How is MLP:FiM considered as "better" than most shows?

[AlbaTross 1,586]

Well, I don't watch a lot of tv. I've heard good things from people who do though, so it seems like quality tv has made a comeback in a huge way. I'm more of a gamer though. I really like that MLP:FiM and a couple other modern shows have gone the animated route, and didn't try to be a Simpsons/Family Guy knockoff. I don't hate CG, but I think it's way overused. I do enjoy anime, but for the longest time I was wondering if Western animation was dead.

 

Until watching MLP:FiM, I didn't think subtle parody was possible. I guess I was surrounded by the stupid brand of parody that was huge in the last decade, where references are not so subtly made, and one has to be up to date on everything related to pop culture, or frequently be left scratching one's head when not getting certain references. If I don't get a reference in MLP:FiM, I won't even know it was made, and when I do get it, it's amusing. Either way, enjoyment of episodes isn't remotely contingent on getting the various references, and I don't think I could ever go back to series like Family Guy now.

 

MLP:FiM has female leads, and a largely female dominated supporting cast. What makes it work IMHO is that the characters are explored as characters first and foremost, with things like gender taking a back seat. There seems to be a difference between writers approaching how to write a female character, and just approaching how to write a character. All of the Mane Six have traits that people of both genders can relate to, depending on their life situation and personality, and there are even traits of Rarity that straight, non-metrosexual guys can relate to. The reason why a lot of guys don't relate to a lot of female characters IMHO, is because a lot of people don't know how to write them. The appeal of a well written character shouldn't be restricted to one demographic IMHO, regardless of gender. It's also worth noting that this show approaches the subject of gender equality, without being over the top feminist, or girl-power based. Stuff like that keeps people away from girl's shows, including women, and I'm glad MLP:FiM doesn't do that. I could probably list more ways that this series is a cut above, but I'll stop there.

[Cwanky 17,579]

A lot of the fans and so-called brony "experts" like to say its the animation, but its more than that that makes FiM better, if at all to other shows.

 

First and foremost the writing is often times better developed and more disciplined. While we have seen the show lapse into habits of hackneyed phrases, gags and plot devices at times, the show has nonetheless shown exceptional refined quality in its writing and defying expectations over time, even without Lauren Faust. Shows like my beloved Simpsons, Family Guy and Spongebob have fallen to the wayside due to redundancy and overall laziness.

 

Secondly, the characters aren't just likable, they're well developed and to many relatable, even among male fans. The same shows I listed above lacks likeable or developed characters, though this is equally due to their format as sitcoms. Conversely shows like Futurama, Adventure Time, and Regular Show,despite being sitcoms in nature, also match the standards FiM has.

 

The third and perhaps most "appealing" factor at least for bronies is the theme. The very notion that a show intended for "little girls" could be complex and appealing enough to draw outsiders in is a sweet irony. It makes FiM an underdog in many senses of the word, and not many shows can say that the reach beyond their intended audience.

 

I myself will not say that FiM is "better than most shows," I personally enjoy Futurama more, but it has certainly earned its place.