‘Brothers’ Earns McConaughey and Harrelson a Disappointing Rotten Tomatoes Score
Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson have long been considered a dynamic duo, especially after their acclaimed performance in ‘True Detective’ back in 2014, which achieved a Certified Fresh 91% on Rotten Tomatoes. Their latest venture, ‘Brothers,’ a comedy where they portray fictionalized versions of themselves, seemed like a promising follow-up.
The series, which premiered on September 23, features a storyline where Woody’s daughter’s wedding goes awry, prompting him to visit Matthew’s ranch in Austin. There, a revelation from Matthew’s mother suggests they might actually be brothers, adding a humorous twist to their friendship.
However, the initial reception has not met Apple TV’s expectations. Currently, ‘Brothers’ holds a disappointing 53% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with no audience score available yet. This marks a significant low for both actors, as it is their worst-reviewed television project to date.
The score has dropped since the review embargo was lifted, with Forbes reporting a 56% rating based on 27 reviews, while other sources noted a 57% score. This disappointing reception stands out, especially considering both actors have previously faced harsher critiques in their film careers.
Critics are divided on the series. Some describe it as self-indulgent and lacking direction, while others find it charming and enjoyable, highlighting the undeniable chemistry between McConaughey and Harrelson. TVLine criticized the series for wasting that chemistry on uninspired humor and a lack of focus.
Collider offered a more positive perspective, praising the show’s reliance on the duo’s charisma, even if it leans on familiar sitcom conventions. They described the eight half-hour episodes as a light-hearted counterpoint to heavier streaming options.
Some reviews celebrate the series’ relaxed, family-friendly vibe, suggesting that it transforms the stars’ real-life friendship into a light-hearted sitcom. This contrast between positive and negative reviews explains the show’s middling score.
Never touch another man’s knob.
The first two episodes of #Brothers are now streaming. pic.twitter.com/p83aC8ubwJ
— Apple TV (@AppleTV) September 23, 2026
Created by McConaughey and Harrelson, along with David West Read and Lee Eisenberg, who also serves as showrunner, ‘Brothers’ is produced for Apple TV by Paramount Television Studios. The cast includes Holland Taylor, Natalie Martinez, and Brittany Ishibashi.
The duo’s presentation at the 2026 Emmy Awards raised eyebrows, as they took an extended, unscripted moment to promote the show, which led to concerns about the series’ quality. However, some reviews suggest that the show is less painful than that awards segment.
As the season progresses, Rotten Tomatoes scores may fluctuate with new reviews, and the audience score is still pending. With episodes releasing weekly, the conversation surrounding ‘Brothers’ is likely to evolve, with the next episode set to air on October 7.
For now, ‘Brothers’ is a comedy that many critics appreciate more for its stars than for its writing.
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