'Steven Universe' spoilers, news: Stevenbomb episodes leaked on purpose

The upcoming episodes of "Steven Universe" season 4 airing later this month in Stevenbomb fashion found their way to the Cartoon Network app, allowing fans to view them three weeks before their actual airing.

Viewers were under the impression that this was a massive leak on the cable channel's part. It turns out it was a deliberate move by Cartoon Network.

"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," a representative of the network told Polygon. "It helps us build awareness for upcoming episodes and for new show launches before they go on the linear platform," the rep went on to say.

It turns out that Cartoon Network provides previews of its shows, but mostly new ones. This would also explain why "Steven Universe" season 4 episodes in question had the "See It First" designation.

However, since it is unprecedented for "Steven Universe," not everyone was able to check out the episodes since they did not know they were going to be up for early viewing.

Either way, fans who missed the opportunity will get their chance to watch when these "Steven Universe" season 4 episodes officially air starting the end of the month.

Writer Mark Burnett, who was informed of the so-called leak, encouraged fans to watch the installments while they can. He appeared to be under the impression that the "Steven Universe" season 4 episodes were leaked online.

"If you saw the new SU episodes that were mistakenly posted online, I hope you enjoyed them. It was a very fun arc to work on," he said, adding in another tweet, "Let's stop talking about how they were released [and] just enjoy them."

Fans promised that they will still watch the "Steven Universe" season 4 episodes when they air in the small screen to help the show with the ratings. Those who managed to watch from the app, however, noted that they loved the episodes.

"Steven Universe" season 4 will be back from a month and a half-long hiatus on Jan. 30 with back-to-back episodes, "Steven's Dream" and "Adventures in Light Distortion."