Target Audience

[LucasB 196]

We all know this show is targeted for girls of around age 6, but for some reason there are a lot of older fans, around 16 years old on average according to a poll. Which makes us all come up with reasons why this is so attractive to teens and even adults. Well, I'm here to share my thoughts. Had the show gone with the original creator's idea of "adventures", I bet it wouldn't be half as interesting. But rather, it touches on the subject of friendship, and not just scratching the surface on some basic stuff, but contains some pretty intricate and very realistic problems and ideas. There are some pretty deep and genuine emotions and is not the classic simple plot simple resolution like many other cartoons for kids. In the end, it was even able to change me. I don't know if anyone else felt the same way, but I became a better friend from watching a show. I became more forgiving, I no longer have a desire to pull revenge on everyone that gets in my way, and became a more helpful person: sometimes your generosity may not be appreciated or repaid immediately, but it is all worth it in the long run. Instead of fighting fire with fire, I try to see if I can solve or appease the original problem. And most of all, I gained a major boost in self confidence and resilance to social pressure.

[Kai-rouken 146]

11 hours ago, arcticaunion said:

We all know this show is targeted for girls of around age 6,

6? As in Kindergarten girls? Really? I see it more as 8-10 year old girls who make up the primary target demographic o,o

I definitely agree with the emotional complexity being a major attracting factor amongst fans outside of the "target audience". However, I actually feel as though a resurgence of Lauren's "adventurous" vision to MLP could be the perfect way to add another layer of depth to the series and eventually conclude it on a truly epic note.

Furthermore, we must not forget about the veritable treasure trove of trolling potential FiM has provided the more... "astute" pony fans to relish in~ /)^3^(\

 

 

      ^Also, this image helps sum up the final 3 contributing factors to FiM enjoyment outside of the 6-10 yr old chiquita range

#1 MLP:FiM is a Hugbox cartoon (a genre of media which can help people suffering from all varieties of trauma within their lives; typical Hugbox series will focus on nurturing friendships, resolving issues within a social situation by means of understanding and kindness as opposed to brute force and cruelty, and character interactions/ development between individual characters which oftentimes evoke a "warm, fuzzy" feeling of comfort within the viewer. Very therapeutic to say the least.)

(Other good examples of Hugbox series besides FiM off the top of my head: Ruby Gloom, Hanazuki: Full of Treasures, and Sofia the First.)

#2 MLP has an absolute abundance of relatable, helpless, or just plain adorable characters exceptionally evocative of the "moe" emotion in the eyes of a teen-to-adult viewer. So, all you perverts "cultured individuals" out there have plenty of waifus/ husbandos to choose from accommodating nearly any taste imaginable! I am particularly partial to Crystal Prep Twi myself, but I also quite enjoy S1 Pinkie Pie, Sweetie Belle, Fluttershy, and the fluffy, winged Purplesmart <3

#3 FiM is a shipper's paradise! No disambiguation needed! 

Edited May 31, 2018 by Kai-rouken

[Kadeda 178]

I don't think this show has a definite, "target audience." Good shows don't need them. People will watch it.

[GrimGrimoire 4,973]

The show does not have an absolute target audience anymore, the franchise as a whole does. However over the years it has changed and and has been more open to trying new things and expanding it's line to appeal to different consumers. The franchise was and still is partially aimed at young girls, but it is written and animated in a way that just about anyone can enjoy, and they have put out several episodes that appeal more to the older crowd than the younger crowd.

 

[Thrond 3,266]

The show has expanded in its focus, but mostly I just think the appeal is because it's always been pretty good at being a show for little girls. It's funny and cute and the characters are interesting, and none of that is contrary to the brand's target demographic. 

[Dark Qiviut 22,565]

Quote

“A children's story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children's story in the slightest.”

Thank you, C.S. Lewis.

Good stories with children in mind are to be accessible and timeless for everyone. FIM has layers of complexity and maturity, especially in the post-Faust years for the latter, in which these stories and episodes as a whole either don't age at all or age better. FIM ain't a family show just because people say so. It's a family show because DHX knows good stories for kids follow the same decades-old, gender- and age-neutral, inclusive recipe as shows and movies before and during its run.

Edited May 31, 2018 by Dark Qiviut