'Steven Universe' season 4 news: Cartoon Network rep confirms 'leaked' episodes were released intentionally
"Steven Universe" season 4 is scheduled to debut later this month, but a number of new episodes made their way to various unofficial channels online. Fans initially thought it was a leak, but Cartoon Network recently clarified that the early uploads were actually intentional.
Last week, fans of the hit animated series were surprised by what appeared to be a leak after five new episodes were posted on the official Cartoon Network website. Instead of the usual teasers for the upcoming premiere, the videos were full episodes, and many fans were able to access them through cable login.
Speaking with Polygon, a representative of the network confirmed that the season's first five episodes were intentionally released to build awareness. The rep went on to explain how "Steven Universe" episodes made their way to the network's online streaming platform three weeks before its TV debut.
"This is actually something we've been doing for some time with a few of our shows through what we call the 'See It First' element of the [Cartoon Network] App," the rep said, adding, "It helps us build awareness for upcoming episodes and for new show launches before they go on the linear platform. For example, we did this last September with our new series 'Mighty Magiswords,' and in December, we sneaked 'Cloudy with A Chance of Meatballs' and 'My Knight and Me.'"
It turns out that fans weren't the only people taken aback by the alleged leak. Composer Aivi Tran tweeted in the early hours of Jan. 3 to criticize those who watched the series on other websites. Shortly after the so-called "Steven Bomb" came out, co-writer Matt Burnett also took to Twitter to say that it was mistakenly uploaded on Cartoon Network's website. However, the network insisted that the early release was done intentionally as part of its existing "See It First" promotion.
The fourth season of "Steven Universe" officially premieres on Monday, Jan. 30, at 7 p.m. ET on Cartoon Network.
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