| Runa216 said: so what's this I hear about Season 3 having 13 episodes and being the last season? like what the hell?! |
13 episodes puts the series at 65 episodes, which is the ideal (and lowest) number for syndication, apparently. People are worried that Season 3 will be the last because of that. I think it's been confirmed that Season 3 does have 13 episodes, but I don't think the show will end after that. I think Hasbro and the Hub will want to get as much as they can out of this.
This link (around 15:40) confirms 13 episodes, at least according to Meghan McCarthy. Reddit discussion about the link. Possible spoilers? I'm not sure.
Here's a link from William Anderson's deviantart that is incredibly vague, but everyone seems to think implies more seasons of varying length. Reddit discussion about the link. Possible spoilers? I'm not sure.
Edit: Here's a good post on Reddit about this issue... It's in the first Reddit link.
"I've posted this on here once before a little while back, and I'm not really a fan of re-posting stuff, but it seemed to offer some peace of mind to people last time, so why not?:
65 is the customary number of episodes commissioned when it comes to television shows aimed at children, as it allows a station to air the entirety of a show in syndication exactly four times per year on weekdays (13x5=65). This fact has been disconcerting to some bronies, but as I've posted on here before, I don't think that there's any particular cause for concern.
The series has produced inordinately high ratings for the network, both in first run premieres and in reruns. In fact, two of the station's three highest-rated airings of all time, including their highest-rated airing of all time, were episodes of Friendship is Magic. In addition to that, they have recently announced a comics series based around the show that begins in November due to self-expressed "overwhelming demand." It doesn't definitively confirm anything about their long-term plans, but it's definitely a good sign, and its starting date would certainly put them in an awkward position if they didn't renew the show for a fourth season. Not to mention, as evidenced by looking at their site and watching the station, they have placed far greater emphasis on Friendship is Magic and its promotion than any of their other properties, and continue to put out high quality promotional material for the show. Believe me that Hasbro has taken notice of the increased value, revenue, and profitability of one of their flagship franchises, and what has spurred it, and are often reminded of the increased sales and demand of My Little Pony toys in comparison to their other brands. The Hub has quite literally hopped aboard the pony train. They truly seem to be entirely committed, and all in.
The series is cheap to produce, critically-acclaimed, family-friendly, has all of its staff members in place, and has an unprecedented large, growing, fervent following that spans across multiple demographics. For a network that has underperformed Discovery's initial expectations, the show is a blessing, and their actions show that they're well-aware that the show is by far the best thing that they have going for them. They're also very likely well-aware that the show is their best shot at success, both in the short-term and the long-term.
I would be willing to bet anything that the show continues beyond three seasons, so long as it maintains its current popularity and continues to generate revenue. Personally, I'm of the opinion that the 65 episode count is deliberate, as it allows them to one: ensure that they will have 65 episodes to syndicate on other stations regardless of the long-term fate of The Hub, which was likely the original amount that they decided on before the series even began airing, and two: receive an overwhelming wave of goodwill and positivity from relieved bronies when they announce that they're continuing the series. They will almost certainly receive a great deal of positive press, and any upstart channel, especially in this day and age, benefits greatly from that."
