My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic type TV Show network The Hub genre Family

Guess who’s back in the saddle?

EW can exclusively reveal that all-new episodes of My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic — the colorful kid’s series that became an Internet phenomenon — will premiere on The Hub at 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 10. The show’s third season is kicking off with an epic, hour-long two-parter centered on a whole new corner of Equestria: the Crystal Empire, an ancient, cursed place that mysteriously reemerges after a thousand-year absence.

The episode will be followed by the premiere of The Hub’s newest series, Littlest Pet Shop — an animated comedy that features the vocal talents of Ashleigh Ball, Tabitha St. German, and Nicole Oliver, all of whom also star on My Little Pony (as Rainbow Dash/Applejack, Rarity, and Princess Celestia, respectively.)

Pony head writer Meghan McCarthy tells EW that season 3 will focus on main pony Twilight Sparkle as she advances in her magical studies: “She’s been in Ponyville for awhile now, and so her journey is going a little bit further,” McCarthy says. It’ll also feature “very catchy and very, very cute” new songs, “the usual pop culture references,” and the reemergence of a certain unnamed fan favorite villain — who McCarthy says will return “in a very, very awesome way.”

Fans should also watch out for an upcoming installment that deals with a very topical issue: bullying. “[It] explores how you should handle a bully, and sometimes what the source of bullying is,” McCarthy explains. But don’t expect an awkward Very Special Episode: “It’s wrapped in a story that’s really fun and funny, and has music, and doesn’t feel heavy-handed.”

Still hungry for more unbridled pony scoop? Check out this exclusive picture of the Crystal Empire and a clip from the premiere, which features Spike the Dragon’s singing debut:

Image zoom Lewis Jacobs/NBC

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