My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, seasons 1 and 2

 

The My Little Pony intellectual property has been going on for 40 years, it's first generation coming out while I was a child.  Because of my childhood familiarity, I was well inclined to try out My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, when it launched in 2010.  It was VERY visually appealing to me, with the cute small ponies with enormous eyes that came in many colors.

The show was worth every bit of hype it got.  The first two episodes were an epic two part story about how everything began.  The following episodes were sweet one shots.  The characters were each well written, distinct, and relatable.  And the finale of season 1 wrapped up things that happened in earlier episodes for a fantastic musical finale.

Season 2 opened with a big two part story as well, introducing what became a fan favorite villain.  The episodes in between continued to build characters and flesh out the world of Equestria, and it ended with one of my favorite two part stories, A Canterlot Wedding.

These first two seasons are considered the most important seasons of the entire show, mainly because of the participation of the show's creator, Lauren Faust.  If the first seasons weren't such a huge success, none of the other seasons would exist.  Although Lauren Faust didn't stay on the show after season 2, she is credited as the mother of Friendship is Magic, and My Little Pony fans are loyal to her to this day.

My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, came out while I was planning my wedding in 2011, and following my honeymoon, I fell into a massive depression related to my career at the time.  I was watching Friendship is Magic episodes to help me get by.  Those little ponies were helping me stay alive back then.  I'm grateful the show existed when it did, it means a lot to me.