Steven Universe

A young boy takes his mother's place in a group of gemstone-based beings, and must learn to control his powers.

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.

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.

• Adventure TimeBoth are gentle animated series with serialized emotional arcs and fantasy premises aimed at all ages.
• Gravity FallsBoth follow a young protagonist raised among quirky guardians in a small coastal town, blending whimsy with character drama.
• The Dragon PrinceBoth use an episodic structure that builds toward a larger mythology, with strong queer-coded and found-family themes.

Created by

Rebecca Sugar

Release Date

2013-11-04

Episode runtime

11 min

Rating

8.1 / 10 (1397)

What is Steven Universe about?

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

What is Steven Universe like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Steven Universe as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as layered.

Is Steven Universe violent?

Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Steven Universe as mild.

What did critics think of Steven Universe?

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.

Which shows are like Steven Universe?

Shows with a similar feel include Adventure Time, Gravity Falls, and The Dragon Prince.

How long is Steven Universe?

Steven Universe: 5 seasons, 154 episodes.

Is Steven Universe still running?

No, Steven Universe has ended.

Where can I watch Steven Universe?

In United States, Steven Universe streams on Hulu, Philo, YouTube TV.