The Righteous Gemstones

Watch The Righteous Gemstones

  • TV-MA
  • 2019
  • 3 Seasons
  • 8.1  (48,945)

The Righteous Gemstones is a comedy series that premiered on HBO in August 2019. Created by Danny McBride, the show tells the story of the Gemstone family, a wealthy and powerful megachurch dynasty based in the southern United States. The patriarch of the family, Eli Gemstone, played by John Goodman, is a charismatic and intimidating figure who founded the Gemstone empire and built it up from scratch. His two eldest children, Jesse (McBride) and Judy (Edi Patterson), work alongside him as preachers and leaders of various church branches, while the youngest son, Kelvin (Adam Devine), struggles to find his place in the family business.

The show opens with a bang, as the Gemstones hold a massive outdoor baptism ceremony that quickly devolves into a scene of chaos and violence. From there, we follow the family as they navigate their personal and professional lives, dealing with scandals, rivalries, and power struggles within the church and beyond.

One of the strengths of The Righteous Gemstones is its talented ensemble cast. Goodman is as always a delight, playing Eli with just the right mix of menace and vulnerability. McBride, who also writes and directs several episodes, brings his trademark irreverent humor and biting satire to the show. Devine, best known for his roles in comedies like Workaholics and Pitch Perfect, provides a wide-eyed and endearing foil to his more macho siblings. Patterson shines as the only Gemstone daughter, struggling to assert her own voice in a male-dominated family and church.

The show also boasts a strong supporting cast, including Walton Goggins as a conniving rival preacher, Jennifer Nettles as Eli's conflicted wife, and Dermot Mulroney as a sleazy journalist trying to expose the Gemstones' secrets. The show is not afraid to veer into darker territory at times, exploring themes of family dysfunction, greed, and corruption, but it never loses its sense of humor or its affection for its wacky characters.

Visually, the show presents a glossy and colorful world of megachurches and mansions, with plenty of extravagant costumes and sets to match. The music is also a highlight, with gospel tunes and country ballads providing a backdrop to many scenes, as well as a memorable opening credits sequence set to the funky strains of "Misbehavin'" by McBride and The Beach Boys' Brian Wilson.

At its heart, The Righteous Gemstones is a show about family, loyalty, and identity, as each of the Gemstone siblings grapple with their own ambitions and insecurities while trying to uphold the values and legacy of their father. The show is not without its flaws, occasionally veering into caricature or losing momentum in its plotlines, but overall it is a funny, irreverent, and often poignant look at a world that is both familiar and bizarre.

Fans of McBride's previous work, such as Eastbound & Down and Vice Principals, will find plenty to enjoy here, as will viewers who appreciate sharp writing and ensemble comedy. The show has already been renewed for a second season, promising more hilarious and outrageous adventures for the Gemstone family.

The Righteous Gemstones is a series that ran for 3 seasons (27 episodes) between August 18, 2019 and on HBO

The Righteous Gemstones
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Seasons
Wonders That Cannot Be Fathomed, Miracles That Cannot Be Counted
9. Wonders That Cannot Be Fathomed, Miracles That Cannot Be Counted
July 30, 2023
The siblings compete in an all-out biblical brawl – until a stroke of divine intervention forever alters the fate of the Gemstone family.
I Will Take You by the Hand and Keep You
8. I Will Take You by the Hand and Keep You
July 30, 2023
The Gemstone siblings reconnect with their loved ones… and each other. As the Montgomery militia fractures from within, Chuck weighs his options, while Peter hatches a new plan.
Burn for Burn, Wound for Wound, Stripe for Stripe
7. Burn for Burn, Wound for Wound, Stripe for Stripe
July 23, 2023
After decades of animosity, tensions between the Montgomerys and the Gemstones finally come to a head. As Eli faces an impossible decision, Jesse, Judy, and Kelvin prepare to meet their maker.
For Out of the Heart Comes Evil Thoughts
6. For Out of the Heart Comes Evil Thoughts
July 16, 2023
Threatened with blackmail, Judy turns to Amber for advice, while Jesse goads BJ into a long-simmering fight. As a despondent Kelvin tackles life without Keefe, Baby Billy works on bringing Jesse’s miracle to life… for a price.
Interlude III
5. Interlude III
July 9, 2023
Eli and Aimee-Leigh learn that they are flooded with criticism about Y2K doomsday. Later on, Amber's arrival makes Judy feel upset.
I Have Not Come to Bring Peace, But a Sword
4. I Have Not Come to Bring Peace, But a Sword
July 2, 2023
While Jesse prepares for his initiation into a prestigious secret society, Judy fends off unwanted attention, and Kelvin handles rumors about Keefe. Later, Baby Billy makes an impossible promise.
For Their Nakedness Is Your Own Nakedness
3. For Their Nakedness Is Your Own Nakedness
June 25, 2023
Tired of life in the lap of luxury, Baby Billy pursues a new vocation as gameshow host. The Gemstones host a cousins' night for Karl and Chuck.
But Esau Ran to Meet Him
2. But Esau Ran to Meet Him
June 18, 2023
Eli does his best to smooth over relations with the Montgomery boys after a visit to their doomsday prepper compound; back at the Salvation Center, the siblings face off against the Board of Ministers.
For I Know the Plans I Have for You
1. For I Know the Plans I Have for You
June 18, 2023
In the wake of their father's semi-retirement, Jesse, Judy, and Kelvin must deal with dwindling attendance – and donations. Later, Eli is visited by another figure from his past.
Description
Where to Watch The Righteous Gemstones
The Righteous Gemstones is available for streaming on the HBO website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The Righteous Gemstones on demand at Max, Amazon Prime, Amazon, Hulu, HBO NOW, Vudu, Microsoft Movies & TV, Google Play and Apple TV.
  • Premiere Date
    August 18, 2019
  • IMDB Rating
    8.1  (48,945)