The final episode of The Righteous Gemstones aired on Sunday, May 4, 2025, marking the end of a significant chapter in the world of television comedy. Created by Danny McBride, along with his long-time collaborators Jody Hill and David Gordon Green, the series has been a bold exploration of American life, particularly the quirks and follies of a televangelist family.
Over its four-season run, The Righteous Gemstones captured the absurdities of wealth, power, and the American dream through the lens of the Gemstone family, led by Eli Gemstone (John Goodman) and his three children, Jesse (McBride), Judy (Edi Patterson), and Kelvin (Adam DeVine). The show delved into themes of corruption, familial loyalty, and the often hypocritical nature of religious devotion, all while maintaining a sharp, comedic edge.
McBride’s unique storytelling style has roots that trace back to 2009 when he first teamed up with Hill, Green, and Ben Best to create Eastbound & Down. This series, which featured McBride as the washed-up baseball player Kenny Powers, was notable for its blend of humor and character depth, setting a precedent for McBride’s future projects. The show became an instant hit, showcasing McBride's ability to turn a seemingly simple premise into a profound character study.
Following the success of Eastbound & Down, McBride explored another facet of human ambition in Vice Principals, which premiered in 2016. This dark comedy followed the tumultuous relationship between two vice principals, Neal Gamby (McBride) and Lee Russell (Walton Goggins), as they schemed to oust their new principal. The series, which ran for two seasons, was intentionally designed with a complete story arc, allowing for a satisfying conclusion without the pitfalls of drawn-out narratives that often plague long-running shows.
Despite the conclusion of The Righteous Gemstones, McBride is far from finished with television. He has hinted at new projects, aiming to explore fresh stories and themes. As he stated in an interview with TV Line, his desire to tell new narratives was a significant factor in concluding The Righteous Gemstones. Fans of McBride's work need not despair, as there are other shows that carry his signature humor and style.
For those looking to fill the void left by The Righteous Gemstones, Vice Principals serves as an excellent alternative. The series features much of the same cast and a similar comedic tone, making it a fitting choice for fans craving more of McBride’s unique approach to storytelling. In Vice Principals, the rivalry between Gamby and Russell is reminiscent of the conflicts seen within the Gemstone family, showcasing the same blend of sarcasm and dark humor.
As the final episode of The Righteous Gemstones aired, it left many fans reflecting on the series' impact. The show was not just a comedy; it was a commentary on the complexities of faith, family, and the lengths people will go to maintain their public personas. Each character, from the self-serving Jesse to the deeply flawed Eli, represented different facets of humanity, making them relatable and, at times, painfully real.
In the end, The Righteous Gemstones stands out as a testament to McBride's storytelling prowess, combining humor with poignant social commentary. As fans await his next venture, they can take solace in the fact that Vice Principals offers a similar experience, filled with the same sharp wit and character-driven narratives that McBride has become known for.
As for the future, McBride’s creativity knows no bounds, and while The Righteous Gemstones may have concluded, the stories he has yet to tell promise to continue captivating audiences. Whether through new projects or revisiting familiar themes, McBride’s ability to blend comedy with deeper truths about the human experience ensures that fans will always have something to look forward to.
