Apple TV has revealed the first look at Brothers, its new comedy starring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson as fictionalised versions of themselves. The eight-episode series will premiere globally on 23 September 2026 with its first two episodes. The story plays with the long-running real-life speculation that the close friends and former True Detective co-stars could secretly be biological brothers.
After the wedding of Woody’s daughter falls apart, he takes his family to Austin for an extended stay at Matthew’s ranch. What begins as an attempt to recover soon takes an unexpected turn when Matthew’s mother, Ma Mac, accidentally reveals a decades-old family secret suggesting the two actors might really be related.
Woody becomes determined to uncover the truth and turns life at the ranch upside down in the process. Matthew, meanwhile, is facing a separate identity crisis as he considers a possible run for Governor of Texas.
Holland Taylor stars as Ma Mac, while the ensemble cast also includes Natalie Martinez, Brittany Ishibashi, Nolan Almeida, Ella Grace Helton, Noah Carganilla, Highdee Kuan and Oona Yaffe.
McConaughey and Harrelson both serve as executive producers on the series. Lee Eisenberg, whose credits include The Office, Little America and Stick, is the showrunner and also executive produces. Trent O’Donnell, whose credits include New Girl and Hacks, directed multiple episodes, including the pilot.
The series was originally announced by Apple in March 2023 and reunites McConaughey and Harrelson after previous collaborations including EDtv and the first season of True Detective. Their friendship away from the screen has become almost as well known as their work together, making fictional versions of their lives an ideal foundation for the comedy.
For CultureCues, placing McConaughey and Harrelson’s real friendship at the centre of a family mystery is a brilliant way to bring them back together. Add Holland Taylor casually revealing that they may share more than a television résumé, and Brothers already has our attention. At this stage, only a DNA test could provide a better promotional campaign. We will be watching in September, family tree at the ready.
Brothers premieres on Apple TV with two episodes on 23 September 2026. New episodes will follow every Wednesday until 4 November.
Nikki Murray is a UK-based writer, screenwriter and founder & editor of CultureCues, covering film, television, music and pop culture. Her work focuses on storytelling and the moments shaping modern entertainment.