbow36]

if make your mark was available on tv cable and other streaming services it would gain more audience instead it only on Netflix.

[@speedforcespector]

It dose explain S1 of TYT having redux episodes outside if people don't have Netflix but as means to make sure Netflix can't claim ownership of plot lines and characters.

[@anthonyrausch5708]

1:55 - I mean when “the creator” leaves that’s usually “THE END”….. But not “THIS THING” this “TO ME” “THIS SHOW” was not just “ANOTHER CARTOON” This “SHIFTED” the “WORLD VIEW” a little; NGL!!!!!!

[@anthonyrausch5708]

7:01 - 7:23 - Now i know how “LAURN FAUST” still has “COMPLETE CONTROL” over “HER CHARACTERS” she created….. in “G4” “SCREW YOU HASBRO”!!!!!! *Celestia’s Equestria* will “NEVER DIE”……

[@anthonyrausch5708]

2:03 - and I did not get into this “COTTON CANDY CLUSTER FUCK” Full Throttle until “SEASON 5”…….. started…….. 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@anthonyrausch5708]

2:36 - You want to know “THE REAL REASON” the hub “FAILED” ????? My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic….. 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@Catilena1890]

Honestly, I think linking G4 and G5 would have worked if it weren't for the massive plotholes that came as a result, with notable examples being; How can there be a city of Alicorns if Alicorn magic is Earned? Celestia and Luna said that no Alicorn has ever been born until Flurry Heart. Where is the Crystal Empire? Even Opaline was somehow able to "earn" her Alicorn wings and used to be a Unicorn. How is Spike the Dragon Lord? Where did Ember go? Where are ANY of the other races? How were the Unity Trees able to keep Opaline out if all the Pony Races have only just recently made amends with one another? Look, I'm not saying G5 needs to be entirely separate from G4, continuity is nice when done properly. But to be done properly you need to know what the continuity is. Right now, I think that NO ONE who is working on G5 even watched G4, barring a quick episode here and there. Even reading cliff notes of the G4 episodes would have done wonders for G5.

[@corbinmiele7689]

Brings back my little pony: friendship is magic

[@CozyGlow625]

G5 is failing due to it being appalling. End of argument. There is no deep reason, fans do not loathe it due to it simply not being G4, G5, in general, is god-awful. It fails to hold a candle to G4, but i would be punching a mummified horse if i explained my issues with it. Bronies won't observe it since it deliberately tears down G4's character and story, plus it is awful on its own too, and the decision to catter towards children by simplifying the franchise clearly did not suffice. Contrary to the exasperating and condescending, "it's a children show, so it's bad" argument, what children do merit is a high-quality and appealing show reminiscent of G4. That. And not G5. It's not even the fact that G4 set the bar too high that G5, despite its best efforts, wasn't able to jump, nor is G4 "lightning in a bottle". Let's be honest: as much as i adore G4, and as much as i love the characters, it is far from being impossible to triumph over. It is not perfect. But, in the end, it is still one of the best shows ever, despite its issues. I am personally still extremely infuriated that Equestria Girls was not provided an ending. But, G5 is also not devoid of positive qualities. For example, i like the music, principally Opaline's. Chapter 6, i feel like was 👌🏻. Opaline is a horrible character, but for some reason, i have a soft spot for her. However, even with all of these likable things, G5 is still low-quality. I miss G4, and i am certain i will forever do. Its mark will be felt forever. I would be the surprisingly happy if it got continued. G5 had potential which was squandered.

[@Da_Fluttershy]

But minty appears in G5, she also in G4 different designs but still the same character. shining armor and tree hugger made painting Cameo.

