During this year’s SXSW Film & TV Festival, I attended a screening of the first two episodes of a new AppleTV+ series titled Government Cheese. Starring David Oyelowo, the show follows the life of Hampton Chambers, a recently released ex-con hoping to reconnect with his family and start a new life as a legitimate inventor/entrepreneur. Taking place in 1969, the series addresses, through mostly comedic scenarios, how Hampton earnestly tries to be good, though several people from his past life try to bring him back to his criminal roots.
Created by Paul Hunter and Aeysha Carr, and directed by Øystein Karlsen, Government Cheese starts off well with its first two episodes. The humor primarily works well, and the story is so solidly written, directed, and performed that it definitely got me interested and moderately invested. Though the comedic element is most dominant, there are hints of upcoming drama and possible peril. Øystein Karlsen and his crew do an exceptional job of recreating the show’s era.
I was also impressed with the entire cast. As Hampton Chambers, David Oyelowo is absolutely perfect. He exudes the right amount of sincerity with just a hint of con man. Simone Missick, who portrays Hampton’s skeptical and frustrated wife, Astoria, also impresses with her no-nonsense attitude and is an excellent foil to Hampton’s tendency to overcompensate for his past sins. The show also features great turns from Bokeem Woodbine, Jahi Di’allo Winston, Evan Ellison, and Louis Cancelmi.
Government Cheese premieres on AppleTV+ on April 16, 2025, and though I have not yet watched the entire first season, I am excited to dive in once all of the episodes are available.