After its first season in 2010, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic has become an almost unbelievable phenomenon. The show boasts one of the most diverse and active fanbases in recent memory.  Known as bronies (for the guys) and pegasisters (for the gals), MLP fans across the country craft immaculate pieces of fan artwork, stitch together gorgeous (human-appropriate) costumes of their favorite characters and host a plethora of conventions worldwide. Celebrities such as Stephen Colbert and Gabe Newell have even stepped forward to show the bronies some love.

And what’s behind it all?  Well, Hasbro has certainly put together a hell of a show.  My Little Pony boasts an impressive cast of talented voice actors, an amazing team of animators and the savvy to leverage the show’s incredible accessibility.  The fluid animation style uses bright colors, but isn’t limited to pale yellows, hot pinks and vibrant purples which may peg it as a girl’s show.  The main characters (or “mane” as the case may be) are all female, but have the support of a wide array of male co-stars ranging from Spike, the lovable dragon sidekick to Discord, the harbringer of chaos (voiced by none other than John de Lancie).  Older audiences can appreciate a slew of clever jokes while catchy musical numbers bring fans of all sorts together in much the same way as Disney’s classic animated films.  This potent combination has created a franchise that appeals to the target demographic, but is able to reach far wider.

While the show’s message touches on making new friends by learning more about them, helping them when they’re having a problem and promoting harmony all around, it certainly isn’t for everyone.  The almost aggressively cute antics of Twilight Sparkle and her friends can be a huge turn off to some folks and the occasionally rabid devotion of bronies and pegasisters is enough to turn off others.  But contrary to popular belief, bronies are not any stranger than your average Browncoat or Trek fan.  Like ’em or not, they’re here to stay and I say that My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic is worth at least an afternoon’s worth of “When in Ponyville, do as the ponies do.”

You might just enjoy yourself.