STEVEN UNIVERSE

Steven Universe is an American animated television series created by Rebecca Sugar for Cartoon Network. It tells the coming-of-age story of a young boy, Steven Universe (Zach Callison), who lives with the Crystal Gems—magical, mineral-based aliens named Garnet (Estelle), Amethyst (Michaela Dietz) and Pearl (Deedee Magno Hall)—in the fictional town of Beach City. Steven, who is half-Gem, has adventures with his friends and helps the Gems protect the world from their own kind. The pilot premiered in May 2013, and the series ran for five seasons, from November 2013 to January 2019. The television film Steven Universe: The Movie was released in September 2019, and an epilogue limited series, Steven Universe Future, ran from December 2019 to March 2020. Books, comics, video games and soundtracks based on the series have also been released.

Steven Universe The Season 2 onwards title card showing characters from left to right on the beach at dusk: Pearl, Garnet, Steven and Amethyst. Genre Adventure[1] Science fantasy[2] Comedy drama[3] Coming-of-age[4] Musical[4] Created by Rebecca Sugar Voices of Zach Callison Estelle Michaela Dietz Deedee Magno Hall Theme music composer Rebecca Sugar Aivi & Surasshu Opening theme "We Are the Crystal Gems" by Zach Callison, Estelle, Michaela Dietz and Deedee Magno Hall Ending theme "Love Like You" by Rebecca Sugar Composers Aivi & Surasshu Country of origin United States Original language English No. of seasons 5 No. of episodes 160 (list of episodes) Production Executive producers Rebecca Sugar Curtis Lelash Jennifer Pelphrey Brian A. Miller Rob Sorcher Producer Jackie Buscarino Editors Mattaniah Adams Paul Douglas Running time 11 minutes Production company Cartoon Network Studios Original release Network Cartoon Network Release November 4, 2013 – January 21, 2019 Related Steven Universe: The Movie Steven Universe Future The themes of the series include love, family and the importance of healthy relationships. Sugar based the lead character on her younger brother Steven, who was an artist for the series. She developed Steven Universe while being a writer and storyboard artist on the animated television series Adventure Time, which she left when her show was greenlit for full production. The series adopted a storyboard-driven approach, where storyboard artists drew scenes, wrote dialogue and shaped the narrative. The design of Beach City and the Crystal Gems reflected Sugar's personal inspirations, such as Delaware beaches and childhood experiences, while incorporating influences from anime, video games and art history. Animation was handled by the South Korean studios Sunmin Image Pictures and Rough Draft Korea, while the music of composers Aivi & Surasshu became an integral part of the show's identity.

The series received critical acclaim for its storytelling, character development and visual design. Critics praised its exploration of complex themes such as identity, relationships and mental health, as well as its prominent LGBTQ representation, which included the character Garnet, a fusion embodying a same-sex relationship, whose component characters made history in the first same-sex wedding in children's animation. The voice acting and music were also lauded, with songs like "Stronger Than You" becoming popular and resonating with its audience. Steven Universe earned numerous accolades, including a GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Kids & Family Program, becoming the first animated series to win the award, and a Peabody Award for Children's & Youth Programming, both respectively in 2019. It has consistently appeared on "best-of" lists for animation, including being ranked number 99 on BBC's 100 Greatest Television Series of the 21st Century list. Additionally, its influence inspired other creators and fostered a broad fanbase.

Contents Synopsis See also: List of Steven Universe episodes Steven Universe is set in the fictional town of Beach City, where the Crystal Gems live in an ancient temple and protect humanity from monsters and other threats. The Gems are ageless, genderless alien warriors who project female humanoid forms from magical gemstones at the core of their being. The Crystal Gems include Garnet, Amethyst, Pearl and Steven—a young, half-human, half-Gem boy who inherited his gemstone from his mother, the Crystal Gems' former leader Rose Quartz. As Steven tries to understand his gradually expanding range of powers, he spends his days accompanying the Gems on their missions, as well as interacting with his father Greg, his best friend Connie, his magical pet lion named Lion, and the other residents of Beach City. He explores the abilities inherited from his mother, which include fusion—the ability of Gems to merge their bodies and abilities to form new, more powerful personalities.

As Steven explores his Gem heritage, he gradually learns that the Crystal Gems are fugitives from a vast interstellar empire ruled by the Gem Homeworld. During their missions, they visit ruins that were once important to Gem culture but have been derelict for millennia, and Steven learns that many of the monsters and artifacts they encounter are Gems who were corrupted by a Gem weapon of mass destruction and can no longer maintain rational, humanoid form. The Gem empire originally intended to sterilize the planet Earth to incubate new Gems, but Rose Quartz led her supporters, the Crystal Gems, in a violent and apparently successful rebellion against this genocidal plan. Midway through the first season of the series, the release of Lapis Lazuli, a Gem trapped on Earth for millennia, puts the Crystal Gems at risk from the Gem empire once more, leading to the arrival of hostile envoys Peridot and Jasper.

Peridot joins forces with the Crystal Gems in the second season to neutralize a buried Gem "geo-weapon" that could destroy the planet. In the third season, Lapis decides to reside on Earth with Peridot, Jasper is defeated and captured, and Steven learns that his mother assassinated Pink Diamond, one of the Gem homeworld's leaders. As he wrestles with his conflicted feelings following this revelation, Pink's counterparts Blue and Yellow Diamond begin to turn their attention back to Earth; the fourth season ends with Steven taken to the Gem homeworld to stand trial for his mother's crimes. After escaping, he discovers in the fifth season that his mother actually was Pink Diamond, who faked her death to assume the identity of Rose Quartz full-time. Steven uses this revelation to persuade the other Diamonds to take responsibility for and fix the damage they have caused.

Development Conception Rebecca Sugar, a smiling, bespectacled young individual Rebecca Sugar, creator of Steven Universe

Ian Jones-Quartey, supervising director of Steven Universe In 2011, after Cartoon Network Vice President of Comedy Animation Curtis Lelash asked the staff for ideas for a new show, Adventure Time storyboard artist Rebecca Sugar described her initial ideas for what would become Steven Universe, and the project was chosen for development. Sugar continued working on Adventure Time while crafting the series.[5] The series evolved from a short story written by Sugar entitled "Ballad of Margo and Dread", about a sensitive child helping teenagers with problems they cannot verbalize.[6] The title character Steven is loosely based on Steven Sugar, Rebecca's younger brother.[7] During Steven Universe's development, Sugar repeatedly asked her brother whether naming the show after him was a good idea; she stopped asking when it was commissioned. Her brother had no problem with it and trusted Sugar to use his name wisely.[8] In an interview with The New York Times, Sugar discussed developing the background of the show's protagonist, saying she wanted to base the character's viewpoint on her brother growing up "where you're so comfortable in your life because you get all the attention, but you also want to rise up and not be the little brother".[9]

To prepare for the potential greenlighting of the show, Sugar began assembling a production crew.[10] Jackie Buscarino was brought in as a producer in September 2012 and was tasked with hiring people and supervising the show's crew.[11] During this period of development, Sugar and her team were moved to a building behind the main Cartoon Network studio and based on the same floor as the crew of The Powerpuff Girls CGI special. Some artists who had worked on the special, such as colorist Tiffany Ford and art directors Kevin Dart, Ellie Michalka and Jasmin Lai, were later invited to join the Steven Universe team.[12] Cartoon Network also provided Sugar with a list of suggested writers; when she saw Ben Levin and Matt Burnett (former writers for Level Up) on the list she immediately asked them to join her team because she was familiar with their work.[13] Freelance artist Danny Hynes, whom the supervising director Ian Jones-Quartey knew from his own project Lakewood Plaza Turbo, became the show's lead character designer.[12][14] Steven Sugar was assigned as the background designer after his work on the original pilot,[11] and was assisted by Dart, Michalka, Lai, background painter Amanda Winterston and others.[15]

During the art presentation, Jones-Quartey, Guy, Hynes and Steven Sugar created artwork that differed from their previous work. Jones-Quartey wanted to work with something new, retaining elements of the show's previous project.[16] He worked with Elle Michalka, who later took over his role as background painter for the presentation, to create concept art for an "action-comedy" series.[8] Around this time, Jones-Quartey added stars to the series' logo because he saw them as a versatile symbol. He later said he overused them, and they were criticized for doing so.[16] The art presentation's drawings were by Rebecca Sugar, Jones-Quartey, Hynes, Paul Villeco (a writer and storyboard artist) and Steven Sugar. Michalka did the painting.[17] Cartoon Network executives commissioned the show after the crew's art presentation,[18] and Sugar became the first non-binary person to create a show independently for the network.[19] Prior to coming out as non-binary, she was described as the first woman to do so.[20] Before a production team had been appointed, Sugar tried to alter elements of the show's plot and developed the character's identity so her crew would have the creative freedom to implement their own ideas, like she did when she worked for Adventure Time.[10]

When Sugar's show was commissioned, she resigned from Adventure Time to focus on her own series.[10][21] Sugar centered the pilot short on the main characters and their personalities to demonstrate the series' humor. The pilot is a slice-of-life episode that does not involve major events because the series' world was still in development.[22] Sugar and her production team focused the plot on interaction between the Crystal Gems and Steven.[23] Sugar strove to make her pilot distinctive in terms of its artistic and aesthetic detail but was hampered by the time limit imposed upon her by Cartoon Network. The problems with the pilot helped Sugar develop the show's concept; she said, "to know that there is so much more that you can't see and the way that knowledge frustrates and excites and confuses and scares you".[18] When the pilot was presented to Cartoon Network executives, they told the crew the series would air in 2013.[18] Cartoon Network released the original pilot in May 2013. Sugar and her team panicked because the series was going to be very different from the pilot episode. The pilot was popular when it was released, engendering forum discussions in which people expressed their hopes of seeing it on the air soon. Those who knew Rebecca Sugar from Adventure Time were also interested. Positive reaction to the show reassured its crew that the series could be much greater.[24]

Design During the development of the Steven Universe pilot, Sugar focused much attention on the design of the world, adding notes to her drawings.[25] Inspired by the idea of foreign figures (Gems) living human lives, she drew many sketches depicting their world and history. The series' design was also inspired by her and her brother's interest in video games, comics and animation.[22] After the series was commissioned, Sugar decided to redesign everything to make the series "flexible and simple" for future production staff to add ideas of their own.[10] During this time, the art director was Kevin Dart, followed by Jasmin Lai, Elle Michalka, and Ricky Cometa.[26] Dart's artistic style remained a great influence on the show long after his departure. Steven Sugar was inspired by Dart in his college years and praised his work, saying Dart had more ideas for the art than he did.[15]

In the pilot, only two locations appeared: the ancient Temple that is the Gems' home, and the Big Donut, a nearby doughnut shop. The Temple was designed by Jones-Quartey, Steven Sugar, Ben Levin, Matt Burnett, Tom Herpich and Andy Ristaino. The Temple's dual faces were based on Guy Davis' ideas.[15] Steven Sugar designed the rest of Beach City for the series; he was painstaking in his attention to detail, e.g. carefully considering the interior layouts of buildings. Sugar also designed people, houses, cars, buildings and restaurants.[27] Because of Rebecca Sugar's redesigned drawings, the two original locations had to be redrawn.[12]

To find inspiration for the show's backgrounds, the Sugars and Jones-Quartey went to their favorite beaches.[15] The series' setting, Beach City, is loosely based on Delaware beaches Rehoboth Beach, Bethany Beach and Dewey Beach, all of which Rebecca Sugar visited as a child.[7] Steven Sugar drew Beach City with a boardwalk lined with a variety of shops.[12] He wanted it to have a "specific style" so viewers could believe it was based on a real location; he drew the roads and shops consistently oriented with the Temple and a water tower.[15] The concept for the primary setting was inspired by Akira Toriyama's manga Dr. Slump, which features a small environment in which the recurring characters live where they work. Steven Sugar made the boardwalk the focus of Steven Universe's human world.[12]

Characters Main article: List of Steven Universe characters During the early stages of production, Rebecca Sugar worked on character appearances and personality development simultaneously;[28] during this process of conception, she was heavily inspired by fantasy television characters she and her brother used to draw when they were younger.[22] Lead character designer Danny Hynes, influenced by the design of Mickey Mouse by Disney artists, wanted the characters to be standardized, simple and recognizable.[29] He proposed 24 human characters to the crew; Rebecca and Steven Sugar drew 22 designs—13 of which were made official. The coloring was done by Jones-Quartey.[30] Rebecca Sugar merged several characters during the pilot's development;[22] supporting characters Lars and Sadie were originally created when she was in college.[31] The family that runs Beach City's pizza shop was based on Jones-Quartey's Ghanaian family,[15] and the character Ronaldo was created by Ben Levin and Matt Burnett.[32] Guy Davis, a childhood friend of the Sugars, designed the early monsters and Gem architecture.[15]

