Jump to content

My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic season 4

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by 64.24.84.3 (talk) at 14:21, 5 December 2013 (→Episodes). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic season 4
Season 4
No. of episodes26[1]
Release
Original networkHub Network
Original releaseNovember 23, 2013 (2013-11-23) –
TBA
Season chronology
← Previous
Season 3
Next →
Season 5
List of episodes

The fourth season of the animated television series My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic, developed by Lauren Faust, airs on the Hub Network in the United States. The series is considered to be the fourth generation (G4) of the My Little Pony franchise, following earlier lines and television show tie-ins in the 1980s and 1990s. Season 4 of the series premiered on November 23, 2013, on the Hub Network, an American pay television channel partly owned by Hasbro.

The show follows a studious alicorn (previously unicorn) pony named Twilight Sparkle as her mentor Princess Celestia guides her to learn about friendship in the town of Ponyville. Twilight becomes close friends with five other ponies: Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie. Each represents a different face of friendship, and Twilight discovers herself to be a key part of the magical artifacts, the "Elements of Harmony". The ponies share adventures and help out other residents of Ponyville, while working out the troublesome moments in their own friendships.

Hasbro selected animator Lauren Faust as the creative director and executive producer for the show. Faust sought to challenge the established "girly" nature of the existing My Little Pony line, creating more in-depth characters and adventurous settings, incorporating Hasbro's suggestions for marketing of the toy line.

Development

Concept

The show follows a studious alicorn (previously unicorn) pony named Twilight Sparkle as her mentor Princess Celestia guides her to learn about friendship in the town of Ponyville. Twilight becomes close friends with five other ponies: Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie. Each represents a different face of friendship, and Twilight discovers herself to be a key part of the magical artifacts, the "Elements of Harmony". The ponies share adventures and help out other residents of Ponyville, while working out the troublesome moments in their own friendships.

Season 4 continues from the events of the third season finale, Magical Mystery Cure, where Twilight, shown to have come to hone her magic skills while learning the value of friendship, has been crowned as Equestria's newest princess, becoming an alicorn in the process. Some elements of the season will focus on Twilight coming to terms with her new status; Lead writer Meghan McCarthy stated that "What we didn’t want to do was change who [Twilight] is as a character, because she’s certainly someone that everyone’s proud to know and love",[2] while Tara Strong, the voice actress for Twilight, claimed that the episode is "a birth of a new era for Twilight, but not the end of what makes the show so wonderful".[3]

Production

Investment documents for DHX Media's 2012 financial year indicate that production for a fourth season had been financed.[4] Before the season premiered, aspects of it were discussed by Meghan McCarthy, Tara Strong and other writers and voice actors at various fan conventions.[5][6] Hasbro's vice president for international distribution, Finn Arnesen, had stated that My Little Pony is a "top-priority" brand for the company and expects the series to continue beyond the fourth season.[7] The fourth season of the series premiered on November 23, 2013.[8] This season marks the first time storyboard artist Jim Miller (who also voices King Sombra from the season three premiere) will be co-directing alongside Jayson Thiessen.[9]

At the 2013 San Diego Comic-Con International in July 2013, the writers and voice actors talked about the upcoming season. It is expected to have between 15 and 20 songs, even though the writers had envisioned more, and will include a musical episode centered around Pinkie Pie. Rarity will have her own episode, and Pinkie will also see an episode where her family, including her sisters, visits Ponyville. The season will also include a return of Nightmare Moon, the evil version of Princess Luna. The writers have stated that they will include references aimed for its adult audience, and will also include more appearances by the fan-named character Derpy Hooves.[10]

Cast

The main characters will be voiced by their returning voice actors: Tara Strong as Twilight Sparkle, Tabitha St. Germain as Rarity, Ashleigh Ball as both Applejack and Rainbow Dash, Andrea Libman as both Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie and Cathy Weseluck as Spike. Other actors in guest roles include Nicole Oliver as Princess Celestia, Claire Corlett as Sweetie Belle, Peter New as Big Macintosh, Brenda Crichlow as Zecora, and John de Lancie as Discord.[11][12]

Episodes

See also: List of My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic episodes

Like the first two seasons, this season will have 26 episodes. However, Season 4 will be a season long story arc.[13]

