It seems the heavens have showered their blessings on HBO’s dark comedy, The Righteous Gemstones. After a steady climb in recognition and critical acclaim since its inaugural season in August 2019, the show has hit an all-time high. Now, with its latest coup, HBO has greenlit a fourth season even before the curtain falls on its third season finale, scheduled for July 30.
The brainchild of creator Danny McBride, The Righteous Gemstones dives deep into the complex and often contentious lives of a world-renowned televangelist family. Seamlessly blending their pious work with an underbelly of greed and mischief, the show has struck a chord with viewers. This winning combination has not only granted it another season but has also cemented its place in HBO’s hall of fame. Breaking records, the show now stands as McBride’s most-viewed on HBO, overshadowing his earlier successful endeavors like Eastbound and Down and Vice Principals. As per recent press data, the series pulls in an impressive average of 4.9 million eyeballs per episode – and the numbers are on the rise.
However, while these figures are a testament to the show’s success, it begs a crucial question: Is The Righteous Gemstones the savior HBO has been waiting for?
A cursory glance at HBO’s current landscape paints a promising picture, with the network garnering numerous Emmy nominations. Yet, a deeper dive reveals a different story. A major chunk of these Emmy nods can be credited to three shows: The White Lotus, Succession, and The Last of Us. While Succession recently concluded with its fourth season, the remaining two are caught in the crosshair of ongoing strikes, further stalling their production. This is particularly challenging for The Last of Us season 2, which heavily depends on post-production effects.
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From The Sopranos to The Righteous Gemstones: HBO’s Undying Flair for Family Dramas
HBO
Amid this backdrop, The Righteous Gemstones stands out as a beacon of hope. HBO has always had a knack for crafting gripping family sagas. Succession brilliantly captured the infighting within a media powerhouse’s family. While Game of Thrones immersed us in compelling sagas of royal conflicts, The Sopranos drew us into the intricate web of a celebrated crime family. Walking in these illustrious footsteps, The Righteous Gemstones spotlights the world of televangelism, melding faith with familial turmoil.
HBO has lately found itself under fire for certain decisions. The divisive reception of the cult drama The Idol and the unexpected cancelation of promising shows like Perry Mason have raised eyebrows. But with The Righteous Gemstones, HBO seems to be reclaiming its narrative. With the impending fourth season, fans and critics alike are optimistic that the show will receive the wider acclaim they believe it genuinely warrants.
The Righteous Gemstones isn’t just another show on HBO’s roster. It’s a testament to the network’s legacy of bringing forth captivating, thought-provoking family sagas. And as the anticipation for its fourth season builds, one can’t help but think that this might just be the gem HBO needed to polish its crown.
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