The Righteous Gemstonescaptures America’s complicated relationship with televangelism, fame, and family dysfunction with razor-sharp satire and unapologetic humor.Created by Danny McBride, the series cleverly deconstructs the glittering hypocrisy behind mega-church culture, a world often overlooked yet ripe for comedic exploration. It’s become one of HBO’s standout successes, not just because of its biting wit and relentless pacing, but also due to its smart casting choices that bring unpredictable humor and surprising emotional depth.
The Righteous Gemstones
Great guest appearnaces should deliver more than celebrity buzz—they need to feel natural yet unexpected, fitting seamlessly into the show’s universe while still delivering a jolt of surprise.The Righteous Gemstonesnails this dynamic, leveraging its guests to poke fun at themselves and the world they represent. From Joe Jonas’ hilariously self-aware appearance to Bradley Cooper’s unexpected role as Elijah Gemstone, these guests enrich the narrative and maintain the show’s signature blend of absurdity and insight.
10Joe Jonas as Himself
Before the Gemstone empire was on the brink of scandal and in-fighting,The Righteous Gemstonestook a detour into the past with “Interlude,” a flashback episode showcasing the family’s rise to power in the 1980s. Amidst Eli and Aimee-Leigh’s growing televangelist empire, the episode features a scene that perfectly encapsulates the era’s mix of excess and star worship—none other thanJoe Jonasappears as himself, performing at a Gemstone family event. While a Jonas Brother wouldn’t have been a household name in the ‘80s, the anachronism adds to the episode’s comedic charm, reinforcing the Gemstones’ ability to pull in A-list talent as their empire expands.
A Mega-Church Needs Mega-Stars
Jonas’s cameo is a stroke of comedic brilliance, not just because of his self-awareness but because of how it plays into the Gemstones’ obsession with celebrity validation. Known for his pop star persona and playful self-deprecation, Jonas embraces the absurdity of being a megachurch attraction, standing on stage with a glazed, dutiful smile as if he’s contractually obligated to be there. His presence in this world highlights how televangelist culture and pop stardom often intersect, each feeding off spectacle and blind devotion. The scene subtly mocks both industries while allowing Jonas to wink at his own status, proving thatThe Righteous Gemstonesknows exactly how to use a celebrity cameo to its full satirical potential.
9Iliza Shlesinger as Shay Marigold
In a season packed with power struggles and backstabbing within the Gemstone empire, Episode 2 introduces yet another grifter trying to cash in on the family’s wealth—Shay Marigold, a brash and opportunistic televangelist played by stand-up comedianIliza Shlesinger. Shay is part of a rival faction looking to carve out their own slice of the religious media empire, and she’s not above using charm and manipulation to do it. As she cozies up to the Gemstones, her presence adds a fresh layer of competition, making it clear that in the world of megachurches, faith is often just another performance.
Preaching With a Punchline
Shlesinger’s casting is pitch-perfect, as her sharp comedic delivery and knack for playing overconfident, self-important characters make Shay a hilariously formidable presence. Known for her high-energy stand-up that often skewers gender dynamics and performative personas, Shlesinger leans into the role of a woman who treats the pulpit like a stage, effortlessly blending charisma with thinly veiled aggression. She turns every moment into an opportunity to showcase the absurdity of self-styled Christian influencers, making her cameo both a biting satire of religious entrepreneurship and a masterclass in comedic timing.
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8Macaulay Culkin as Harmon Freeman
In a rare moment of quiet heartbreak amid the Gemstones’ usual chaos, Season 2’s penultimate episode delivers a gut-punch revelation—Harmon Freeman, the long-lost son of Baby Billy (Walton Goggins), reemerges after years of estrangement. Played by the enigmaticMacaulay Culkin, Harmon is a stark contrast to his flamboyant, hustler father, appearing subdued and wary as their painful history comes to light. When Baby Billy tries to reconnect, the years of neglect and abandonment hang heavy in the air, making it one of the most unexpectedly poignant moments in the series.
From Child Star to Lost Son
Culkin’s cameo is a masterstroke, leveraging his own real-life legacy as a former child star to add extra emotional weight to Harmon’s quiet pain. Once the most famous kid in America, Culkin has largely avoided mainstream roles in adulthood, making his appearance feel like an event in itself. His reserved, world-weary presence speaks volumes, conveying the hurt of a son who was left behind without needing an overwrought speech. It’s a brilliant piece of casting that plays with audience nostalgia while delivering one of the show’s most heartbreaking moments, provingThe Righteous Gemstonesknows how to use its guest stars for more than just laughs.
