Why is this worth 8.9?

I give it a 10. Its a funny show with great characters and a great storyline (especially season 2). It's also gorgeously animated. I just love it.

Because most people think it's imaginative, witty, well-animated, intelligent, mysterious, and just a lot of fun.

But everyone's unique, etc.

Some of it? You have to watch the whole series to really get it.

To me it's more like a 6.5-7.5. Maybe an 8 if I felt generous. I watched it on a friend's recommendation and definitely enjoyed it (more than Steven Universe), but still didn't really understand the level of love that big fans have for it. (One of the best cartoons on the Disney Channel since its original 80s/90s set? Yes. But imo that's not saying much.) I found it cute, charming, memorable, and funny--better than I'd anticipated, but still not outstanding enough to be a favorite. The writing was very clever, and I liked all the main characters (Mabel, Dipper, Stan, Soos, Wendy...) There's nothing wrong with it, nothing noticeably missing. I just didn't love it as much as some did. *shrug*

Deapth of story, characters, and plot, combined with quality animation, real suspense, hidden clues and on going mystery, those are just some of the draws of this show. It really is one of the best animated series that's cone along in a long time, and to top that off it's actually coming to a planned end with a complete story, something many shows never do.