# Steven Universe (2013)

> A half-Gem boy in a seaside town learns to protect the world with his magical guardians while discovering who he is.

Canonical page: https://ember.film/tv/54555

## Facts

- Seasons: 5
- Episodes: 154
- Episode runtime: 11 min
- Status: Ended
- Genres: animation, family, fantasy, comedy
- Created by: Rebecca Sugar
- Network: Cartoon Network
- Cast: Zach Callison, Estelle, Michaela Dietz, Deedee Magno Hall, Kimberly Brooks, Dave Willis, Braden Fitzgerald, Eric Bell Jr.
- TMDB rating: 8.1/10
- IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3061046/

## Ember's analysis

- Pacing: measured
- Intensity: moderate
- Complexity: layered
- Violence: mild
- Tone: heartfelt, whimsical, tender, playful

## What critics say

Widely praised as one of the best children's animations, with layered emotional storytelling and notable queer representation that engages younger and older viewers alike.

## Synopsis

Steven Universe follows Steven, a young boy raised in the seaside town of Beach City by three magical guardians, Garnet, Amethyst and Pearl, who are former warriors from an alien gem civilization. Steven is half gem himself, and he balances ordinary childhood life with a growing role defending Earth from gem monsters and rogue creatures. Its tone is warm, whimsical and sincere, with frequent moments of humor that give way to real emotional weight about grief, identity, trauma and the difficulty of growing up. Musical numbers, playful character comedy and dreamlike fantasy sequences sit alongside serialized mythology that deepens over the years. The series is notable for its open-hearted depiction of love, chosen family and queer relationships, presented matter-of-factly for a young audience. Its art favors bright pastel palettes and expressive character design. Over its run the show grows darker and more ambitious while keeping its core message of compassion, forgiveness and self-acceptance. Viewers drawn to tender animated stories that reward both children and adults will find it deeply rewarding.

## Shows like Steven Universe

- [Adventure Time (2010)](https://ember.film/tv/14222)
- [Twelve Forever (2019)](https://ember.film/tv/77636)
- [Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts (2020)](https://ember.film/tv/80705)
- [Steven Universe Future (2019)](https://ember.film/tv/79699)
- [Marvel's Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur (2023)](https://ember.film/tv/78519)
- [The Amazing World of Gumball (2011)](https://ember.film/tv/34584)
- [The Owl House (2020)](https://ember.film/tv/78447)
- [Ben 10 (2005)](https://ember.film/tv/4459)
- [Amphibia (2019)](https://ember.film/tv/72531)
- [Star vs. the Forces of Evil (2015)](https://ember.film/tv/55150)

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