7Marla Maples as Gay Nancy
It didn’t take long forThe Righteous Gemstonesto establish its world of greed, hypocrisy, and eccentric power players, and by Episode 2, it was already bringing in unexpected guest stars to reinforce its satirical bite. EnterMarla MaplesasGay Nancy, a well-connected socialite whose name alone is an absurdity befitting the show’s universe. As the Gemstones’ political and financial dealings become increasingly tangled, Gay Nancy emerges as one of those figures who seems to float through high society, never quite in control but always present where the money flows.
A Cameo as Unlikely as a Televangelist’s Humility
Maples’ brief but memorable turn is a sly, knowing nod to her own place in American tabloid culture. Best known as the former wife of Donald Trump, her appearance in a show about the intersections of wealth, power, and performative morality feels almost too perfect. Whether intentionally or not, her presence carries an air of real-world satire, blending seamlessly into the show’s critique of the self-serving elite. While her role is small, it’s a wink to those who recognize the deeper layers ofThe Righteous Gemstones’critique—because in this world, politics, money, and faith are just different branches of the same spectacle.
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6Jennifer Nettles as Aimee-Leigh Gemstone
Aimee-Leigh Gemstonemight be gone, but her presence looms large overThe Righteous Gemstones. As the matriarch of the televangelist empire, she was the glue holding the family together, a revered figure whose death left behind a power vacuum that her husband Eli and their scheming children struggle to fill. Through flashbacks, we see Aimee-Leigh in her prime, balancing deep devotion with the shrewd business sense required to build a religious empire.Jennifer Nettles, best known as the powerhouse vocalist of Sugarland, steps into the role with ease, bringing a mix of warmth, showmanship, and quiet calculation that makes her character unforgettable.
Country Royalty Meets Televangelist Queen
Nettles’ casting is a stroke of genius, as she embodies the very essence of Southern charm and religious pageantry. Her background as a country star gives Aimee-Leigh’s gospel performances an authentic, almost hypnotic quality—when she sings, it’s easy to believe she could command a congregation of thousands. But beyond the music, Nettles nails the delicate balance between maternal devotion and cold ambition, making Aimee-Leigh a complex figure whose legacy is both holy and deeply flawed. Her recurring presence in the series adds emotional depth, proving that even in death, she remains the true center of the Gemstone universe.
5Dermot Mulroney as Reverend John Wesley Seasons
The world ofThe Righteous Gemstonesis full of power-hungry preachers jockeying for influence, and few make as memorable an impression asReverend John Wesley Seasons, played byDermot Mulroney. Introduced in Season 1, Wesley is a rival pastor whose small-town church stands in the way of the Gemstones’ relentless expansion. As Eli and his children push to acquire his land, Wesley is forced to confront the moral compromises that come with going up against a religious empire. His reluctance to play dirty makes him an outlier in this world, though it’s clear that even the most well-intentioned pastors aren’t immune to the corrupting influence of power.
A Silver-Tongued Underdog in a Den of Wolves
Mulroney brings his signature blend of Southern charm and quiet intensity to the role, making Wesley a compelling contrast to the over-the-top theatrics of the Gemstones. Known for his roles in everything from romantic dramas to crime thrillers, he carries an air of world-weariness that makes Wesley’s moral dilemma feel real. His understated performance heightens the tension, showing that in the high-stakes game of televangelism, even the good guys can’t escape unscathed. His role may be short-lived, but it leaves a lasting impression, proving that not every preacher in this world is out for personal gain—though it doesn’t always mean they’ll come out on top.
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4Steve Zahn as Peter Montgomery
By Season 3,The Righteous Gemstoneshas fully embraced the chaos of megachurch dynasties, introducing even more eccentric figures into the fold. EnterPeter Montgomery, a gun-toting, doomsday-prepping extremist played by the ever-versatileSteve Zahn. A former associate of Eli Gemstone, Peter has traded mainstream televangelism for a more radical, militant approach to faith, living in the woods with his devoted followers. His introduction immediately shifts the tone of the season, blending absurdity with real-world parallels about the intersection of religion and extremism.
