Quote Originally Posted by SiuiS View Post
On Screen. Rarity didn't have family until it would be funny and move the story along. Same with applejack.same with Fluttershy (who left her family and way o life behind to be a peacenik on the ground she – and by extension, probably they – had never seen or really knew existed. Dash left everything behind because he old life is strongly presented as wrapped up in old patterns of behavior and tracks she is avoiding. That's not "no family" that's "family isn't important to who they are as characters".
Thing is. Applejack had loads of family from the first episode, and at least one member of that family has appeared in each of thirty-five of the fifty-two aired episodes. That's a bit over two thirds.

Rarity's sister Sweetie Belle appeared in episode 1, was introduced in episode 12, and was revealed as a relative in episode 17.

Scootaloo also appeared in 1x01 and was introduced in 1x12, but was revealed (by what was Tier 2 canon at the time) to be unrelated.

In 1x02 Pinkie mentioned a "Granny Pie"; details remain elusive.

Season 1 episode 23, which specifically focused on the mane six's pasts, revealed Twilight's parents and Pinkie's immediate family, but neither that nor the additional flashback in 2x22 gave any hint that either mane pegasus is related to anyone or anything.

Call it what you like. My point is that both earth ponies and both unicorns, as well as the earth pony and unicorn in the CMC, had family in season 1; here we are after season 2 and the closest thing we get for any pegasus who's appeared in more than two episodes is "Derpy" being near Doctor Hooves in a background shot.