Editorial Review: ‘The Righteous Gemstones’ on HBO Max – What You Need to Know

A few weeks back, I was catching up on The White Lotus when I stumbled upon a gem that was hiding in plain sight on HBO Max’s Top 10 Series section: The Righteous Gemstones. Created by Danny McBride (you know, from Eastbound & Down and Vice Principals), this comedy series was an unexpected delight that had me in stitches.

Picture this: a family of super-rich televangelists in South Carolina. You’ve got Eli, the head of the family (played by John Goodman), along with his adult children Jesse (McBride), Judy (Edi Patterson), and Kelvin (Adam Devine), with their families and all the quirky characters surrounding them. It’s currently on its fourth and final season, so there’s plenty to binge-watch.

The beauty of The Righteous Gemstones lies in its absurdity. These characters may be Christians, but let’s just say they’re not exactly role models. The chaotic plotlines and larger-than-life characters make for some unforgettable TV moments. And let me tell you, Judy Gemstone, portrayed by Edi Patterson, steals the show. Loud, raunchy, and armed with killer one-liners, she’s a force to be reckoned with.

Judy’s Outback Steakhouse monologue is pure gold—I can’t stop thinking about it. In terms of outrageous humor and physical comedy, she reminds me of Kaitlin Olson’s Dee from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, so you know she’s a riot.

To top it all off, there’s a White Lotus connection in the mix! Fans will recognize Walton Goggins (Rick on the current season) as Baby Billy Freeman, Eli’s brother-in-law and a former gospel music star.

Despite all the craziness, The Righteous Gemstones also delivers moments of genuine emotion. John Goodman’s portrayal of Eli’s grief and disappointment hits you right in the feels. It’s surprising how this show can make you sympathize with a megachurch leader.

Whether you’re on the hunt for a new show or just in need of a good laugh, I highly recommend checking out The Righteous Gemstones. It’s available for streaming on HBO Max, and trust me, you won’t regret it.