Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Imagination Movers, Wonderpets and Bob the Builder: these are the shows that shaped my childhood, but when I look back, what did those shows really teach me? They taught me math and the basics of friendship and sharing, but we can learn those skills in the classroom. We needed a show that normalized people with different personalities and interests being friends and villains getting redemptions. These characteristics are wonderfully portrayed in My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic.

In almost every children’s TV show, villains stay villains, none of the characters face any real problems and the characters only exist to profit. In My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, every villain gets a redemption, which teaches children even if you mess up it’s not the end of the world. Also, My Little Pony characters come back time and time again developing as characters and helping viewers to develop themselves. My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic is better than anything we had when we were kids.

Many people may say this show is stupid and just for kids, but there are valid reasons showing otherwise. If the show was just for kids, why would there be a character called Doctor Hooves in reference to the adult show Doctor Who? Also, the show has complicated situations which would benefit all ages, such as season 1 episode 21 where viewers learn the importance of accepting people from different places. In this instance, the Apple-loosans, residents of a town where many of Applejack’s relatives reside. And let’s not forget the boppin’ tunes heard throughout the series.

Since Christmas break is approaching, it’s important to recognize that My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic is the perfect show to watch with the whole family. It teaches gratitude, trust and has many holiday episodes to get you in the Christmas spirit, such as season 2 episode 11, season 6 episode 8 and season 5 episode, 20 to name a few.

It’s sweet, sparkly and surprisingly sincere. My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic is the best show for all generations.