Netflix viewers have discovered a 'hidden gem' action drama that they say has left them 'glued' to their screens, despite the show being cancelled after just one season.
The Brothers Sun, an action comedy drama starring Oscar-winner Michelle Yeoh, blends two contrasting cultures: the Taiwanese criminal underworld and western suburban life. The show continuously juxtaposes Taiwan's traditions with the experiences of US immigrants.
Plot and cast
The series centres on Bruce Sun, an ordinary Californian whose life is turned upside down when his brother Charles Sun arrives from Taipei. Charles has fled after a failed attempt to assassinate his crime boss father and travels to LA to keep watch over his family.
With no recollection of his early years in Taipei, Bruce begins to uncover the truth about his family's notorious gangster dynasty and his brother, who was brought up entirely within that criminal world. He also learns that he relocated to California as a child because his mother possessed knowledge that made it necessary for the pair to remain hidden.
Fan reactions
Since its release in January 2024, TV enthusiasts have continued to discover the eight-part series and heap praise on it online. One Rotten Tomatoes review says: "As a big martial arts and action movie fan I absolutely loved this series. It has a phenomenal soundtrack, creative characters, and a plot line that keeps you guessing, which is rare."
One fan described it as an "immaculate TV series", praising its "great plot" and dark humour, declaring it was "entertaining throughout". Another viewer said: "A hugely enjoyable series with a great cast. The acting is great, the plot keeps you glued, there's terrific action and laugh out loud comedy. One of my favourite live-action series of recent years... and then it got cancelled."
Cancellation confirmed
Despite the positive reception, the show wasn't commissioned for a second series. The news was officially confirmed by Deadline in March 2024, just two months after the series landed on the streaming platform, citing insufficient viewing figures.
Fans have expressed their disappointment. One viewer said: "This was a total hidden gem. The best series I have seen in a long while, I was so looking forward to a second season. Only to discover it's cancelled. Netflix you are nuts to cancel this, it was so good."
All eight episodes of The Brothers Sun are available to stream now exclusively on Netflix.
