I finished watching Steven Universe last night. Wow. This show was a gem (pun intended).
You know those sneaky shows that are just good and fun and funny and then casually hit you right in the feelings over and over again?
FEELINGS.
Okay, I’ll back up. Steven Universe is an animated show that tells the coming-of-age story of Steven who lives with the Crystal Gems (his alien, quasi-guardians) in an otherwise normal beachside town. He has adventures that involve both monsters or regular boardwalk shenanigans. It was also the first Cartoon Network show to be created solely by a woman.
I know I have not sold you on this show yet (will the Emmy nominations help?). I’m trying to find the words to describe how different and wonderful and unpredictable yet cohesive it is. The episodes are all ~11 minutes in length and the first season (with 50ish episodes) is great for casual viewing. You don’t know that much about the larger story other than there must be one. And then it goes there. It’s not often you see such masterful character development and storytelling over a slow burn that is so, so satisfying.
It’s also delightfully queer, song-filled, and did I mention how many feelings I have about it? Some of episodes tore me apart and then stitched me up again. It’s ultimately a show about interpersonal relationships, chosen family, and the power of not only being yourself but seeking to understand and love others for whoever they are.
You can watch this show at your leisure on HBO Max (or Hulu, but head’s up they only have the first four seasons — there are five).
With Love,
Natalie