I watch the most television in Renny and I’s relationship, but due to our hatred of eating at a kitchen table, we find ourselves re-watching our favorite shows whenever we’re in need of something simple and comforting to occupy our dinnertime. We have a rotation of about 8 shows that we watch, beginning to end, throughout the year—among the many new releases we find ourselves transfixed by. Each one providing it’s own kind of comfort alongside the hearty and wholesome meals I prepare us. (That’s right, I’m the cook. I not only enjoy it, I’m damn good at it. More on that later)
Steven Universe is on the shortlist of shows we cherish and watch every year, and we recently began our newest playthrough.
The show was a revelation in the world of animated television when it was released in 2013. Rebecca Sugar developed Steven Universe for Cartoon Network while she was a writer and storyboard artist on Adventure Time (another favorite of ours). What starts as a seemingly simple cartoon quickly unfolds into a deeply complex and emotionally resonant series that captivates audiences of all ages.
As someone who is a fan of cartoons, I found myself completely hooked during my first run-through, and by the time I finished Season 1, I couldn’t believe I hadn’t watched it sooner. What truly sets Steven Universe apart is its masterful blend of humor, heart, and life lessons. The writing is top-notch, often balancing subtle, intelligent humor with meaningful themes that resonate on a deeper level. While it’s a kids’ show on the surface, it never talks down to its audience, making it a perfect choice for family viewing. The short episode length also makes it incredibly bingeable—a feature that we certainly take advantage of, regularly.
One of the show’s standout elements is its character development. Over the course of Season 1, you watch as Steven, the titular character, grows from a naive and curious boy into someone who begins to understand the weight of his responsibilities. The supporting cast, including the Crystal Gems (Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl), also benefit from significant development, each bringing their own unique personalities and struggles to the forefront. Their backstories are gradually revealed, adding depth and nuance to what initially appears to be a straightforward premise.
Rebecca Sugar, the creator of Steven Universe, deserves immense credit for the way she blends music, art, and emotion into a seamless narrative. The soundtrack is nothing short of beautiful, with each song perfectly complementing the story and adding an extra layer of emotional depth. The animation style is sturdy yet vibrant, with colors that pop off the screen and create a visually stunning world. Every detail, from the character designs to the setting, feels intentional and thoughtfully crafted.
The themes of the show are also worth noting. Steven Universe Season 1 is groundbreaking in that it explores both queer and family themes with remarkable depth and nuance. At its core, it is redefining traditional concepts of family, showcasing a diverse array of familial structures beyond the nuclear model. Through the dynamic between Steven, the Crystal Gems, and his father Greg, we see a blended family filled with love and support. However, the show goes even further by portraying other unique families in Beach City, both “conventional” and “unconventional”, highlighting different ways that families can exist and function.
Slight Spoilers Ahead
The show tackles complex issues like identity, relationships, and acceptance, often using the concept of Gem fusion as a metaphor for these themes. For example, Garnet, a fusion of two female-presenting Gems in love, represents a powerful metaphor for queer relationships. The fusion of Steven and Connie into Stevonnie, an intersex, non-binary character whose gender is described as “an experience“, further pushes boundaries around gender and identity. The idea of different Gems coming together to form something new and powerful speaks to the importance of collaboration and understanding in relationships, whether they be romantic, platonic, or familial. While it’s true that the show never explains why there are no male Gems besides Steven, this minor frustration is easily overshadowed by the show’s many strengths.
In addition to its exploration of family, Steven Universe is celebrated for its LGBTQ+ representation. The Crystal Gems, who are gender-fluid beings, challenge conventional ideas of gender. By normalizing these diverse representations of gender and sexuality, Steven Universe provides a safe space for queer narratives, making them just as integral and ordinary as any other family dynamic. Through its inclusive storytelling, the show opens up important conversations about identity, love, and acceptance, making it a vital piece of media for all audiences.
In conclusion, Steven Universe Season 1 is an addictive, entertaining, and emotionally enriching experience. It’s a show that transcends its status as a “kids’ cartoon” to become something much more—a story about love, identity, and the power of connection. Whether you’re a longtime fan of animation or just looking for something new to watch, Steven Universe is absolutely worth your time. Don’t wait any longer—warp in, and you’ll be glad you did.