Viewers are demanding for more episodes (Image: Michael Desmond/Netflix)
Shows which are able to capture an audience in this way, in just eight episodes alone, are few and far between, but it’s all thanks to this unexpected Oscar-winning actor.
Unlike other well-known action dramas, the series blends two contrasting cultures that strike a chord with many viewers. Spanning the Taiwanese criminal underworld to western suburban life, the show features Oscar-winner Michelle Yeoh as the mother of the Sun brothers.
Yeoh has spent a large chunk of her career starring in these types of projects that share the stories of different lives across Asian culture. In fact, it was her heart warming performance in the critically acclaimed Everything Everywhere All at Once, with a predominantly Asian cast, that helped to land her first Oscar.
She carries this weight into the TV series The Brothers Sun perfectly, alongside Justin Chien as Charles Sun and Sam Song Li as Bruce Sun.
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The show was first released in January 2024 and since its debut, TV fans continue to discover it and sing the praises of the eight-part series online.
Netflix viewers say it’s ‘laugh out loud’ funny
A review on Rotten Tomatoes says: “What a delight to find this gem of a series on Netflix that features Michelle Yeoh with Justin Chien, a top Taiwanese American actor and filmmaker in this action comedy that is written with heart but is still entertaining. “
They added: “Knowing the Taiwanese-American culture well, this series accurately captures the cultural aspects in the San Gabriel Valley and California culture. It is laugh out loud funny at times and heartfelt at other times.”
The story centres on Bruce Sun, who believes he’s an ordinary Californian until his brother Charles Sun rolls into town from Taipei, Taiwan. Charles arrives having botched an assassination attempt on his crime boss father and heads to L.A. to keep a watchful eye over his family and ensure their safety.
With no recollection of his early years in Taipei, Bruce begins to uncover the truth about his family’s notorious gangster roots and the brother who was raised entirely within that criminal world.
Amidst all of these revelations, he discovers the real reason he relocated to California as a child — his mother had come into possession of information that forced them both into hiding. Her efforts to shield Bruce from the criminal underworld have proved enduring, though that’s all about to change.
The series follows the life of Bruce Sun, who lives in California
One fan summed up the show by saying: “The chemistry that the Sun brothers bring in this series is fun as Charles brings the action, and Bruce brings the comedy while they try to find their father’s assassin.”
Despite the glowing reception from viewers, the show was not renewed for a second series, a decision that has left fans with plenty to say. The news was officially confirmed by Deadline in March 2024, just two months after the series landed on the streaming platform, citing insufficient viewership figures.
Yet audiences simply can’t get enough of its comedic storyline. One viewer shared: “This show knows exactly what it wants to be and doesn’t stray and add needless filler just to get to 8 episodes. It’s addicting from start to finish. I would not be surprised in the least if this show ends up winning some awards. It’s that good.”
A further viewer echoed the same feeling: “Michelle Yeoh turns in a compelling performance throughout. Highly recommend and hope Netflix brings it back. They’ve green lit second seasons for so many lower calibre shows, do the right thing, Netflix, and make a season 2.”
Fans can watch Michelle Yeoh shine in all eight episodes of The Brothers Sun, available to stream now exclusively on Netflix.
