This. I'm into loads of cartoons but they're usually very funny or at least based around comedy e.g. Spongebob, Gravity Falls. Whenever I see an episode of it on TV, it just doesn't appear to be anything special to me - just another show.
I can't give you some large overarching reason, there just isn't one. Different people like it for different reasons. Personally speaking, i like it because of the fact that is just innocent happy entertainment. I like it when things are happy with needing a reason to be happy. Unfortunately for me, you're just not going to find an show for adults that has that sort of attitude. Why MLP:FIM over other cartoons? I think its a bit higher quality then most other shows that have a tendency to just be happy. That said, i would be a liar if i said there weren't moments that have made me groan. Exceedingly bad puns and stupid jokes do happen, i just feel less often then others. In the end result, why do i like it? Because i do. It makes me happy. What else is there that needs to be said?
I'm afraid if I answer that question, I'll end up writing an autobiography! So, unless you want to read that much, I'm just going to stick with "I like it because it's a decent television show".
"Magic Duel" preview from USA Today http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/2012/11/26/my-little-pony/1725375/
"Keep Calm and Flutter On" preview from Entertainment Weekly and USA Today: [video=youtube;ddfcSPNxRB0]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddfcSPNxRB0[/video] The final four has now been scheduled. The series will end on a high note with: "Keep Calm and Flutter On" - January 19th The return of John DeLancie as Discord and the third Elements of Harmony episode in the series "Just For Sidekicks" - January 26th Spike-centered episode, the second in this season alone Week-long break before returning with the final two episodes- "Games Ponies Play" - February 9th Episode featuring a multi-sport event in vein of the Olympics. Featuring Cadence and set in the Crystal Empire And then the season finale- "Princess Coronation" - February 16th Speculation galore. Selected official merchandise and production staff tweets hint at a what-the-fuck plot twist in the show's fabric. Spoilers - It involves Twilight, her "destiny" and Luna's "Magic Book" seen in The Crystal Empire