15 Shows Like Apple TV’s ‘Brothers’ You Absolutely Have to See

Apple TV’s comedy series ‘Brothers‘ brings Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson together as fictionalized versions of themselves who combine their households on a Texas ranch. As the two lifelong friends navigate shared living quarters and the possibility that they are biological brothers, the show delivers a blend of meta-celebrity satire and family comedy.

Viewers who appreciate this dynamic often seek other television series that capture similar comedic themes, from exaggerated Hollywood personas to chaotic cohabitation. The following selections highlight shows that explore meta-comedy, strong friendships, and unconventional domestic arrangements.

‘The Trip’ (2010–2020)

Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon star as fictionalized versions of themselves embarking on culinary review tours across Europe. Directed by Michael Winterbottom, the comedy series focuses on the sharp banter, impression contests, and underlying competitive tensions between the two longtime companions. Their semi-improvised dialogues explore how professional egos and personal vulnerabilities affect a lasting bond. As the duo share hotel rooms and dinner tables, their relationship shifts between affectionate camaraderie and exasperation. The show shares the meta-comedy structure and intimate friendship dynamics seen in ‘Brothers’.

‘Staged’ (2020–2022)

David Tennant and Michael Sheen portray exaggerated versions of themselves navigating life and professional commitments over video calls. Created by Simon Evans, the series revolves around the two actors attempting to rehearse a play while dealing with domestic interruptions and personal anxieties. The comedic rhythm relies on the rapid-fire chemistry, playful insults, and emotional support shared by the real-life friends. Their interactions highlight the strains and strengths of male friendship when external pressures force unconventional living and working conditions. The program mirrors ‘Brothers’ through its self-referential humor and portrayal of two prominent actors examining their personal bond.

‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ (2000–2024)

Larry David stars as an obstinate, fictionalized version of himself navigating everyday life and social conventions in Los Angeles. The long-running HBO comedy tracks Larry as his refusal to follow unwritten social etiquette causes escalating conflicts with his wife, friends, and celebrity acquaintances. Each episode builds around a detailed narrative outline while allowing the cast to improvise their spoken dialogue. The show pioneered the modern celebrity meta-sitcom, establishing a framework where real public figures play heightened versions of themselves. Like ‘Brothers’, it draws humor from the domestic and interpersonal collisions caused by distinct personal eccentricities.

‘Episodes’ (2011–2017)

Matt LeBlanc stars as a heightened, satirical version of himself who is cast in the American remake of an acclaimed British television series. Created by David Crane and Jeffrey Klarik, the comedy follows a British husband-and-wife writing duo who relocate to Hollywood and find their vision altered by television executives. LeBlanc’s fictionalized persona constantly intrudes into the couple’s personal and professional lives, leading to friction and an eventual mutual friendship. The series satirizes the entertainment industry while examining how high-profile actors handle their public and private identities. This meta-commentary on fame and collaborative relationships aligns closely with the creative framework of ‘Brothers’.

‘The Kominsky Method’ (2018–2021)

Michael Douglas stars as Sandy Kominsky, an aging actor turned acting coach, while Alan Arkin portrays his longtime agent and confidant Norman Newlander. Created by Chuck Lorre, the series explores the enduring friendship between the two men as they navigate aging, bereavement, and family complications in Los Angeles. Their dynamic is defined by sharp wit, shared history, and unconditional emotional loyalty during difficult life transitions. The narrative blends comedic moments with grounded reflections on family responsibilities and male companionship. Viewers of ‘Brothers’ will recognize a similar exploration of long-term camaraderie tested by major personal disruptions.

‘Doll & Em’ (2014–2015)

Real-life best friends Emily Mortimer and Dolly Wells star as fictionalized versions of themselves navigating the shifting power balance in their friendship. When Emily hires Dolly to work as her personal assistant on a film set in Los Angeles, the professional arrangement creates unexpected emotional strain. Created and written by Mortimer and Wells, the comedy investigates the vulnerabilities and subtle rivalries that exist within long-term relationships. The show uses intimate, semi-improvised scenes to capture how shared domestic and professional environments complicate close bonds. Much like ‘Brothers’, it uses the real-world history of its lead actors to anchor a fictionalized exploration of loyalty.

‘The Grinder’ (2015–2016)

Rob Lowe stars as Dean Sanderson Jr., a charismatic television star who returns to his hometown of Boise, Idaho, after his long-running legal drama is canceled. Dean moves into the home of his grounded brother Stewart, played by Fred Savage, and decides to insert himself into the family law firm despite having no real legal degree. Created by Jarrad Paul and Andrew Mogel, the comedy contrasts Dean’s dramatic television instincts with Stewart’s practical legal reality. The series mines humor from sibling rivalry, blended domestic routines, and the intrusion of Hollywood fame into quiet family life. The focus on brotherhood and the clash of lifestyle expectations connects directly with the central premise of ‘Brothers’.

