“Based on a true rumor”, reads the opening line of every episode. Are Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson brothers? The opening credits roll through childhood photos of the two actors, and their striking resemblance makes it easy to understand why such a rumor has spread across social media. That is the starting point for Brothers, the new Apple TV series in which the iconic duo from True Detective (two Emmy Awards) reunites on screen to play exaggerated versions of themselves… or perhaps not. The plot? Woody arrives with his family and colorful van at the home of his longtime friend Matthew. Both men are going through a difficult period in their lives, with more than a hint of an existential crisis, and decide to live together while supporting each other through their respective, wildly unpredictable adventures.
A family affair
The reunion at Matthew McConaughey’s Texas ranch quickly takes an unexpected turn when Kai, Woody’s daughter, falls for Wyatt, Matthew’s son. But if the two men really are brothers, the young lovers could actually be cousins! Woody therefore decides to have an DNA test carried out, with the help of his daughter Olive. Of course, nothing goes according to plan, and the results, eagerly awaited with growing impatience, take a very long time to be revealed, giving viewers one absurd situation after another. Meanwhile, Matthew McConaughey has embarked on another surprising adventure: running for governor of Texas. An additional storyline that brings plenty of comic moments to this already particularly chaotic family saga.
A comedy full of chemistry
The real appeal of the series obviously lies in the bromance between actors Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson in real life. Their friendship, which began on the set of EdTV in 1999, works wonderfully on screen and gives them the perfect opportunity to have fun with their own public personas. Around them, Holland Taylor, Natalie Martinez, Brittany Ishibashi and the young actors playing their children round out an especially endearing cast. Family secrets and a love story, set against a quintessentially American backdrop with the two stars’ charming Texas accents: Brothers is an easygoing, offbeat comedy to enjoy without overthinking it.
Brothers, streaming on Apple TV from September 23.
Discover also 5 new series to binge-watch in September and the best movies to stream from your sofa right now.