According to Jones-Quartey, making a character "look alive" was always a priority in their design, and a character's emotions should be clearly delineated.[33] The character design team's mission was for the characters to resemble those of older animation, such as 1940s Disney cartoons, Dragon Ball Z or the works of Osamu Tezuka and Harvey Kurtzman. In drawing the characters for each episode, the crew had two weeks to make modifications.[29] Character names and some designs were inspired by types of food,[34] and some characters were redesigned because the pilot revealed discrepancies between appearances and personalities.[35] Sugar planned for the characters' designs to receive visual benchmarks so the show's artists could draw them consistently.[36] Sugar aimed to make the designs for her characters simple, flexible and consistent so the production team members would not become bogged down by overly complex details.[29] This redesigning meant the appearances of the characters in the pilot episode differ substantially from their depiction in the television series.[25]

Sugar wanted the Crystal Gems to resemble humans; she developed them to navigate the complexities of family life with Steven,[22] whom they would treat like a brother.[37] She wanted their gems to reflect their personalities; Pearl's perfect smoothness, Amethyst's coarseness and Garnet's air of mystery.[38] According to Sugar, the Gems were made as "non-binary women" in order to express herself as a non-binary woman through them.[39][40] Their facial designs were influenced by Wassily Kandinsky, who taught at the Bauhaus and encouraged his students to pair three primary colors—red, yellow and blue—with the three basic shapes—square, triangle and circle. Because of the characters' personalities, Garnet is square, Amethyst is a sphere and Pearl is a cone.[36] Sugar wanted to give the Gems a surrealistic power similar to those of classic cartoon characters such as Bugs Bunny. The Gems' ability to shape-shift is a reference to older cartoons such as Tex Avery's work for MGM, where characters would change size and shape at will. Although the Gems are intended to be serious characters, the writers wanted them to be "funny and weird" as well.[41]

Themes Sugar wanted Steven Universe to be thematically consistent with her and her brother's shared interests.[22] As a coming-of-age series, the theme of family within the show is important since Sugar based the titular character on her brother. Additionally, the theme of love was inspired by her relationship with Jones-Quartey.[42][43] The series also expresses the importance of acceptance,[44][45] and explores relationships, LGBTQ identity, diversity in body shapes and sizes, and "hues of skin in a colorful sci-fi magic display of diversity", as quoted by Sugar.[46] Supervising director Kat Morris stated that the series' central concepts were developed over time in an organic way, rather than being "overly calculated" from the start.[46] Burnett said the series' simple-life theme prevented the inclusion of "cynicism" or "snarkiness",[22] and expressed the writers had no interest in a superhero theme.[47]

The unusually strong female presence in a series with a male lead—all major characters except Steven and Greg are female—was intentional according to Sugar. She aimed to challenge and explore the portrayal of gender in children's cartoons, calling it "absurd" that television shows for boys should be fundamentally different from those for girls.[48] She developed the series' plot towards a distant goal, with everything in between kept flexible, partly because her intentions had "changed since I've started because I've grown up a lot" while working on the show.[48] Sugar described the series as "reverse escapism": the idea that fantasy characters would become interested in real life and would want to participate in it. Steven personifies the "love affair between fantasy and reality".[49] Sugar said Steven Universe was influenced by The Simpsons and anime series Future Boy Conan and Revolutionary Girl Utena.[50]

LGBTQ representation See also: Cartoon Network and LGBTQ representation

Pearl (left) and Steven's mother, Rose Quartz, embrace in a flashback shot edited out of the British broadcast. Their past relationship is gradually seen to affect Pearl's relationship with Steven and those around him. During a 2016 Comic-Con panel, Sugar said the LGBTQ themes in Steven Universe were largely based on her own experience as a bisexual woman.[51] For her to challenge gender norms as an analogy for the intimidating unknowns that come with a first love,[52] characters like Stevonnie (a they/them fusion between Steven and Connie[53] debuted in episode "Alone Together") and Fluorite (a fusion of six Gems debuted in episode "Off Colors" who represents a polyamorous relationship) were introduced in the series.[54][55] She stated the LGBTQ themes are not intended to make a point but to help children understand themselves and develop their identities. In her opinion, queer youth deserve to see themselves in stories as much as other children—and, given pervasive heteronormativity, not allowing them to do so can be harmful.[56]

The censorship of LGBTQ themes in the series generated controversy in 2016 when Cartoon Network UK removed an embrace between Rose and Pearl but did not remove a kiss between Rose and Greg from its British broadcast.[57] The network, which said the decision was intended to make the episode "more comfortable for local kids and their parents", was criticized as homophobic by fans and the media.[58][59] In 2017, the Kenya Film Classification Board banned Steven Universe and other cartoon series from being broadcast for "glorifying homosexual behavior".[60]

Sugar stated she had been determined to make queer relationships integral to the story in ways that are "impossible to censor," and had to fight internally for the representation. Obstacles from Cartoon Network executives included requests to make Ruby a boy, to have the characters never kiss on the mouth, and for there to be no romantic relationship between Ruby and Sapphire. They issued a warning regarding the possibility of cancelation if anyone on the crew, including Sugar, gave confirmation one of the characters were homosexual. Sugar said that when she began to talk publicly about the need of creative control of her show to tell these stories, she garnered support from the fandom and the LGBTQ organization GLAAD.[61]

In June 2021, Sugar said that "[b]eing at the forefront [of LGBTQ representation] meant that there was very little queer content beyond what we were creating". She also said that apart from threats and backlash from homophobic viewers, she feared that her identity and content in the show could lead to its cancelation if she spoke about it openly, noting that support for the show was "often very qualified and hurtful". She also noted that non-binary creators such as herself have additional challenges, going through a world where non-binary people are dehumanized, and hoped that "visible queer content and multiple queer creators means no one has to feel isolated" in the ways that she did.[62] The same month, Sugar told NPR that she wanted "little boys to experience girl show things" and vice versa, and for "nonbinary, gender-expansive kids to have a show".[63]

Production Writing A group of adults on stage accepting an award. The crew of Steven Universe at the 78th Annual Peabody Awards in 2019, accepting the Children's & Youth Programming award. (From left to right: Ian Jones-Quartey, Kat Morris, Hilary Florido, Joe Johnston, Ben Levin, Matt Burnett and Rebecca Sugar) During the pilot's development, Sugar wrote and sketched a number of plot ideas that later became episodes.[64] The series' initial premise focused mostly on Steven's human side, rather than his Gem side, but the premise was later changed.[65] Sugar developed the Gems' history in conjunction with the pilot episode.[22] While the first season of the show introduced the human and Gem characters and their relationships, Sugar began to plot and explore second-season storylines involving the Crystal Gems.[66] To make it easier, Sugar created a chart with taped printouts about a 2,000-year Gem and Earth history, with a number of events needing to be elaborated for production. Although the series' overall plot was established, the writers improvised to arrive at its ending; according to Matt Burnett, the storylines would be resolved by the series' end.[67] Sugar wanted the series to focus on comedy and positivity before exploring controversial subjects involving the main characters, thinking it was "more honest" to begin the show with happiness instead of action or drama.[22]

Writers Levin and Burnett would script the premises and outlines while the storyboarders wrote and drew the episodes.[68][69] Everyone would wait at least a day to get together and discuss.[68] They wrote potential episode names on paper cards and pinned them to the conference room wall, using this display to review their work and plan meetings. They discussed episode pacing and varied each season's texture by balancing casual and dramatic story arcs.[32] Changes in major-character appearances—such as Yellow Diamond—in a storyline could be difficult for the writers.[47] According to Levin, drafting a season of Steven Universe was like a "jigsaw puzzle" because the writing team must assemble a number of plot ideas, which were discarded if they did not benefit character growth. After further discussion and questions about what they came up with, an idea would become an episode. After discussing a season's proposed episodes, the "puzzle" was complete, and they began drafting a major story arc or a season finale. Burnett said formulating a season was like an algebraic equation "where one side is the season finale, and the x's and y's are the episodes we need for that solution to make sense"; he cited "Ocean Gem", "Steven the Sword Fighter", "Monster Buddies", "An Indirect Kiss" and "Serious Steven" as examples. Those episodes led to the season one finale as a minor story arc.[32] To develop new ideas for episodes, the writers played brainstorming games. In one, a scenario with characters was drawn and passed to a colleague. Each participant would add a few sentences before passing it along, continuing until the drawing evolved into a three-act story. Episodes such as "Island Adventure", "Future Boy Zoltron" and "Onion Friend" were crafted this way.[70] The writers also played drawing games, which designed new Gem characters and technological ideas. Burnett said he and Levin used fewer ideas from the storyboarders than they previously did; storyboarders changed fewer things than they did before because the episodes had a "stronger continuity".[47]

According to Levin, he and Burnett tried to balance the focus between the main characters—with Steven in the center—and the theme of the episodes in their writing. The balance indicated Steven had the same interests on his human side as he did on his Gem side. Levin said early development of Steven was crucial to the Gem mythology and drama. Grateful to work on a show which was unafraid to be "sincere and vulnerable", he said if every episode was emotional, the series would become formulaic; lighthearted episodes balance out emotional ones.[32] Levin said he and Burnett found ways to integrate Steven's powers into the plot. The character's powers and home-world technology are revealed at a "measured (very slow) pace", satisfying the viewer and steering the series clear of superhero territory.[47] Before significant plotlines aired, the writers revealed information relevant to a "climactic" episode for the audience. According to storyboard artist Hilary Florido, much of the series' action and magic are narrative climaxes, demonstrating the characters' discoveries, difficulties and views. Florido said if a character's evolution is not directly related to the plot, there is no drama.[47] The crew was discouraged from breaking perspective involving episode development, as they wanted the audience to know the protagonist's point of view. Although the writers could hint at future events, they preferred to focus on plot and develop Steven in real time. Levin said if the pilot tried to present Gem history in five minutes, the audience and protagonist would be equally confused.[42]

Storyboarding Cartoon drawing of an anxious-looking character Portion of the storyboard and script from the episode "Island Adventure". The series' storyboard artists are also its writers. During storyboard meetings, artists drew their ideas on post-it notes, which are then attached to walls, tables and boxes in the corners of their conference room. The drawings played a major role in forming episode ideas; Sugar looked at these designs and occasionally made changes to key poses. Sugar liked to review and re-draw scenes and characters to add extra pathos and emotion to storyboards.[71] Each episode's storyboards were created by two artists, each of whom wrote half of the dialogue and drew panels similar to comic strips. This process could be quite complex; the storyboard artists would have to create the cinematography and focus on scenic design in a way similar to film production. After the panels were made, the thumbnail-storyboard artists drew mannerisms and wrote dialogue based on their own experiences; Sugar drew "quintessential" scenes from her memories of hanging out with her brother after school.[72] The storyboard artists then discussed their work with the rest of the crew and make any necessary changes.[73] After the team discussion, the storyboard artists drew a revised board—based on the thumbnail board—on a full-size panel with notes. The storyboards were again discussed, corrected and finally approved.[74] Although Sugar worked as executive producer on the series' art, animation and sound, she considered herself "the most hands on" at the storyboarding stage.[75]

Backgrounds The production of background art would begin after the approved storyboards were received. If the characters visited old locations, the pre-existing backgrounds would be modified for authenticity; locations would likely change slightly over time. Steven Sugar liked to hide narrative bits in the backgrounds, believing the key to worldbuilding is "having a cohesive underlying structure to everything".[76] Art director Elle Michalka said the backgrounds' artistic style was inspired by French post-impressionist painter Paul Cézanne, whose apparent lack of focus belied detail and specificity. The art was also inspired by Tao Te Ching, whose work highlights the importance of empty spaces, "like the space within a vase as being part of the vase that makes it useful".[76] During the painting phase, the painters saw the lines as "descriptive bones" and color is used loosely, meaning the color is intentionally slightly off register, highlighting the distinction between color and line.[76] The painters used "superimposed" watercolor texture before switching to Photoshop because the former made the backgrounds "very chunky". When painting the backgrounds, they used one primary color and several secondary colors; Amanda Winterston and Jasmin Lai found suitable color combinations. After the primary backgrounds were painted, they were sent to the color stylist, who chose colors for a character or prop from model sheets, matching and complementing the storyboard and background. The lines of the character or prop were rarely colored. The lines were removed when scene needed light effects. The coloring in early season one episodes was experimental because the stylist would have difficulty if a storyboard's character and background mixed together or a bright character walked unchanged into a shadow. Mistakes became rare as the crew planned and checked storyboards. The primary backgrounds were made in Burbank; the secondary ones were made by Korean artists.[77]

Animation After the crew finished constructing an episode, the production team sent it to animators in South Korea. The series was animated at Sunmin Image Pictures and Rough Draft Korea. The production team and animators communicated via email and sometimes video called when animating a major episode. Before sending the episode to one of the studios, animation director Nick DeMayo and his team created a plan for the animators after reviewing the animatics.[78] They then added character movements on exposure sheets to guide the animators. Mouth assignments for the characters, describing mouth shapes and timing for lip-syncing, followed.[79] The episode would then be sent to one of the animation studios. The black-and-white version was sent first, followed about two weeks later by the colored version.[80] The animation was drawn and inked on paper, then scanned and colored digitally. Afterward, the crew would have a "work print" meeting to discuss the episode and review it for errors. DeMayo found errors, removed them and sent the episode back to the animation studio or to Cartoon Network's post-production department to fix any remaining issues.[81] Minor animation mistakes or omissions were fixed by the crew.[82]

