{{short description|Entertainment franchise developed by Hasbro}} {{about|the franchise|other uses|My Little Pony (disambiguation)}} {{pp-semi-indef}} {{use mdy dates|date=May 2021}} {{Infobox media franchise | title = {{no italic|My Little Pony}} | italic_title = no | image = My little pony logo22.svg | imagesize = 200 | caption = My Little Pony logo as of 2021 | creator = [[Bonnie Zacherle]] | owner = [[Hasbro]] | origin = My Pretty Pony toys (1981) | website = {{URL|http://mylittlepony.hasbro.com/}} | years = 1981–present }} '''''My Little Pony''''' ('''''MLP''''') is a [[toy]]line and [[media franchise]] developed by American toy company [[Hasbro]]. The first toys were developed by [[Bonnie Zacherle]], Charles Muenchinger, and Steve D'Aguanno, and were produced in 1981. The ponies feature colorful bodies and [[mane (horse)|manes]], with a unique [[symbol]] on one or both sides of their [[Equine anatomy#External anatomy|flanks]]; recent incarnations refer to such symbols as "[[cutie mark]]s". ''My Little Pony'' has been revamped several times with new and more modern looks to continue its appeal to the market, with each new look being called a "generation" by the show's collectors and fans. The franchise is mainly targeted at young girls and their parents, and in the 2010s, it gained a [[cult following]] among [[Brony fandom|adult men]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Miller|first=Emily |title='Bronies', male fans of 'My Little Pony', defy assumptions |url=https://www.gainesville.com/story/news/local/2014/01/26/8216-bronies-8217-male/31859614007/ |access-date=2023-02-22 |website=Gainesville Sun |language=en-US}}</ref>
Following the original ''[[#My Pretty Pony|My Pretty Pony]]'' introduced in 1981, the [[My Little Pony (1982 toyline)|first ''My Little Pony'' toy line]] launched in 1982 and ran until 1992 in the United States and 1995 globally. The success of the toys led to several animated adaptations, including two [[Television special|TV specials]], a feature-length film, and two television series. Despite selling 150 million pony toys throughout the decade,<ref>{{cite book |title=Sold Separately: Children and Parents in Consumer Culture|first=Ellen|last=Seiter|date=1995|publisher=Rutgers University Press|page=153}}</ref> Hasbro discontinued the toy line due to increased competition.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.prweek.com/article/221751/campaign-hasbro-resurrects-little-pony-brand---consumer-pr|title=Campaign: Hasbro resurrects My Little Pony brand|first=Donna|last=Werbner|publisher=PRWeek|date=September 10, 2004|access-date=February 1, 2017}}</ref>
''My Little Pony'' was revived in 1997, but the new toys proved unpopular and were discontinued in 1999. The brand saw a more popular [[My Little Pony (2003 toyline)|revival]] in 2003, with toys more closely resembling the original toy line;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sequentialtart.com/article.php?id=261|title=Tart Time Machine – My Little Ponies|first=Sheena|last=McNeil|date=September 1, 2006|access-date=February 2, 2017|work=Sequential Tart}}</ref> approximately 100 million toys were sold globally by 2010.<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20101007006246/en/Hasbro’s-Iconic-PONY-Brand-Excites-Generation-Girls|title= Hasbro's Iconic MY LITTLE PONY Brand Excites a New Generation of Girls with Its Message of Friendship and Adventure|location=Pawtucket, RI|publisher=Hasbro|date=October 7, 2010|access-date=February 2, 2017|via=Business Wire}}</ref> Hasbro launched the [[My Little Pony (2010 toyline)|fourth incarnation]] of the franchise in 2010, centered around the animated series ''[[My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic]]''. The brand grossed over {{US$|650|long=no}}{{nbsp}}million in retail sales in 2013,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.licensemag.com/license-global/top-150-global-licensors-0|title=The Top 150 Global Licensors|last=Lisanti|first=Tony|date=May 1, 2014|work=Global License!|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140519034903/http://www.licensemag.com/license-global/top-150-global-licensors-0|archive-date=19 May 2014|access-date=May 19, 2015}}</ref> and over {{US$|1|long=no}}{{nbsp}}billion annually in retail sales in 2014<ref>{{cite web|url=http://investor.hasbro.com/eventdetail.cfm?EventID=155016|title=Hasbro 2015 Investor Update at Toy Fair|date=Feb 13, 2015|access-date=May 19, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150523020156/http://investor.hasbro.com/eventdetail.cfm?eventid=155016|archive-date=May 23, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://investor.hasbro.com/static-files/171c6051-78f8-4342-b89f-365fb1fe67c2|title=Hasbro 2014 Annual Report|page=6|date=Feb 26, 2015|access-date=December 6, 2019}}</ref> and 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.licensemag.com/license-global/top-150-global-licensors-2|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160512084855/http://www.licensemag.com/license-global/top-150-global-licensors-2|title=Top 150 Global Licensors|website=[[License Global]]|archivedate=May 12, 2016|date=May 1, 2016|accessdate=September 5, 2024}}</ref> A fifth incarnation launched in 2021 with the animated film, ''[[My Little Pony: A New Generation]]'', and two animated shows, ''[[My Little Pony: Make Your Mark]]'', which concluded in November 2023, and ''[[My Little Pony: Tell Your Tale]]'', which concluded in October 2024. A live-action adaptation of the franchise by [[Amazon MGM Studios]] and [[Hasbro Entertainment]] was announced in July 2025.
