Brothers

Where Austin Plays Itself

Two of Austin's own — Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson — play fictionalized versions of themselves in a comedy about family, fame, and a decades-old secret that might make them brothers, shot across the city. Long before the first episode airs, Austinites have been spotting the two friends filming on Congress Avenue, downtown storefronts, and neighborhood institutions all over town.

Details: Premieres September 23, 2026 | Apple TV
Director: Lee Eisenberg (The Office, Little America)
Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Woody Harrelson, Holland Taylor, Natalie Martinez, Brittany Ishibashi
Stream it: Apple TV

About the Show

Brothers reunites Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson for the first time since HBO's True Detective more than a decade ago, this time built around a real running joke between the two — persistent, only-half-serious speculation that they might actually be related. Apple TV picked up the series in 2023, and cameras rolled through much of 2024 and 2025. 

The Austin setting isn't incidental — both McConaughey and Harrelson have deep ties to the city, and the show puts McConaughey's fictionalized Texas ranch, with the two friends' families crashing together after a family wedding falls apart back in Woody's storyline. The series leans into Austin's identity as much as the actors' own: a Governor's-race subplot for McConaughey's character, and a shooting map that runs straight down the spine of the city's most recognizable stretch, Congress Avenue, plus a scatter of neighborhood spots regulars would recognize immediately. For fans, that means a lot of what's on screen is just a few blocks apart — this guide gets more useful with every episode as we confirm what actually made it to air.

Filming Locations

Ep. 3: Campaign Announcement

Texas State Capital

McConaughey's gubernatorial run goes public in episode 3, and the pink granite Capitol is the backdrop for his campaign kickoff. The building sits behind his conversation with Gwen Hillcrest Barnes-Davies about his political ambitions, a fitting choice for a series that gives McConaughey's fictional self a Governor's-race subplot.

Today: The Texas State Capitol is a working seat of government and one of Austin's most visited landmarks. The grounds are open to the public, and the building offers free guided and self-guided tours. Tour hours and holiday closures change, so confirm before you go, especially while the Legislature is in session.
Address: 1100 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701 · Downtown
Republic Square Park. Courtesy of Downtown Austin Alliance.

Ep. 3: Campaign Trail

Republic Square Park

The campaign scenes continue around downtown as McConaughey tries to work out what running for governor actually involves. Republic Square, one of Austin's four original city squares, is among the downtown spots the episode uses.

Today: Republic Square is a public park open to visitors, with shade trees and open lawn in the middle of downtown. Stop by on Saturdays for the weekly farmers market. or join sunset yoga Tuesday evenings in the summer. If you want to picnic, Rosen’s Bagels in the park serves breakfast, sandwiches, bagels, plus beer and wine!
Address: 422 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78701 · Downtown

Ep. 3: South Congress Campaign Tour

Jo's Coffee

McConaughey's South Congress walkabout passes Jo's Coffee, home of the "i love you so much" mural. The wall is one of Austin's best-known photo stops.

Today: Jo's is a working coffee shop with walk-up service and outdoor seating, open daily. Snap a pic next to the iconic "i love you so much" mural, on the side of the shop.
Address: 1300 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704 · South Congress

Amy's Ice Creams

Down the block, the candidate stops for a scoop of ice cream, a classic retail-politics moment played for laughs.

Today: Amy's is a longtime Austin favorite known for handmade flavors and playful scooping, and it's open to walk-in customers.
Address: 1301 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704 · South Congress

Continental Club. Credit to thebeachalchemist-Instagram. 

The Continental Club

McConaughey strolls past the Continental Club on his campaign tour. The 1950s-era club is one of Austin's most storied live music rooms.

Today: The Continental Club hosts live music most nights, and its schedule and cover charges vary. The exterior and neon sign are visible from the sidewalk any time.
Address: 1315 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704 · South Congress

Home Slice Pizza

The tour ends at Home Slice, where McConaughey works the room by holding babies like a politician (or a pope) on the campaign trail.

Today: Home Slice is open daily for New York-style pizza by the slice or pie, with a lively dining room and walk-up window. 
Address: 1415 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704 · South Congress

Ep 4: The Disguised Gig

Radio Coffee & Beer

In "The Band," Matthew and Woody try to teach their kids a lesson about earning success without leaning on fame. They book a gig at the coffee shop where Wyatt works and show up in heavy disguise, with Matthew in an Australian accent and Woody in a British one. The set doesn't land until they come back as themselves. It's also a decoy to clear the house so Olive can hunt for a sample of Matthew's DNA.

Today: Radio Coffee & Beer is a South Austin hangout that combines a coffee bar, a full beer and cocktail menu, food trucks, and a stage with regular live music. It's open to walk-in visitors, so you can sit on the patio, order a drink, and catch a show. 
Address: 4204 Menchaca Rd, Austin, TX 78704 · South Austin

Plan Your Visit

While you're in the area:
South Congress is one of Austin's signature walkable districts on its own. Browse local boutiques, stop for photo ops at many iconic murals, and visit some of the places where Matthew and Woody spent time during filming.

Also filmed nearby:
Dazed and Confused shares more than just film locations — Top Notch Hamburgers is the drive-in from McConaughey's original breakout scene, more than 30 years before Brothers. 

Iconic Filming Locations Map