My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic season 4 episodes
No. in
series 		No. in
season 		Title Directed by[nb 1] Written by[nb 1] Original air date[14] Viewers
(in millions)
661"Princess Twilight Sparkle" (Part 1)[11]Jayson Thiessen and Jim MillerMeghan McCarthyNovember 23, 2013 (2013-11-23)0.733[15]
672"Princess Twilight Sparkle" (Part 2)[12]Jayson Thiessen and Jim MillerMeghan McCarthyNovember 23, 2013 (2013-11-23)0.709[15]
683"Castle Mane-ia"[16]Jayson Thiessen and Jim MillerJosh HaberNovember 30, 2013 (2013-11-30)
TBA
694"Daring Don't"[17]Jayson Thiessen and Jim MillerDave Polsky[17]December 7, 2013 (2013-12-07)[17]
TBA
705"Flight to the Finish"[18]Jayson Thiessen and Jim MillerEd Valentine[18]December 14, 2013 (2013-12-14)[18]
TBA
716"Power Ponies"[14]Jayson Thiessen and Jim MillerCharlotte Fullerton & Betsy McGowen[19]December 21, 2013 (2013-12-21)[14]
TBA
727"Bats!"[20]Jayson Thiessen and Jim MillerTBADecember 28, 2013 (2013-12-28)[20]
TBA
738"Rarity Takes Manehattan"[21]Jayson Thiessen and Jim MillerTBAJanuary 4, 2014 (2014-01-04)
TBA
749TBAJayson Thiessen and Jim MillerNatasha Levinger[22]TBA
TBA
7510"Rarity Takes Manehattan"[23]Jayson Thiessen and Jim MillerTBAJanuary 4, 2014 (2014-01-04)
TBA
7611TBAJayson Thiessen and Jim MillerNatasha Levinger[22]TBA
TBA
7712[24]Jayson Thiessen and Jim MillerTBAJanuary 4, 2014 (2014-01-04)
TBA
7813TBAJayson Thiessen and Jim MillerNatasha Levinger[22]TBA
TBA
7914[25]Jayson Thiessen and Jim MillerTBATBA
TBA
8015TBAJayson Thiessen and Jim MillerNatasha Levinger[22]TBA
TBA
8116[26]Jayson Thiessen and Jim MillerTBATBA
TBA
8217TBAJayson Thiessen and Jim MillerNatasha Levinger[22]TBA
TBA
8318[27]Jayson Thiessen and Jim MillerTBATBA
TBA
8419TBAJayson Thiessen and Jim MillerNatasha Levinger[22]TBA
TBA
8520[28]Jayson Thiessen and Jim MillerTBATBA
TBA
8621TBAJayson Thiessen and Jim MillerNatasha Levinger[22]TBA
TBA
8722[29]Jayson Thiessen and Jim MillerTBATBA
TBA
8823TBAJayson Thiessen and Jim MillerNatasha Levinger[22]TBA
TBA
8924[30]Jayson Thiessen and Jim MillerTBATBA
TBA
9025TBAJayson Thiessen and Jim MillerNatasha Levinger[22]TBA
TBA
9126TBAJayson Thiessen and Jim MillerMeghan McCarthy[31]TBA
TBA

Notes

  1. ^ a b Information about the directors and writers are taken from the episodes' opening credits.

