BROTHERS: Episodes 1.1-1.2
Could these two Hollywood actors and longtime friends actually be brothers?
Should You Watch It?
No. The first two episodes present a fictionalized version of actors Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, longtime friends who might be biological brothers. Much of the show’s comedy stems from poking fun at the actors’ public images: McConaughey as a cowboy constantly spouting poetic non sequiturs, and Harrelson as a laidback hippie.
Both actors shine, balancing humor with emotion as they grapple with their differences and the friction that can arise from a long friendship. The scripts come off as well-written and introduce a series of interesting situations that keep audiences eager to see where the story heads next, whether it’s the ongoing question of whether or not McConaughey and Harrelson are actually brothers or McConaughey’s potential run for governor of Texas.
The show strongly emphasizes family; both McConaughey and Harrelson are devoted fathers and husbands, and McConaughey often speaks about his love and reverence for his late father. A funny, heartfelt friendship story sits at the center, but the questionable content keeps this Texas-sized comedy from earning a wholehearted recommendation. Consider this your warning.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESWhen Woody Harrelson’s daughter dumps her fiancé, he packs the family up and heads to Texas. He visits his longtime friend and fellow Hollywood star, Matthew McConaughey. But when Harrelson learns that his mother had a relationship with McConaughey’s father while she was separated from Harrelson’s father, he realizes he and McConaughey might be biological brothers. Hilarity ensues as Harrelson searches for the truth while trying to keep the possibility a secret from McConaughey.
Is It Any Good?
The first two episodes earn their four stars with laugh-out-loud moments and scenes that delve into the complications of a longtime friendship. McConaughey and Harrelson balance humor and heart deftly, and their real-life friendship shines through, even in the moments when they’re fighting with each other.
The script is well-written, using typical sitcom situations, like the pair of actors getting lost far from home before a major event or a disagreement over the ethics of hunting, and mixing them with the mystery of whether or not they are truly brothers. What really works is McConaughey and Harrelson’s willingness to make fun of themselves. Both play fictional versions of themselves that heighten their public personas.
McConaughey as a cowboy philosopher and Harrelson as a go-with-the-flow, pot-smoking hippie, making their onscreen clashes fun to watch. The ongoing question of whether McConaughey and Harrelson are brothers is also intriguing. Viewers will want to stick around until the end to find out whether that mystery is ever solved.
The Worldview
A moral worldview with Christian elements anchor the episodes. McConaughey and Harrelson play devoted husbands and fathers who want the best for their families. In the first episode, McConaughey talks at length about the deep love and respect he feels for his late father. Friendship matters a lot here too. The two men share a longtime friendship, and they often talk about how much that bond means to them.
Faith shows up in several scenes. McConaughey says he wants to live out his late father's values of "faith [and] family." He also says people who believe in Jesus go to Heaven, and he points to Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 as he prays over a dead deer. Harrelson adds that God considers it a sin to kill an innocent animal.
Still, parents should know what else the series includes. It contains plenty of foul language, with 40 "f" words, plus marijuana use throughout and some light violence. The show also implies that McConaughey's mother had a sexual affair with Harrelson's father and has lied to her son about his birth father his entire life.
Faith and family provide the moral compass, but the foul language and mature themes may send discerning viewers looking for the remote.
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Dominant Worldview and Other Worldview Content/Elements
A moral and Christian worldview. Characters prioritize family and friendship. McConaughey shares his desire to center his life on “faith [and] family,” as his late father did. He also makes many mentions of his faith, talking about how his father is in Heaven, that those who believe in Jesus go to Heaven, and cites Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 as he prays over a dead deer. Harrelson also mentions faith, saying it’s a sin in the eyes of God to kill an innocent animal
Foul Language
Strong foul language with 69 obscenities, including 40 “f” words, seven “sh” words, three “b” words, eight “a” words, four “h” words, five “d” words, and two “d*ck”s, and four “OMG” profanities;
Violence
Harrelson hits a deer with his car, in one scene, he is knocked out and then has a gun pointed at him. He is shot, but has a phonebook taped to his chest, so is not injured in any way;
Sex
McConaughey’s mother reveals to Harrelson that she had a sexual affair with his father, but does say this was during “one of” her divorces from McConaughey’s father
Nudity
Brief moment of upper male nudity while McConaughey is in a swimming pool, another moment of upper male nudity when college kids on their way to a game are shown in body paint
Alcohol Use
McConaughey’s mother is said to have a drinking problem and is shown drinking alcohol, but characters make light of this
Smoking and/or Drug Use and Abuse
Harrelson smokes marijuana throughout
Miscellaneous Immorality
Harrelson doesn't tell McConaughey about his suspicions that they are brothers, but this is because of a desire to find out the truth before telling his friend anything, not out of a desire to deceive. Talk of affairs and divorce.
Talk About It
Questions for the drive home, the dinner table, or the youth group.
Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson’s friendship is the main theme of the series, showing their good moments, as well as their fights and disagreements. What does the Bible mean when it says a true friend “loves at all times?” Proverbs 17:17
McConaughey shares that he wants to embody his late father’s values of “faith [and] family.” How do you live up to your own faith? What does that mean for you as a Christian? Romans 1:17
The central mystery of BROTHERS is whether or not McConaughey and Harrelson are really brothers, and if McConaughey’s mother has been lying to him his entire life. How does lying damage our relationships, whether it’s with God, ourselves, or others? Proverbs 12:19
The Final Word
BROTHERS delivers big laughs and plenty of heart as it spins a funny, fictional take on the true friendship between McConaughey and Harrelson. The series champions faith, family, and loyalty, but it also piles on foul language, marijuana use, and other inappropriate content. McConaughey and Harrelson make great company, just not the kind most parents will want in the living room. Even mature viewers should take pause before hitting play.
