Miss Succession? The Righteous Gemstones: A Feuding Family Drama for the Ages

"The Righteous Gemstones" and "Succession" may seem different, but they both tackle generational trauma and capitalism in their own unique ways. "Gemstones" offers a funhouse mirror version of "Succession" with a talented cast.

In the realm of form versus content, two television shows, The Righteous Gemstones and Succession, provide a striking contrast. On the surface, these shows appear to be polar opposites. Succession is known for its intellectual and groundbreaking nature, receiving numerous awards and critical acclaim. On the other hand, Gemstones is often seen as crude, juvenile, and not taken seriously by major awards bodies. However, Gemstones has managed to garner a significant following in the United States, with an average of 5.1 million viewers per episode in its second season, comparable to Succession's viewership.

Despite their apparent differences, both shows tackle similar themes such as generational trauma, sibling rivalry, and the detrimental effects of capitalism. Gemstones can be seen as a distorted reflection of Succession, taking these themes and presenting them through the lens of a wealthy televangelist family in the American South. The Gemstones, led by the stern and enigmatic patriarch Eli Gemstone portrayed by John Goodman, are just as venal and quarrelsome as the Roy family in Succession. Eli's obnoxious adult children, played by Edi Patterson, Adam DeVine, and Danny McBride (who also created the series), add to the dysfunctional dynamic. Gemstones can be seen as a continuation of McBride's previous collaborations with producer-director Jody Hill, known for their cult TV favorites Eastbound & Down and Vice Principals.

What sets Gemstones apart from its predecessors is its ambitious storytelling and the exceptional comedic talent showcased on screen. The lead actors deliver outstanding performances, fearlessly taking risks with their characters. The supporting cast, including the scene-stealing Walton Goggins as the flamboyant preacher "Baby Billy" Freeman, is equally remarkable. This is another aspect that Gemstones shares with Jesse Armstrong's Succession, as both shows boast a talented ensemble cast. Despite their tonal differences, with Gemstones relying on brash and sexually explicit dialogue rather than Succession's eloquent wit and corporate jargon, there is a common thread running beneath the surface.

In conclusion, The Righteous Gemstones and Succession may appear worlds apart, but they both delve into similar themes and issues. Gemstones offers a unique and exaggerated take on Succession's exploration of generational trauma, sibling rivalry, and the corrupting influence of capitalism. With its exceptional cast and ambitious storytelling, Gemstones manages to carve its own path while still sharing some underlying similarities with its more esteemed counterpart. Whether you prefer the erudite elegance of Succession or the irreverent humor of Gemstones, both shows provide thought-provoking and engaging television experiences.

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