>>283072935
The concept was novel back then. Seemingly normal highscholers thrown into surreal sci fi scenarios led by a assertive cutie is a done to death cliche by now but back in the late 00's it took the world by surprise. Also the show worked smartly into coining key iconography, a signature dance and cult -ish elements that were ripe for exploitation by the internet of that era.

As you suspect it was pretty much lightning in a bottle. After a few years and a couple mishaps the shine was gone and not even the same people could recapture the glory. But it still lasted a few good years of milking with spin off series, parodies, videogames, a gajillion CDs... all the marketing vehicle.

I long ago overcame my sadness that the franchise died and now I'm reminiscing about it happy that it happened. I was at the peak of my geekness when the show was on the top. It's the only time I ever attended a concert to see the voice actresses sing.