Survivalist Preacher or Just Another Snake Oil Salesman?
Zahn’s casting is a masterstroke, as he brings the perfect mix of unhinged energy and comedic timing to the role. Known for playing lovable screw-ups and unpredictable wild cards, he turns Peter into a figure who is both deeply funny and genuinely unsettling. Whether he’s spewing apocalyptic rhetoric or stockpiling weapons under the guise of faith, Zahn makes it clear that Peter isn’t just some harmless backwoods preacher—he’s a man whose convictions have led him down a dark, delusional path. His presence adds a fresh layer of tension and absurdity to Season 3, proving that inThe Righteous Gemstones, there’s always a bigger, crazier wolf waiting in the wings.
3Jason Schwartzman as Thaniel Block
When a muckraking journalist sets his sights on the Gemstones, you know trouble isn’t far behind.Enter Thaniel Block, an investigative reporter played byJason Schwartzman, who makes it his mission to expose the hypocrisy and corruption within the world of televangelism. Thaniel is not just any journalist—he’s a sleazy, almost noir-like figure, lurking in the shadows with a knowing smirk and a deep well of damning secrets. But in a world where everyone is playing their own game, even the man holding the receipts isn’t untouchable, and his storyline takes a sharp, deadly turn before he can bring the Gemstones down.
A Sleazy Sleuth With a God Complex
Schwartzman is the perfect casting choice for Thaniel, bringing his signature deadpan delivery and offbeat intensity to the role. Known for playing smug, intellectual oddballs in Wes Anderson films, he slips seamlessly into the part of a morally ambiguous journalist who thrives on chaos. Thaniel’s smug, holier-than-thou attitude makes him a compelling antagonist, especially since he’s just as manipulative as the people he’s trying to expose. His brief but memorable stint inThe Righteous Gemstonesunderscores one of the show’s central themes: in a world built on lies and corruption, even the so-called truth-tellers aren’t necessarily the good guys.
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2Eric André as Lyle Lissons
Lyle Lissonsis the kind of smooth-talking, back-slapping megachurch pastor who exudes both charm and menace in equal measure. Introduced in Season 2 as the leader of a Christian entertainment empire, Lyle initially appears as an eager ally to the Gemstones, pitching a business partnership that would expand their religious empire into new territory. But as always, nothing in this world comes without a catch. Beneath his affable demeanor, Lyle is hiding a cutthroat ambition that could put even the Gemstones to shame, making him one of the most memorable—and dangerous—guest characters in the show’s history.
A Wolf in Preacher’s Clothing
Eric Andréis an inspired choice for Lyle, using his trademark unpredictability to craft a character who is both hilarious and deeply unsettling. Best known for his absurdist, anarchic comedy style, André dials it back just enough to make Lyle seem believable—while still maintaining an air of barely-contained chaos. His performance taps into the unsettling reality of modern megachurch leaders, blending charisma with a simmering ruthlessness that makes him feel like a true threat. It’s one of the show’s best examples of weaponized satire, proving that the most dangerous people in televangelism aren’t the loudest con men, but the ones who smile while they gut you.
1Bradley Cooper as Elijah Gemstone
Just when you thoughtThe Righteous Gemstonescouldn’t surprise you anymore, it drops one of the most unexpected cameos of all time—Bradley CooperasElijah Gemstone. As a long-lost branch of the Gemstone family tree, Elijah’s arrival shakes up the power dynamics of the televangelist empire, introducing a new figure who could either be a blessing or a curse. Though details about his past remain murky, his presence hints at buried family secrets and even more backstabbing within the already dysfunctional dynasty. With Cooper stepping into the role, Elijah immediately feels like a force to be reckoned with.
A Leading Man in the Lord’s Work
Cooper’s cameo is both unexpected and brilliant, leveraging his A-list status to make Elijah feel like an almost mythical figure. Known for seamlessly jumping between prestige dramas and absurd comedies, he brings the perfect balance of gravitas and self-aware humor to the role. Whether Elijah is a true believer or just another power-hungry fraud remains to be seen, but with Cooper in the part, one thing is certain—he’s going to steal every scene he’s in. His appearance cementsThe Righteous Gemstonesas a show with the star power to pull in Hollywood’s biggest names, proving that even in the world of televangelism, there’s always room for a little extra spectacle.
