Cartoon Network's famous animated show "Steven Universe" has ceased airing episodes of its season 4 last September, and fans of the child wonder have been fearing the series' cancellation on the network. However, the sneak peak of the season's eighth episode "Gem Harvest" that came out through its fan site supposedly ended the hiatus, but rumors have it that it signals the show is reaching its end.
The footage of the "Gem Harvest" episode that came out through the show's fan site called Bubble O' Steven last week showed Steven running and harvesting pumpkins with friends Peridot and Lapiz Lazuli. This sneak peak relieved fans from their worries that they will now see the show on TV again. Moreover, creator of "Steven Universe" Rebecca Sugar also teased the fans of an older version of the animated star, as previously reported.
However, the upcoming returning episode "Gem Harvest" is also said to be about "Thanksgiving." With this, the video teaser might have ended the hiatus but it also started speculations among fans that the show is going to run towards its ending. The "Gem Harvest" clip showing a grown up Steve indicates that the show's storyline is also leveling up to a more matured theme, thus it will no longer cater to its young viewers.
Another interpretation of the video says "Steve Universe" is straying towards a story that touches a sensitive topic not appropriate for kids. Jennifer Paz, who is voicing the character of Lapis Lazuli, also admitted that a lot of the show's topics address to adult themes. Furthermore, during the Comic Con, some fans of the show approached the panel of "Steve Universe," thanking the production team for showing equality among human gender preference and races, which are very much adult concerns.
The show previously attracted controversy for suggesting that it is okay to indulge in same-gender relationships as the characters Pearl and Garnet harbor feeling for other female gems. Critics then came out saying that the show is getting too "adult" for kids aged two to eleven, which means more parental guidance is needed as children watch the next episodes of the show. Showrunner Sugar herself stated earlier this year that the show will not be just for young boys and girls anymore.
The show's break from airing on Cartoon Network still remains a question as the "Steven Universe" production team has not released statements about it yet.