Voice cast See also: List of Steven Universe characters Zach Callison smiling, wearing a blue "85" numbered shirt Michaela Dietz, smiling and holding a microphone A smiling Deedee Magno Hall in a black jacket. Estelle, smiling, in a blue jacket The main voice cast (clockwise from top left): Zach Callison (Steven), Michaela Dietz (Amethyst), Estelle (Garnet) and Deedee Magno Hall (Pearl) American actor Zach Callison voiced Steven. The role of Steven was his first lead role on television.[83] For his audition, Callison spoke ten lines of dialogue from the pilot and sang the theme song.[84] Garnet, the Crystal Gem leader, was voiced by Estelle, a singer, songwriter and actor. Cartoon Network asked Estelle to take the part, her first voice-acting role.[83] Steven Universe was also the first animation voice role for actor Michaela Dietz, who voices Amethyst and The Party singer Deedee Magno Hall, who voices Pearl.[85][86] Sugar wanted Tom Scharpling, whom she knew from his podcast The Best Show with Tom Scharpling, to voice a character for one of her projects before Steven Universe was conceived. She approached Scharpling for the part of Greg Universe, who was originally named Tom. The Ruby Gems are voiced by Charlyne Yi, to whom Sugar wrote to say she was confident Yi would be perfect for the role.[84] Grace Rolek, who voices Steven's friend Connie, was 16 years old when the series began; Rolek has been a voice actor in animated productions since the age of five or six.[87]

The show's four main voice actors—Callison, Dietz, Magno Hall and Estelle—spent three to four hours recording per session; three to four weeks a month for ten months each year. Cast members could be recorded together or separately; they would often record multiple episodes within a single recording period. However, each individual session primarily focused on one episode at a time, allowing for retakes specific to that episode or previous ones if needed. In group recording sessions, a maximum of six actors stood in a semicircle.[88] Sugar and voice director Kent Osborne attended the sessions,[89] advising the actors about voicing the characters in specific situations. If they liked a take, the production assistant marked it and gave it to the animation editor for the episode's rough cut. When a recording session began, Sugar explained the storyboards and described the sequences, character intention and the relationship between them; Osborne did the recording. Before the sessions, Sugar and the voice actors discussed new plot elements and showed them the advanced storyboards. Magno Hall said she enjoyed the group recording sessions because the funny faces the cast members made while recording lines requiring emotion or movement often caused them to laugh.[88]

Music

An orchestral rendition of "We Are the Crystal Gems" in MultiVersus. Steven Universe features songs and musical numbers produced by Sugar and her writers, who collaborated on the lyrics. Multiple drafts of the theme song's lyrics were written.[90] Sugar composed the extended theme song while waiting in line for a security check at Los Angeles International Airport.[91] The series relies on leitmotifs for its soundtrack; instruments, genres and melodies are allotted to specific characters. The music was influenced by the works of Michael Jackson and Estelle,[92] with Sugar also citing Aimee Mann as "a huge influence".[93] Sugar wrote songs for the series during her travels, accompanying herself on a ukulele.[91] Not every episode features a song; according to Sugar, she used them occasionally, to avoid forced creativity.[21]

Most of the show's incidental music was composed by the chiptune piano duo Aivi & Surasshu, with guitars by Stemage.[94] Jeff Liu, who was familiar with producer Aivi's musical score for the video game Cryamore, recommended them to Sugar as a composer. Sugar asked Aivi to audition and agreed that producer Surasshu could join them. Aivi & Surasshu scored a clip from "Gem Glow", the series' first episode; Sugar liked their work and hired them as series composers.[95] Before composing an episode, Aivi & Surasshu video called with Sugar and the creative director to discuss the episode; they had a week to send Sugar a preview score.[96] After any necessary changes, Aivi & Surasshu sent the score to Sabre Media Studios for the final mix with their sound designs.[97]

Each character has a leitmotif expressing their personality, which changes slightly depending on the situation.[98] Pearl is often accompanied by a piano, Garnet by a synth bass, Amethyst by a drum machine with electric bass and synths, and Steven with chiptune tones.[92][96] Sound palettes were produced for the human characters to represent the evolution of the series, its characters and their relationships. Sound motifs and palettes were also created for locations, objects and abstract concepts.[96] When Sugar or the other writers drafted a song for an episode, they would record a demo that was sent to the composers. The same musical style for a song and the character singing appeared for each song. Over time, the songs had become increasingly complex and production has become more difficult because the show's original musical style no longer fit perfectly with the newer lyrical themes. An example is "Here Comes a Thought", sung by Estelle and AJ Michalka (who voices Stevonnie). The two were less inspired by a specific musical style, but rather by the song's "feel", which Sugar had explained to them.[99]

Broadcast Episodes Main article: List of Steven Universe episodes Season Episodes Originally released First released Last released Pilot May 21, 2013 1 53 November 4, 2013 March 12, 2015 2 25 March 13, 2015 January 8, 2016 3 25 May 12, 2016 August 10, 2016 4 25 August 11, 2016 May 11, 2017 5 32 May 29, 2017 January 21, 2019 Film September 2, 2019 Future 20 December 7, 2019 March 27, 2020 The pilot episode of Steven Universe was released on Cartoon Network's video platform on May 21, 2013,[100] and an edited version was released on July 20.[101] The pilot was shown at the 2013 San Diego Comic-Con in July of that year,[102] and Sugar hosted a 30-minute panel discussion about the series at the 2013 New York Comic Con on October 13.[103] Initially, 13 episodes were ordered for the first season; on November 14, the season was picked up for double the amount.[104] The series was renewed for a second season on July 25, 2014,[105] which began airing on March 13, 2015, and for a third season in July 2015.[106] In March 2016, Cartoon Network issued its last renewal to the series for an additional two seasons.[107]

The series premiered in the United States on November 4, 2013, on Cartoon Network with two episodes.[108] In Canada, it began airing on Cartoon Network on November 11, 2013,[109] and on Teletoon on April 24, 2014.[110] It began airing on Cartoon Network channels in Australia on February 3, 2014,[111] and in the United Kingdom and Ireland on May 12 of that year.[112]

Beginning in 2015, Cartoon Network often aired new episodes in groups of five over one week—marketed as "Stevenbombs"—rather than one episode per week. The hiatuses between groups have irritated fans according to The A.V. Club, causing "agonized cries of a rabid, starving, pained cult following".[113] The format, which is also used for other Cartoon Network series, has, in the website's view, contributed to the network's spikes in Google Trends associated with each "bomb". The A.V. Club attributed the effect to Steven Universe's unusual—for a youth cartoon—adherence to an overarching plot, which can generate "massive swells of online interest"—similar to the release of full seasons of adult TV series—which are "crucial to a network's vitality in an increasingly internet-based television world".[113]

In May 2018, Cartoon Network apologized to fans after one of the channel's promotional videos contained unaired footage with significant spoilers for future episodes. In response to the video, Jones-Quartey noted in a later-deleted tweet that "being a Steven Universe fan is suffering", alluding to the series' irregular and unpredictable airing schedule.[114] In an October 2020 art book for the series, Sugar stated that when clips from unaired episodes, giving away major spoilers, were leaked or those clips were used in official promotional videos, it was "very demoralizing for the crew".[115]

Crossovers "Say Uncle" is a crossover episode with Uncle Grandpa that aired on April 2, 2015. In the episode, Uncle Grandpa helps Steven use his Gem powers when he cannot summon his shield. The episode contains an acknowledgement by Uncle Grandpa that the episode is not canonical.[116] Steven, Garnet, Amethyst, Pearl and other Cartoon Network characters from current and former shows made cameo appearances in the Uncle Grandpa episode "Pizza Eve".[117] Additionally, Garnet appeared in "Crossover Nexus", an episode of OK K.O.! Let's Be Heroes, which aired on October 8, 2018. In the episode, Garnet teams up with K.O., Ben Tennyson from Ben 10 and Raven from Teen Titans Go! to stop the villain Strike.[118]

Minisodes Main article: List of Steven Universe minisodes Two volumes of mini-episodes have been released by Cartoon Network. The first one includes the extended title theme "We Are the Crystal Gems"; shorts in which the Crystal Gems teach Steven about Gems in a classroom setting; an unboxing video of Steven's new duffel bag; and a short in which Steven's pet lion is playing with a cardboard box.[119] The second volume contains five minisodes that show Steven cooking, performing karaoke, reacting to an episode of his favorite cartoon, video calling with Lapis and Peridot, and playing a new song.[120] In 2018, Sugar collaborated with Dove to create six shorts addressing self-esteem issues, and two years later, created four shorts promoting anti-racism.[121][122]

Cancellation and sequels Main articles: Steven Universe: The Movie and Steven Universe Future According to Rebecca Sugar, she was notified in 2016 that the series would be canceled at the end of the fifth season. She prevailed upon Cartoon Network to extend the fifth season to 32 episodes, in order to have room to complete the story, as well as a follow-up television film, Steven Universe: The Movie (2019). Along with the film, Cartoon Network also greenlit an additional season of 20 episodes, which would become the sequel miniseries Steven Universe Future (2020), taking place after the events of the film.[123] Despite the show's end, Sugar has indicated that more stories could exist, but has stated that she needs a long break before deciding how to approach such a continuation.[124][125] In June 2025, a spin-off titled Lars of the Stars was announced to be in development for Amazon Prime Video.[126]

Other media Books A number of companion books have been published:

Steven Universe's Guide to the Crystal Gems (October 2015, ISBN 978-0-8431-8316-0) by series creator Rebecca Sugar, with information about the Crystal Gems.[127] Quest for Gem Magic (October 2015, ISBN 978-0-8431-8317-7) by Max Brallier is a "colorful journal and activity book" for 8- to 12-year-olds.[128] Steven Universe Mad Libs (October 2015, ISBN 978-0-8431-8309-2) by Walter Burns is a Mad Libs word-game book.[129] Steven Universe: Live from Beach City (February 2016, ISBN 978-0-8431-8349-8) is a music and activity book with chord charts and sheet music for the first season's major songs.[130] What in the Universe? (February 2016, ISBN 978-0-8431-8348-1) by Jake Black is a collection of trivia about Steven and the Gems.[131] Best Buds Together Fun (June 2016, ISBN 978-1-101-99516-7) by Jake Black is a "quiz and activity book" for at 8- to 12-year-olds.[132] The Answer (September 2016, ISBN 978-0-399-54170-4) by Rebecca Sugar is a children's-book adaptation of the episode, "The Answer". It was seventh on the New York Times best-seller list on October 2, 2016.[133] The Tale of Steven (October 2019, ISBN 978-1-4197-4148-7) by Rebecca Sugar is a children's book companion to the episode "Change Your Mind". Inspired by Sugar's experience of coming out, it retells Pink Diamond's decision to become Rose Quartz and to create Steven from the perspectives of White Diamond, Rose and Steven himself, each readable by rotating the pages of the book in different directions.[134][135] Nonfiction books covering the development of the franchise and compiling production artwork have also been published:

Steven Universe: Art and Origins (July 2017, Abrams Books, ISBN 978-1-4197-2443-5) by Chris McDonnell, with an introduction by Dexter's Laboratory creator Genndy Tartakovsky and a foreword by Rebecca Sugar. The book contains concept art, production samples, early sketches, storyboards and commentary by the Steven Universe production crew.[136] The Art of Steven Universe The Movie (March 2020, Dark Horse, ISBN 978-1-5067-1507-0) by Ryan Sands, which contains preliminary character designs and storyboards.[137] Steven Universe: End of an Era (October 2020, Abrams Books, ISBN 978-1-4197-4284-2) by Chris McDonnell, with a foreword by N. K. Jemisin.[138] Video games The tactical role-playing video game Steven Universe: Attack the Light! was released on April 2, 2015, for iOS and Android devices. It was developed by Grumpyface Studios in collaboration with Sugar for mobile devices. Players control Steven and three Crystal Gems to fight light monsters.[139][140] A sequel, Steven Universe: Save the Light, was released for consoles[141] in October 2017. Another sequel, Steven Universe: Unleash the Light, was released exclusively on Apple Arcade in November 2019.[142] It was then rereleased on PC (Steam) and consoles in February 2021.[143]

A rhythm-based mobile game, Steven Universe: Soundtrack Attack,[144] was released on July 21, 2016, in the United States. A player-created Gem flees her pursuer through side-scrolling stages set to remixes of the series' music. Another mobile game, Steven Universe: Dreamland Arcade, was released in 2017; it is a collection of arcade games with characters from the series.[145]

