HBO has ordered The Righteous Gemstones to series. The half-hour comedy series is about a world-famous televangelist family with a long tradition of deviance, greed, and charitable work, all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Danny McBride created and executive produces the comedy. Deadline notes the plan is for Goodman to film The Righteous Gemstones after The Conners completes production.
The televangelist game will never be the same.
— HBO (@HBO) October 2, 2018
John Goodman and Danny McBride are The Righteous Gemstones. pic.twitter.com/eHh7cuWISF
John Goodman is set to star as Eli Gemstone, the head of the Gemstone family. The character is described as unbending and a force in the ministry game. He’s known the world over for his aggressive salvation techniques, his worldwide ministries, and his award-winning weekly television program. His light is fading, but he takes no guff. He is obeyed, unquestioned.
Danny McBride will play Jesse Gemstone, the eldest son, and heir to the throne. He walks in his father's shadow while simultaneously blazing his own path. Like Eli, Jesse takes no shit and demands loyalty from those in his circle and surrounds himself with those that who follow him. Jesse fancies himself a maverick in the ministry game, utilizing what Eli has built, expanding it out for a modern audience.
Cassidy Freeman will play Amber Gemstone, the wife of Jesse Gemstone (McBride). She gave up a career of her own in journalism to devote herself to the church and her husband.
Tony Cavalero will play Keefe Chambers, an ex-Satanist. Keefe was saved from the darkness by Kelvin Gemstone (Adam Devine). Now, he’s dedicated his life to serving the Lord and The Gemstones.
Tim Baltz will play BJ, fiancée to Judy Gemstone (Edi Patterson). He struggles to find acceptance within the Gemstone family.
Adam Devine will play Kelvin Gemstone, the youngest son of Eli (Goodman) and Amy Leigh. Described as “the edgy one,” he’s caught in the middle of the giant personalities that are Jesse (McBride) and Judy Gemstone (Patterson) and has branded himself an outsider to the church, feeling his methods are too hardcore for mainstream religion. Kelvin doesn’t have bigger ambitions for the head seat at the table but focuses his efforts on the eradication of Satan and dark forces from everyday life.
Edi Patterson will play McBride’s onscreen sister Judy Gemstone, who resents her family for not giving her the same opportunities within the church as her siblings. Judy only wants an opportunity to stand on the stage with the rest of them on Sunday mornings.
GregAlan Williams plays Martin Imari, a conservative Kenyan and Eli’s right hand.
