@Background Pony #F8D1  
Larson wrote the episode thinking it’d be the final episode. Much if it was changed in the subsequent (uncredited) rewrites and writing usually takes place long before the episode goes into production. What I’m saying is that none of this conflicts with you saying that a 4th season was known midseason 3; it would not have been known when Larson started.

I hate that this lie propagates, but it is no shock, as this is the trend that permeates throughout all of humanity.
 
This episode was never, ever ever ever ever, going to be the final episode. This is a lie the writers tell you to damage control the horrible; lore disintegrating, unartful, and corporate mandate that is Twilicorn.
 
In early 2012, when s3 was barely in production, we see a post from the music team of all places (the very end of the production pipeline) that clearly states there will be more seasons following s3, and that s3 is also in fact shortened due to the redistribution of funding from FiM into Equestria Girls: another travesty that has had a hugely negative impact on a great thing.
 
I will fight for the rest of my life to inform against misinformation and the lies told about my favorite thing in the world: My Little Pony Friendship is Magic.
 
https://www.equestriadaily.com/2012/07/william-andersons-poem-on-seasons.html

@Background Pony #0884  
I hope so. I mean, it will won’t it? Other finished shows with a lot less content and a smaller fan base still have ongoing fandoms right?

Even though the show is coming to an end the fandom will still continue and live on.

I’m glad Hasbro decided to keep going. I wasn’t ready to say goodbye at that point in time. It’s still sad now, but I’m ready now.

@ApplejackFan204  
Oh, please. How can we possibly forget such a great film?

@Scorch215  
It wasn’t the writers who wanted just enough episodes to be syndicated, it was Hasbro.

@p0nyguy  
the writing staff actually planned for that to be the searies fina but changed their minds and it continued, thats what the writers said anyways.
 
either way glad it wasnt.

@Background Pony #F4BB  
And a movie. Don’t forget a movie.

Yeah but they were not advertising it as the final season though

Yes. And what a rebound! getting 6 more seasons and a spinoff series

It was? Says who?

Fortunately it was not.

I complain a lot. But I’m glad it wasn’t. The cartoon managed to do a lot of great stuff with several characters in the extra tie it got.

i remember reading a youtube comment when this episode came out saying something like “is it all over now?” which was probably done by a person who was disgusted by the Brony fandom and its sexual fat man loving girl stuff stereotype

Well not really. Many thought it’d kill the series, though.