diff --git a/adafruit_dotstar.py b/adafruit_dotstar.py
index e2a04f2..5bcc3d6 100755
--- a/adafruit_dotstar.py
+++ b/adafruit_dotstar.py
@@ -95,6 +95,9 @@ def __init__(self, clock, data, n, *, brightness=1.0, auto_write=True):
         for i in range(self.end_header_index, len(self._buf)):
             self._buf[i] = 0xff
         self._brightness = 1.0
+        # Set auto_write to False temporarily so brightness setter does _not_
+        # call show() while in __init__.
+        self.auto_write = False
         self.brightness = brightness
         self.auto_write = auto_write
 
@@ -182,6 +185,8 @@ def brightness(self):
     @brightness.setter
     def brightness(self, brightness):
         self._brightness = min(max(brightness, 0.0), 1.0)
+        if self.auto_write:
+            self.show()
 
     def fill(self, color):
         """Colors all pixels the given ***color***."""