There are probably 1,001 different reasons why you should be watching Steven Universe. The epic Cartoon Network show stands out in recent cartoon history as one that has the depth and emotional significance of a Pixar movie, but with the addictive aesthetic of Japanese animation. It succeeds in all areas without being pretentious or assuming its thoughtfulness puts it on some sort of moral high ground. Steven Universe is the validating, down-to-Earth, lovable show that people, young or old, straight or queer, can take something special from.
Steven Universe follows the life of the character of the same name. Steven is a young boy, part human, part Gem. He is taken cared of by three guardians, who are 100% crystal gems: Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl. Together the family fights to keep their beach town safe from not so friendly Gem monsters, and other Gem warriors from their home planet.
All spoilers aside (because where's the fun in that?!), first and foremost, the show is not just a silly Cartoon Network program. Sure, it has its wacky moments, and it doesn't shy away from silliness from time to time, but the content of the show would arguably be too deep and serious for audiences to enjoy if not for the humor to balance it out. Don't let the cute characters and little laughs deter you from taking the show seriously, though, because you'll be missing out if you do.
The show takes on topics like black beauty, non-nuclear families, rape (metaphorically, of course), queer love, body image, sisterhood, imperfect parents, disciplinary differences between cultures, and the unfair expectations of society on being yourself and growing up. Steven isn't afraid to swoop in and save the day, whether that includes fighting off the monsters or putting on a dress, heels, and makeup and singing in front of everyone. We see Steven love himself and struggle with himself, and that reminds us that people everywhere — even the happiest-looking ones — are dealing with something.
Steven Universe is hard to encapsulate into a few paragraphs. The show is still going strong and shows little signs of stopping soon. They positively portray characters of all colors and identities, and does so with the care and thoughtfulness that one must take when you create something for children. So do yourself a favor and find some time to watch it. You won't regret it! (And if you do, what really did you lose besides, like, 20 minutes?)
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