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“Look here,” says Matthew McConaughey, as played by Matthew McConaughey in the new scripted comedy, “Brothers.” “Everything that I’ve accomplished in my life has been based on passion, knowledge, grit, and hustle.” The Oscar-winner then rattles off a handful of professional triumphs, including his three books, “successful” tequila brand (which he graciously does not name-check), and visiting professorship at the University of Texas. “Now, was any of that achieved because of my celebrity?” he asks.
“Exactly,” answers Woody Harrelson, as played by Woody Harrelson. “That would be like you telling me the weed dispensary that I created with John McEnroe and Bill Maher is just because I’m famous.”
Gwen Hillcrest-Barnes-Davies, an original character played by Lisa Gilroy, looks at these two men — all but indistinguishable from the real men their characters kind of, sort of represent — and she laughs. “Well, exactly,” she says. “That’s what I’m…” Then she stops. She sees their shared look of resolute earnestness, bordering on irritation, and she says, “I’m sorry, are you guys fucking with me?”
It’s a fair question, not only because the root of their argument is demonstrably false but because they’re really good actors. They should be able to fuck with her, whether it’s for a childish prank or with some grander purpose in mind. But “Brothers” doesn’t deploy its A-list stars for any greater purpose, and it’s not funny enough to get by on their folksy hijinks. The show only exists because McConaughey and Harrelson decided to make it, and whatever passion, knowledge, grit, and hustle was needed to turn a celebrity indulgence into scripted entertainment is undetectable in the final product.
Still, it may be a greater sin that “Brothers” is a poor showcase for both its stars, stranding them in edgeless characters caught between self-parody and self-flattery. “Matthew” and “Woody” aren’t distinguished enough to effectively play off their established personas in the satiric fashion typical of meta comedies. But they’re also not grounded enough to let audiences buy into the idea that they’re hanging out with the real Matthew and Woody. The result is something akin to watching a reality show without the pretense of reality; a feigned chronicle of a friendship struggling to transition into any form of honest brotherhood, as befits its origins as a “true rumor.”
Perhaps you’ve heard by now that the onscreen brothers from “EdTV” may be actual brothers in real life. It all began when Kay “MaMac” McConaughey admitted to sleeping with Harrelson’s father, Charles, near the time of Woody’s conception. But that’s also where it ended. To this day, the longstanding friends don’t know the truth: They won’t take a DNA test, Charles died in 2007, and MaMac won’t share anything further. (Although there’s plenty else the family is happy to talk about.)
‘Brothers’ casts actors to play the Harrelson and McConaughey families, even when Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey play themselvesCourtesy of Apple“Brothers” uses the idea as its inciting incident. After Woody’s eldest daughter is dumped by her fiancé, the Harrelsons drive from Malibu, CA to Austin, TX so Woody doesn’t have to listen to her cry to have a little fun with their closest friends, the McConaugheys. The only problem: Matthew is trying to write a speech about his late father that he’s expected to deliver the next morning, when their high school retires Big Mac’s football jersey. Matthew is having a bit of writers’ block, and Woody’s intrusion doesn’t help, but at least MaMac (played by Holland Taylor) doesn’t let her secret out in front of both sons.
Only Woody hears what may be life-altering news, and while he wants to tell Matthew right away, he can’t after his best buddy announces big new plans: running for governor. Matthew is so inspired thinking about his dear ol’ dad, he wants to do him proud by serving the great state of Texas. OK, sure, whatever it takes to prevent Woody from spilling the beans, since seeing Matthew all wrapped up in his feelings about his assumed father makes it hard to broach the subject of a different bio dad.
From there, “Brothers” plods along as a clichéd family comedy. Matthew tries to take his son hunting, to which Woody morally objects. Matthew and Woody forget Valentine’s Day and have to make it up their wives. Matthew and Woody chaperone their kids’ high school dance. Time is allotted to various family members, but none of them are fleshed out beyond a single character trait. All the while, the question of whether they’re related by blood lurks in the background, kicked slowly down the road until the finale clumsily throws it into focus.
Co-created by McConaughey, Harrelson, David West Read, and showrunner Lee Eisenberg, “Brothers” keeps its episodes to 30 minutes or less and moves along amiably enough. It awkwardly but consciously navigates emotional waters tied to family histories and inherited legacies, even if it never approaches any uncomfortable possibilities or unwanted consequences. It’s a clunky, instantly forgettable comedy that stands in stark contrast to their last TV collaboration. (Like it or loathe it, “True Detective” is still impacting how Hollywood makes TV, from the limited series boom to Apple’s star-fuckery.)
Even though there are plenty of references to their movies, shows, and catchphrases, some fans might be relieved “Brothers” isn’t built around insider jokes or satiric visions of their two favorite Texans — that it’s a more traditional sitcom than anything odd or challenging. But as soon as you notice what’s not in the series, the absences keep stacking up. The actors aren’t interested in exploring celebrity entitlement or substantive political topics. They’re not pushed to build real characters, rather than embody safe versions of how people already see them. Even the central question of the show — are they actual brothers? — isn’t consequential beyond its surprise reveal.
Instead — as McConaughey and Harrelson lounge in the success of their celebrity, and we, the audience, are meant to savor the results, no matter how uninspired, thoughtless, and empty — another question carries more weight: Are these guys fucking with us?
Grade: C-
“Brothers” premieres Wednesday, September 23 on Apple TV. Two episodes will be released at launch with new episodes each week through the Season 1 finale on November 4.
English (US) ·