“The Righteous Gemstones” Filming Locations in Charleston, SC

The Righteous Gemstones are back! Now that Season 3 has premiered, we’re taking a look at some of The Righteous Gemstones filming locations in Charleston, SC. We’ve also produced a map of The Righteous Gemstones filming sites that will help you traverse the Holy City.

HBO’s The Righteous Gemstones, created by Charleston transplant Danny McBride, is shot in several locales in the Holy City. While some of the filming locations for The Righteous Gemstones are on private land, many are open to the public. We’ve gathered a list of 20 filming sites for The Righteous Gemstones in Charleston, as well as a map to help you organize your self-guided tour.

Many of The Righteous Gemstones’ Charleston filming locations are refurbished and renamed for show purposes, as is the case with other Charleston-based series (such as Netflix’s Outer Banks). However, many of the show’s filming sites will be familiar to most residents, and the first spot on our list features a large Gemstones sign directly on the building.

The Righteous Gemstones Filming Locations in Charleston from Seasons 1–3
The filming locations for Righteous Gemstones in Charleston range from West Ashley to Mount Pleasant, Johns Island to North Charleston. If you want to visit any of these places, keep reading to find out what you should know.

List of “The Righteous Gemstones” filming locations in Charleston, SC:

“The Righteous Gemstones” Season 1 filming locations in Charleston, SC:

South Park Plaza, West Ashley.

While at the Citadel Mall, you can also visit Gemstones Studios, which is located next door in the South Park Plaza building. Only the outside of this filming location appears in the episode; interior images of Gemstone Studios were shot at the North Charleston Coliseum & Performing Arts Center.

Location: 1 South Park Circle, Charleston, SC

Eternal Father of the Sea(North Charleston)

Eternal Father of the Sea is a modest wedding chapel located in North Charleston, directly adjacent to Riverfront Park. This Charleston filming location for “The Righteous Gemstones” served as Reverend John Wesley Seasons’ place of worship. Dermot Mulroney played the character.

Location: 1097 Navy Way, North Charleston, South Carolina

Gaillard Center (downtown Charleston)

The Gaillard Center in downtown Charleston appears heavily in various sequences from Season 2 of The Righteous Gemstones. Its majestic façade has also appeared in a number of other films and television series. In Season 2 of The Righteous Gemstones, the Gaillard Center serves as a meeting place for the Gemstone family and other religious officials, as well as the spot where Mac Butterfield jumps from the second floor balcony.

95 Calhoun Street, Charleston, South Carolina.

Saint Phillips Island (Beaufort)

While it is a reasonable drive from Charleston, St. Phillips Island near Beaufort is well worth the trip. Not only does it serve as the filming location for Zion in Season 2 of The Righteous Gemstones, but it is also one of the most unique beaches on the East Coast. While you can drive the majority of the way, you will need to purchase a boat ticket to get to the island.

Location: 1928 Sea Island Parkway, St. Helena Island, SC (where the boat departs).

Shem Creek Boardwalk (Mont Pleasant)

The Shem Creek Boardwalk, located on the north side of town, was used in Season 2 to depict Eli’s reunion with his old friend Junior. The Shem Creek Boardwalk, like the Gaillard Center, is a popular filming site that has appeared in numerous productions (including Netflix’s Outer Banks).

Location: 1402 Shrimp Boat Lane, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

Danny Jones Complex Armory, North Charleston.

The Danny Jones Complex Armory in North Charleston serves as the location for the wrestling and boxing events in Season 2 of The Righteous Gemstones. While this was not one of the show’s most renowned filming locations, it is nevertheless worth a quick visit while seeing other filming locations in the North Charleston neighborhood.

Location: 5000 Lackawanna Boulevard, North Charleston, South Carolina

Lebanon Quick Stop,

Ridgeville This filming location, like St. Phillips Island, demands a longer trip, but it’s well worth it to revisit one of Season 2’s most memorable scenes. The Lebanon Quick Stop (and El Cheapo petrol station) can be seen in the scene where Jesse and Amber end up in the thick of a shootout after being pursued by a gang of dirt bike riders—before Gideon comes to their aid.

3147 State Road, Ridgeville, South Carolina.

El Molino (West Ashley).

In a scene that looks to be set for Season 3 (HBO has only shown Episodes 1 and 2), the Righteous Gemstones staged what appears to be a natural disaster in the parking lot of El Molino in West Ashley. We’re curious to see how this ties into the Season 3 storyline.

