Fun
Frisky
Nostalgic
Intense
Adventurous
Choked Up
Curious
Romantic
Weird
Of all the great things about television, the greatest is that it’s on every single day. TV history is being made, day in and day out, in ways big and small. In an effort to better appreciate this history, we’re taking a look back, every day, at one particular TV milestone.
IMPORTANT DATE IN TV HISTORY: November 4, 2013
PROGRAM ORIGINALLY AIRED ON THIS DATE: Steven Universe, “Gem Glow” (season 1, episode 1). [Stream on Hulu.]
WHY IT’S IMPORTANT: Steven Universe is a half-human, half-gem kid being raised in a coastal town by his three gem guardians, Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl, all of whom were sent to Earth to protect it from the monsters that occasionally arrive from other realms. It’s really just that simple a premise, and if you’re still unsure, you should just allow the preposterously infectious Steven Universe theme song to convince you.
Steven Universe is a Cartoon Network series that turns three years old today. It’s the creation of Rebecca Sugar, who is the first female solo creator of a Cartoon Network series. And even if you’re an agnostic of the Cartoon Network/Adult Swim brand, Steven Universe may still be for you. I speak from experience. Steven is an infectiously enthusiastic kid, and his relationship with the three aunt-figures who are raising him is both interesting and delightful. It’s the kind of show that both keeps you on your toes — and you collect bit by bit details about the gems, Steven’s connection to them, and what they mean for the world — while at the same time just funnelling pure joyful pleasure to your brain.
The premiere episode jumped right into things, with Steven continuing his ongoing quest to be able to control his powers (as a half-gem, he has a ruby-looking stone for a bellybutton, and ideally he should be able to summon a weapon from that gem for whenever the needs to fight off an alien creature.
As Steven Universe goes on, the world around him gets more complex and layered — there’s a reason why the show gets praise for being one of the most forward-thinking on TV in terms of things like gender — but that baseline level of enthusiasm and joy remains throughout. Happy birthday, you wonderful little show.
