Apple TV+ has ventured into the realm of surreal comedy with its new series "Government Cheese," which premiered on April 16, 2025. Starring David Oyelowo as Hampton Chambers, the show is set in 1969 and follows the misadventures of a Black family living in the San Fernando Valley. While it attempts to blend humor with deeper themes, the execution often falls short, leaving viewers questioning the narrative's direction.
The series opens with Hampton Chambers, a man recently released from California Institution for Men in Chino, where he served three years for writing fraudulent checks. The premiere episode, which is 43 minutes long—the longest of the 10-part first season—introduces viewers to Hampton as he struggles to reconnect with his family after his time in prison.
Upon returning home, Hampton finds his wife, Astoria (played by Simone Missick), and his two sons, Einstein (Evan Ellison) and Harrison (Di’Allo Winston), have adapted to life without him. The family dynamic is strained, with Harrison openly rejecting his father by calling him "Hampton" instead of "Dad." Meanwhile, Einstein, the more optimistic of the two, seems excited to see his father again, even referring to him as "pop."
Hampton's plan to get rich centers around his invention, a self-sharpening drill he dubs "The Bit Magician." This invention, born from his experiences in the prison machine shop, is intended to solve his family's financial woes. However, complications arise when he discovers he owes $2,000 to a local crime family, a debt that threatens his safety and complicates his efforts to rebuild his life.
"Government Cheese" attempts to tackle themes of family dysfunction, income inequality, and the American dream, but often does so without the depth or humor that would make these topics resonate. Critics have noted that the show relies heavily on quirkiness and absurdity to cover its narrative gaps. As one reviewer noted, "the series' aimlessness grows more evident with each mercifully fleeting entry."
Despite the potential for rich storytelling, the characters often feel one-dimensional. Hampton, while portrayed as a man striving for redemption, is also depicted as self-serving and manipulative. His journey is muddled by a lack of clear motivation and depth. The show does not fully explore the systemic issues that might have contributed to Hampton's criminal past, instead opting to present him as a man who made poor choices without delving into the societal factors at play.
Astoria, who works as a receptionist at an interior design firm, is portrayed as the backbone of the family. However, her character struggles to break free from the stereotypical role of a 1960s housewife. One episode dedicated to her character attempts to showcase her desire for autonomy but ultimately fails to provide a clear sense of who she is beyond her relationship with Hampton.
As the series progresses, viewers are introduced to various supporting characters, including Hampton's old friend Bootsy (Bokeem Woodbine), who represents the temptations of crime that threaten to pull Hampton back into his old life. The absurdity of Hampton's situation is further heightened by encounters with a French-Canadian crime family and various eccentric characters who populate the narrative.
Visually, "Government Cheese" is striking, with a clean and surreal aesthetic reminiscent of other Apple TV+ productions. However, the series lacks the ambition and coherence of its predecessors, such as "For All Mankind." Critics have pointed out that while the show starts strong, it quickly loses its narrative focus as more characters are introduced, leading to a meandering plot that fails to engage.
In terms of performance, Oyelowo shines as Hampton, bringing a certain charm and sincerity to the role despite the character's flaws. Missick's portrayal of Astoria adds depth to the family dynamic, as she navigates her own challenges while trying to support her husband. However, the supporting cast, particularly the Chambers children, often feel underdeveloped.
Ultimately, "Government Cheese" struggles to maintain a consistent tone, oscillating between absurdist comedy and deeper drama without fully committing to either. Critics have described it as a show that can be watched from start to finish without eliciting a single laugh, relying instead on peculiarities and surreal moments that fail to land.
The series' title itself, a reference to the government-issued cheese that symbolizes poverty and struggle, hints at the themes of resilience and ingenuity that the show attempts to explore. However, the execution often feels superficial, leaving viewers wanting more substance and clarity.
As the first four episodes are now streaming on Apple TV+, audiences are left to ponder whether the show will find its footing in the remaining episodes. New episodes will be released weekly through May 28, 2025, providing an opportunity for the series to evolve and potentially redeem itself. However, if the initial reception is any indication, "Government Cheese" may struggle to capture the hearts of viewers looking for a compelling and coherent narrative.
