Well you don't have to of watched the show but it helps a little. If you look at the roles of the game and break them down and the items too they are somewhat similar to old roles and or old games and situations.
Actually looking at the roles and items only a few haven't been in previous games. Rarity,Nightmare Moon, Queen Chrystallis. For items. Only the Power of Love Spell is different from other games if memory serves as far as how things work. Maybe the Poison joke Flower.
Also the game starts in 2 weeks. If you want you can watch the 2 seasons. Maybe 2 hours a day if you want I did put that Season 1 and 2 link there under the interesting links and where I am putting the people who have signed up for the game.