==History== ===''My Pretty Pony'' (1981)=== {{Anchor|My Pretty Pony}} [[File:1981 Hasbro toy animal patent USD269986S.pdf|thumb|alt=Patent for the original My Pretty Pony toy|Patent for the original ''My Pretty Pony'' toy]] ''My Pretty Pony'' is a [[pony]] figurine introduced by [[Hasbro]] in 1981 that was created by illustrator [[Bonnie Zacherle]] and sculptor Charles Muenchinger.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hasbro.com/mylittlepony/en_US/parents/through-the-years.cfm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121114085112/http://www.hasbro.com/mylittlepony/en_US/parents/through-the-years.cfm|title=My Little Pony History|author=Hasbro|archive-date=November 14, 2012|date=2012|access-date=May 20, 2015}}</ref> ''My Pretty Pony'' is a ten-inch-tall hard plastic figurine that can wiggle its ears, swish its tail, and wink one eye. The original ''My Pretty Pony'' was followed by ''My Pretty Pony and Beautiful Baby'', which came with an additional smaller "baby" pony figure. This was followed by pink and yellow versions of the original that have the now-hallmark symbol on the ponies' backsides, which preceded the ''My Little Pony'' figurines.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://yum-yum-ponyworld.weebly.com/my-pretty-pony.html|first=Patrick|last=Alkemade|date=2013|title=My Pretty Pony – 1981|access-date=May 20, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150520170802/http://yum-yum-ponyworld.weebly.com/my-pretty-pony.html|archive-date=May 20, 2015}}</ref>
===1982–1992=== {{Anchor|First Generation|Generation One|Generation 1|G1}} {{Main|My Little Pony (1982 toyline)}} After the relative lack of success of the ''My Pretty Pony'' toy line, Hasbro introduced six smaller and colorful versions of the toy in 1982, sold under the title ''My Little Pony''. The toy line led to many more merchandise under the ''My Little Pony'' brand, which later became unofficially known as the "Generation One" or "G1" of My Little Pony among collectors. This incarnation ended in 1992 in the United States, but was marketed internationally until 1995. Animations from mid-1980s ([[Rescue at Midnight Castle|''My Little Pony'' animated special]], ''[[Escape from Catrina|My Little Pony: Escape from Catrina]]'', ''[[My Little Pony: The Movie (1986 film)|My Little Pony: The Movie]]'' and ''My Little Pony'' segment within ''[[My Little Pony 'n Friends]]'' anthology series) and ''[[My Little Pony Tales]]'' from 1992 accompanied the line-up.
===1997–1999=== {{Anchor|Second Generation|Generation Two|Generation 2|G2}} {{Infobox media franchise | title = My Little Pony (1997–1999) | image = | imagesize = | caption = | creator = | origin = Toys | books = | novels = | comics = | magazines = | strips = | plays = | musicals = | games = | rpgs = | vgs = ''My Little Pony: Friendship Gardens'' {{small|(1998)}} | radio = | soundtracks = | music = | toys = My Little Pony | otherlabel1 = | otherdata1 = | otherlabel2 = | otherdata2 = | otherlabel3 = | otherdata3 = }} The 1997 incarnation was marketed by Hasbro as "Friendship Garden" and designated "Generation 2" by collectors. They were manufactured in redesigned poses with jewel eyes and turning heads and are smaller, slimmer, and longer-legged than their 1982 counterparts. The line was not successful in the U.S. and was discontinued in 1999, although it continued overseas for several years. Since the second generation was more popular in Western Europe, Hasbro continued to produce and sell them in Western Europe after 1998. Most were Earth Ponies, but a few [[unicorns]] were made internationally. Although no [[Pegasus]] Ponies were made, some adults had clip-on wings. In the early 2000s, several unicorns with clip-on wings (called the Magic Unicorns) were made. Two baby ponies were introduced, and none of the baby ponies were sold in the United States.
In Europe, the main location was renamed Ponyland instead of Friendship Gardens, and were discontinued with the inception of the "G3" toyline in 2003. Many ponies released in the last years of the line are considered rare. A number of playsets were introduced, including a mansion and a castle. Some of the licensed merchandise released in Europe included beanbag plushies, magazines, clothing, perfume, wrapping paper and coloring books. A CD-ROM game for PC, ''Friendship Gardens'', was also released, which involved taking care of a pony and playing games along the way.
