🎬 In the Series:
First Appearance: Season 1, Episode 1 – “The Righteous Gemstones” (Baptism Scene)
The very first scene of The Righteous Gemstones kicks off with a bang—literally a splash. The over-the-top baptism montage sets the stage for the show’s satirical yet heartfelt tone. This unforgettable sequence features Jesse Gemstone baptizing dozens of people in a pool, surrounded by enthusiastic crowds, colorful slides, and full-blown fanfare. It’s a high-energy, televangelical spectacle that perfectly introduces viewers to the world of the Gemstone family.
Filmed at Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Park in North Charleston, South Carolina, the location was cleverly used to create a visual metaphor for the show’s themes: faith, family, and flamboyance. The water park returns briefly in flashbacks and references throughout the series, marking it as a key early location in Gemstone lore.
📍 In Real Life:
Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Park is part of Wannamaker County Park in North Charleston. It’s a seasonal water park known for its family-friendly attractions, including water slides, a lazy river, a wave pool, and kid-centric splash zones.
While the water park itself requires a separate ticket, the surrounding county park is open year-round and only costs $2 per person to enter (or free with a Charleston County Parks Gold Pass). Water park admission typically runs around $24 per person, with discounted rates ($15) available after 3:00 p.m. on weekdays.
📝 Travel Tip: Summer is the best time to visit if you’re hoping to fully relive the Gemstone baptism vibes. But even if you’re not looking to splash around, you can still stroll through the general area, take some photos, and soak in the atmosphere where the iconic opening was filmed.