Steven Universe characters appear in Cartoon Network's kart racing game Formula Cartoon All-Stars and in the side-scrolling, beat-'em-up game Battle Crashers.[146] In common with other Cartoon Network series, several browser-based games—including Heap of Trouble, Goat Guardian and Gem Bound—are available on the channel's website.[147] In 2019, Minecraft released a Mash-Up Pack based on Steven Universe, and Brawlhalla, a free-to-play fighting game, added Steven Universe characters.[148][149] In 2021, the platform fighter MultiVersus features characters, locations and elements from the show.[150]

Comics BOOM! Studios has published several limited comics series based on Steven Universe:

An 8-month comic series, written by Jeremy Sorese and illustrated by Coleman Engle, was first published in August 2014.[151] A graphic novel, the first in a planned series, was published on April 6, 2016.[152] Also written by Sorese, drawn by Asia Kendrick Holton, and illustrated by Rosemary Valero-O'Connell, and based on a story by Ian Jones-Quartey, Too Cool for School is about Steven accompanying Connie to school.[153] A four-part comic miniseries titled Steven Universe and the Crystal Gems was published in 2016. It is written by Josceline Fenton and illustrated by Chrystin Garland, and the covers are illustrated by Kat Leyh.[154] A reboot comic series written by Melanie Gillman and illustrated by Katy Farina began publication in January 2017.[155] A second graphic novel called Anti-Gravity was released in July 2017. It is written by Talya Perper and illustrated by Queenie Chan.[156] A five-issue miniseries called Steven Universe: Harmony was first released in August 2018. It is written by S.M. Vidaurri and illustrated by Mollie Rose. The covers are illustrated by Marguerite Sauvage.[157] Toys and merchandise In October 2015, Cartoon Network announced a line of toys based on Steven Universe, which would be sold by specialty retailers. For the 2015 holiday season, Funko made "Pop!" vinyl figures and Just Toys offered "blind bag" novelty products. PhatMojo sold plush figures and foam weapons, and Zag Toys released collectible bobbleheads and other mini-figures in early 2016. The following year, Toy Factory planned to sell a line of plush and novelty items.[158] Cartoon Network sells a variety of products, including mugs, blankets and clothing, based on the show's episodes and characters.[159]

Soundtracks Main article: Steven Universe soundtracks The first soundtrack album collecting songs from the first four seasons, Steven Universe Soundtrack: Volume 1, was released on June 2, 2017.[160] The soundtrack debuted at number 22 on the Billboard 200, number two on the Soundtracks chart, and number one on the Independent Albums chart.[161][162] In Europe, it reached number 28 on the UK Album Downloads Chart,[163] nine on the country's Soundtrack chart,[164] 56 on the nation's official Compilation chart,[165] and 174 on the Ultratop Flanders album chart.[166] An album of songs from the fifth and final season, Steven Universe: Volume 2 (Original Soundtrack) as well as a karaoke album were released on April 12, 2019.[167] Volume 2 debuted at number 24 on the Soundtracks chart, number 28 on the Independent Albums chart, and number 14 on the Kid Albums chart.[168] A soundtrack for the movie featuring its songs and score was released on September 3, 2019, peaking at number 57 on the Billboard 200, number five on the soundtrack chart, number six on the Independent chart, and number two on the Kid Albums chart.[169] The soundtrack for Steven Universe Future was released on October 23, 2020.[170] Five albums featuring the music score were released on May 29, June 26, July 31, August 28, and September 25, 2020, respectively.[171]

Reception Popularity Steven Universe has been considered one of the greatest animated television series of all time in various publications, particularly for its recognition of LGBTQ representation in children's television. The series ranked number 99 on BBC's 100 Greatest Television Series of the 21st Century, the last of four animated shows in the 21st century to be included on the list.[172] IndieWire and GamesRadar+ ranked the series number 6 and number 12 as the greatest animated TV series in history lists, respectively.[173][174] In a list by Vanity Fair, it is ranked at number 4 as one the best TV shows from the 2010s.[175]

All five seasons of Steven Universe hold a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The website's critical consensus for season five reads: "Having blossomed into a sophisticated mythology with a deeply moving subtext, Steven Universe remains a sparkling entertainment and perfect introduction to LGBTQ representation for children."[176] Public interest in the series measured by Google Trends vastly outstripped that of Cartoon Network's other series in April 2016, which The A.V. Club called "definitive proof that Steven Universe is now Cartoon Network's flagship series".[113] In 2019, TV Guide ranked Steven Universe number 61 in its selection of the top 100 contemporary television series, describing the series as "groundbreaking" with an "uplifting, self-affirming message".[177]

Critical response Steven Universe has been widely praised for its art, music, voice performances, storytelling and characterization. According to James Whitbrook of io9, it is an "equally rewarding watch" for adults and children,[178] and Eric Thurm of Wired has called it "one of the stealthiest, smartest, and most beautiful things on the air".[179] Critics have praised the "breathtaking beauty",[180] "intriguing, immersive environments"[181] and "loveably goofy aesthetic"[178] of Steven Universe's art, writing highly of its distinctive, soft pastel backgrounds[181] and its "gorgeous, expressive, clean animation".[182] Reviewers also enjoyed the diverse, ensemble cast's voice acting, particularly that of Tom Scharpling's Greg,[183] Zach Callison's "exuberant and expressive"[184] work as Steven and Grace Rolek "singing her heart out" as Connie.[185]

Aivi Tran and Steven "Surasshu" Velema's chiptune-inspired music has also been praised in reviews: Oliver Sava of The A.V. Club mentioned its range from "peppy retro" to Ghibli-esque "smooth jazz piano",[181] Eric Thurm wrote that the musical numbers are characterized by "uplifting determination",[185] and Whitbrook wrote that they have evolved from being "little ... goofy ditties" to an integral part of the show's storytelling.[178] Thurm wrote for Pitchfork that "music matters in Rebecca Sugar's work", more than in most musicals, by structuring the characters' lives rather than merely telling a story.[186] The series' original songs have also been praised.[187] "Stronger Than You" has been referred to as a "power ballad", and the end credits song, "Love Like You", has been called "gutting" and an accurate depiction of the meaning of love.[188]

Style and themes Steven Universe, according to Eric Thurm, is a low-key, slice of life portrayal of childhood, an examination of unconventional family dynamics, a homage to anime, video games and other pop culture mainstays, and a "straightforward kids' show about superheroes".[189] Jacob Hope Chapman of Anime News Network said the anime series Revolutionary Girl Utena and Sailor Moon are Steven Universe's strongest influences visually and structurally, reflected by its "predominantly playful tone, interrupted by crushing drama at key moments", and its "glorification of the strengths of femininity, dilution of gender barriers, and emphasis on a wide variety of relationships between women, aimed at a family audience".[190] Steven Universe is known for making frequent references to Japanese anime, including Neon Genesis Evangelion, Akira, Cowboy Bebop, Dragon Ball Z, and Studio Ghibli films, along with Junji Ito's horror manga The Enigma of Amigara Fault.[190]

According to Whitbrook, the series' "masterful sense of pace" allows it to integrate foreshadowing and worldbuilding into scenes, which makes an overarching, dramatic narrative emerge from what might otherwise be "monster of the week" episodes.[178] The narration of a complex story from a child's perspective means its exposition remains "artfully restrained, growing in ambition with the series" and Steven's character.[179] Whitbrook also says that Steven Universe's measured pace allows its characters to become "more complex and interesting than most of their counterparts on prestige dramas",[191] developing "as real people and not entities serving narrative functions".[184] The series explores increasingly-challenging facets of relationships, such as the possibility Pearl may partially resent Steven because he is the reason his mother Rose no longer exists,[192] and the growing self-destruction of Pearl's "all-consuming passion" for Rose.[185] Its action scenes—such as Estelle's song presenting the climactic fight in "Jail Break" as a contest between Garnet's loving relationship and Jasper's lone-wolf attitude—are occasionally cast as philosophical arguments.[191]

Characters Adams highlighted the "groundbreaking and inventive" portrayal of the complicated "mentor/caregiver/older sibling dynamic" between Steven and the Crystal Gems[180] in a series which, at its core, is about sibling relationships.[181] Thurm wrote that a notable emotional difference between Steven Universe, Adventure Time and Regular Show, is that the latter two series deal with their protagonists' transitions to adulthood whereas during its first season, Steven Universe was content to be "enamored with the simplicity of childhood".[182] Steven slowly grows from being an obnoxious, tag-along child to an accepted member of the Crystal Gems in his own right by the end of the first season, a change brought about by increased insight and experience rather than age.[191] Joe Cain noted in The Mary Sue that unlike heroes from antiquity (Hercules) and modern fiction (Luke Skywalker from Star Wars), Steven is defined by his mother's legacy rather than his father's; the preponderance of mother figures in the series underscores their rarity in other fiction.[193] According to Kat Smalley of PopMatters, the Gems' alien nature, which prevents them from fully understanding the world they protect, is handled with "remarkable depth and intellectual rigor", even as they deal with human issues such as "depression, post-traumatic stress, and self-loathing" remaining from the long-past war for Earth.[194]

Smalley characterized Steven Universe as part of a growing trend of cartoons that appeal to adults and children alike, which includes Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005), its sequel The Legend of Korra (2012), Adventure Time (2010) and Regular Show (2010). This is reflected in the series' outreach to minorities that seldom appear elsewhere in animation and its broader themes: instead of delivering genre-typical, mustache-twirling villains, Steven Universe "deals with issues of extraordinary violence and horror, depicts its characters in shades of grey, and subtly plays with matters of philosophy, morality, and interpersonal conflicts, all while refusing to reset any development to a status quo".[194]

Gender and sexuality "Gender is at the forefront of the conversation surrounding Steven Universe", according to Erik Adams of the A.V. Club, who noted that "the show's superheroes are all women".[180] As a self-aware pastiche of magical girl anime, the series subverts the genre's premises by having Steven embody the loving 'femininity' of the typical magical girl protagonist without ridicule or losing his 'masculine' side. Whitbrook characterized the series as being "about love—all kinds of love", including non-traditional forms such as the motherly and friendly bond between Steven and the Gems, and Garnet as the "physical embodiment of a lesbian relationship".[178]

When placing the series on the honor list of the 2015 Tiptree Award, which recognizes works of science fiction or fantasy that explore and expand gender roles, the jury wrote: "In the context of children's television, this show deals with gender in a much more open and mature way than is typical for the genre, and has some of the best writing of any cartoon ... In addition to showing men and women who do not necessarily conform to standard American gender ideals, the show also gives us an agender/non-binary character and a thoughtful exploration of growing up".[195]

In 2015, Autostraddle's Mey Rude wrote that Steven Universe was the most-recent animated series for a younger audience with significant queer themes, such as the androgynous fusion Stevonnie and the romantic relationship between the Gems Ruby and Sapphire, whose fusion is the main character Garnet. This, according to Rude, reflects the growing prominence of these themes in children's cartoons; previous depictions were subtextual or minimal, such as the 2011 Adventure Time episode "What Was Missing", the 2014 series Clarence or (more explicit but unexplored) the 2014 finale of Nickelodeon's The Legend of Korra. In Steven Universe, LGBTQ themes are prominent as early as the first season's second half.[196] The fifth season's engagement and wedding between Ruby and Sapphire was reportedly the first same-sex marriage proposal in a children's animated series.[197][198] In their 2015 report, GLAAD stated that the show reflected the "diversity of the real world," noting that one of the show's protagonists, Garnet, is "the physical form of two female-presenting Gem beings who are in love",[199] shown in episodes such as "The Answer",[200] focusing the romantic relationship between Ruby and Sapphire. This led some to say the show has "heavy queer undertones."[201] "The Answer" later earned the show its second Emmy nomination, one of the six for the show.[202]

In September 2021, Abbey White, a non-binary reporter for Insider and The Hollywood Reporter, told the latter publication's "Hollywood Remixed" podcast that the whole idea behind the show is "an upending of gender expectation", with Steven as a "gender nonconforming boy" with a family of "feminine non-binary, non-gendered aliens", saying this is "laced in very conscious, purposeful ways throughout the entire series."[203] Previously, Mashable had stated that some fans relate to Lars Barriga in certain respects to the transgender experience, like feelings of societal pressure and conformity, even though he is not a confirmed transgender character.[204]

Fandom Cosplay of a blue character with four arms and a bow Cosplay of the character Opal in 2014 Fans have campaigned against censorship outside the United States of the series' representation of LGBT relationships. A fan campaign persuaded Cartoon Network's French subsidiary to re-record the song "Stronger than You" with a translation making the singer's love as explicit as the original,[205] and another was launched in 2016 to protest Cartoon Network's British subsidiary's practice of removing scenes of affection between Gems from UK broadcasts.[57] Swedish fans originated a protest petition after flirting between Gems was changed to unrelated dialogue in the Swedish broadcast of the episode "Hit the Diamond".[206]

According to io9, "while most of the Steven Universe fandom is supportive and welcoming, there is a small subsection that's known for being extreme and hostile under the guise of inclusiveness".[207] A fan artist attempted suicide in 2015 after she was bullied on social media because of the body proportions in her art,[208][209] and in 2016 storyboard artist and writer Jesse Zuke quit Twitter after being harassed by fans over perceived support for a particular romantic relationship between characters.[207]

