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Season 1 – Government Cheese

Play trailer 2:06 Poster for Season 1 – Government Cheese 2025 Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
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73% Tomatometer 30 Reviews 72% Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
When Hampton is released from prison, his long-awaited family reunion doesn't quite go as he hoped; in his absence, Hampton's wife and sons formed an unconventional family unit and his return spins their world into chaos.
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Government Cheese — Season 1

Government Cheese — Season 1

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Critics Consensus

Peculiar and peppy, Government Cheese has some holes but gets by on the strength of its nutty writing and a collection of tangy performances.

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Critics Reviews

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Robert Levin Newsday It's unclassifiable and unpredictable, in the best possible ways. Rated: 3.5/4 Apr 22, 2025 Full Review John Anderson Wall Street Journal The cast is game, although their characters’ relationship to reality is frequently estranged. Mr. Oyelowo plays Hampton as a kind of Candide, an optimist in spite of everything and forgiving of almost anything. Apr 18, 2025 Full Review Dan Einav Financial Times Government Cheese is a show that takes after its erring protagonist: flaws aside, you can’t fault the creativity and ambition. Rated: 3/5 Apr 17, 2025 Full Review Marty Brown Common Sense Media This is a story about a Black family, set during the civil rights era, that doesn't put the Civil Rights Movement in the forefront. Apr 30, 2025 Full Review Aaron Halls That Shelf Good television shows can mix genres in a way that feels like a reinvention, rather than an identity crisis. Government Cheese, Apple TV+’s new series created by Paul Hunter and Aeysha Carr, is one of those good ones. Apr 26, 2025 Full Review Barbara Ellen Observer (UK) There’s an intriguing, wilful surrealism here: it’s like looking at the American dream in the back of a spoon. Halfway through the 10 (largely half-hourish) episodes, however, and the studied whimsy starts to weigh a little heavy. Rated: 3/5 Apr 21, 2025 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Eric N There is a lot going on in Government Cheese and, for the most part, it works. The actors are all very appealing. The writing is quirky and engaging. The period sets, costumes and music are fantastic. Having said that, I'm not sure the whole show comes together, as there are a lot of disparate elements, rabbit holes and dead ends that make the first season a bit scattered. Still, I appreciate that Apple TV+ continues to produce out-of-the-box, entertaining series that you typically won't find anywhere else. This includes offerings like Acapulco, Hello Tomorrow, The Big Door Prize, The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin, Palm Royale, etc. All those series kept me entertained, even if some of them didn't completely work. Without giving anything substantial away, Government Cheese leaves a lot of balls in the air at the end of season one. So, like some of the above-mentioned shows and others, I really hope that Apple TV+ greenlights a second season. As far as the first season, I'd rate it an 8.2. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 06/01/25 Full Review Audience Member It’s a quirky and fun watch 😜 There’s a path for everyone; you just need a little help along the way 🧐✌️ Rated 3 out of 5 stars 05/31/25 Full Review Brent B Yikes. This is so stale and I couldn't care less about the story. Feels like a weird half-baked Wes Anderson ripoff. Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 05/20/25 Full Review Debbie S I didn’t think I would like this show but I was hooked after watching the 2nd episode. The main character, Hampton, struggles between following his heart and doing good or being sucked back into his old ways of crime. My favorite part is twitching him trying to to reconnect with his sons and win his wife back. I especially like episode 5 written by Wes Brown. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/06/25 Full Review Deirdre R Really different and refreshing smart TV. Well done! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/28/25 Full Review Michael R There’s nothing quite like this show. It’s this weird mix of comedy and surrealism that totally caught me off guard (in the best way). The characters are quirky but relatable. It’s funny, a little strange, and that’s what makes me curious to see where it’s headed next. Def worth checking out if you’re into something that’s different and doesn’t stick to the usual rules. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/24/25 Full Review Read all reviews
Government Cheese — Season 1

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Cast & Crew

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Paul Hunter

Creator

Aeysha Carr

Creator

David Oyelowo

Hampton Chambers

Simone Missick

Actor

Jahi Di'Allo Winston

Actor

Bokeem Woodbine

Actor

Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Apr 16, 2025 The Gospel of Kenny Sharp When he returns home, Hampton finds that many changes have taken place during his long absence. Details Episode 2 Aired Apr 16, 2025 Trial and Error Hampton's first day of freedom takes a few surprising turns; Astoria gets interrupted at work. Details Episode 3 Aired Apr 16, 2025 Two Doors Astoria enjoys a night out on the town; Hampton gets sidetracked. Details Episode 4 Aired Apr 16, 2025 A Long Road Home The Chambers' kids embark on a quest; Hampton kills two birds with one stone. Details Episode 5 Aired Apr 23, 2025 Father Facts, Figures and Failures Hampton coaxes Harrison into some father-son bonding at Lake Piru. Details Episode 6 Aired Apr 30, 2025 On day two of the fishing trip, Hampton faces some unexpected consequences. Details Episode 7 Aired May 7, 2025 The Woman on the Roof During a rare moment of solitude, Astoria attempts to work on her design portfolio. Details Episode 8 Aired May 14, 2025 An Evening with Abraham Cohen Hampton makes a difficult decision; Astoria takes another leap of faith. Details Episode 9 Aired May 21, 2025 Einstein and Hampton visit Rocketcorp; Astoria receives some news. Details Episode 10 Aired May 28, 2025 St. Hampton The summer solstice arrives, propelling each member of the Chambers family down a new path. Details

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Government Cheese — Season 1

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Government Cheese — Season 1

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Season Info

Creator
Paul Hunter, Aeysha Carr
Executive Producer
David Oyelowo, Paul Hunter, Aeysha Carr, Charles D. King
Screenwriter
Paul Hunter, Aeysha Carr
Network
Apple TV+
Genre
Comedy
Original Language
English
Release Date
Apr 16, 2025
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