Matthew McConaughey, Woody Harrelson reunite for meta show 'Brothers'

Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson could be brothers from the same father, both in real life and in a new show.

The "True Detective" costars are set to lead an Apple TV comedy series called "Brothers," in which they'll play themselves in a storyline inspired by the very real fact that they might be related.

"'Brothers' follows McConaughey and Harrelson, who play fictionalized versions of themselves, and whose friendship is thrown into chaos when they uncover a decades-old secret: they might actually be brothers," the synopsis reads.

In the show, the fictional version of Harrelson goes to stay at McConaughey's ranch in Austin, but things spiral out of control after McConaughey's mom, played by Holland Taylor, lets their possible familial connection slip.

"As Woody turns the ranch upside down in pursuit of the truth, Matthew finds himself juggling an entirely different identity crisis: a potential run for Governor of Texas," says Apple, which describes the show as a "heartfelt, chaotic, and wildly funny story about friendship, family, fame, and the messy line between myth and reality."

Though the show's storyline is fictional, the revelation at its center isn't completely made up.

In 2023, McConaughey revealed on Kelly Ripa "Let's Talk Off Camera" that a few years earlier, his mom dropped a bombshell by saying to Harrelson, "Woody, I knew your dad." They then "did some math and found out that his dad was on furlough at the same time that my mom and dad were in their second divorce," meaning it's possible the actors share the same dad.

Appearing on "The Late Show" that same year, Harrelson confirmed the "crazy" story, noting that nine months before McConaughey's birth, his mom "was on a sabbatical from her relationship with his supposed father, Jim." The "Zombieland" actor added that McConaughey was reluctant to do a DNA test to confirm if they're related.

"We want to go and test, but for him, it's a much more big deal," Harrelson said. "He feels like he's losing a father, but I'm like, 'No, you're gaining a different father, and a brother.'"

McConaughey and Harrelson famously played police partners in the acclaimed first season of "True Detective" on HBO, both receiving Emmy nominations for their roles.

The series' storyline about McConaughey's potential run for governor is also inspired by real life: The star has discussed a possible Texas gubernatorial run in the past.

"Brothers" premieres on Apple TV on Sept. 23. Natalie Martinez, Brittany Ishibashi, Nolan Almeida, Ella Grace Helton, Noah Carganilla, Highdee Kuan and Oona Yaffe also star.

Contributing: Charles Trepany, USA TODAY