Get ready to shout "Hallelujah!" or maybe just laugh till you cry because 'The Righteous Gemstones' is back for its fourth and final season. Yep you heard right folks this is the last hurrah for our favorite family of not-so-holy televangelists. And to kick things off in a truly unexpected way Bradley Cooper is joining the Gemstone family circus.
Bradley Cooper Needs a Little Persuasion to Join the Gemstone Flock? Danny McBride Spills the Beans
So how did they get a star like Bradley Cooper to join their already stellar cast? Danny McBride the creator star and all-around mastermind behind 'Gemstones' gave us the inside scoop. Turns out Cooper might have needed a tiny nudge. McBride joked he "would imagine that I would’ve had to persuade him" to come on board for Season 4's premiere episode. But apparently it wasn't too hard a sell. McBride sent Cooper the script and Cooper called back pretty quickly saying he liked what he saw.
Here's a fun fact: Cooper had never actually watched 'The Righteous Gemstones' before. He even waited until after filming his episode to binge the show saying he "didn’t want it to influence him which I appreciate." Talk about commitment to the craft.
This isn't the first time McBride and Cooper have teamed up. They were in the movie 'Aloha' together way back in 2015. Looks like they have a good working relationship. And for 'Gemstones' McBride knew Cooper would be perfect for something special for this final season.
Back to the Beginning: Season 4 Premiere Episode Takes Us Way Back in Time With Cooper's Character
McBride hinted that Season 4 is all about "expect the unexpected" and the premiere episode definitely delivers on that promise. It is not your typical 'Gemstones' episode. It throws us way back in time to explore the origins of the Gemstone family and their entry into the world of religion. Cooper plays Elijah Gemstone who is apparently way back in the Gemstone family tree. This historical detour is something completely new for the show and McBride says it was intentional. "I wanted to push ourselves to not fall into formula and routine" for this last season he explained.
Think of it as a glimpse into "maybe how it all began" as McBride puts it. We are about to see how the Gemstone dynasty truly started and it probably wasn't all that righteous.
Final Season Feels: Danny McBride Reflects on the 'Gemstones' Journey and What He Will Miss Most
As 'The Righteous Gemstones' nears its end McBride is getting a bit sentimental. He's been writing and working on this show since it premiered in 2019 and now it is all coming to a close in May. He talked about how amazing it has been to work with such a talented cast. He mentions how the actors brought so much more "dimension" to the characters than he ever imagined when he was just writing them alone.
For McBride a big part of writing the show is having a plan but also being open to the magic that happens when everyone comes together. He says it is about "steering it in the direction you imagine but then also looking around you and taking advantage of everything else that everyone's brought to this.” He even admits the cast surprised him with the "humanity" they brought to these "despicable characters."
What will McBride miss the most? The people. He says "What I’ll miss most is honestly just seeing all these faces every day. This was a beautiful job. It was a lot of fun. I had a blast doing it and I really made some great friends on this thing.” He mentions "church lunch" – those fun days with the cast. But don't worry he plans to keep working with these "cats" again in the future.
Why 'The Righteous Gemstones' is TV Comedy Gold: Satire Heart and Hilarious Performances
For those who haven't jumped on the 'Gemstones' bandwagon yet you are missing out on something special. Slate calls it "the best comedy on television" and a "total treasure." It is a show that is "brilliant profane bonkers and ebulliently big-hearted." It nails the satire of televangelism but also manages to be warm funny and surprisingly human.
The show is about the Gemstone kids Jesse Judy and Kelvin taking over the megachurch from their dad Eli. They are trying to run the family business but of course things are chaotic and hilarious. Season 4 sees Jesse trying to sell "Prayer Pods" Judy still pursuing her music career and Kelvin leading his alternative worship group Prism. Meanwhile their dad Eli played by John Goodman is off on a boat in Florida trying to retire. And Gideon Jesse's son is attempting to become a preacher while Pontius the middle son gets kicked out of military school. It is a lot.
'Gemstones' has always dealt with grief particularly the loss of Aimee-Leigh Gemstone Eli's wife and the kids' mom. Her absence is a driving force for the family. Season 4 sees Eli trying to date again which his kids are not exactly thrilled about. The show is full of amazing performances especially Edi Patterson as Judy and Walton Goggins as Uncle Baby Billy. Goggins' Baby Billy is a true highlight this season with a subplot about his "Teenjus" TV show idea. It is peak Goggins comedy.
Despite the dark humor and satire 'Gemstones' manages to avoid being cynical. It is about flawed people trying to do better even if they mess up a lot. It is optimistic without being cheesy and its humor is "weird and crass and wildly inventive while never being cruel." It's a show that makes you laugh hard but also might make you think a little bit.
Listing: What to Expect in 'The Righteous Gemstones' Final Season
- Bradley Cooper Guest Stars: Cooper appears in the premiere episode as Elijah Gemstone exploring the family's origins.
- Final Season Focus: Season 4 is the last season wrapping up the Gemstone family saga.
- Kids in Charge: Jesse Judy and Kelvin are now running the megachurch with predictably chaotic results.
- Grief and Family Dynamics: The show continues to explore the impact of Aimee-Leigh's death and family relationships.
- Baby Billy Antics: Walton Goggins' Uncle Baby Billy takes center stage with his "Teenjus" project.
- Satirical Humor: Expect sharp and hilarious satire of televangelism and American culture.
- Heart and Humanity: Despite the cynicism the show maintains a core of warmth and human connection.
Don't Miss the Final Sermon: 'The Righteous Gemstones' Season 4 is a Must-Watch Farewell
So there you have it 'The Righteous Gemstones' is back for its final season and it sounds like they are going out with a bang. Bradley Cooper's guest appearance is just the beginning of what promises to be a hilarious heartfelt and maybe even a little bit poignant farewell to the Gemstone family. If you are a fan get ready for the ride of your life. If you haven't watched yet now is the perfect time to binge and catch up before the final sermon is delivered. Praise be!