Some "Generation Two" ponies were sold as detachable key chains, including Morning Glory, Sundance, Light Heart and Ivy. Each pony comes with a comb attached to her neck by a string. The back of the package says, "My Little Pony Logo and Pony Names are Trademarks of Hasbro Inc. Copyright 1998." They were produced under license by Fun-4-All Corporation and made in China.
====''My Little Pony: Friendship Gardens'' (1998)==== {{Anchor|My Little Pony: Friendship Gardens}}''My Little Pony: Friendship Gardens'' is a [[Digital pet|virtual pet game]] developed by [[Artech Digital Entertainment|Artech Studios]] and published by [[Hasbro Interactive]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/my-little-pony-win95|title=My Little Pony CD-ROM|date=August 22, 2015|access-date=April 16, 2016}}</ref>
===2003–2009=== {{Anchor|Third Generation|Generation Three|Generation 3|G3|Core 7|Core Seven|Generation 3.5|G3.5}} {{Main|My Little Pony (2003 toyline)}} The third incarnation of ''My Little Pony'', which is often unofficially referred to as "Generation Three" or "G3" by collectors, began in 2003. The revamped line of dolls was targeted to a younger audience than the previous lines.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hasbro Revamps My Little Pony to Draw Younger Girls|url=https://www.marketingweek.com/hasbro-revamps-my-little-pony-to-draw-younger-girls/|access-date=9 August 2014|work=Marketing Week|date=10 July 2003}}</ref> Before the generation's end in 2009, there were at least two minor revamps. A series of direct-to-video animated films (mostly produced by [[SD Entertainment]]) accompanied the line-up.
===2010–2021=== {{Anchor|Fourth Generation|Generation Four|Generation 4|G4}} {{Main|My Little Pony (2010 toyline)}} {{See also|My Little Pony: Equestria Girls}} The next incarnation of ''My Little Pony'', unofficially known as the "Generation Four", was launched in 2010. It is set in a fictional location named [[Equestria]], and the main characters include [[Twilight Sparkle]], [[Spike (My Little Pony)|Spike]], [[Rainbow Dash]], [[Pinkie Pie]], [[Applejack (My Little Pony)|Applejack]], [[Rarity (My Little Pony)|Rarity]], and [[Fluttershy]]. Television series ''[[My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic]]'', theatrical film ''[[My Little Pony: The Movie (2017 film)|My Little Pony: The Movie]]'', as well as other related media accompany the current line-up. This era generated a [[My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic fandom|fandom among grown-ups]] with the success of the television series.
''[[My Little Pony: Equestria Girls]]'', the anthropomorphic spin-off, was launched in 2013.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Schmidt |first=Gregory |date=2013-05-13 |title=A New Direction for a Hasbro Stalwart |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/13/business/equestria-girls-a-my-little-pony-offshoot-in-its-movie-debut.html |access-date=2024-05-16 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
''[[My Little Pony: Pony Life]]'', a spin-off comedy series, launched in 2020 featuring a new animation style.{{efn|[[My Little Pony: Pony Life]] premiered early worldwide on [[Treehouse TV]] in Canada on June 21, 2020.}}
=== 2021–2024 === {{main|My Little Pony: A New Generation}} Hasbro announced the start of "Generation Five" toy line in February 2021, with a 3D CG-animated film (produced by [[Entertainment One]] and animated by [[Boulder Media]]) and a follow-up television series.<ref name="etonline g5"/> Unlike previous generation changes which have featured a completely new world, Generation Five built upon the world and stories established in Generation Four from ''Friendship Is Magic'' while including a time jump as to introduce new characters and themes. According to Hasbro's Emily Thompson, vice president of global brand management for Entertainment One, the new line is aimed at [[Generation Alpha]], which "has a higher emotional intelligence, and they expect a lot more from their entertainment"; to that end, the themes of the show will be aimed around diversity and inclusion but will still include nods and [[Easter egg (media)|Easter eggs]] to the prior generation.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://kidscreen.com/2021/01/29/my-little-pony-rides-high-with-new-cp/ | title = My Little Pony rides high with new CP | first = Elizabeth | last= Foster | date = January 29, 2021 | accessdate = February 26, 2021 | work = [[Kidscreen]] }}</ref>
