Product placement is still very much alive in today’s media, even if it’s not always as in-your-face as it was during the 1980s cartoon boom. In animated TV shows today, especially those aimed at older audiences or streaming platforms, you’ll sometimes see real-world brands subtly worked into the background—like characters using iPhones, drinking Starbucks, or scrolling through Instagram lookalikes—but they’re often altered just enough to avoid direct branding unless there’s a sponsorship. One rect example is in Rick and Morty, which partnered with Wendy’s in a full-blown campaign—Wendy’s even changed the voice of its drive-thru to match the show’s characters during a limited-time event, and the show featured food-themed episodes that aligned with the promotion. Similarly, The Lego Movie and its spinoffs are basically full-length product showcases, but cleverly written so they feel more like actual films than just ads.
Daily Archives: May 3, 2025
2 posts
I will be focusing on Steven Universe for my final project. I am drawn to Steven Universe because I have a lot of fond memories watching the show growing up, and I would like to return to it. I am specifically drawn to the shows depiction of queer relatonships as this is something that was very rare in animated teliviosion prior to this show, as well as its handling of topics like mental illness, and oppressive regimes.
Overview
What is Steven Universe about generally? (short description of events in the series)
Who worked on Steven Universe?/Where was it broadcast?
(Cartoon Network/Rebecca Sugar)
What did the creators work on previously to Steven Universe?
(Adventure Time)
Where was it produced?
What animation Techniques are used?
What does the animation style resemble?
What are some influences on Steven Universe?
Context
How was Steven Universe received when it came out?
How does the show handle queer relationships and why is this important in the time that it was released? (2013-2017)
How does the show handle abusive relationships?
What was happening politically during the 2010s?
How was Steven Universe received by audiences and critics?
What was popular in animation at the time?
Analysis
Why was the 5th season “rushed”?
What do i think about the way that the show handles Queer relationships?
What are some issues that i have with the animation?
What are the influences for Steven Universe, and how are they represented through the series?
It has taken inspiration from Steven Universe since its release.
How has Steven Universe changed the way that queer relationships are depicted in cartoons moving forward.
What are some choices in the show i would have liked to see done differently?
