In simpler terms, the beloved comedy show “The Righteous Gemstones” aired its last season on March 9th. The debut episode took fans by surprise as it deviated from what they had anticipated, diverging from the ongoing storyline established in Season 3. Instead of resolving the cliffhanger where Jesse (Danny McBride), Judy (Edi Patterson), and Kelvin (Adam Devine) seized control of the Gemstone megachurch empire from Eli (John Goodman), the show jumped to a different timeline, focusing on an unforeseen guest star. The series managed to keep this surprise a secret until the premiere.
WARNING: Spoilers below for The Righteous Gemstones Season 4, Episode 1
In Season 4 of “The Righteous Gemstones,” titled “Prelude,” it’s unveiled that Bradley Cooper has covertly joined the cast, portraying Elijah Gemstone – a long-lost relative of the contemporary televangelist clan. The news of his participation was kept under wraps in promotional materials and press announcements, leading to a delightful shock for viewers as they watched him make his entrance. The episode unfolds during the American Civil War era, offering an extended flashback that illustrates the roots of the Gemstone family’s religious empire and sheds light on their complex history with faith and wealth.
HBO’s description for Season 4 of “The Righteous Gemstones” hinted that the Gemstone children would seize control of the Church, but they soon found out that leadership is tougher than expected and their lavish lifestyle has a steep cost. However, instead of delving into ongoing storylines like Jesse’s leadership aspirations, Judy’s marriage to BJ, Kelvin’s fitness ministry, Eli’s reluctant retirement, or the resolution of these plot points, the season premiere took us back to an earlier time in history. With just eight episodes left before the series finale, not tackling these long-standing storylines immediately can be a little nerve-wracking. Nevertheless, the premiere did offer a strong episode showcasing Cooper’s stardom.
The Righteous Gemstones Is Ending a Successful Run
Starting from its premiere in 2019, “The Righteous Gemstones” has transformed from an over-the-top satire of prosperity gospel preachers on television into one of HBO’s top-rated comedies praised by critics. This show focuses on the affluent Gemstone family, headed by widower Eli, who constructed a vast religious empire after the passing of his wife Aimee-Leigh (Jennifer Nettles). The three Gemstone offspring are in a constant power struggle and engage in actions that are far from Christian, such as drug abuse, infidelity, and violence. However, they manage to keep up an appearance of piety for their followers.
The Righteous Gemstones has been drawing more viewers with each new season, going against the common trend of decreasing audiences in the industry. The premiere of its third season pulled in 2.85 million viewers across HBO and Max – a rise of 30% compared to the viewership for its second season’s debut. This audience growth has made The Righteous Gemstones Danny McBride’s most successful project with HBO, outperforming his earlier critically praised series, Eastbound & Down and Vice Principals, in terms of both audience numbers and cultural influence.
The premier’s unexpected journey through history echoes ideas that have been recurring themes throughout the show, such as the impact of wealth on religious establishments and the intricate reasons behind spiritual leaders who intertwine divine guidance with financial ambitions. By possibly uncovering the roots of the Gemstone religious dynasty, it seems like the series is returning to core questions about the connection between genuine faith and self-interest that have been a key part of its narrative all along.
The Righteous Gemstones airs Sundays at 10 p.m. ET on HBO and streams on Max.
Have you enjoyed the initial episode of The Righteous Gemstones Season 4 so far? If you’re interested, let’s talk about sticking with the core cast as they wrap up the series. Sound off in the comments below!
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2025-03-10 12:10