The film and series take place some time after the end of ''Friendship Is Magic'', where "friendship and harmony have been replaced by paranoia and mistrust" and the various pony species have segregated into their own tribes.<ref name="polygon g5"/> The main characters of Generation Five includes Sunny Starscout (a female earth pony), Izzy Moonbow (a female unicorn) and Hitch Trailblazer, (a male earth pony),<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.facebook.com/mylittlepony/videos/524944975150047/ | title = Introducing... | publisher = [[Hasbro]] | via =Facebook | date = February 26, 2021 | accessdate = February 26, 2021 }}</ref> alongside Pegasus siblings Pipp Petals and Zipp Storm.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.facebook.com/mylittlepony/videos/917830495715016/ | title = Ahead of National Siblings Day tomorrow, say hello to our royal Pegasi sisters, Pipp Petals & Zipp Storm! See them and their pony co-stars in the new My Little Pony movie coming to Netflix this Fall! | publisher = [[Hasbro]] | via =Facebook | date = April 9, 2021 | accessdate = April 9, 2021 }}</ref>
The film was originally slated for theatrical release by [[Paramount Pictures]], but the release was canceled due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]]. It was sold to [[Netflix]], with the film's release date being set on September 24, 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thewrap.com/vanessa-hudgens-kimiko-glenn-james-marsden-my-little-pony-a-new-generation/|title=Vanessa Hudgens, James Marsden, Kimiko Glenn Cast in 'My Little Pony: A New Generation'|first=Beatrice|last=Verhoeven|work=The Wrap|date=June 30, 2021|accessdate=June 30, 2021}}</ref> Netflix also greenlit its follow-up CG-animated series, which also debuted on the streaming service.<ref name="etonline g5">{{cite web | url = https://www.etonline.com/my-little-pony-latest-movie-heads-to-netflix-greenlights-new-series-exclusive-161157 | title = 'My Little Pony': Latest Movie Heads to Netflix, Greenlights New Series | first = Philiana |last =Ng |date = February 24, 2021 | accessdate = February 24, 2021 | work = [[Entertainment Tonight]] }}</ref><ref name="polygon g5">{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/tv/2021/2/25/22301177/my-little-pony-netflix-g5-movie-tv-show-sunny-starscout-izzy-unicorn | title = My Little Pony's next generation is a CGI Netflix movie and cartoon series | first = Susano | last = Polo | date = February 25, 2021 | accessdate = February 25, 2021 | work = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] }}</ref>
The film was succeeded by a special and streaming television series titled ''[[My Little Pony: Make Your Mark]]'' in May and September 2022 respectively, and a [[Christmas]]-themed special, titled ''My Little Pony: Winter Wishday'' in November, on Netflix.<ref name="MLP 2022">{{cite web|url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/streaming/my-little-pony-gets-a-double-helping-of-new-series-specials-in-2022/|title='My Little Pony' Gets a Double Helping of New Series & Specials in 2022|website=Animation Magazine|date=February 17, 2022|access-date=February 17, 2022}}</ref> A [[YouTube]] exclusive series of five-minute shorts titled, ''[[My Little Pony: Tell Your Tale]]'', premiered in April 2022.<ref name="MLP 2022"/> The fourth chapter of ''Make Your Mark'', including a 44-minute special ''Bridlewoodstock'', was released in June 2023.<ref name="am-bridlewoodstock">{{cite web|url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/2023/05/my-little-pony-bridlewoodstock-starring-sofia-wyle-is-ready-to-rock-june-6/|title='My Little Pony: Bridlewoodstock' Starring Sofia Wyle Is Ready to Rock June 6|last=Milligan|first=Mercedes|work=[[Animation Magazine]]|date=May 16, 2023|access-date=May 16, 2023}}</ref> The fifth chapter was released in September 2023 and the final episodes of the show were released on November 23, 2023, alongside the special ''Secrets of Starlight''.<ref>{{cite web |title='My Little Pony' Reveals 'Secrets of Starlight,' New 'Make Your Mark' Episodes |url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/2023/11/my-little-pony-reveals-secrets-of-starlight-new-make-your-mark-episodes/ |website=Animation Magazine |access-date=9 June 2024 |date=21 November 2023}}</ref> A Tell Your Tale special, ''The Blockywockys'' was released on April 4, 2024. The show ended its run with the final episode, "The Water Park", on October 17, 2024. According to studies of the brony fandom, G5 has failed to capture the "lightning in a bottle" that G4 did, and modern brony discussions still revolve around G4 rather than G5.<ref name="Plante-2023">{{cite book |last1=Plante |first1=Courtney |last2=Reysen |first2=Stephen |last3=Roberts |first3=Sharon E. |last4=Gerbasi |first4=Kathleen C. |last5=Adams |first5=Camielle |title=Furscience: A Decade of Psychological Research on the Furry Fandom |year=2023}}</ref> G5 of ''My Little Pony'' was cancelled in 2024, however, according to Hasbro, Tell Your Tale was successful at driving toy sales and fan engagement.<ref>https://drive.google.com/file/d/1buoNCuhelnAGqMDLl7VZZqadOndeuXIi/view</ref> <ref>https://issuu.com/toyworldmag/docs/licensing_world_may_2025</ref>
On September 11, 2024, a series of promotional material was leaked on [[Equestria Daily]], featuring a brand new animation style and a pitch video for a "Ponyverse" concept, featuring characters such as Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash from ''Friendship is Magic'', and Misty Brightdawn from ''Tell Your Tale'' for a planned reboot called "Camp Cutie Mark."
