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Season 1 – Government Cheese

Play trailer 2:06 Poster for Season 1 – Government Cheese Next Ep Wed May 21 Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
73% Tomatometer 30 Reviews 71% 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

View All (10) audience reviews
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 Tien W Government Cheese is a thoughtful and well-acted drama that explores real struggles with a refreshing sense of honesty. The story is grounded and personal, with characters that feel authentic and relatable. The lead performance is especially strong — subtle, but deeply affecting — and the direction brings out the quiet tension in everyday moments. It doesn’t try too hard to impress, but that’s exactly why it works so well. This isn’t a flashy series, but it’s one that leaves a lasting impression. If you’re looking for something heartfelt and human, Government Cheese is worth your time. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/24/25 Full Review Bianca B The storyline is unique and captivating. The visuals are stunning! The quality of the production is very evident. Everything from the period wardrobe to the set is on point with the timeline. It's a story with heart and some great laughs. The cast is a perfect ensemble of new talent and seasoned veterans. I am thoroughly enjoying watching how the story unfolds. Great show. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/23/25 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 Airs Wed May 21 Einstein and Hampton visit Rocketcorp; Astoria receives some news. Details Episode 10 Airs Wed May 28 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. 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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