You’re Not Watching ‘Steven Universe’ — But You Should Be
Steven Universe is the best show on television right now that you’re not watching.
Created by Adventure Time writer Rebecca Sugar, Steven Universe follows the titular young character as he navigates growing up, finding his place among a female (sort of) alien team known as The Crystal Gems, and reconciling the memory and legacy of his deceased mother.
If there is one thing that makes Steven Universe important, special, and completely worthy of your time, it’s that Steven Universe the show and the character possess an indomitable optimism and bright-eyed view of the world that is absolutely necessary in this time and place.
The show believes at every turn that everyone, especially your enemies, is worthy of your empathy, compassion, and kindness. No matter the differences or opposing ideologies, there is always a place of understanding at the table of Steven Universe.
It’s that unquenchable humanism that makes the animated show what it is: amazing, beautiful, and completely vital.
Steven Universe is a show full of boundless joy and happiness, but it won’t flinch at turning the audience into a puddle of their own tears.
This comes in quiet scenes between characters or when the show presents an original song.
This occurs about half a dozen times a season, but when it does, it’s incredible. Wrought with emotion and meaning while still being catchy and upbeat, it never fails to efficiently allow the viewer into the headspace of some rather complex characters and the many nuances they inhabit.
It shouldn’t be overlooked, however, that Steven Universe is wickedly funny. If you happen to be a fan of puns, this is the show for you. They are delivered with almost reckless abandon and somehow always land, even if you can’t stand puns.
That’s the wonder of Steven Universe: it blends humor and heartbreak in way that is masterful. It’s one of the rare shows where you can find yourself simultaneously laughing and weeping.
One of the more fascinating and compelling things that Steven Universe does is its relationship with science fiction and its inclusion of very sci-fi concepts. One such conceit is “fusion,” where two extraterrestrial character blend together and become an amalgamated, larger version of the duo.
Fusion is used to great dramatic effect in the show and is most successfully used metaphorically. Like most sci-fi concepts, it’s imperfect when applied to just one thing, which is why it’s used to illustrate LGBT relationships, sex, sexuality, friendship, and intimacy.
In that regard, Steven Universe isn’t afraid to drive at something truly important and worthy of conversation.
Since it is on Cartoon Network and technically a children’s program (much in the same way that Pixar films are for children), it is impressive and all the more laudable that Rebecca Sugar and Co. often go out of their way to shine a light on something LGBT-related or have social relevance.
Steven Universe never shies away from or forgets that, above all else, it is trying to entertain and instill some larger lesson to children. These lessons include the importance of acknowledging your emotions and something as simple as urging self-acceptance.
The voice talent is also top-notch. Zach Callison voices Steven and it’s so wonderful watching his voice change in step with the title character, which offers a great sense of maturity as the seasons go on.
The Crystal Gems are also incredible. Deedee Magno, Estelle, and Michaela Dietz voice Pearl, Garnet, and Amethyst, respectively, each outstanding in their own right.
All three being women-0f-color, it’s another example of the kind of inclusivity that the series is always attempting to strive for.
The trio are so stellar that it’s wrong to call one of them the standout because they all bring something crucial to the show, in their own way. Magno and Estelle bring a certain stability to the episodes, although in completely different ways, and Dietz nails the bombastic nature that matches Callison’s.
In short: Steven Universe is amazing. It will undoubtedly go down as one of the greatest animated shows, along with The Simpsons, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and Adventure Time, and everyone who loves great television should be watching.
Are you currently watching Steven Universe? If not, why not? Share your opinions either way in the comments!
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Drew Koenig
Drew has an ongoing, borderline unhealthy obsession with pop culture, but with television in particular. When he's not aggressively trying to get out of a perpetual state of catching up, he can be found passionately defending the ending of Lost. More of his online work can be found at The Lost Cause and he also co-hosts The Lost Cause Pod.