In November 2024, ''My Little Pony'' was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame at The Strong National Museum of Play.<ref name="APToyHall2024">{{cite news |last=Thompson |first=Carolyn |title=My Little Pony finally hits the Toy Hall of Fame, alongside Phase 10 and Transformers |work=Associated Press |date=November 12, 2024 |url=https://apnews.com/article/e8dcad7e652f89e02badaa55f763f6f1 |access-date=December 31, 2025}}</ref>
=== 2025–present === On May 28, 2025, Hasbro announced a "Total Brand Reinvention" for My Little Pony, celebrating the "Year of the Pony" in 2026 with "retro-vibes" style, and in 2027 with a "new look, tons of new content, and innovative products in the works."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sethisto |title=Year of the Pony in 2026, and FULL My Little Pony Brand Reinvention for 2027 |url=https://www.equestriadaily.com/2025/05/year-of-pony-in-2026-and-full-my-little.html |access-date=2025-11-03 |language=en}}</ref>
On July 15, 2025, a live-action film based on the franchise was announced to be in development. The film will be produced by [[Amazon MGM Studios]] and [[Hasbro Entertainment]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2025/film/news/my-little-pony-movie-live-action-amazon-mgm-hasbro-1236461858/|title=Live-Action 'My Little Pony' Movie in the Works From Amazon MGM and Hasbro|last=Saperstein|first=Pat|date=July 15, 2025}}</ref>
==Television series and films== {{Series overview | width = 70% | network = y
| multiseries = {{Series overview | series = ''[[My Little Pony (TV series)|My Little Pony]]'' | color1 = #00B8F5 | episodes1 = 50 | start1 = {{Start date|1986|09|15}} | end1 = {{End date|1986|11|21}} | network1 = [[Broadcast syndication|Syndication]] | color2 = #FBEC5D | episodes2 = 15 | start2 = {{Start date|1987|09|07}} | end2 = {{End date|1987|09|25}} }} {{Series overview | series = ''[[My Little Pony Tales]]'' | color1 = #F66B0F | episodes1 = 26 | start1 = {{Start date|1992|08|02}} | end1 = {{End date|1992|12|25}} | network1 = [[Disney Channel|The Disney Channel]] }} {{Series overview | series = ''[[My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic]]'' | color1 = #972297 | episodes1 = 26 | start1 = {{Start date|2010|10|10}} | end1 = {{End date|2011|05|06}} | network1 = The Hub/Hub Network
| color2 = #E171A0 | episodes2 = 26 | start2 = {{Start date|2011|09|17}} | end2 = {{End date|2012|04|21}}
| color3 = #009EE7 | episodes3 = 13 | start3 = {{Start date|2012|11|10}} | end3 = {{End date|2013|02|16}}
| color4 = #792079 | episodes4 = 26 | start4 = {{Start date|2013|11|23}} | end4 = {{End date|2014|05|10}}
| color5 = #2998FF | episodes5 = 26 | start5 = {{Start date|2015|04|04}} | end5 = {{End date|2015|11|28}} | network5 = [[Discovery Family]]
| color6 = #55FFFF | episodes6 = 26 | start6 = {{Start date|2016|03|26}} | end6 = {{End date|2016|10|22}}
| color7 = #DB63F8 | episodes7 = 26 | start7 = {{Start date|2017|04|15}} | end7 = {{End date|2017|10|28}}
| color7S = #322C4D | linkT7S = [[My Little Pony: The Movie (2017 film)|Film]] | released7S = {{Start date|2017|10|06}} | network7S = {{N/A}}
| color8 = #6F2DA8 | episodes8 = 26 | start8 = {{Start date|2018|03|24}} | end8 = {{End date|2018|10|13}} | network8 = Discovery Family
| color8S = #AEDCDE | linkT8S = Holiday Special | released8S = {{Start date|2018|10|27}} | network8S =
| color9 = #A40D1A | episodes9 = 26 | start9 = {{Start date|2019|04|06}} | end9 = {{End date|2019|10|12}} | network9 =
| color9S = #4D529A | linkT9S = Special | released9S = {{Start date|2019|06|29}} | network9S =
| color10S = #02AC4B | linkT10S = [[List of My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic episodes#Clip Shows (2020)|Clip Shows]] | episodes10S = 6 | start10S = {{Start date|2020|04|20}} (AUS) | end10S = {{End date|2020|05|25}} (AUS) | network10S = {{N/A}}
}} {{Series overview | series = ''[[My Little Pony: Pony Life]]'' | color1 = #F5B7FF | episodes1 = 26 | start1 = {{Start date|2020|11|07}} | end1 = {{End date|2021|02|06}} | network1 = Discovery Family
| color2 = #FF7A00 | episodes2 = 14 | start2 = {{Start date|2021|04|10}} | end2 = {{End date|2021|05|22}} }} {{Series overview | color1S = #C04000 | linkT1S = [[My Little Pony: A New Generation|Film]] | released1S = {{Start date|2021|09|24}} | network1S = [[Netflix]]
| series = ''[[My Little Pony: Make Your Mark]]'' | color2S = #0F52BA | linkT2S = Special | released2S = {{Start date|2022|05|26}}<ref name="MLP 2022"/>
