Common Sense Media Review
By Jenny Nixon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Goofy, laugh-packed show makes namesake toys irresistible.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
My Little Pony: Pony Life
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
MY LITTLE PONY: PONY LIFE follows the adventures of the "Mane Six" -- Princess Twilight Sparkle (voiced by Tara Strong), Rainbow Dash (Ashleigh Ball), Applejack (Ashleigh Ball), Pinkie Pie (Andrea Libman), Fluttershy (Andrea Libman), and Rarity (Tabitha St. Germain) -- as they hang out Friends-style at their local bakery/magic potion dispensary, Sugarcube Corner. The 11-minute adventures are broken into two halves, with storylines running the gamut from Pinkie Pie competing in a cutthroat cooking competition to Applejack experiencing an identity crisis over other ponies stealing her signature look. Overarching themes include the importance of being yourself, working together for the greater good, and treating people (well, ponies) with kindness.
Is It Any Good?
Parents may cringe at the series' corny horse-themed puns and over-the-top rainbow vibes, but there are sweet and thoughtful messages at its core that are bound to comfort and entertain little kids. Something worth noting is that My Little Pony: Pony Life varies in look from the franchise's previous animated offerings -- the characters appearing almost like baby versions of themselves size-wise, with enlarged eyeballs and stumpy legs. This visual shift may take some getting used to for longtime fans of My Little Pony: The Movie and their ilk, but it's such a goofy, laugh-packed show that most young ones will probably find it pretty hard to resist.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the animation style in My Little Pony: Pony Life varies from previous versions they may have seen. Do you prefer the classic Friendship is Magic look, or do you like the new miniaturized, big-eyed look of the characters?
Every character on the show has a quirk that sets them apart from others, such as a special hobby or talent. These qualities are represented visually as a "Cutie Mark" on each pony's flank, like the lightning bolt and cloud symbol on Rainbow Dash (who controls the weather). If you had your own Cutie Mark, what design would you choose and why?
TV Details
- Premiere date: November 7, 2020
- Cast: Tara Strong , Ashleigh Ball , Andrea Libman , Tabitha St. Germain , Nicole Oliver , Trevor Devall
- Network: Discovery Family Channel
- Genre: Kids' Animation
- TV rating: TV-Y7
- Last updated: April 5, 2023
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
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