A full-length fan-made episode titled "The Smothering",[210] set in an alternate version of the story's continuity, was called "one of the more impressive pieces of work to come out of the Steven Universe fandom" in 2017 by io9.[211] Beach City Con, a Steven Universe fan convention, was held in Virginia Beach on October 13–15, 2017.[212]

Influence and legacy Jones-Quartey, who left the show in 2015 to develop his OK K.O.! Let's Be Heroes, noted how the focus of Steven Universe on identity struck a chord with audiences, while ND Stevenson, showrunner of She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, described the show's effect on LGBTQ+ representation in Western animation, arguing that it changed the "landscape of animated shows when it first hit the air."[213] In a later interview, Stevenson said their early conversations about queer relationships and characters in their own show were only possible because of Steven Universe.[214] Additionally, in an interview with GLAAD's Raina Deerwater, Stevenson talked about queer representation in animation, citing Steven Universe alongside The Legend of Korra as an inspiring example of show that taught young fans to expect "nothing less than a variety of solid queer representation and central queer characters."[215] Tracy Brown, a reviewer for the Los Angeles Times, argued that during its run, the show became the "gold standard" for Cartoon Network itself.[216]

Legal scholar Monica Ramsy stated in a California Law Review article that the series disrupts "the retributive mediascape", modeling principles of restorative justice which rewrites the "justice narratives available for young viewers." Ramsy compared the series to retributive justice in other superhero cartoons such as Batman: The Animated Series, Spider-Man: The Animated Series, and Justice League/Justice League Unlimited, arguing that Steven Universe rejects the "typical hero warrior narrative", and has villains who suffer from "oppressive norms" rather than "unidimensional villains".[217] The article was later shared by Jones-Quartey on Twitter, calling it some of the "most spot-on writing" about the series.[218]

A former Cartoon Network executive, Katie Krentz, told Insider in 2021 that part of a shift toward more inclusion in animation, might be due, in part, to events at conventions, providing the example of rooms at Comic-Con filled with Steven Universe fans in their 20s, 30s, and 40s.[219] Krentz further argued this sort of participation by fans gives executives and creators feedback on who is watching the show and will buy merchandise, and on a related note, what counts as "good" representation. Journalists for Insider also argued that the show was "the start of a wave of animated shows with LGBTQ representation."[220] Jade King of TheGamer also asserted that She-Ra and the Princesses of Power "wouldn't exist without Steven Universe", noting a story told by Lee Knox Ostertag who said that his partner, ND Stevenson, used Steven Universe to prove to Netflix that shows with queer representation "have value, audiences, and a right to exist to show young people that being different is nothing to be ashamed of."[221]

Matt Braly, the creator of Amphibia, told ComicBook that he was a big fan of the show, a friend of Rebecca Sugar, and said that Sugar showed that original cartoon music can be beautiful and soulful. He also argued that there are a lot of crossover themes between Steven Universe and Amphibia, noting that a few crew members had worked on the show, and adding "we've got some Steven DNA."[222]

The series influenced some individuals in the entertainment industry. For instance, singer and songwriter Janelle Monáe, in January 2021, quoted a tweet saying that there was "absolutely nothing better than living outside the gender binary," with a GIF of Stevonnie, stating "'Are you a boy or a girl?' I'm an experience," and added the hashtag #IAmNonbinary."[223][224] In an interview with The Cut a month after the tweet, she told the interviewer that she retweeted the GIF because it "resonated with me, especially as someone who has pushed boundaries of gender since the beginning of my career".[225] Later, rapper and singer Lil Nas X, told a GQ interviewer, in November 2021, that he was going to commission someone to use the Diamonds' outfits and dress up like them and told the interviewer that Pink Diamond "did what she had to do."[226]t This article is about the television series. For the character, see Steven Universe (character). For the film, see Steven Universe: The Movie. For the epilogue limited series, see Steven Universe Future. Steven Universe is an American animated television series created by Rebecca Sugar for Cartoon Network. It tells the coming-of-age story of a young boy, Steven Universe (Zach Callison), who lives with the Crystal Gems—magical, mineral-based aliens named Garnet (Estelle), Amethyst (Michaela Dietz) and Pearl (Deedee Magno Hall)—in the fictional town of Beach City. Steven, who is half-Gem, has adventures with his friends and helps the Gems protect the world from their own kind. The pilot premiered in May 2013, and the series ran for five seasons, from November 2013 to January 2019. The television film Steven Universe: The Movie was released in September 2019, and an epilogue limited series, Steven Universe Future, ran from December 2019 to March 2020. Books, comics, video games and soundtracks based on the series have also been released.

Steven Universe The Season 2 onwards title card showing characters from left to right on the beach at dusk: Pearl, Garnet, Steven and Amethyst. Genre Adventure[1] Science fantasy[2] Comedy drama[3] Coming-of-age[4] Musical[4] Created by Rebecca Sugar Voices of Zach Callison Estelle Michaela Dietz Deedee Magno Hall Theme music composer Rebecca Sugar Aivi & Surasshu Opening theme "We Are the Crystal Gems" by Zach Callison, Estelle, Michaela Dietz and Deedee Magno Hall Ending theme "Love Like You" by Rebecca Sugar Composers Aivi & Surasshu Country of origin United States Original language English No. of seasons 5 No. of episodes 160 (list of episodes) Production Executive producers Rebecca Sugar Curtis Lelash Jennifer Pelphrey Brian A. Miller Rob Sorcher Producer Jackie Buscarino Editors Mattaniah Adams Paul Douglas Running time 11 minutes Production company Cartoon Network Studios Original release Network Cartoon Network Release November 4, 2013 – January 21, 2019 Related Steven Universe: The Movie Steven Universe Future The themes of the series include love, family and the importance of healthy relationships. Sugar based the lead character on her younger brother Steven, who was an artist for the series. She developed Steven Universe while being a writer and storyboard artist on the animated television series Adventure Time, which she left when her show was greenlit for full production. The series adopted a storyboard-driven approach, where storyboard artists d

The series received critical acclaim for its storytelling, character development and visual design. Critics praised its exploration of complex themes such as identity, relationships and mental health, as well as its prominent LGBTQ representation, which included the character Garnet, a fusion embodying a same-sex relationship, whose component characters made history in the first same-sex wedding in children's animation. The voice acting and music were also lauded, with songs like "Stronger Than You" becoming popular and resonating with its audience. Steven Universe earned numerous accolades, including a GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Kids & Family Program, becoming the first animated series to win the award, and a Peabody Award for Children's & Youth Programming, both respectively in 2019. It has consistently appeared on "best-of" lists for animation, including being ranked number 99 on BBC's 100 Greatest Television Series of the 21st Century list. Additionally, its influence inspired other creators and fostered a broad fanbase.

Once upon a time, the Gem Homeworld was ruled by Diamonds: White, Yellow, Blue, and the littlest Diamond, Pink. While the other Diamonds conquered many worlds across the galaxy, Pink had only one - the planet Earth. One day, Pink fled the comforts of Homeworld. On Earth, she made a new home, new friends, and finally, new life, giving up her form to bequeath her Gem to her half-human son. Without Pink, Gemkind fell into an era of despair. But when Steven Universe learned of his heritage, he reunited with his fellow Diamonds and championed a new era of peace and freedom across the furthest reaches of space.

” —White Diamond, Steven Universe: The Movie This page is dedicated to establishing a general overview of historical or important events that take place before and during the timeline of Steven Universe, Steven Universe: The Movie, and Steven Universe Future. Most of the information of this page is taken from the Steven Universe: End of an Era book,[1] which is non-canon but may contain some canon material.

Contents

1 Ancient History 1.1 Eons ago 1.2 Around 8,000 years ago 1.3 Around 6,000 years ago 1.4 Around 5,750 years ago 1.5 Around 5,600 years ago 1.6 Around 5,500 years ago 1.7 Around 5,300 years ago 1.8 Around 5,200 years ago 1.9 Around 5,050 years ago 1.10 Less than 5,050 years ago 1.11 Around 5,000 years ago [citation needed] 1.12 Around 4,500 years ago [citation needed] 1.13 Around 4,000 years ago 1.14 3,000 years ago 2 Recent Events 2.1 19th century 2.2 20th century 2.3 21st century 3 Present Events 3.1 Season 1 3.2 Season 2 3.3 Season 3 3.4 Season 4 3.5 Season 5 3.6 Unleash the Light 3.7 Steven Universe: The Movie 3.8 Steven Universe Future 4 Level-2 Canon 4.1 Ancient Events 4.1.1 Over 4,500 Years Ago 4.1.2 4,000 Years Ago 4.2 Present Events 4.2.1 The Phantom Fable 4.2.2 Steven Universe comic series 5 Non-Canon 6 Trivia/Notes 7 References Ancient History Eons ago

An unknown event splits the Gem Homeworld planet into pieces. White Diamond, acting as the leader of all Gems, constructs the Gem Homeworld's society. White emphasizes the importance of perfection, creates Homeworld's Caste System, bans cross-Gem Fusions, and instills punishments for those who are not deemed "flawless". In order to expand her "perfect" empire White leads The Great Diamond Authority in colonizing planets to create more Gems. Fluorite, Rhodonite, Padparadscha, and the Rutile Twins are considered defective by Homeworld's standards and remain in hiding in a Homeworld Kindergarten underground to avoid other Gems and Shattering Robonoids. At some point during the colonization of the Jungle Moon's planet Pink Diamond demands her own colony from Yellow Diamond but is rebuffed due to her inexperience.[2] Pink Diamond grows a close bond with the other Diamonds, often playing games together at Blue Diamond's Pool Area in her Onsen. Pink also became known for the lavish balls she would throw in celebration of the Great Diamond Authority's achievements. Pink Diamond is given Pink Pearl and the two often goof off in secrecy. Because of Pink Diamond's inability to adhere to Homeworld's rules she was often thrown into a Prison Tower where Blue Diamond would scold Pink, driving her to tears. On one specific occasion, Blue invited Pink to come to a Kyanite Colony, a planet inhabited by organic worms. Pink begged Blue to let her take the worms back to Homeworld and when Blue allowed her to do so she unintentionally released them in the Ballroom which displeased White Diamond. Yellow Diamond gifts Hessonite her Light Prism. Pyrope also receives her own prism, and rules over Blue 4. Around 8,000 years ago

Tired of asking Yellow and Blue for her own colony, Pink Diamond chose to ask White directly, only to be rejected. In a fit of rage, Pink Diamond damaged Pink Pearl's left eye. Pink Pearl is taken away from Pink Diamond and put under White's control. At some point, Spinel is created as a new playmate for Pink Diamond, and Pearl is given to Pink Diamond as a replacement for Pink Pearl. Sapphire emerges in a Homeworld kindergarten. Gems at the . Gems at the Lunar Sea Spire. Around 6,000 years ago

Pink Diamond is allowed to colonize Earth after getting permission from Blue and Yellow Diamond. She and her Gems arrive there to begin a new colony. The Moon Base is constructed on the moon for her to check the status of Gem creation. Having "outgrown" Spinel, Pink Diamond leaves her behind at her garden to focus on running her colony. By the time the Moon Base is completed, the Gem race has taken control over 43 planetary bodies and two star systems. Nephrite and her crew travel to Earth in an Ancient Gem Colony Ship.[3] Rose Quartz warning Pearl about the costs and dangers of joining . Rose Quartz warning Pearl about the costs and dangers of joining the Rebellion. Other Gems are created in the Prime Kindergarten.[4] Structures such as the Lunar Sea Spire, Communication Hub, Sky Spire, and Sea Shrine are constructed. Lapis Lazuli is made. Ruby is made on a colony. Pink Diamond wishes to be at the Prime Kindergarten to play with the Amethysts. In order to not be scolded by Yellow and Blue Diamond, Pearl gives Pink the idea of shapeshifting into a Rose Quartz soldier to blend in. In her Rose Quartz disguise, Pink and Pearl arrive at the Kindergarten where Pink meets the Amethysts. In order to not draw unnecessary attention Pink and Pearl travel off and Pink becomes fascinated by the beauty of Earth. She soon realizes completing her colony would destroy all she grew fond of.[5] Pink Diamond (as Rose Quartz) and Pearl defect from Homeworld and form the Crystal Gems.[6][7][8] Pink Diamond decides to use her alter-ego to make a stand her fellow Diamonds could not ignore, originally intending to use Rose Quartz to scare other Gems away.[6] Pink Diamond tries one more time to persuade Yellow and Blue to end colonization on Earth Moon Base, this time using Rose Quartz as an excuse. The other Diamonds continue to ignore her pleas.[9] Blue Diamond and members of her court arrive on Earth to oversee the removal of the uprisings.[10] Around 5,750 years ago

