10 Shows and Movies Like The Righteous Gemstones (2019)

Description: Like 'The Righteous Gemstones', 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' features a protagonist who is often his own worst enemy, making cringe-worthy decisions that lead to hilarious consequences. Both shows blend humor with social commentary, and the dialogue in both is largely improvised, giving them a natural, spontaneous feel.

Fact: The show is largely improvised, with only a basic outline for each episode. Larry David, the star and creator, also co-created 'Seinfeld'. The show has been on and off the air for over two decades, with hiatuses between seasons.

Description: Both 'Arrested Development' and 'The Righteous Gemstones' feature dysfunctional families with eccentric members who are often at odds with each other. The humor in both shows is sharp, satirical, and often relies on running gags and callbacks. The storytelling style is similarly fast-paced and layered, with multiple plotlines converging in unexpected ways.

Fact: The show was initially canceled after three seasons but was revived by Netflix years later. The Bluth family's banana stand has become a cultural icon. The series is known for its dense, joke-filled scripts that reward repeat viewing.

Description: Both 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' and 'The Righteous Gemstones' feature deeply flawed, often terrible people who are nonetheless compelling to watch. The humor in both shows is dark, irreverent, and often politically incorrect. Both series also explore themes of greed, power, and family dysfunction.

Fact: The show was originally rejected by several networks before finding a home on FX. The main cast members are also the creators and executive producers. It is the longest-running live-action comedy series in American television history.

Description: '30 Rock' and 'The Righteous Gemstones' both blend absurd humor with sharp social commentary. Both shows feature eccentric, larger-than-life characters and fast-paced, joke-heavy scripts. The tone of both series is similarly irreverent, with a mix of slapstick and sophisticated humor.

Fact: The show was loosely based on Tina Fey's experiences as a writer on 'Saturday Night Live'. Alec Baldwin's role as Jack Donaghy was originally intended for a different actor. The series won multiple Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series.

Description: Like 'The Righteous Gemstones', 'Eastbound & Down' is a dark comedy that explores themes of redemption, ego, and the absurdity of fame. Both shows feature flawed protagonists who are deeply entrenched in their respective worlds (megachurch and baseball) and struggle with their personal demons. The humor in both shows is irreverent and often cringe-worthy, making them similar in tone.

Fact: Danny McBride, the star of 'The Righteous Gemstones', also created and starred in 'Eastbound & Down'. The show was inspired by McBride's own experiences growing up in the South. The character Kenny Powers was originally conceived as a one-off role in a short film.

Description: While 'Parks and Recreation' is more optimistic than 'The Righteous Gemstones', both shows feature eccentric characters who are deeply passionate about their work. Both series also use humor to explore the dynamics of small, tight-knit communities (local government and a megachurch). The ensemble casts in both shows are strong, with each character bringing their own unique quirks to the table.

Fact: The show was originally conceived as a spin-off of 'The Office'. Chris Pratt's role as Andy Dwyer was initially intended to be a minor character. The series finale featured a flash-forward showing the characters' futures.

Description: 'Veep' and 'The Righteous Gemstones' both satirize institutions (politics and religion) with sharp, fast-paced humor. Both shows feature characters who are deeply ambitious but often incompetent, leading to hilarious and cringe-worthy situations. The dialogue in both is witty and densely packed with jokes.

Fact: The show was created by Armando Iannucci, who also created the British political satire 'The Thick of It'. Julia Louis-Dreyfus won six consecutive Emmy Awards for her role as Selina Meyer. The series was praised for its accurate portrayal of the absurdities of political life.

Description: 'Silicon Valley' and 'The Righteous Gemstones' both satirize specific subcultures (tech startups and megachurches) with a mix of sharp wit and absurdity. Both shows feature characters who are deeply passionate about their work but often let their egos and insecurities get in the way. The humor in both is both intelligent and cringe-inducing.

Fact: The show was inspired by creator Mike Judge's own experiences in the tech industry. Many of the tech terms and startups mentioned in the show are based on real-life counterparts. The series finale was notably divisive among fans.

Description: 'Vice Principals' shares with 'The Righteous Gemstones' the same creator, Danny McBride, and a similar blend of dark humor and over-the-top characters. Both shows delve into power struggles within an institution (a school and a megachurch) and feature protagonists who are deeply flawed yet oddly sympathetic. The comedic style is similarly outrageous and unapologetic.

Fact: The series was originally planned as a one-season show but was extended to two seasons. Walton Goggins, who plays Baby Billy in 'The Righteous Gemstones', also stars in 'Vice Principals'. The show was filmed in Charleston, South Carolina, the same location as 'The Righteous Gemstones'.

Description: 'Succession' and 'The Righteous Gemstones' both revolve around wealthy, dysfunctional families vying for control of a family empire (media and megachurch). Both shows blend drama and dark comedy, with a focus on the absurdity of power and privilege. The characters in both series are deeply flawed, often making morally questionable decisions for personal gain.

Fact: 'Succession' was inspired by the Murdoch family and other media dynasties. The show's theme song, composed by Nicholas Britell, has become iconic. The series has won multiple Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Drama Series.