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Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson are officially reuniting on screen as Apple TV has unveiled the first look at their upcoming comedy series Brothers, which is scheduled to premiere on September 23. The eight episode series brings the longtime friends and former True Detective co stars together once again, this time playing fictionalized versions of themselves in a story that blends comedy, family drama and celebrity culture.
Created by The Office producer Lee Eisenberg, Brothers follows McConaughey and Harrelson as their close friendship is thrown into chaos after they uncover a decades old family secret suggesting they may actually be brothers. The unusual premise draws inspiration from real life speculation surrounding the pair, making the series one of Apple TV’s most anticipated comedy releases of the year.
The story unfolds at Matthew McConaughey’s ranch in Austin, Texas, where Woody Harrelson arrives with his family seeking a peaceful retreat after his daughter’s wedding falls apart. Instead of finding relaxation, Woody becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth about their possible family connection, turning the ranch upside down in the process.
While Woody pursues answers, Matthew finds himself dealing with a completely different challenge as he considers a potential run for Governor of Texas. According to the official description, the result is a heartfelt, chaotic and wildly funny story exploring friendship, family, fame and the blurry line between myth and reality.
The cast also features Holland Taylor as McConaughey’s mother Ma Mac alongside Natalie Martinez, Brittany Ishibashi, Nolan Almeida, Ella Grace Helton, Noah Carganilla, Highdee Kuan and Oona Yaffe, adding depth to the ensemble comedy.
The series is inspired by real life developments in the friendship between McConaughey and Harrelson. For years there have been rumors that the two actors could be related. In 2023 Harrelson revealed that his father once had a brief relationship with McConaughey’s mother, raising the possibility that they could be half brothers. Harrelson also admitted that he has often noticed similarities between them, saying their personalities and behavior have made him wonder about the possibility for years.
Brothers will launch with its first two episodes on September 23 before shifting to a weekly release schedule every Wednesday through November 4. The comedy is produced for Apple TV by Paramount Television Studios and features executive producers Lee Eisenberg, Matthew McConaughey, Woody Harrelson, Natalie Sandy, David West Read, Trish Hofmann, Bill Bost, Jeremy Plager, Jason Winer, David Finkel and Brett Baer. Trent O’Donnell directed the pilot episode as well as additional installments in the series.
The project was first announced in 2023 but experienced several production delays and creative changes. Original writer and showrunner David West Read exited the series over creative differences, with Lee Eisenberg later taking over leadership of the project. With its unique concept and the reunion of two longtime Hollywood friends, Brothers is expected to deliver a mix of humor, emotion and surprising family revelations when it debuts this September.