Pearl learns the human concept of being a knight at the Ancient Sky Arena.[11] Sapphire is sent to Earth along with three Rubies at the request of Blue Diamond.[10] Rose and Pearl lead a direct attack on Blue Diamond's court. Ruby and Sapphire accidentally fuse into Garnet for the first time. She inadvertently serves as a distraction helping Rose and Pearl to escape. Blue Diamond tells Ruby she will be shattered for fusing with Sapphire and allowing the rebels to escape despite protecting her assigned higher Gem. Sapphire flees with Ruby to Earth's surface. Rose tells Pearl how fascinated she is that two completely different Gems fused. Pearl attempts to fuse with Rose but fails. Rose and Pearl run into Garnet where Rose tells her to never question who she is, recruiting her to the Crystal Gems. Bismuth is recruited to Rose's cause and begins outfitting the Crystal Gems with weapons.[12] The Forge is constructed. Bismuth creates Rose's Sword. Around 5,600 years ago

Lapis Lazuli is poofed by Bismuth while visiting Earth during its colonization. Other Homeworld Gems, believing Lapis to be one of the Crystal Gems trap her gemstone in a mirror to interrogate her. Pink contacts the other Diamonds to tell them that she does not wish to complete the colony and instead wants to preserve the life on Earth. Yellow tells her to finish what she started. Blue creates a human zoo for Pink and she and Yellow kidnap humans to store them inside. Around 5,500 years ago

The Rebellion officially begins.[13] Some of the first battles in the Rebellion take place at the Ancient Sky Arena.[11] Hessonite and her Nephrites fight on Earth under Pink Diamond. Around 5,300 years ago

Bismuth presents Rose with the Breaking Point, a weapon designed to shatter Gems, specifically the Diamonds. Disagreeing, Rose poofs and bubbles Bismuth, keeping her fate hidden from the other Crystal Gems. A battle occurs at the location which would later become the Gem Battlefield. Many Gem Warriors fall and Rose's scabbard is lost.[7] Around 5,200 years ago

The Beta Kindergarten is created. Jasper is created among the troops in the Beta Kindergarten and is rumored to have taken out 80 Crystal Gems on her first day.[14] Around 5,050 years ago

After attempts to end the rebellion fail and many disagreements with Yellow and Blue, Pink Diamond and Pearl plan a ruse to stage Pink Diamond's shattering. Pearl, armed with Rose Quartz's sword and shapeshifted into Rose, poofs Pink Diamond, who had swallowed fake gem shards, thereby creating the illusion that Pink Diamond was shattered.[6] Homeworld enters into Era 2. The cut of Rose Quartz is thereby recognized as a threat and every Rose Quartz is bubbled, specifically Pink Diamond's entourage.[15] From then on Pink Diamond permanently identifies herself as Rose Quartz and continues leading the Crystal Gems. "Eyeball" is fighting for Homeworld in Facet 6 and witnesses the "shattering".[14] Earth is deemed non-viable as a colony by Homeworld, commencing experiments to create Cluster Gems using the gemstone shards of fallen Crystal Gems.[16] The Cluster is planted inside Earth's mantle as a last resort to make use of the planet. Homeworld Gems are commanded to evacuate Earth.[3] During a battle between Rose Quartz and Hessonite, Hessonite loses the Light Prism and has no other choice but to leave it due to the Corrupting Light the Diamonds unleash. Hessonite is transferred into Yellow's court. Jasper is evacuated from Earth and adopted into Yellow's court as the only successful Beta Kindergarten Quartz. Lapis Lazuli's mirror is abandoned at the Galaxy Warp and her gemstone is trampled over and cracked during the evacuation. Many Homeworld Gems such as Nephrite and her crew get left behind.[17] The Corrupting Light is initiated by the three remaining Diamonds, corrupting all Gems caught in it.[5] The only known Gems on Earth who were unaffected are Pink Diamond/Rose Quartz, Pearl, Garnet (protected by Rose's Shield), Amethyst (not emerged yet), Bismuth (bubbled) and Lapis Lazuli (trapped in the mirror). Less than 5,050 years ago

Fallen gems gradually reform, corrupted. The Pyramid Temple is constructed. Aquamarine emerges. Demantoid emerges. Demantoid is gifted a Light Prism. Around 5,000 years ago [citation needed]

The Galaxy Warp becomes inactive.[18] Blue Diamond takes over Pink Diamond's Zoo in her absence. Amethyst emerges after the Rebellion, 500 years later than any other gem in the Prime Kindergarten. Around 4,500 years ago [citation needed]

Hessonite becomes known as a war hero amongst Homeworld Gems. Amethyst is found by the remaining Crystal Gems. Around 4,000 years ago

The defending Zircon starts serving the Diamonds and Homeworld.[19] The Crystal Gems construct the Crystal Temple. 3,000 years ago

Peridot emerges, and is assigned to Warp and Kindergarten Maintenance on old colonies. Recent Events 19th century

Rose Quartz begins traversing the Desert with a pride of lions.[20] William Dewey and his crew are attacked by a Corrupted Gem and rescued by the Crystal Gem fusion (Obsidian). Dewey goes on to establish Beach City.[21] Buddy Buddwick leaves Dewey's crew to begin his career as an explorer and author.[20] Lion dies and Rose Quartz resurrects him. At some point, Rose decides to store valuable and sentimental items, including Bismuth's gemstone in Lion's Dimension unbeknownst to the rest of the Crystal Gems.[12] In the summer of 1862, William Buford Buchanan, Beach City's most notorious arsonist sets a record of 335 fires. He drowns after diving into the ocean trying to evade police.[22] 20th century

In 1965, the author of The No Home Boys series Dustylegs Jefferson dies after being hit by a train at a book signing event in an active train yard.[23] Beach Citywalk Fries is founded in 1979. Greg at the end of his tour. Greg at the end of his tour. Ocean Town is abandoned after an unspecified catastrophe involving fire.[24] Greg Universe's family gathers annually at the Barn for a feast.[25] Greg drops out of a community college to become a professional musician and tour the country. A friend gave him a CD with a song by Kerry Moonbeam that makes Greg who he is.[26] He changes his surname from DeMayo to Universe and forms a partnership with Marty. Greg's family began moving away from each other leaving Andy DeMayo alone to explore the world in his plane.[25] Greg records Space Train to the Cosmos.[27] Greg falls in love with Rose Quartz and decides to stay in Beach City at 22 after cutting ties with Marty.[27] Greg begins working at It's a Wash, eventually becoming the owner.[28] Greg records "Let Me Drive My Van (Into Your Heart)". Greg attempts a fusion with Rose Quartz and proves that pure human-gem fusion isn't possible.[29] 40 years prior to Mirror Gem, Pearl finds Lapis Lazuli's mirror at the Galaxy Warp and stores it in her gemstone. A mud tornado, nicknamed a "Mudnado" hits Beach City. Lars Barriga, Sadie Miller, Ronaldo Fryman, and the Pizza Twins (along with The Cool Kids) were born.[30] 21st century

Rose Quartz records a video for Steven/Nora. Rose Quartz gives up her physical form to give birth to Steven Universe. Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl kidnap Steven and steal Greg's Van temporarily to try to find out who or what Steven is. Greg and the Gems eventually agree to help Steven grow up together.[31] Construction begins on the Beach House.[32] The restaurant Aqua-Mexican goes out of business.[33] Sadie starts working at the Big Donut as a summer job.[34] Connie Maheswaran and Steven see each other for the first time at the Boardwalk Parade.[35] Present Events Season 1

The stolen ocean. The stolen ocean. Cookie Cats are discontinued, Steven uses his shield for the first time, and the Crystal Gems defeat Nephrite. A Homeworld vessel appears on earth for the first time in over 4,000 years. Steven discovers his mother's laser light cannon and uses it to destroy the Red Eye. The Lunar Sea Spire sinks into the ocean. Steven and Connie formally meet for the first time, Steven activates his Bubble Shield for the first time, and Orange Spodumene is defeated. The Pyramid Temple is destroyed. Tiger Millionaire and Purple Puma win the Beach City Tag Team Championships. Lion is found by Steven in The Desert. Pearl and Amethyst form Opal and retrieve the Heaven and Earth Beetle gems. Steven discovers his ability to manipulate his biological age. Pearl is damaged and poofed by her holographic counterpart and reforms two weeks later with a new design. Dogcopter 3 premieres in theaters, Steven and Connie discover Rose's Secret Armory and destroy one of Rose's robots. Steven gains access to Rose's Room. Garnet and Amethyst form Sugilite and destroy an active Homeworld communications hub. The Sea Shrine and a powerful time-traveling artifact are destroyed when Steven accidentally creates an alternate timeline. Nephrite is released and forms a friendship with Steven before being poofed, Larimar is defeated, and the Shooting Star is retrieved by the Crystal Gems. Steven discovers his ability to heal with his spit and Connie's eyesight is cured. Lapis Lazuli is released from her mirror by Steven, attempts to flee Earth by stealing the planet's ocean, and engages in battle with the Crystal Gems. Steven befriends her and heals her of the damage done to her gem; she peacefully leaves Earth and returns the ocean. It is also revealed by Pearl that the Corrupted Gems on Earth were once normal Gems over 4,000 years ago. The Geode is repaired by Greg and Steven temporarily loses his healing powers. The Invisible Gem Monster is defeated by Sadie on Mask Island. The Crystal Gems form Alexandrite to impress Connie's parents. Steven's army of watermelon offspring retreat to the ocean. Steven discovers Rose's video tape inside Lion's mane. Peridot arrives at the Galaxy Warp on a scouting mission and flees upon learning the site has been recently compromised by the Crystal Gems. Stevonnie is formed for the first time. Steven learns of Garnet's ability to calculate events in the future. Steven and Amethyst retreat to the Kindergarten she was formed in, a fight between Pearl and Amethyst break out, the two eventually make up. The "ghost" of Beach City's lighthouse, revealed to be a Corrupted Gem, is captured by Steven. Garnet warps to the Temple with Pearl and Amethyst. She holds a Light Prism, which Pearl explains that when it is in the hands of a powerful Gem, they can control an army of light. The Gems agree to let Steven hold it since it only activates in the hands of a powerful Gem. The Light Prism activates and releases the White Light. The Gems fight it and Garnet's punch causes the White Light to split into seven colors which scatter across Earth. Steven and the Gems capture the Indigo Light at Indigo Cave, the Violet Light and Green Light at the Strawberry Battlefield, the Orange Light at the Desert (with Alexandrite's help), the Yellow Light and Blue Light at the Lunar Sea Spire, and finally encounters the Red Light in an unknown Gem location. The Red Light takes the Light Prism from the Gems and combines all of the colors into one powerful White Light. Steven deduces that the Light Prism thought he was its master and that he was only testing it. The Light Prism asks Steven what he wants it to be, and Steven tells it whatever it wants, causing the Light Prism to turn into dozens of Stevens and eventually fades away. In Save the Light Steven reveals that he kept the Light Prism as a "memento" of their adventure. Steven learns of Garnet's ability to transfer her future vision to other individuals. Amethyst and Greg rekindle their weakened friendship and a new year passes. Steven confronts Peridot at the Prime Kindergarten. Lion retrieves Rose's scabbard from the Strawberry Battlefield. Greg tells Steven about the time he and Rose first met. Steven and Greg receive a message from Lapis Lazuli warning them of Homeworld's imminent arrival. A small fleet of Homeworld Gems, led by Jasper and Peridot, arrives on Earth. Lapis Lazuli is ousted as the one who revealed to the Homeworld that Gems still live on Earth. Beach City is evacuated en masse and Steven learns about the gem war and dark secrets about the Gems. Jasper mistakes Steven as Rose Quartz, Garnet is destabilized, and the other Crystal Gems are captured. Steven is introduced to Ruby and Sapphire for the first time, the Gem Warship is destroyed, Peridot launches an escape pod to an unspecified location on Earth, Jasper convinces Lapis to fuse with her as Malachite to defeat the Crystal Gems, and Lapis betrays Jasper, dragging them both to the bottom of the ocean. Season 2

The smoking wreckage of Peridot and Jasper's Gem Warship. The smoking wreckage of Peridot and Jasper's Gem Warship. The citizens of Beach City begin repairing damage caused by the Gem Warship. Steven attempts to keep the Gem Warship incident away from Connie. Steven discovers Peridot's escape pod in an abandoned field. Jamie returns from Hollywood, Kansas after his acting career goes south. Amethyst reforms after being poofed multiple times by the Slinker. Connie takes on sword fighting lessons from Pearl. The Crystal Gems discover Peridot's location. After she escapes, Garnet and Steven discover a nest of forced fusions created from pieces of shattered gems. Greg tells Steven of the time he recorded a music video with the Crystal Gems, met Rainbow Quartz, and attempted to fuse with Rose. Steven discovers his ability to enter the consciousness of other individuals and learns that Lapis Lazuli is suffering under the ocean. Garnet and Pearl fuse to form Sardonyx to destroy the Homeworld Communication Hub after Peridot rebuilds it. Amethyst and Steven learn that Pearl has been lying to Garnet about subsequent repairs to the Communication Hub, presumably done by Peridot, to keep fusing with her. Ruby and Sapphire open up about their feelings over Pearl's betrayal during a trip to a motel. Garnet and Pearl forgive one another and work together to capture Peridot, who eventually escapes. Connie's mother discovers her daughter's secret sword fighting lessons. Connie and Steven save a hospital from an infestation of Gem mutants. Peridot is poofed and captured by the Crystal Gems; Steven eventually befriends her and she takes shelter in the Beach House's bathroom. Peridot reveals to Steven that a massive cluster composed of millions of shattered gems is incubating below the earth and is due to form and destroy the planet. The Crystal Gems use Greg's family barn as a base to build a machine that can stop the cluster. Steven turns 14. Garnet tells Steven the story of how Ruby and Sapphire met and formed Garnet. The Crystal Gems travel to a Homeworld base on the moon where Peridot reveals the Homeworld's original plans to colonize and drain the earth of its natural resources. Peridot confronts Yellow Diamond and defects from Homeworld, becoming an official member of the Crystal Gems. Season 3