Location: 1610 Sam Rittenberg Boulevard, Charleston, South Carolina.

Main Street (Monck’s Corner)

For the final visit on our tour of “The Righteous Gemstones” filming locations in Charleston, we’ll choose one that we expect to see in Season 3. According to news reports, the show was filmed on Main Street in Moncks Corner in late 2022. This would place the scenario in Season 3, and it appears to be a nighttime scene, as nearby roads were closed from 6:00pm to 6:00am in November.

Location: Main Street, Moncks Corner, SC (between Library Street and West Railroad Avenue).

How should you schedule your tour of The Righteous Gemstones’ filming locations in Charleston?

Given that many of the show’s filming sites are in West Ashley, this is an excellent place to begin. From here, you can make a loop out to Ravenel and Johns Island before returning to I-526 and heading to North Charleston. Then you may drive down to Mount Pleasant and across the bridge to the peninsula; if you still have time, you can visit St. Phillips Island in Beaufort, the Lebanon Quick Stop in Ridgeville, or Main Street in Moncks Corner.

in course, if you’re a local, you can spread it out and take multiple day trips to explore the various sites in Charleston where The Righteous Gemstones was filmed. Stay tuned for more Season 3 filming locations for The Righteous Gemstones. If there is a Season 4, we will add Season 4 filming locations as well!

Don’t forget that Netflix’s Outer Banks was filmed here, and Charleston has served as the backdrop for a number of other films and television shows throughout the years. So, if you want to see where The Righteous Gemstones was filmed in Charleston, you should also look at these other series and movies.

Overview of The Righteous Gemstones

The Righteous Gemstones is a provocative series that blends dark comedy with family drama. Set in the world of televangelism, it offers a unique mix of satire and character exploration.

Plot Summary

The series focuses on the Gemstone family, a wealthy and corrupt group of televangelists. Led by patriarch Eli Gemstone, played by John Goodman, they navigate the challenges of running a megachurch empire. The family grapples with internal strife, external threats, and moral dilemmas, all while maintaining their luxurious lifestyle.

Each season expands on their exploits, highlighting the hypocritical and often humorous aspects of their lives. Themes of faith, power, and family loyalty are interwoven, creating a rich, engaging narrative.

Main Cast and Crew

The cast is headlined by John Goodman as Eli Gemstone. Danny McBride, who also created the series, stars as Jesse Gemstone, the eldest son desperate to prove his worth. Walton Goggins plays Baby Billy Freeman, a deceitful preacher with a knack for trouble.

Edi Patterson, Adam Devine, and Tony Cavalero round out the main cast, portraying members of the Gemstone family and their associates. The series is directed by notable names such as Jody Hill and David Gordon Green, adding a unique directorial style to the show.

Charleston’s Role in The Righteous Gemstones

Charleston provides a unique backdrop for the show, enhancing both its visual appeal and its narrative depth. Learn why this historic city was chosen and how its locations elevate the storyline.

Why Charleston Was Chosen

Charleston, South Carolina, was selected for its rich history and diverse architecture, which lend themselves beautifully to the show’s aesthetic. The city’s historic charm and Southern Gothic atmosphere align perfectly with the series’ themes.

The production team capitalized on Charleston’s distinctive features, such as its historic homes, bustling markets, and waterfront vistas. These elements create an authentic setting that enhances the believability of the Gemstone family’s world.

Additionally, Charleston offers favorable filming conditions, including a supportive local government and a skilled workforce. These factors made it an attractive choice for the production, ensuring smooth logistics and high-quality results.

How Charleston Enhances the Narrative

The locations in Charleston add depth to the show’s narrative. For instance, Citadel Mall, transformed into the Gemstone Prayer Center, serves as a significant setting that reflects the wealth and influence of the Gemstone family.

Azul Mexicano in North Charleston is another key location, where Keefe Chambers experiences moments of personal revelation. This helps in character development and adds layers to the plot.

Charleston’s Early Bird Diner and North Charleston Coliseum provide diverse backdrops that enrich the storytelling. These locations not only ground the series in a tangible reality but also highlight the cultural and social milieu in which the characters operate.

Frequently Asked Questions

This section answers some common questions about the filming locations for “The Righteous Gemstones” in Charleston. These include locations used across various seasons and notable landmarks featured in the series.