References

  1. ^ Miller, Jim (2013-11-24). "[Number of episodes confirmation]". Twitter. Retrieved 2013-11-24.
  2. ^ Busis, Hillary (2013-01-29). "My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic exclusive: Twilight's becoming a princess!". Entertainment Weekly. Time Inc. Retrieved 2013-09-28.
  3. ^ Busis, Hillary (2013-02-15). "My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic: Exclusive clip from season 3's royal finale". Entertainment Weekly. Time Inc. Retrieved 2013-02-15.
  4. ^ "Management Discussion and Analysis" (PDF). Fiscal 2012 (Press release). DHX Media. 2012-06-30. p. 11. Retrieved 2013-11-25.
  5. ^ Watercutter, Angela (2013-02-15). "Exclusive: Watch a Clip from the Controversial My Little Pony Season 3 Finale". Wired.
  6. ^ Busis, Hillary (2013-01-31). "My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic: A Brony explains why fans say 'neigh' to Princess Twilight". Entertainment Weekly. Time Inc. Retrieved 2013-09-28.
  7. ^ Christie, Brendan (2013). Lana, Castleman (ed.). "Hasbro hits its stride" (PDF). Kidscreen: 33–34. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  8. ^ Busis, Hillary (2013-07-25). "My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic exclusive: Season 4 premieres on..." Entertainment Weekly. Time Inc. Retrieved 2013-07-25.
  9. ^ Miller, Jim (2013-04-12). "[Co-director credit confirmation]". Twitter. Retrieved 2013-04-12.
  10. ^ Nyugen, Hanh (2013-07-20). "My Little Pony: Pinkie Pie Lands a Musical Episode and More Season 4 Scoop". TV Guide. Retrieved 2013-07-20.
  11. ^ a b Maloney, Amy (2013-11-13). "A Royal Problem Begins for Princess Twilight When Celestia and Luna Disappear, on My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic, Nov. 23" (PDF). Discovery Press Web (Press release). Discovery Communications. Retrieved 2013-11-25.
  12. ^ a b Maloney, Amy (2013-10-30). "It Is Time for Everypony to Fight the Engulfing Everfree Forest and Save Equestria, on My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic, Nov. 23" (PDF). Discovery Press Web (Press release). Discovery Communications. Retrieved 2013-10-31.
  13. ^ Meghan McCarthy (2013-11-23). "MMeghanMcCarthy: Season. Long. Story Arc. #sixkeys ..." Twitter. Retrieved 2013-11-24.
  14. ^ a b c "My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic: Season 4". Zap2it. Retrieved 2013-11-25.
  15. ^ a b Pucci, Douglas (2013-11-29). "Hub Network Weekly Ratings Scorecard (November 18–24, 2013)". Son of the Bronx. Blogger. Retrieved 2013-11-29.
  16. ^ Maloney, Amy (2013-11-14). "A Mysterious Shadow Stalks the Ponies Through Celestia's Ancient Castle Ruins, on My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic, Nov. 30" (PDF). Discovery Press Web (Press release). Discovery Communications. Retrieved 2013-11-14.
  17. ^ a b c Maloney, Amy (2013-11-22). "Rainbow Dash Finds Danger In Her Own Temple of Doom When She Tries to Help Her Favorite Author A.K. Yearling, on My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic, Dec. 7" (PDF). Discovery Press Web (Press release). Discovery Communications. Retrieved 2013-11-22.
  18. ^ a b c Maloney, Amy (2013-11-26). "Everypony Wants to Fly the Flag in the Equestria Games and Scootaloo Gets an Extra Boost From Coach Rainbow Dash, on My Little Pony Friendship Is Magic, Dec. 14" (PDF). Discovery Press Web (Press release). Discovery Communications. Retrieved 2013-11-27.
  19. ^ Fullerton, Charlotte (2013-09-19). "[Co-writing credit confirmation, 1]". Twitter. Retrieved 2013-11-27.
  20. ^ a b Sorenson, Laura (2013-11-25). "The Hub Network's December 2013 Highlights" (PDF). Discovery Press Web (Press release). Discovery Communications. p. 2. Retrieved 2013-11-25.
  21. ^ "My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic Season 04 Episode 08 - Rarity Takes Manehattan - Zap2it TV Listings". Zap2it. Retrieved 2013-12-04.
  22. ^ a b c d e f g h i Levinger, Natasha (2013-07-28). "[Songwriting credit confirmation]". Tumblr. Retrieved 2013-11-02.
  23. ^ "My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic Season 04 Episode 08 - Rarity Takes Manehattan - Zap2it TV Listings". Zap2it. Retrieved 2013-12-04.
  24. ^ "My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic Season 04 Episode 08 - Rarity Takes Manehattan - Zap2it TV Listings". Zap2it. Retrieved 2013-12-04.
  25. ^ "My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic Season 04 Episode 08 - Rarity Takes Manehattan - Zap2it TV Listings". Zap2it. Retrieved 2013-12-04.
  26. ^ "My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic Season 04 Episode 08 - Rarity Takes Manehattan - Zap2it TV Listings". Zap2it. Retrieved 2013-12-04.
  27. ^ "My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic Season 04 Episode 08 - Rarity Takes Manehattan - Zap2it TV Listings". Zap2it. Retrieved 2013-12-04.
  28. ^ "My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic Season 04 Episode 08 - Rarity Takes Manehattan - Zap2it TV Listings". Zap2it. Retrieved 2013-12-04.
  29. ^ "My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic Season 04 Episode 08 - Rarity Takes Manehattan - Zap2it TV Listings". Zap2it. Retrieved 2013-12-04.
  30. ^ "My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic Season 04 Episode 08 - Rarity Takes Manehattan - Zap2it TV Listings". Zap2it. Retrieved 2013-12-04.
  31. ^ Meghan McCarthy (2013-11-07). "[Writing credit confirmation, 1]". Twitter. Retrieved 2013-11-07.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=My_Little_Pony:_Friendship_Is_Magic_season_4&oldid=584691620"