| color3S = #1C05B3 | linkT3S = 1 | episodes3S = 8<ref name="MLP 2022"/> | released3S = {{Start date|2022|09|26}}<ref name="MLP 2022"/>
| color4S = #9B111E | linkT4S = Holiday Special | released4S = {{Start date|2022|11|21}}<ref name="MLP 2022"/>
| color5S = #B4E45E | linkT5S = Special | released5S = {{Start date|2023|06|06}}<ref name="am-bridlewoodstock"/>
| color6S = #1D2951 | linkT6S = 2 | episodes6S = 6 | released6S = {{Start date|2023|06|06}}
| color7S = #FB9902 | linkT7S = 3 | episodes7S = 6 | released7S = {{Start date|2023|09|18}}
| color8S = #83C230 | linkT8S = 4 | episodes8S = 3 | released8S = {{Start date|2023|11|23}}
| color9S = #A15BDE | linkT9S = Special | released9S = {{Start date|2023|11|23}} }} {{Series overview | series = ''[[My Little Pony: Tell Your Tale]]'' | color1 = #0BE500 | linkT1 = 1 | episodes1 = 70 | start1 = {{Start date|2022|04|07}} | end1 = {{End date|2023|12|21}} | network1 = [[YouTube]]
| color2 = #2700CD | linkT2 = 2 | episodes2 = 23 | start2 = {{Start date|2024|01|11}} | end2 = {{End date|2024|10|17}}
| color3S = #FF0000 | linkT3S = Special | released3S = {{Start date|2024|04|04}} }} }}
==Adult fans== ===Collectors=== ''My Little Pony'' toys drew the attention of collectors from their initial release.<ref name="Connelly" />{{rp|at={{tooltip|1:1–5|part 1, section 1}}}} Media coverage in the 2000s reported on collectors' conventions, finding it odd that adult women are interested in ''My Little Pony''. The 2004 ''My Little Pony Collectors' Convention'' reportedly had only one man among the attendees. When updating the toy line, Hasbro reassured collectors that it will produce ''My Little Pony'' editions for collectors.<ref name="Connelly" />{{rp|at={{tooltip|2:3–4|part 2, sections 3–4}}}}
Over 4,000 My Little Pony objects are on display until 2025 in [[Croydon|Croydon, London]] in the ''Come As You Really Are'' exhibition.<ref>{{Cite web |title=How 4,000 My Little Pony toys became a fine-art display in London |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm528kezyd3o |access-date=2024-09-26 |website=www.bbc.com |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rantala |first=Hanna |date=18 July 2024 |title=From 4,000 My Little Pony toys to quilts, exhibit celebrates UK hobbies |url=https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/4000-my-little-pony-toys-quilts-exhibit-celebrates-uk-hobbies-2024-07-17/ |access-date=26 September 2024 |website=Reuters}}</ref>
===''Friendship Is Magic'' fandom=== {{Main|Brony fandom}}
[[File:Steampunk Rainbow Dash (11675469515).jpg|thumb|upright|My Little Pony-inspired [[cosplay]]]] Despite Hasbro's target demographic of young girls and their parents,<ref name="wsj">{{cite news|url = https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052970203707504577012141105109140|title = Hey, Bro, That's My Little Pony! Guys' Interest Mounts in Girly TV Show|work = [[The Wall Street Journal]]|date = 2011-11-04|access-date = 2011-11-04|first1 = Vauhini|last1 = Vara|first2 = Ann|last2 = Zimmerman}} {{subscription required}}</ref><ref name="tvguide defense">{{Cite journal|url = http://www.tvguide.com/News/Bronies-My-Little-Pony-Friendship-Magic-1068692.aspx|title = Give Bronies a Break!In Defense of Adult My Little Pony Fans |first = Sadie |last = Gennis |date = 2013-08-01 |access-date = 2013-08-01 |journal = [[TV Guide]] }}</ref> the fourth incarnation of the franchise became a cultural and Internet phenomenon as the ''[[My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic]]'' television series generated an [[My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic fandom|unexpected fandom]], with many male fans between 13 and 35<ref name="wired brony">{{cite magazine|url = https://www.wired.com/underwire/2011/06/bronies-my-little-ponys/|title = My Little Pony Corrals Unlikely Fanboys Known as 'Bronies'|first= Angela|last = Watercutter|date = 2011-06-09|access-date = 2011-06-09|magazine = [[Wired (magazine)|Wired]]}}</ref> creating a large fanbase and a multitude of creative works, fan sites, and conventions.<ref name="wired brony"/> The fanbase has adopted the name "brony", a blend of "bro" and "pony", to describe themselves.