Discovery Family Channel Obtains Exclusive Television Rights To Hasbro Studios' Feature Film "My Little Pony Equestria Girls: Rainbow Rocks"

SILVER SPRING, Md., Oct. 9, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Fans of all ages flocked to movie theaters over the past few weeks to watch the highly-anticipated debut of Hasbro Studios' "My Little Pony Equestria Girls: Rainbow Rocks." The film debuted in over 400 theaters and attendance in the first weekend was up 35% over last year.  Today, in its first official programming announcement since conception, the newly named Discovery Family Channel (formerly Hub Network) revealed it has obtained the exclusive broadcast rights to the wildly popular animated film, and will air "My Little Pony Equestria Girls: Rainbow Rocks" on Friday, October 17 at 3:30 ET/12:30 PT.

"At Discovery Family, we are committed to airing the latest in high-quality, family-friendly entertainment," said General Manager Tom Cosgrove. "Our young audience adores the MY LITTLE PONY brand, and their parents can appreciate the positive themes of friendship and teamwork featured throughout the MY LITTLE PONY EQUESTRIA GIRLS films."

This is the second film featuring the beloved MY LITTLE PONY characters that are magically transformed into teenage girls in high school. The first movie, which premiered in June 2013, was also highly successful in theaters and on television, garnering millions of fans.

In the sequel, Canterlot High is hosting a musical showcase and Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Fluttershy are going to be performing with their new band, The Rainbooms. But when a new girl group, The Dazzlings, arrives at CHS, they convince everyone to turn the friendly showcase into a Battle of the Bands. As tensions mount between the competing musical acts, The Rainbooms call on Princess Twilight to return to their world to help them perform a musical counter-spell so that they can win a battle that now determines the fate of the entire school.

"My Little Pony Equestria Girls: Rainbow Rocks" is executive produced by Stephen Davis. It stars the cast of "My Little Pony Friendship is Magic," including Tara Strong ("Twilight Sparkle"), Ashleigh Ball ("Applejack"; "Rainbow Dash"), Andrea Libman ("Fluttershy"; "Pinkie Pie"), Tabitha St. Germain ("Rarity"), and Cathy Weseluck ("Spike"). The movie also features the voiceover talent of Rebecca Shoichet ("Sunset Shimmer") and Kazumi Evans ("Adagio Dazzle").

About Discovery Family
Discovery Family Channel is a bold, 24-hour entertainment destination that brings the entire family together to share a sense of wonder, amazement and fun about the world.  Currently available in nearly 70 million homes in the U.S., the network is a joint venture between Discovery Communications and Hasbro, Inc. and showcases world-class kids programming during the day and entertainment that the entire family can watch together at night.

About Hasbro
Hasbro, Inc. HAS is a branded play company dedicated to fulfilling the fundamental need for play for children and families through the creative expression of the Company's world class brand portfolio, including TRANSFORMERS, MONOPOLY, PLAY-DOH, MY LITTLE PONY, MAGIC: THE GATHERING, NERF and LITTLEST PET SHOP. From toys and games, to television programming, motion pictures, digital gaming and a comprehensive licensing program, Hasbro strives to delight its global customers with innovative play and entertainment experiences, in a variety of forms and formats, anytime and anywhere.  The Company's Hasbro Studios is responsible for entertainment brand-driven storytelling around Hasbro brands across television, film, commercial productions and short-form.  Through the company's deep commitment to corporate social responsibility, including philanthropy, Hasbro is helping to build a safe and sustainable world for future generations and to positively impact the lives of millions of children and families every year. It has been recognized for its efforts by being named one of the "World's Most Ethical Companies" and is ranked as one of Corporate Responsibility Magazine's "100 Best Corporate Citizens." Learn more at www.hasbro.com.

About Hasbro Studios
Hasbro Studios is the Los Angeles-based entertainment division of Hasbro, Inc. HAS. The studio is responsible for entertainment brand-driven storytelling for the company across television, film, commercial productions and short-form. It develops, produces and distributes TV shows based on Hasbro's world class brands, including TRANSFORMERS, MY LITTLE PONY, LITTLEST PET SHOP and FAMILY GAME NIGHT. Many of these shows air on Discovery Family Channel, a U.S. television network for kids and their families, that is a joint venture between Hasbro and Discovery Communications DISCA DISCB, DISCK). Hasbro Studios shows can also be seen on networks in more than 180 territories globally.  Since its formation in 2009, the studio has received seven Daytime Emmy wins and 16 nominations.  On the film side, the studio is developing and producing a number of features based on Hasbro's brands, including TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION (Paramount), G.I. JOE 3 (Paramount) and CANDY LAND (Sony).  The studio team also oversees the production of commercials that feature Hasbro's brands as well production of short-form content that can be seen on all of the major digital and social media platforms globally.

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SOURCE Discovery Family