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In June 2025, work on the awaited Apple TV+ comedy featuring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson came to an abrupt stop. The show, Brothers (also called Brother From Another Mother), aimed to tell a funny, Texas-based story of two close friends sharing a house.
Filming kicked off in November 2024, and most people thought the production would run with Apple TV+’s support and the actors’ fame driving it forward. However, behind-the-scenes creative clashes took things in a different direction.
What the Apple TV+ Series Is About
Brothers follows a made-up version of McConaughey and Harrelson as they take on a funny and touching adventure together. Their families end up living on McConaughey's ranch in Texas. This leads to both laugh-out-loud moments and heartfelt experiences while the two old buddies navigate life living together.
The premise plays off a lingering, tongue-in-cheek rumor that they might be secret brothers. Alongside the stars, Holland Taylor appears as McConaughey’s mother, with Natalie Martinez, Brittany Ishibashi, and a host of children completing the ensemble. Both leads also serve as executive producers under the Apple TV+ banner.
The Apple TV+ show began production in and around Austin, Texas, with scenes shot downtown and at South Austin locations like Radio Coffee & Beer. Permit filings referenced the show as “2025 FILM Hermanos Production,” cementing its local presence.
Notably, McConaughey and Harrelson each donated 15% of their salaries to support filming in-state and even testified before the Texas legislature to help pass a $300 million biannual film incentive through 2035, efforts directly tied to the Apple TV+ production.
Why Apple TV+ Production Paused
The interruption came in late June 2025 after showrunner David West Read, who had written, produced, and run the show, departed over creative differences, particularly concerning how the season should end.
At the time, eight of the ten ordered episodes had already wrapped shooting. Once West Read left, Apple TV+ and Skydance Television made the decision to pause production, sending cast and crew home until a new showrunner is in place.
Apple TV+ and Skydance are currently in negotiations with Lessons in Chemistry creator Lee Eisenberg to fill the showrunner role left vacant by West Read. Until these talks settle and a formal agreement is attained; Apple TV+ production is officially on hold. Despite ongoing discussions, there has been no public update regarding when filming might resume or how the last two episodes will be handled.
How This Affects the Apple TV+ Series Timeline
With eight episodes already filmed, the Apple TV+ series isn’t starting from scratch. However, integrating a new creative perspective invariably means adjustments in tone, storyline, and production flow.
This leads to delays in the schedule and possibly logistical challenges for talent like McConaughey and Harrelson, whose other commitments might clash with the revised timeline. For Apple TV+, it means recalibrating post-production and marketing plans initially built around an uninterrupted shoot.
Why It Matters
The situation emphasizes how crucial the showrunner role is, even in projects anchored by big-name stars. Apple TV+'s Brothers represents a major bet: two A-listers, a Texas-set premise, and local investment all combined.
A sudden departure in leadership can ripple through creative momentum, production schedules, and budget forecasts.
Trending
Apple TV+’s Brothers remains on pause while the streaming service and Skydance Television search for a new showrunner. With eight of ten episodes complete, this delay highlights the delicate balance between creative vision and production logistics, even when backed by major stars like McConaughey and Harrelson.
Once Lee Eisenberg or another leader is confirmed, filming can resume, and Apple TV+ will set a fresh timeline for wrapping the final episodes. Until then, fans of the series and observers will be waiting for the next update from Apple TV+.
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