<ref name=bnet>{{cite news|url = https://www.cbsnews.com/news/my-little-pony-the-hip-new-trend-among-the-geekerati/|title = My Little Pony: the Hip, New Trend Among the Geekerati|first = Constantine|last = von Hoffman|date =2011-05-31|access-date = 2011-05-31|work= CBS MoneyWatch|publisher= [[CBS Interactive]] }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url = https://www.bostonglobe.com/ideas/2011/12/02/secret-language-bros/kd1q6tKQxO15hxMYWQSirO/story.html|title = The secret language of bros|first = Erin|last = McKean|date = 2011-12-02|access-date = 2011-12-02|work = [[The Boston Globe]]|archive-date = March 16, 2014|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140316220943/http://www.bostonglobe.com/ideas/2011/12/02/secret-language-bros/kd1q6tKQxO15hxMYWQSirO/story.html|url-status = dead}}</ref> The older fanbase had come as a surprise to Hasbro and staff members involved with the show.<ref name="rollingstone ingram">{{Cite magazine|url = https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/behind-the-music-of-pop-culture-smash-my-little-pony-friendship-is-magic-20120420|title = Behind the Music of Pop Culture Smash "My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic"|date = 2012-04-20|access-date = 2012-04-20|first = Kevin|last = Rutherford|magazine = [[Rolling Stone]] }}</ref><ref name="wired brony"/><ref name="national post">{{cite news|url = https://nationalpost.com/entertainment/all-ages-show-hipsters-love-childrens-programming|title = All-ages show: Hipsters love children's programming|first = Joshua|last = Ostroff|date = 2011-08-03|access-date = 2011-08-03|work = [[National Post]]}}</ref><ref name="csm">{{Cite news|url = https://www.csmonitor.com/The-Culture/TV/2012/0320/Is-TV-paying-too-much-attention-to-fans|title = Is TV paying too much attention to fans?|work = [[Christian Science Monitor]]|date =2012-03-20|access-date = 2012-03-20|first = James|last = Turner }}</ref> They have appreciated and embraced the fandom, adding nods to the fans within the show and the toys.<ref name="awn">{{cite web|url = http://www.awn.com/blogs/miscweant/ponies-and-bronies|title = Of Ponies and Bronies |first= Joe|last = Strike|date = 2011-07-05|access-date = 2011-07-06|work = [[Animation World Network]]}}</ref> Sherilyn Connelly and others have noted that bronies alienate other fans of the franchise by focusing on the fandom itself rather than the show.<ref name="Connelly" />{{rp|at={{tooltip|2:3|part 2, section 3}}}}
== Social impact == ===Consumerism=== ''My Little Pony'' is often derided for promoting consumerism. When the media adaptations of the franchise debuted, there was much controversy in the United States about television advertising targeted at children. Relaxed regulation in the 1980s on cross-referencing between programming and commercials led to toy-based shows, such as [[Mattel]]'s ''[[He-Man and the Masters of the Universe]]'', Hasbro's ''[[Transformers]]'', ''[[G. I. Joe]]'', and later ''[[My Little Pony (TV series)|My Little Pony 'n' Friends]]''.<ref name="Connelly">{{citation|title=Ponyville Confidential: The History and Culture of My Little Pony, 1981–2016|author=Sherilyn Connelly|year=2017|publisher=McFarland|isbn=9781476662091}}</ref>{{rp|at={{tooltip|1:5–8|part 1, sections 5–8}}}} While ''He-Man'' initially drew the most controversy, ''My Little Pony'' remained controversial for many decades later, even when it was not being produced; the criticism is much more harsh and enduring than similar franchises with toy lines. Sherilyn Connelly cites examples from authors and journalists who single out ''My Little Pony'' for being tied to toys and merchandise, often putting it "first against the wall" while sparing such criticism from the aforementioned Hasbro franchises, or franchises such as ''[[Star Wars]]'', ''[[Toy Story]]'', and ''[[Lego]]''.<ref name="Connelly" />{{rp|at={{tooltip|2:5|part 2, section 5}}}} Connelly notes that professionals who work with children, for example psychologists and librarians, often have a positive view on the franchise; psychologist [[John Rosemond]] described ''My Little Pony'' toys as "great, soothing, quiet-time toys", having none of the violence or sexuality of other toy franchises. The first animated series is often given as the worst example of a [[Saturday-morning cartoon]], despite never airing on Saturday mornings. Even though no ''My Little Pony'' adaptation was airing on television for much of the 1990s and no toys were being produced, it was still often brought up as a contemporary example of aggressive marketing through television.<ref name="Connelly" />{{rp|at={{tooltip|1:3,5,8|part 1, sections 3, 5, 8}}}}
