Steven Universe
- 2013–2019
- 16 min
- Animation
- Fantasy
- Ended
- Cartoon Network
Steven (Zach Callison), a half-human, half-Gem boy, lives in Beach City with the Crystal Gems, Garnet, Amethyst and Pearl, magical alien guardians who protect humanity. As he learns to use the powers inherited from his mother, Rose Quartz, the Gems' former leader, Steven discovers their history as rebels against a vast interstellar empire.
Where to watch
Checked 25 Oct 2026. Services change their catalogues often; the service’s own page has the final word.
Our take
Steven (Zach Callison), a half-human, half-Gem boy, lives in Beach City with the Crystal Gems, Garnet, Amethyst and Pearl, magical alien guardians who protect humanity. As he learns to use the powers inherited from his mother, Rose Quartz, the Gems' former leader, Steven discovers their history as rebels against a vast interstellar empire.
Why watch It starts as a gentle, funny cartoon about a kid and his found family, then deepens into a story about identity, trauma and mending relationships. It won a Peabody and was the first animated series to win GLAAD's award for outstanding kids and family program, both in 2019. It suits families, and adults who appreciate serialized animation with a strong musical streak.
What to know
Rebecca Sugar created the series for Cartoon Network after working as a writer and storyboard artist on Adventure Time, and named the lead after her younger brother Steven, an artist on the show. The pilot premiered in May 2013 and the series ran for five seasons, from November 2013 to January 2019. Steven Universe: The Movie followed in September 2019, and the epilogue series Steven Universe Future ran from December 2019 to March 2020.
Storyboard artists wrote and drew the episodes, and Sugar drew on Delaware beaches, anime, video games and art history for its look. The music of Aivi and Surasshu is central, and songs such as “Stronger Than You” found an audience beyond the show. Garnet, a fusion of two Gems in a same-sex relationship, is at the centre of what became the first same-sex wedding in children’s animation.
Where to start
The first season opens with light standalone episodes; the larger story builds from the arrival of Lapis Lazuli midway through it. Stay with it past those early adventures.
Seasons & episodes
- Season 1
- Season 2
- Season 3
- Season 4
- Season 5
Cast & crew
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Quick answers
- Where can I watch Steven Universe?
- In the UK: HBO Max, Prime Video (buy) and Apple TV (buy). In Canada: STACKTV, TELETOON+ and Apple TV (buy). In the US: Hulu and Prime Video (buy). In Australia: Stan and HBO Max. In New Zealand: HBO Max.
- What is Steven Universe about?
- Steven (Zach Callison), a half-human, half-Gem boy, lives in Beach City with the Crystal Gems, Garnet, Amethyst and Pearl, magical alien guardians who protect humanity. As he learns to use the powers inherited from his mother, Rose Quartz, the Gems' former leader, Steven discovers their history as rebels against a vast interstellar empire.
- Who is in the cast of Steven Universe?
- Steven Universe stars Zach Callison as Steven Universe, Deedee Magno Hall as Pearl, Michaela Dietz as Amethyst, Estelle as Garnet and Tom Scharpling as Greg.
- When did Steven Universe start?
- Steven Universe premiered on 4 November 2013 and ran until 2019, with 5 seasons.
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