‘The Ranch’ (2016–2020)

Ashton Kutcher stars as Colt Bennett, a former semi-pro football player who returns to his family’s Colorado cattle ranch after years away. Colt must learn to work alongside his father Beau, played by Sam Elliott, and his brother Rooster, played by Danny Masterson, while adapting to the physical demands of rural life. The multi-camera comedy explores working-class family ties, sibling bickering, and the challenges of keeping a family business afloat. As secrets emerge and domestic conflicts arise, the family members must rely on one another to overcome their personal hardships. Fans of the ranch setting and rustic family cohabitation in ‘Brothers’ will find comparable themes throughout this series.

‘Grace and Frankie’ (2015–2022)

Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin star as two women whose lives change dramatically when their husbands announce they are in love and want divorces. Created by Marta Kauffman and Howard J. Morris, the comedy follows Grace and Frankie as they move into a shared beach house and merge their respective families. Despite having completely opposite personalities and habits, the two women gradually form a deep bond as they reinvent their lives in their senior years. The series balances humor with candid portrayals of aging, familial restructuring, and unexpected living arrangements. Its emphasis on unlikely cohabitation and enduring friendship mirrors the core dynamic explored in ‘Brothers’.

‘Schitt’s Creek’ (2015–2020)

Created by Dan Levy and Eugene Levy, this comedy series chronicles the wealthy Rose family after they lose their fortune and must relocate to a small, rural town. Forced to live together in adjoining motel rooms, the parents and their adult children must adapt to modest circumstances and learn to function as a cohesive family unit. The show features scripts and production oversight from David West Read, who also co-created ‘Brothers’. The narrative focuses on character growth, family reconciliation, and the humor derived from eccentric personalities adjusting to rustic living conditions. Its depiction of family members navigating forced proximity shares key creative sensibilities with ‘Brothers’.

‘Real Husbands of Hollywood’ (2013–2022)

Kevin Hart stars alongside fellow celebrities including Nick Cannon, Boris Kodjoe, and JB Smoove as fictionalized, egotistical versions of themselves. Originally developed from a comedy sketch on the BET Awards, the mockumentary series satirizes reality television tropes and male celebrity friendships. The storylines revolve around the group’s petty jealousies, competitive schemes, and constant attempts to undermine one another’s public images. Despite their perpetual rivalries, the men continually congregate and remain entangled in each other’s domestic affairs. The series reflects the self-deprecating celebrity comedy and heightened bromance dynamics present in ‘Brothers’.

‘Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23’ (2012–2013)

Krysten Ritter stars as an unapologetic party girl alongside James Van Der Beek, who portrays a self-absorbed, fictionalized version of himself. Created by Nahnatchka Khan, the comedy focuses on an earnest young woman from the Midwest who moves into an apartment with Ritter’s character and gets caught in their eccentric world. Van Der Beek’s character frequently capitalizes on his former teen-idol fame from ‘Dawson’s Creek’ while meddling in his friends’ daily routines. The show derives much of its humor from celebrity self-parody and the bizarre situations that arise in unconventional living spaces. This meta-comedy approach to celebrity personas parallels the character work seen in ‘Brothers’.

‘Life’s Too Short’ (2011–2013)

Warwick Davis plays a fictionalized, self-centered version of himself running a small-actor talent agency in this mockumentary comedy series. Created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, the show features guest appearances from major Hollywood actors playing exaggerated versions of themselves. The narrative follows Davis as he deals with a messy divorce, financial problems, and the daily embarrassments of trying to maintain his celebrity status. His interpersonal struggles often lead to awkward encounters with friends, colleagues, and domestic partners. The show’s commitment to celebrity satire and unvarnished character flaws aligns with the comedic tone of ‘Brothers’.

‘The Odd Couple’ (2015–2017)

Matthew Perry stars as the messy, easygoing sportscaster Oscar Madison, while Thomas Lennon plays the neurotic, fastidious photographer Felix Unger. Developed by Perry and Joe Keenan from Neil Simon’s classic stage play, the sitcom follows two former college friends who become roommates after their respective marriages end. The comedy stems from their clashing domestic habits, conflicting lifestyles, and attempts to reenter the dating world. Despite their frequent arguments over household rules, the two men provide crucial emotional support for one another during personal crises. The series captures the humor of long-standing friendships tested by sudden shared domestic arrangements, much like ‘Brothers’.

‘Entourage’ (2004–2011)

Adrian Grenier stars as rising movie star Vincent Chase, who navigates the Hollywood entertainment industry alongside his close-knit circle of childhood friends and his half-brother Johnny Drama, played by Kevin Dillon. Created by Doug Ellin, the comedy explores how the group manages fame, career negotiations, and family loyalty while living under the same roof in Los Angeles. The show mixes industry satire with authentic camaraderie as the characters support Vince through professional milestones and personal setbacks. Johnny Drama’s perpetual quest for acting respect and brotherly validation forms a core comedic throughline of the series. The show’s focus on tight male bonds, industry dynamics, and shared living reflects key elements of ‘Brothers’.

Share your thoughts in the comments on which of these comedy series best captures the hilarious bond and unique family dynamic of ‘Brothers’.