Brews Brothers

Netflix’s "Brews Brothers" (2020): The Short-Lived Comedy That Brewed Big Ambitions

Netflix’s Brews Brothers (2020) arrived with the fizzy promise of a workplace comedy set in the world of craft beer, but its reception was as polarizing as a hoppy IPA. The series, starring Carmen Flood, Alan Aisenberg, and Mike Castle, followed two estranged brothers forced to revive their late father’s failing brewery. While the premise had potential, the show’s brief run left fans thirsty for more—both in terms of episodes and substance.

A Cast That Clicked (But Not Enough to Save the Show)

The chemistry among the Brews Brothers cast was one of its strongest assets. Mike Castle, who played the uptight, corporate-minded brother, and Alan Aisenberg, as his free-spirited sibling, anchored the series with a dynamic that balanced humor and heart. In interviews, Castle hinted at the fun behind the scenes, describing the show as a "labor of love" that blended his passion for comedy with a genuine interest in brewing . Fellow cast members like Marques Ray and Carmen Flood brought their own flavors to the ensemble, with Flood’s character, a no-nonsense brewery employee, standing out as a fan favorite .

Despite the talent, the series struggled to find its footing. Reviews were mixed, with some praising its lighthearted tone and others criticizing its uneven pacing. One YouTube review called it "a missed opportunity," noting that the premise had potential but the execution felt "too safe" . Another critic described it as "a decent binge for a lazy afternoon," though not a show that demanded rewatches .

The Brewing Process: Behind the Scenes

Little is known about the creative process behind Brews Brothers, but the show’s premise—two brothers clashing over a family business—suggests a classic sitcom setup with a modern twist. The brewery setting allowed for visual gags, from botched beer batches to chaotic taproom antics, though some viewers felt the humor didn’t always land . Rumors swirled about on-set tensions, but no concrete details emerged to confirm whether creative differences or other factors contributed to the show’s quiet cancellation after one season.

What is clear is that Netflix didn’t give Brews Brothers much of a promotional push. Unlike other Netflix originals, the series didn’t generate the same buzz, and its trailers—while energetic—failed to make a lasting impression . The lack of a second season left fans wondering if the show was simply a casualty of Netflix’s ever-shifting content strategy.

Legacy: A Forgotten Pint?

With a modest 4.2/10 rating on SensCritique , Brews Brothers isn’t likely to be remembered as a comedy classic. Yet, for those who stumbled upon it, the show offered a breezy, if unremarkable, escape. Its biggest legacy might be as a footnote in the careers of its cast—many of whom have moved on to other projects—rather than as a defining moment in Netflix’s comedy lineup.

For now, Brews Brothers remains a curious blip in the streaming giant’s catalog: a show that had the right ingredients but never quite fermented into something unforgettable.