The 10 best Steven Universe episodes

It’s always the right time for another Steven Universe rewatch.

Cartoon Network’s show was cancelled in March 2020. A 10-episode epilogue followed. During its tenure, Steven UniverseThe show was highly praised for its raw honesty, stunning visuals and incredible science-fiction story. Steven, a young boy from New Jersey, lives with an alien group called the Crystal Gems. Steven is half-gem and assists the Crystal Gems in various intergalactic missions. He also learns more about his mother and where she comes from. He will eventually have to save the world against alien invasions.

Some of these are Steven Universe’s best episodes are full of big revelations or kick off large plots, a lot of them are more subdued, focusing on emotional connections between the characters and adding color to the world. After all, we need to know what’s at stake before the bad guys come in. This is the heart of it all. Steven UniverseIt is all about friendship, love, and family. The show’s best episodes blend the action and the emotion.

All Together

Season 1, Episode 36

“Alone Together” marks the first appearance of Stevonnie, the fusion of Steven and his friend Connie. It is a cool expansion of Steven’s own powers, showcasing that it is indeed possible for him to fuse, and also dives more into Steven and Connie’s relationship. Stevonnie was the first animated character to be non-binary. Much of this episode is about them finding out more about each other and then introducing themselves. This episode also explores consent as Stevonnie insists that a teenager dance with him despite his protestations. It is ultimately a victory episode as Steven and Connie break up with Stevonnie, and then get back to dancing.

Jailbreak

Season 1 Episode 53

I did my best not to structure this list based around songs (that’s for another list), but there was no way I could pass up the “Stronger Than You” episode. Amazing, empowering song aside, “Jail Break” also brings the big “Garnet is a fusion” revelation and is a beautiful culmination of everything the first season laid out. The perfect finale to the season, it provides just enough closure and leaves plenty unanswered for future episodes. Also, it has an epic fight on a spaceship, and really that’s reason enough to earn a place on this list.

Talking is key

Season 2, Episode 8

I am putting this here because of the very sexy duet between Rose Quartz and Greg Universe — and the resulting fusion between Rose and Pearl. The backstory episodes about young Greg and Rose falling in love are all their own types of special, but this one is particularly memorable because it’s about one of their big relationship hiccups. Steven Universe emphasizes the importance of communication in all relationships, and Greg and Rose’s relationship is no exception. Greg is insecure about the fact that Rose cannot bond with him the same way the other gems do. He wonders if Rose will ever tire of Greg. This is a crucial conversation for any relationship. But it’s especially important when the immortal and human are having one another!

Sadie’s Song

Season 2, episode 16

Steven and Crystal Gems may be vibrant characters but Beach City’s colorful cast is still to be remembered. “Sadie’s Song” focuses on donut shop employee Sadie, as she tries out for the town talent show with an infectiously catchy pop song. Human side of Steven Universe is just as important as the gem side, especially considering how much of the show emphasizes humanity’s beautiful imperfections. “Sadie’s Song” teaches Steven some valuable lessons about friendship, and plants the seeds of Sadie’s ultimate arc.

There is a solution

Season 2 Episode 21

Another episode that looks toward a past romantic relationship, “The Answer” focuses on Ruby and Sapphire and their taboo relationship. As the Ruby guard saves Sapphire, the wealthy and protected Sapphire feels as if she is in a fairy tale. The two accidentally fuse, and the rest Gem society finds it disgusting that they look like Garnet. However, they fall in love. Sapphire tries to be with Ruby despite Blue Diamond’s warnings. It’s a sweeping romantic tale, with the perfect amount of shy awkwardness and soft sweetness.

Greg

Season 3, Episode 8

You can shake your leg. It’s Mr. Greg! Yes, many Steven Universe episodes feature music, but this one is the only “musical episode” of the bunch. It starts off as a fun time, as Greg Universe suddenly gets a Lots of cash and brings Steven on a vacation to Empire City — and Steven decides to bring Pearl along, because he senses a lotThe tension between Greg and Pearl. Beside the catchy tunes is the touching and poignant relationship Greg has with Pearl. They are not willing to share their grief about the death of their loved one. Pearl’s mournful ballad, where she laments losing Rose to Greg, is perhaps the best song of the entire show, but the episode’s finale song, “Both of You,” is particularly bittersweet and heartwarming.

Mindful Education

Season 4, episode 4

Steven Universe It has been well-respected for his ability to examine the emotional implications of being a hero kid. In “Mindful Education,” Stevonnie sits down with Garnet to meditate, after Connie and Steven’s separate anxieties and refusal to deal with their problems end up affecting the stability of their fusion. Steven has a very “let’s keep positive!” mentality when it comes to bigger problems (something that the sequel series really dismantles), and “Mindful Education” helps him realize that it is not the healthiest approach to take to feelings of guilt. And, not to bring up a killer song again, but the “Here Comes a Thought” sequence is gorgeous and also incredibly soothing.

The Last of the Beach City Ones

Season 4, episode 6

The episode is about Pearl’s gay panic attack and Steven, Amethyst and Amethyst attempt to unhelpfully be her wingman. This episode is amazing. “Last One Out of Beach City” sees Pearl join Steven and Amethyst as they head out to a rock concert. On their way they meet a blonde girl with long, flowing hair. LotsRose Quartz, as Pearl clearly does. It’s fun shenanigans, with wonderful little character relationship moments, and also ends with a different set of closing credits than the usual Steven Universe episode, featuring “15 Minutes” by Mike Krol.

A Single Pale Rose

Season 5, Episode 18

Looking back, it’s hard to believe the revelation that Rose Quartz is actually Pink Diamond didn’t happen earlier. Steven Universe The plot was well-planned from the start, with all of those bits and pieces spanning four and half seasons culminating in this exciting reveal. It is the sort of thing that many people saw coming — but in the best way possible, with all the clues there, looking back. This is the breakthrough revelation that finally ushers the end of the series. It brings the adventures of Steven, the Crystal Gems, to an appropriate ending. There will be a sequel series and a movie to explore the deeper emotional implications. “A Single Pale Rose” is a masterclass in a show finally revealing its hand and we, the audience, realizing that yes, we had all the clues this whole dang time. This is a stunning revelation that the characters must uncover in order to recover the (ha!) pieces.

We are now united

Season 5, Episodes 23+24

The rear half Steven Universe’s final season is understandably jam-packed with tension and action in order to resolve the series. This brief respite is followed by the thrilling adventure to Homeworld, and the confrontation with the Diamonds. As the episode’s opening song repeatedly emphasizes, amidst the sweeping revelations, the trauma of the past, and the potential war on the horizon, it is important to take a moment to remember love and friendship. The episode does end up kicking off the ultimate part of the show’s finale, but it also is a joyous celebration of what makes Steven UniverseThis is what makes it so unique. We also have to thank it for showing the first all-ages animated queer weddings.

The 5 Seasons of Steven Universe You can watch them on HBO Max. Steven Universe Future And Steven Universe: The Movie.