Steven Universe
Series, 2013, The 2010s, Set in Beach City
Steven Universe is #5 of 18 in release order and #5 of 18 in chronological order in the Modern Cartoon Classics.
The story
A young boy takes his mother's place in a group of gemstone-based beings, and must learn to control his powers.
Steven Universe recap
Steven Universe is a boy in Beach City who lives with the Crystal Gems, Garnet, Amethyst and Pearl, alien warriors who protect Earth. His late mother, Rose Quartz, was their leader and gave up her physical form to create him, so Steven carries her gem in his navel and slowly learns her powers. His best friend Connie trains as a swordfighter, and his human father Greg is a former rock musician. The early comedy reveals a bigger story: the Gems rebelled against their homeworld's rulers, the Diamonds, thousands of years ago to save Earth from being drained. Peridot and Lapis Lazuli, once enemies, join the family. Steven learns that Garnet is a fusion of Ruby and Sapphire and that the Gems carry deep wounds from the war. The biggest twist is that Rose Quartz was Pink Diamond, who faked her own shattering to free Earth. Steven is taken to Homeworld and confronts the Diamonds as her son.
Steven Universe ending explained
In the finale, "Change Your Mind", the Diamonds capture the Gems, Steven separates from his gem, and he and Connie convince Blue and Yellow Diamond to stand with them before facing White Diamond. Steven proves he is his own person, and the Diamonds agree to stop harming Gems and to heal the corrupted ones on Earth. Steven Universe: The Movie (2019) adds a villain, Spinel, and Steven Universe Future continues the story.
Where to watch Steven Universe
Steven Universe is streaming on Hulu, Philo, and YouTube TV in the US. You can rent or buy it on Amazon, Apple TV, and Fandango At Home.
Ratings
IMDb 8.1/10
Where it fits
- Release order: after Bravest Warriors, before Over the Garden Wall.
- Chronological order: after Bravest Warriors, before Over the Garden Wall.
What to watch before Steven Universe
In release order, the essentials before Steven Universe (2013) are Adventure Time (2010), The Legend of Korra (2012), Gravity Falls (2012), and Bravest Warriors (2012).
Cast
- Zach Callison as Steven Universe (voice)
- Estelle as Garnet (voice)
- Michaela Dietz as Amethyst (voice)
- Deedee Magno Hall as Pearl (voice)
- Tom Scharpling as Greg / Yellow Tail (voice)
- Grace Rolek as Connie / Arcade Games (voice)
- Matthew Moy as Lars / Zoltron (voice)
- Shelby Rabara as Peridot / Cluster Voice (voice)
- Kate Micucci as Sadie (voice)
- Jennifer Paz as Lapis Lazuli (voice)
- Dee Bradley Baker as Centipeetle / Centipeetle Mother (voice)
- Zachary Steel as Ronaldo / Old Farmer / Chunk Truck (voice)
Created by Rebecca Sugar.