Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson Star in Apple TV's Bizarre 'Brothers'
The comedy series, built around a "true rumor" of the actors' potential sibling relationship, is described as a messy, aimless, and self-indulgent production.
Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson are starring as exaggerated versions of themselves in the new Apple TV comedy series, "Brothers." The show, which premiered September 23, is built around a "true rumor" that the two actors might be related, stemming from a 2023 revelation that their fathers could be the same man.
The series begins with Harrelson staying at McConaughey's Texas ranch, bringing disruption to McConaughey's serene life. The plot takes a turn when McConaughey's mother, played by Holland Taylor, alludes to a past connection with Harrelson's father, convicted hitman Charles Voyde Harrelson. This prompts Harrelson to investigate the claim, a journey that involves visits to dive bars and encounters with various characters.
"Brothers" attempts to blend several narrative threads, including a potential political pivot for McConaughey, who has previously expressed openness to running for office in Texas. The show's premise also draws parallels to the actors' past collaboration on "True Detective."
The comedic elements of "Brothers" are noted to be strongest when highlighting the dynamic between the famously laid-back McConaughey and the even more mellow Harrelson. However, the review suggests the humor often relies on low-hanging fruit. The series also features actors playing fictionalized versions of their wives and children, a narrative choice that is described as ultimately unconvincing and self-indulgent.
Critics argue that "Brothers" struggles to define its genre, falling short of being a satire, mockumentary, or a straightforward docuseries. The show's exploration of the rumor about their familial connection and the inclusion of their fictionalized families are seen as central to its confusing tone. The production is noted for its occasional amusement but is largely characterized as aimless and self-indulgent.
The review suggests that "Brothers" would have benefited from committing more definitively to either a fictionalized narrative or a documentary approach. A docuseries exploring the history of Harrelson's father, or a more purely fictional comedy about the actors playing brothers, might have been more successful formats. Instead, "Brothers" is described as a show that tries too hard to be clever, ultimately falling flat and resembling "somebody else’s home videos."