Cartoon Network said the debut of new original animated comedy seriesSteven Universe on Monday night was the network’s most-watched series premiere to date in 2013 among kids ages 6-11 and boys 6-11, according to preliminary data from Nielsen Media Research. The network’s latest addition to a Monday night lineup of original animated comedies also ranked No. 1 in its 8 p.m. time period among all kids 2-11, 6-11 and 9-14 and boys 2-11, 6-11 and 9-14, and was the top telecast of day on all television among targeted boys 6-11 and 9-14, according to the Turner Broadcasting System outlet.
From first-time series creator Rebecca Sugar (Adventure Time storyboard artist/writer), Steven Universe earned across-the-board ratings and delivery growth ranging between 7% and 23% vs. the same time period last year, and scored ratings and delivery gains over the previous four weeks’ average, ranging between 25% and 42%.
Overall, Steven Universe attracted nearly 1.9 million viewers 2+, representing a 30% increase vs. the prior four weeks’ average
The network said it has launched 10 new original series this year, notably Uncle Grandpa on Monday, Sept. 2, 7-9 p.m.; Teen Titans Go! on Tuesday, April 23; Incredible Crew on Thursday, Jan. 24, and Legends Of Chima on Wednesday, July 10.
In a release, Cartoon said Steven Universe is about the misadventures of a boy named Steven, the ultimate "little brother" to a team of magical guardians of humanity—the Crystal Gems. Steven may not be as powerful as the Crystal Gems. Or as savvy. And he doesn’t have much control over his powers, which originate from the gem in his bellybutton. But that doesn't stop him from joining Garnet, Amethyst and Pearl on their magical adventures and somehow finding a way to save the day.