===Femininity=== Connelly contends that ''My Little Pony'' is singled out not because the franchise's business methods or content standards are particularly different from other franchises', but because it is overtly girly. Replying to criticism that ''My Little Pony'' is "junk" while ''Star Wars'' stems from "integrity and creative vision", cartoonist [[Craig McCracken]] noted that both franchises can have integrity or be junk, depending on how they're produced. Character designer Chris Battle pointed out that the media adaptation of ''My Little Pony'' is seen as less valid because it is aimed at girls.<ref name="Connelly" />{{rp|at={{tooltip|2:5|part 2, section 5}}}} Director [[Lauren Faust]], who was creative developer of the relaunch of the ''My Little Pony'' franchise in 2010, wrote that she expected people who have not even watched the animated series "to instantly label it girly, stupid, cheap, for babies or an evil corporate commercial." Faust feels that the show's femininity makes it a target of derision, regardless of its other qualities.<ref name="Connelly" />{{rp|at={{tooltip|4:3|part 4, section 3}}}} Ellen Seiter, professor of media studies, observed that girl's television shows are a ghettoization of girl culture, and the attacks on these shows is often aimed at their femininity.<ref name="Connelly" />{{rp|at={{tooltip|1:1|part 1, section 1}}}} ''My Little Pony'' has been perceived as an icon of femininity and "girlie-girls", particularly in the United Kingdom. The franchise has alternately been described as asexual and ''too'' sexual by the UK media.<ref name="Connelly" />{{rp|at={{tooltip|1:8|part 1, section 8}}}}
===Fan-made sexualization=== {{Main|Clop (erotic fan art)}}
A subset of the [[My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic fandom|fandom]] produced and consumed [[pornography|pornographic]] and erotic fan works, commonly referred to as “clop”.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Bailey |first1=John |last2=Harvey |first2=Alison |title='That pony is real sexy': My Little Pony fans, sexual abjection, and the politics of masculinity online |journal=Sexualities |year=2022 |url=https://u.smutty.horse/miytuzyzxwn.pdf}}</ref>
It includes art, fan fiction, and games. The term ''clop'', based on the onomatopoeic hoofbeat sound, also means masturbation in this context. ''Clop'' content emerged on the web around 2012 and typically focuses more on character romance. A study suggests about 19% of these fans, have engaged in "''clopping''". Critics view it as a problematic aspect of the fandom, fearing it might taint the fandom's reputation.{{citation needed|date=July 2025}}
==See also== * [[List of films about horses]]
==Notes== {{notelist}}
==References== {{Reflist}}
==Further reading== * {{citation|title=Ponyville Confidential: The History and Culture of My Little Pony, 1981–2016|author=Sherilyn Connelly|year=2017|publisher=McFarland|isbn=9781476662091}} * Summer Hayes (May 1, 2008) ''The My Little Pony G1 Collector's Inventory: an unofficial full color illustrated collector's price guide to the first generation of MLP including all US ponies, playsets and accessories released before 1997 with a foreword by Dream Valley's Kim Shriner''. Priced Nostalgia Press. {{ISBN|978-0-9786063-1-2}} * Summer Hayes (2007) ''The My Little Pony G3 Collector's Inventory: an unofficial full color illustrated guide to the third generation of MLP including all ponies, playsets and accessories from 2003 to the present''. Priced Nostalgia Press. {{ISBN|978-0-9786063-5-0}} * Hillary DePiano (2005) ''The My Little Pony Collector's Inventory: A Complete Checklist of All US Ponies, Playsets and Accessories from 1981 to 1992''. Priced Nostalgia Press. {{ISBN|1-4116-2165-4}} * Summer Hayes (2009) ''The My Little Pony 2007–2008 Collector's Inventory''. Priced Nostalgia Press. {{ISBN|978-0-9786063-6-7}} * Debra L. Birge (2007) ''My Little Pony: Around the World''. [[Schiffer Publishing]]. {{ISBN|978-0-7643-1749-1}}
==External links== {{commons category}} * {{Official website}}
{{My Little Pony}} {{Hasbro}} {{Authority control}} {{Portal bar|United States|Canada|Toys|Television|Film|Animation|Cartoon|Comics|Video games|Animals|1980s|1990s|2000s|2010s|2020s}}
[[Category:My Little Pony| ]] [[Category:1980s toys]] [[Category:1990s toys]] [[Category:2000s toys]] [[Category:2010s toys]] [[Category:2020s toys]] [[Category:Media franchises introduced in 1981]] [[Category:Toy brands]] [[Category:Doll brands]] [[Category:Toy animals]] [[Category:Children's television series about talking animals]] [[Category:Hasbro brands]] [[Category:Hasbro franchises]] [[Category:Horses in popular culture]]