Apple TV+ has hit pause on production for Brothers, the upcoming comedy series starring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson. Inspired by the duo’s real-life friendship, the series had nearly completed filming before the unexpected halt. With creative changes now underway behind the scenes, the show’s future timeline remains uncertain as fans await its long-anticipated debut.
Apple pauses Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey show to find new showrunner
According to Deadline and Variety reports, the production team of Brothers halted filming in Austin, Texas, after completing eight of the show’s 10 episodes. They reportedly sent cast members, including Holland Taylor and Brittany Ishibashi, home.
The production pause follows showrunner David West Read’s departure due to creative disagreements about the season’s ending. While Apple and Skydance Television have not issued a statement, sources say the leadership change aims to resolve the show’s creative direction.
Veteran writer-producer Lee Eisenberg is negotiating to take over as showrunner. If hired, he will supervise the final two episodes and oversee any necessary reshoots. Eisenberg’s past work includes Jury Duty, Little America, and Lessons in Chemistry.
Apple announced Brothers in 2023 as a comedy revolving around the real-life friendship between Harrelson and McConaughey. The series follows fictional versions of the two actors as their families try to live together on McConaughey’s Texas ranch. Alongside the lead duo, the cast also includes Oona Yaffe, Ella Grace Helton, Nolan Almeida, Noah Carganilla, and Highdee Kuan.
Skydance Television produces the series for Apple TV+. Executive producers McConaughey, Harrelson, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, Matt Thunell, Bill Bost, Jeremy Plager, and Jason Winer, who directed multiple episodes, lead the project. The team has not set a return-to-production date, as Eisenberg is expected to revise the remaining content before filming resumes.
The production delay will likely push the show’s release beyond its originally expected timeline.