The Crystal Gems defeat Malachite on Mask Island and rescue Lapis Lazuli. Meanwhile, Steven and Peridot travel to the Cluster and successfully contain the weapon. Steven helps Lapis adjust to life on Earth. Lapis reluctantly moves into the Barn with Peridot, but eventually warms up to her. A squad of Rubies arrive on Earth to retrieve Jasper but are tricked into leaving following a baseball game with the Crystal Gems. Steven develops his mother's floating abilities. Greg becomes a millionaire after reuniting with Marty. Greg and Pearl settle their differences regarding Rose. Peridot develops metal manipulation powers. Steven's mental powers are further developed with help from an unwilling Lars. Steven resolves a feud between the Fryman and Pizza families. Steven uses his dream abilities to help Kiki overcome a family affair. Steven learns more about the Gem War and reunites Nephrite with her own kind. Jasper returns. Connie goes on her first mission with the Crystal Gems and encounters Jasper for the first time. Jasper begins building her own army of Corrupted Gems. Amethyst is promptly defeated by Jasper and nearly shattered until Stevonnie intervenes. Amethyst trains with Steven to become stronger, with both learning new tricks and bonding over their insecurities. Steven accidentally releases Bismuth from her bubble inside Lion's mane. Bismuth reconnects with the surviving Crystal Gems and provides upgrades for their weapons. Steven learns the reason for Bismuth's imprisonment and is forced to bubble her again. Afterward, he explains her imprisonment to the others. Steven, Amethyst, and Peridot track Jasper to the Beta Kindergarten. They discover Jasper's origins along with what has happened to the Corrupted Gems. Amethyst and Steven form Smoky Quartz for the first time while fighting Jasper. Jasper becomes corrupted after fusing with a Gem Monster. Before she is finally defeated by Peridot, Jasper reveals her reasons for coming back to Earth. The Rubies return to Earth. Amethyst (disguised as Jasper) convinces them to take herself and the other Crystal Gems to the Moon Base. Upon arrival, "Eyeball", as a firsthand witness, confirms that Rose Quartz shattered Pink Diamond. Eventually, Amethyst's deception is discovered and the Rubies attack. Sardonyx knocks the Rubies (and Steven, by accident) into space. Steven and the Rubies become stranded in deep space. Steven finds "Eyeball" and rescues her, eventually revealing Rose's gemstone. Believing Steven is Rose Quartz, "Eyeball" attempts to shatter Steven, forcing him to eject "Eyeball" back into space. After some time, Steven is saved by the Crystal Gems, having hijacked the Rubies' Roaming Eye ship. On the ride back to Earth, the Crystal Gems confirm and justify Rose's actions toward Pink Diamond. Season 4

While cleaning up Jasper's mess at the Beta Kindergarten, Peridot manages to poof and bubble her first Corrupted Gem. Steven and Amethyst reveal Smoky Quartz to the other Crystal Gems. Sardonyx attempts to evaluate Smoky, ultimately realizing they are special in their own way. Steven and Connie discover a journal by Buddy Buddwick. Steven overcomes his regrets with help from Connie. With help from Steven, Mr. Smiley reconnects with his old friend and partner Mr. Frowney. Steven meets Onion's summer friends. Andy DeMayo reconnects with his estranged cousin Greg over a family dinner with Steven and the Gems. Steven investigates a strange dream he is having, despite frequent warnings from Garnet. After Blue Diamond abducts Greg in Korea, Steven, and the Crystal Gems travel to Pink Diamond's Zoo to rescue him. Lapis, Peridot, and Connie are charged with protecting Earth in their stead. Despite issues with the Roaming Eye's gravity drive, the Crystal Gems arrive at Pink Diamond's Zoo. While Holly Blue Agate gives Sapphire, Ruby, and Pearl a tour of the facility, Steven is inserted into the Human Zoo and reunites with Greg. Despite a comfortable existence inside the Zoo, Greg ultimately rejects the "choosening" ceremony of the other humans. Steven and Greg are subsequently captured by the intervening Amethyst guards. Brought to the guard quarters, Steven and Greg are surprised that Amethyst has quickly befriended her sisters, both for their common heritage and mutual dislike of Holly Blue Agate. While Holly Blue browbeats the guards into preparing for Blue Diamond's surprise return, Steven and Greg take refuge in a large room full of bubbled Rose Quartzes, hiding when Blue Diamond arrives to pay her respects. Yellow Diamond enters immediately after, attempting to convince Blue to move on. Afterward, Steven and Greg sneak back out while Sapphire stalls Holly and the Diamonds for time. Upon entering the hangar, Holly catches Steven and Greg attempting to escape. She tries to stop them but is thwarted by Garnet and the others. The Crystal Gems and Greg successfully escape the Zoo. While Steven and the Gems are away, Connie, Lapis, and Peridot protect Beach City, with disastrous results. The Crystal Gems and Greg return to Earth. The car wash's sign is replaced afterward. Steven resolves his mother issues inside Rose's Room. Ronaldo temporarily joins the Crystal Gems. Steven and Amethyst officially retire from Beach City's underground wrestling scene. "Navy" crash-lands on Earth. Posing as a defector, she eventually steals back the Roaming Eye and escapes into space. Steven discovers another of Rose's secrets with help from Lion. The Light Prism returns, still in its Steven form, and Steven tells Connie the story of their previous adventure. Suddenly, the Light Prism leaves the Beach House; Steven and Connie chase it to Greg Universe's It's A Wash. Above the car wash Hessonite's Warship floats and then crashes down. Hessonite then forces the light prism to go with her. In the end, the prism goes to explore the earth while Hessonite starts looking for her own purpose. Steven and Connie do a stakeout with Mr. Maheswaran, though the culprit is not who they suspect. Steven, Sadie, and Lars are invited to a party hosted by Buck and company. On the night of the party, however, Lars is nowhere to be found. Steven, Connie, and the Gems investigate several mysterious disappearances. Steven encounters Aquamarine and Topaz for the first time, and Connie is captured in the process. Steven and the Crystal Gems confront Aquamarine and Topaz, with the former explaining their reason for visiting Earth. In order to save his friends, Steven reveals his mother's gemstone and turns himself in, departing Earth for Homeworld. "Eyeball" somehow returns to Homeworld during this time, possibly rescued by "Navy". Season 5

Steven discovers that Lars is still on the ship. Nevertheless, Aquamarine and Topaz escort them to Homeworld. Topaz tries to help Steven and Lars escape but to no avail. Put on trial for Rose Quartz's crime of shattering Pink Diamond, Steven (represented by a blue defending Zircon) goes up against the Diamonds (represented by a yellow prosecuting Zircon). Steven learns that his mother may not be responsible for the shattering. Both Zircons are poofed by Yellow Diamond. Lars and Steven escape the Diamonds and meet a group of rogue "off-color" Gems (Padparadscha, the Rutile Twins, Rhodonite, and Fluorite). Lars is killed by an explosion while protecting the group from a pack of Robonoids. Steven revives Lars with his tears, causing him to turn pink and gain powers similar to Lion. Steven uses Lars' pocket dimension to return to Earth, while Lars and the Off Colors stay behind to search for an alternate way home. Connie gets mad at Steven for not working together to save their friends and him giving himself up in the fight against Aquamarine and Topaz, and leaves with an equally upset Lion. Mayor Dewey resigns from his post, allowing Nanefua Pizza to take his place. Greg and the Crystal Gems take Steven to a place called Cool Ranch to help him relax, thinking that he is upset about space. Steven eventually confesses to them his falling out with Connie and failed attempts to make amends and they assure that things will be alright. Lapis Lazuli leaves Earth once again and takes the Barn, not wanting to get caught in the middle of another war with the Diamonds. Peridot subsequently moves back into Stevens bathroom. Peridot, Steven, and Amethyst return to the Kindergarten to turn it into an actual garden in order to cheer Peridot up but instead encounter a Flower Monster. Peridot gets over the fact that Lapis left her. Sadie quits her job and joins a band with Buck, Jenny, Sour Cream, and Steven. Kevin returns and invites Steven and Connie to his party. At the party, Steven has a tense reunion with Connie and Lion, who is revealed to have stayed with her for the past few weeks, and when the former two finally talk, it is revealed that Connie has been trying to get in touch with Steven to reconcile this entire time, but was unable to due multiple circumstances. Connie and Steven make amends and leave on Lion as their relationship is finally recovered. During this time, Lars and the Off Colors escape from Homeworld and become a rebel cell against the Homeworld Gems. Steven and Connie visit Lars and the Off Colors, only to be shot down by an Emerald while protecting Lars' new ship. Stevonnie gets stranded on a nearby planet and learns more about Pink Diamond's past. Lars and his crew rescue Stevonnie off of the Jungle Moon and Steven and Connie return to Earth, presumably unfused. Steven introduces Garnet to the Off Colors. Garnet tells Lars and the Off Colors the origins of Rose Quartz and the Rebellion. Steven records a documentary for "Sadie Killer and the Suspects". Greg becomes the manager of "Sadie Killer and the Suspects". Steven and Garnet adopt a one-eyed stray kitten and name it "Cat Steven". Steven sends a letter to Lars about what's happening in Beach City. Nanefua organizes emergency protocols for the town in case of another Gem invasion. Pearl buys a cell phone. Jamie starts an improv group. Peridot and Amethyst are among the members. Big Donut is reopened after Bill Dewey begins working there. During this time, Lars and the Off Colors struggle to repair the Sun Incinerator and return to Earth and decide to raid one of Yellow Diamond's mining facilities for supplies. Ronaldo spots the Moon Base and the Barn on the Moon and informs Steven. Steven travels to the Moon on Lion to search for Lapis. Steven meets Lapis again and Lapis explains why she left Earth. Though Steven at first convinces her to return, Lapis seemingly abandons Earth for good after Steven tries and fails to explain another dream about Pink Diamond. Steven goes inside Pearl to find her phone and discovers that Rose Quartz is Pink Diamond, shocking Garnet, and Amethyst. Garnet unfuses and Sapphire becomes mad at Ruby, believing that Rose Quartz lied to them and leaves, upset. Steven and Pearl check on Sapphire and Pearl tell Steven and Sapphire the story of how Pink Diamond became Rose Quartz before eventually returning home, only to find that Ruby is not there. Sapphire reads the letter that Ruby had written, causing her and Pearl to break down crying about Ruby. Steven and Amethyst go out to search for Ruby. Amethyst reveals that she was trying to cheer Steven up after Steven tries to stop her from fleeing. Steven and Amethyst discover that Ruby is at Greg's van with Greg. Steven and Amethyst find Ruby and learn that she was with Greg all along. Ruby becomes her own person and dresses like a cowboy as they go on an adventure. Eventually, Ruby reunites with Sapphire and proposes to her. Steven, Pearl, Amethyst, and Peridot set up a wedding for Ruby and Sapphire. Steven releases Bismuth and after telling her the truth about Rose Quartz, eventually convinces her to come to the wedding. Bismuth, in turn, gives Ruby and Sapphire two wedding rings. Steven invites everybody to the wedding. Ruby and Sapphire are married and Garnet returns. Yellow and Blue Diamond appear and invade Beach City. The Cluster is unleashed but fights alongside the Crystal Gems. Lapis Lazuli returns to Earth and joins the Crystal Gems. Peridot and Lapis are poofed into their gems. In an out-of-body experience, Steven confesses to Blue and Yellow Diamond that his mom is Pink Diamond. Steven wakes up and everybody, including Blue and Yellow Diamond, becomes glad as they finally learn the truth about Pink Diamond. Blue and Yellow Diamond are relieved to be reunited with Pink. Steven shows Centipeetle to Blue and Yellow Diamond because they thought their Corrupting Light destroyed all Gems. Steven, Yellow, and Blue combine their powers to temporarily reverse the corruption effects, revealing Centipeetle to be a Nephrite. They decide that in order to permanently heal corruption, they need White Diamond as well. Steven, Connie, and the Gems (excluding Bismuth) board Pink Diamond's old ship to travel to Homeworld. There, Gems cheer for the return of Pink Diamond and White Pearl takes Steven to White Diamond. White welcomes Steven back home and transports him to Pink Diamond's Palace. Steven befriends the Pebbles that live inside Pink Diamond's Palace. Steven is reunited with Pearl, and they are taken to Yellow Diamond's Extraction Chamber by Yellow Pearl. Steven vents his frustrations about White, but Yellow Diamond soon leaves on a mission. Blue Pearl takes Steven and Pearl to Blue Diamond's Extraction Chamber, where Steven learns that the Diamonds used to be very close and often played games with Pink. Blue soon leaves as well. The Pebbles recreate Pink's outfit for Steven. Pearl brings Garnet, Amethyst, and Connie to Steven, and he decides to throw a party for the Diamonds like his mother used to and invite everyone on Homeworld. He plans on making a case for Earth. Instead of attending the party where the other three Diamonds are present White Diamond sends White Pearl who announces that Era 3 has begun. Stevonnie fuses, along with Garnet, Opal, and a Homeworld Jade fusion. While Yellow Diamond poofs the latter she throws Stevonnie into a small room of their own. Steven possesses a Watermelon Steven and tells Bismuth that the Crystal Gems need help. Blue Diamond releases Steven and Connie out of the Prison Tower and takes them to the Bubble Chamber to get the gemstones of the Crystal Gems that Yellow Diamond bubbled. Blue and Yellow Diamond engage in a major fight over Steven (Pink Diamond)'s punishment until Steven convinces Yellow Diamond to help them. When the Crystal Gems, Yellow and Blue Diamond get to Pink's Ship, White Pearl stops them as White Diamond flies her ship to Pink's and controls it. Yellow and Blue's ships come and knock down the Diamond Mech, piloted by Bismuth and a reformed Peridot and Lapis. Yellow and Blue try to talk to White, but instead, she uses her power to control them. Steven fuses with Amethyst's gem into Smoky Quartz and reveals that Steven can pull Gems from regeneration through fusion. Steven fuses with Pearl to make Rainbow Quartz 2.0 and then Garnet to make Sunstone. All four gems fuse to make Obsidian climb to White's ship. Bismuth gives Connie a new sword. The main 4 Crystal Gems get to White's ship and confront her, but she possesses Amethyst, Garnet, and Pearl. Connie arrives but is contained as White Diamond removes Steven's gem expecting Pink Diamond to reform. Instead, a Pink Steven is created and refuses with the weaker human Steven to bring back regular Steven, which angers White. White Diamond blushes pink and releases all the gems from her control, including Pink Pearl. Steven comforts White for her flaws. During Sadie Killer and the Suspects’ Concert, the Diamonds and Crystal Gems return to Earth with the Diamond Mech. The Sun Incinerator arrives on Earth with the Off Colors. Lars and Sadie reunite with each other after a long time. Steven and the Diamonds heal all the corrupted Gems using Rose's Fountain. The Diamonds return to Homeworld, leaving Pink Diamond's Ship. Unleash the Light

