Righteous Gemstones Filming Locations

Hey everyone! If you’re into darkly funny dramas about a televangelist family steeped in greed, deviance, and a surprising amount of charity, then you’ve definitely heard of Righteous Gemstones.

This HBO series, created by Danny McBride and starring John Goodman, Danny McBride, Adam Devine, Edi Patterson, Cassidy Freeman, and Tim Baltz, has captured audiences with its wild mix of humor and scandal.

Curious about where all this outrageous drama was filmed? Let’s dive into the real-life locations that bring the world of the Gemstones to life!


Righteous Gemstones Filming Locations

LocationShort Detail
North Charleston Coliseum/PACUsed to depict vibrant church scenes with a modern twist
Riverfront ParkFeatured in the dramatic exterior shots for the “Cape & Pistol Society” scenes
Whirlin’ Waters Adventure WaterparkProvided a fun yet chaotic backdrop that perfectly matched the series’ quirky tone
Citadel Mall (Former Sears)Transformed into the Gemstone Prayer Center, blending retail grit with sacred vibes
Fenwick Hall PlantationServed as the Gemstones’ luxurious family home with classic Southern charm

Much of Righteous Gemstones was filmed in and around Charleston, South Carolina, a city that perfectly captures a blend of historic charm and modern decadence.

Righteous Gemstones Filming Locations
North Charleston Coliseum/PAC

  • North Charleston Coliseum/PAC:
    • What’s Cool:
      This venue was used to film church scenes that bring a vibrant, almost theatrical energy to the show.
    • Why You’d Love It:
      If you’re a fan of architecture and modern design meeting classic traditions, this location offers a unique insight into how iconic spaces are reimagined for TV.

Righteous Gemstones Filming locations
Riverfront Park

  • Riverfront Park:
    • What’s Cool:
      The exterior shots at Riverfront Park help set the stage for some dramatic moments in the series, especially for the “Cape & Pistol Society” scenes.
    • Why You’d Love It:
      Strolling through Riverfront Park, you can enjoy scenic views of the water and get a feel for the Southern lifestyle that inspired many scenes in the show.

Righteous Gemstones Filming locations

  • What’s Cool:
    The production repurposed an abandoned Sears building to serve as the Gemstones’ Prayer Center in Locust Grove, blending urban decay with unexpected sanctity.
  • Why You’d Love It:
    This location is a cool example of adaptive reuse—watching a former retail giant transformed into a dramatic, almost eerie church setting is both fascinating and photogenic.

Righteous Gemstones Filming locations
Fenwick Hall Plantation

  • What’s Cool:
    Fenwick Hall Plantation provided a luxurious backdrop for the Gemstones’ family home, showcasing classic Southern architecture and opulent details.
  • Why You’d Love It:
    Visiting a plantation like Fenwick Hall offers a deep dive into historical architecture, gorgeous gardens, and a taste of Southern history—all of which add layers to the show’s rich visual narrative.

Fenwick Hall Plantation

  • What’s Cool:
    This waterpark wasn’t just for fun; its lively and unpredictable environment was used to film some of the series’ most chaotic and humorous scenes.
  • Why You’d Love It:
    It’s a great spot for those who enjoy vibrant, offbeat locations that double as playful yet dramatic settings—perfect for capturing the series’ unique tone.

While exact dates vary by location, the bulk of filming occurred in the Charleston area around mid‑2018.

The production team utilized local landmarks to ground the series in authentic Southern settings, contributing to the show’s distinct atmosphere.


Here’s a quick look at the stellar cast that brings Righteous Gemstones to life:

ActorRole
John GoodmanThe formidable patriarch
Danny McBrideThe wild, unpredictable Gemstone
Adam DevineThe scheming yet humorous family member
Edi PattersonA key player with a sharp wit
Cassidy FreemanAdding depth and drama to the family saga
Tim BaltzBringing quirky energy to the mix

These actors deliver powerhouse performances that balance humor, drama, and the dark underbelly of wealth and influence.


Cr: HBO

  • Historic Charm Meets Modern Decadence:
    Filming in Charleston allowed the crew to capture authentic Southern architecture, from historic plantations to modern urban venues.
  • Adaptive Reuse of Urban Spaces:
    The repurposing of the Citadel Mall (formerly Sears) into the Gemstones’ Prayer Center is a testament to the production’s creative vision.
  • Vibrant Outdoor Sets:
    Riverfront Park and Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark provided dynamic settings that enhanced both the dramatic and comedic elements of the series.
  • Local Influence:
    The use of local landmarks and iconic venues helped ground the series in a real sense of place, giving viewers a taste of true Southern culture.
  • Production Challenges:
    Filming in diverse locations across Charleston required careful coordination, showcasing the crew’s ability to blend different atmospheres into a cohesive narrative.

Righteous Gemstones is not just a wild ride of scandal and humor—it’s also a visual feast that showcases the best of Charleston, South Carolina.

From the grandeur of historic plantations to the unexpected twists of urban repurposing at the Citadel Mall, the filming locations add depth and authenticity to the series.

If you’re a fan of shows that blend dark comedy with real-world charm, this is one series you won’t want to miss.

So, if you ever find yourself in Charleston, take the chance to explore these iconic spots. Not only will you get a glimpse into the world of Righteous Gemstones, but you’ll also experience a slice of Southern history and culture that’s as captivating as the show itself.


Where was Righteous Gemstones filmed?

Righteous Gemstones was primarily filmed in and around Charleston, South Carolina, USA.

What are some key filming locations featured in the series?

Notable locations include the North Charleston Coliseum/PAC, Riverfront Park, Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark, and the repurposed Citadel Mall (former Sears).

Why was Charleston chosen as the filming location?

Charleston offers a rich blend of historic architecture and modern urban environments, perfectly reflecting the show’s themes of legacy, wealth, and deviance.

What is the significance of the Citadel Mall location?

The Citadel Mall was transformed into the Gemstones’ Prayer Center, adding a unique, eerie twist to the series by repurposing a former retail giant into a place of supposed sanctity.

When did filming for Righteous Gemstones take place?

Most of the filming occurred in mid‑2018, with various locations in Charleston being utilized to capture the authentic Southern vibe of the series.

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