[@SilverSpoonRiche]

WHOA, that 4th Wall break at the end. Like peeking behind the curtain and seeing the Wizard showering. LOL

[@Revkor]

I think what is going on with this is several things. as far as rights Hasbro has the main right. however g4 and g5 are being made by different studios so it could be the g4 studio is the problem. story wise it was dumb to connect to g4 with this potential rights issue and more that truly explain how thigns got to this point. G4 ends with Twilight in charge of a properous Equestria with strong bond not only to the pony tribes but the other races as well. now would their be challenges to that, of course but for thigns to end up with all alicorns MIA, the tribes not only out of contact with the other races but back to Pre Equestria standings. which begs why aren't their windegos around. they can't all be gone.nor are they any familiar places. I honestly think the writers for G5 wanted pure reboot but Hasbro said no must be same universe as G4 but the writers are not good enough to make them connect well.

[@Launchpad05]

So technically, David Zaslav owns half of 'Friendship Is Magic', right?

[@sofabox101thewublin8]

I am so worried about the future of mlp Considering how mlp g5 flopped so hard I have a feeling that hasbro will end up canceling mlp completely instead of making a g6 G5 had a lot of missed opportunities. Poor toy sales (I saw mlp g5 merch on Clarence at my local target) and a lot of other problems. So with mlp g5 failing so hard it’s safe to say that they will have no choice but to cancel mlp all together instead of making g6

[@The_CEO_of_SCS]

It's a disappointent that humans - particularly Megan, Danny, and Molly - and mythological ones didn't return in the later incarnations of My Little Pony after G1, which is what I'm considering as one of the franchise's biggest failures. I understand that it's due to people's own personal tastes, but still.

[@Shadowstorm612]

I don’t know…it still seems like the new writers didn’t even watch G4 because they get so much basic lore wrong

[@PhoenixRedtail]

I think Boulder Media was under new management after the movie, maybe it affected hasbro’s decisions to keep working with them

[@DanknDerpyGamer]

I just hope that Hasbro can understand what it is that made FiM so successful, or let people who understood that (AND know how to extract those raw essences, so to speak, mostly things relating to writing, development, design, production, etc) to make something new that can be appealing in a universal way as well). There is no reason IMO that Hasbro can't do that - have a core target audience, but make a show that like FiM succeeded in reaching a wider demographic, AND also manage to be quality in its design, development, and writing , to be considered cherished and widely enjoyed. Some say it was accidental that FiM became big. I disagree, the sudden popularity was accidental. The show itself being enjoyed as much, and lasting 9 seasons is a combination IMO of the people behind the show, the philosophies that went into keeping it going, and the fandom being able to enjoy it and keep enjoying it, none of which in my mind are actually that impossible to achieve again (just so long as you don't put unrealistic expectations on it - like the "having to match or outpace FiM in popularity" expectation I've seen floating around in some areas).

[@ThemightyQscoolboyq]

is this why only seasons 1-4 is now just on Netflix?

[@PatriotMapper]

“Strange fanbase” *Shows Saberspark wearing an alicorn costume on Bronies React*

[@princembat]

wait so why cant people just... ask the staff member that supposedly said all that? or really anyone who works on g5 that would know?

[@ralphdary7050]

Non-disclosure clause

[@what0080]

Does this offer any insight as to why I can’t find seasons 5-9 of FiM streaming ANYWHERE, whereas seasons 1-4 are on Netflix?

[@Revkor]

probably but a do know a sight that has all of FIM on it minus EG stuff

[@KJD897]

If Hasbro ever goes bankrupt, what will happen to the MLP franchise?

[@changelingkingcocoon5029]

The problem with the theory that Discover owned everything from Season 5 onwards is that it wouldn't actually apply to characters introduced pre-season 5. The real reason Gen 5 didn't use the same characters was because it's NOT Gen 4. And they DID ultimately include Twilight.

[@AdamV20]

I think one of the reasons why mym failed, is that it is exclusive to netfilix, not everyone has it, or will to pay a subscription. I think if it was streamed on TV too (or uploaded to KZbin(?)), it would run longer, because more people (realistically, mainly kids) would know about it and hasbruh would make more money.