Era 3 anarchists Demantoid and Pyrope refuse to give up their prism weapons. Steven and the Crystal Gems will make them, even if it means fighting. Steven Universe: The Movie

Steven helps dismantle and demilitarize Homeworld's empire. Little Homeworld is constructed on Earth. The Beach House is renovated and expanded. Steven turns 16 during this time. After helping dismantle most of Homeworld's territory, Steven announces his plan to return to Beach City to the dismay of the Diamonds. Connie leaves for space camp. Just as Steven and the Crystal Gems are settling into their new life, Spinel arrives on Earth, intent on destroying Steven and his home. Spinel incapacitates Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl, wiping their memories in the process, before being subdued by Steven, who has also lost his powers. After the Crystal Gems reform, Steven learns of Spinel's identity and more about her technology. Spinel accidentally destroys part of Little Homeworld, causing Ruby and Sapphire to become Garnet once again. Steven and Spinel help Amethyst restore her memory. Steven and Greg form Steg for the first time while helping Pearl regain her memory. Steven returns home to find Spinel in his conservatory and sends Lion to retrieve Connie. Steven learns about Spinel's history with Pink Diamond, restoring her memory in the process. Connie and Lion return to help Steven. Steven convinces Spinel to shut down the injector. After hearing about his lack of plans for her, however, Spinel turns against Steven and reactivates her injector. Spinel takes Garnet hostage and goads Steven into attacking, but when he refuses, Garnet regains her memory and helps fight Spinel. While Connie and the Crystal Gems protect Beach City's citizens from the effects of the bio-poison, Steven confronts Spinel atop her injector. Steven regains his powers and fights Spinel destroying her injector in the process. The Diamonds arrive on Earth, having decided to live with Steven but quickly change their minds after seeing the damage Spinel has caused. After meeting Spinel, the Diamonds invite her to live with them on Homeworld and she accepts. Steven and his allies repair Beach City. Steven Universe Future

Steven heals Cherry Quartz and introduces her to life in Beach City and Little Homeworld. After learning about a Gem who refuses to join Little Homeworld, Steven discovers Jasper living alone in the woods. He tries and fails to convince her to join him to the point of fighting her, unleashing a destructive new power in the process. After learning that Amethyst has given all the Gems of Little Homeworld jobs similar to their previous occupations, Steven tries to get them out of their comfort zones by assigning them different tasks, sending the Boardwalk into chaos. The Zoomans take over Pink Diamond's Zoo and arrive on Earth. The Rose Quartzes are also unbubbled, and Steven and the Crystal Gems have an awkward sleepover with three of them. Steven tries to heal Pink Pearl's injury, learning that Pink Diamond was responsible for her missing eye. Steven, Pearl, and Pink Pearl travel to The Reef to heal her, only to learn that her scar is a psychological wound caused by one of Pink Diamond's temper tantrums. Fed up with the controversy surrounding his mother, Steven angrily destroys part of The Reef, causing Shell to trap both Pearls in an attempt to reprogram them. Pearl and Pink Pearl form Mega Pearl for the first time and escape The Reef with Steven. Bluebird Azurite arrives at the Beach House and befriends the Crystal Gems (and Greg). She betrays the Gems but is defeated by Alexandrite and forced to defuse into her components, Aquamarine and "Eyeball", who depart. Steven and Lapis go to an alien planet where they find two Lapis Lazulis who are still terraforming planets. They are Nice Lapis and Mean Lapis. Steven tells both Lapis Lazulis about Little Homeschool and by the episode's conclusion, Nice Lapis shows up and joins the school. Steven throws a graduation party for the graduating class in Little Homeschool, but his feelings of anxiety about his friends moving on in their lives without him trigger his pink state and he involuntarily traps him and his friends in a dome-shaped bubble. However, after a pep talk from his friends, Steven realizes he needs to let his friends live their own lives and deactivates the dome. Steven takes up gardening after he quits his position as a teacher at Little Homeschool, and accidentally brings his cactus to life using his phytokinesis. The cactus (later named Cactus Steven) copies what others say, and when Steven starts to dump his emotional baggage on him, he starts becoming more negative and deformed in the process. After a fight between Cactus Steven and the Crystal Gems, Steven apologizes to Cactus Steven putting his negative emotions on him, and Cactus Steven leaves Steven's house on good terms but destroys part of the house. Steven and Peridot watch a reboot of Camp Pining Hearts but aren't satisfied with the result. After discovering he can alter the program through his dreams, Steven and Peridot attempt to exploit this, with nearly fatal results due to Steven's underlying trauma. Steven, Connie, Bismuth, and Pearl go roller skating, culminating in a skating contest won by Stevonnie. Steven is awkwardly introduced to Connie's other friends. After getting separate advice from Ruby and Sapphire, Steven proposes to Connie, asking her to be Stevonnie with him forever. However, she turns him down due to their current age and her plans for college but promises to save the question for another time, leaving him somewhat heartbroken. Steven goes to the doctor for the first time in an attempt to learn more about his new powers. Unfortunately, his insecurities and recent rejection cause him to destroy much of Dr. Maheswaran's office. Steven and Greg go on a road trip, during which Steven learns more about his paternal grandparents. Realizing that his mother and father have too much in common, Steven angrily destroys Greg's van. Steven seeks out Jasper to learn to control his powers. After three days of intense training, Steven fights Jasper to the point of shattering her. Upon being revived, Jasper finally recognizes Steven as a Diamond, but he isn't too happy about it. In desperation, Steven goes to the Diamonds to learn how to control his powers, reuniting with Spinel along the way. After nearly shattering White Diamond when she allows him to control her, Steven realizes how dangerous he is and quickly leaves. Once back on Earth, Steven attempts to help out around Little Homeworld, but only ends up making things worse. Connie, Greg, and the Crystal Gems have an intervention, but Steven doubles down on his insecurities, finally transforming him into a monster. Steven's friends and family work together to bring his new corrupted form under control and eventually succeed by giving him unconditional love, with Connie sealing the deal with a kiss. After returning to normal, Steven finally breaks down, letting out years of held-in emotions. Steven gradually heals from his meltdown over the next few months with the help of his family and friends, as well as a therapist. He also finally upgrades his relationship with Connie from best friends to a romantic couple. Steven leaves Beach City to see the world, but not before wishing everyone close to him a heartfelt goodbye. Level-2 Canon Level 2 Canon Section This section contains informations on a subject that is considered "level 2 canon" and may be contradicted by the TV series. "Level-2 Canon" refers to events that occur in Steven Universe media outside TV releases that present a narrative that takes place within the TV show's timeline. Such narration is considered to be canon until the TV series overwrites such canon with its own. This section lists the events that have not been overwritten so far.

Ancient Events

Over 4,500 Years Ago

The Gem Homeworld no longer sees Earth as a viable colony. The Crystal Gems emerge victorious. 4,000 Years Ago

All of the events that occur during this time span in the TV timeline occurs. Present Events

All of the events that take place in the show before and after the games occur in this timeline.[36]

The Phantom Fable

The Book was inside of the Lion's mane and it takes Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl, while separated in other places before Steven bubbled up the Book. Steven Universe comic series

After "Steven the Sword Fighter" and before "The Return" The Crystal Gems fight the Rainbow Cloud Monster.[37] Greg sings the song while preparing for the picnic. Sometimes during "Tiger Millionaire" Lars and Sadie leave the Beach City Underground Wrestling After "Steven the Sword Fighter" and before "An Indirect Kiss" Annual Beach City Bike Race[38] After "Steven's Lion" and before "Steven the Sword Fighter" Steven enters the Beach City Pet Contest.[38] After "Bubble Buddies" and before "An Indirect Kiss" Steven and Connie playing a game in the storage room.[39] Before "Steven the Sword Fighter" Steven told the Gems that the disco ball is not a Gem.[39] After "Reformed" and before "Nightmare Hospital"[40] Steven temporarily attends a public school with Connie.[41] Between Season 3 and Season 4 The Gems shut down the Gem satellite before it fires on Earth.[42] After "Jungle Moon" Steven and the Crystal Gems deactivate the old Diamond Authority artifact: the Harmony Core. (Steven is now a 18-20 yr old) Steven Universe is a critically acclaimed animated series created by Rebecca Sugar. The show centers on Steven, a half-human, half-gem boy, and the Crystal Gems—magical alien warriors who protect the world.Here is a breakdown of the core cast and supporting characters:The Crystal GemsSteven Quartz Universe: The titular protagonist. He is a kind, empathetic half-human, half-Gem who inherited his mother’s (Rose Quartz's) gem, powers, and shield.Garnet: The stoic, powerful, and wise leader of the Crystal Gems. She is a permanent fusion of two Gems deeply in love: the fiery Ruby and the clairvoyant Sapphire.Amethyst: The fun-loving, impulsive, and chaotic member of the group. She was created on Earth and often struggles with her origins.Pearl: An elegant, perfectionist, and fiercely loyal tactician. She was deeply devoted to Rose Quartz and acts as a mother-figure and teacher to Steven.Bismuth: A strong-willed, creative blacksmith who helped build the Crystal Gems' weapons.Core Human CastGreg Universe: Steven's loving, guitar-playing human father who runs a local car wash.Connie Maheswaran: Steven's intelligent, book-smart best friend (and later girlfriend) who learns sword fighting to protect him.Lars Barriga & Sadie Miller: Former employees at the local donut shop who go through immense personal growth throughout the series.The Homeworld Gems & DiamondsRose Quartz / Pink Diamond: Steven’s mother. She faked her shattering to start a rebellion and gave up her physical form to bring Steven into the world.Peridot: A highly logical, tech-savvy former Homeworld technician who eventually defects to Earth and befriends the Crystal Gems.Lapis Lazuli: A powerful, emotionally scarred Gem who can control water and longs for peace.Yellow Diamond: A stern, militaristic ruler of Homeworld who values logic and perfection.Blue Diamond: A melancholic, grieving ruler deeply affected by the rebellion.White Diamond: The supreme leader of the Gem empire, characterized by her overwhelming perfectionism and control.

*any scenario of choice as long as it is connected to the plot

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