GameFAQs managed to convince me to watch a TV show (something I haven't done in years):
My Little Ponies: Friendship is Magic
It's...pretty good. First couple episodes were bad and obviously a pilot. Next few episodes I was thinking "this is pretty good, but I'm still feeling a bit old to be watching this". Then the show really takes off. It's made by the creator of the Powerpuff Girls, except with more characterization and less punching; and the characterization is really quite good (like, there's two different tomboy characters with very distinct personalities). And for all that it's a kids show, it doesn't really treat the characters like kids; they have adult responsibilities, adult problems, no obvious parental figures, etc. Hmm...let's talk about the characters.
Twilight Sparkle: The highly competent main character. Twilight is basically a scientist type who doesn't know how to socialize. Like...they're about to have a slumber party, and her reaction is "oh, hold on, I read a book on this once. *runs to get book* it has a checklist and everything!"
Pinkie Pie: Literally Pinkie from Pinkie and the Brain. Like...this video is so accurate:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCpdDS3L2xs (accurate for Pinkie anyway. Only somewhat accurate for the Twilight being the Brain--in that Twilight usually isn't the one with an insane scheme--there are other characters for that).
Fluttershy: Extremely timid, underconfident biologist who obsesses over flora and fauna. Bubbles from the Powerpuff Girls is a somewhat reasonable analogy.
Rainbow Dash: Loves flying, brags constantly about her skill, complains when people slow her down, obsesses over being cool, and has a bit of a selfish streak.
Rarity: Vain fashion designer, obsesses over small details. Strangely in the running for best character in the show just because of how well she's executed.
Applejack: A bit of a redneck--happy to help someone out, but has a strong independent streak when it comes to accepting help herself. Happy to get dirty doing physical labour on the farm, but can't stand the thought of getting dressed up in lace.
Spike: Token male, which gives him a lot of good one-liners. Also token dragon.
It's hard to think of a major character I dislike. Unless I can count the Cutie Mark Crusaders, in which case yes: they are awful.