Government Cheese premieres on Apple TV+ on April 16 with four episodes, followed by new episodes every Wednesday through May 28.
Apple TV+’s Government Cheese sets out to be a quirky, surreal series that blends comedy, social commentary, and family drama. While it does feature one truly standout performance, the show’s overall execution falls short of its potential, never fully finding its tone or purpose.
David Oyelowo stars as Hampton Chambers, a recently paroled inventor trying to reunite with his estranged family while launching a bizarre product: a self-sharpening drill. Oyelowo is pretty good in the role, effortlessly blending charm, emotional depth, and vulnerability. His performance is the clear highlight of the series and serves as a reminder of his incredible talent, which, unfortunately, hasn’t always been fully showcased since his breakout in Selma. If there’s anything to take away from Government Cheese, it’s that Oyelowo deserves more leading roles.
However, the series struggles to build on his performance. The tone is inconsistent, veering between absurd comedy and emotional drama without ever landing fully in either camp. It’s not funny enough to be a comedy, not eccentric enough to be truly bold, and lacks the grounded emotional weight to succeed as a drama. The storytelling often feels disjointed, with episodes that meander and fail to engage, while the quirky moments, though fun, aren’t enough to carry the show.
The supporting cast doesn’t leave much of an impression, with characters that feel underdeveloped and secondary to Hampton’s story. While the 1960s setting offers some visual flair, it doesn’t elevate the narrative or deepen the character work. Themes like incarceration and Black identity in America are mentioned but not meaningfully explored, leaving them feeling superficial rather than impactful.
While the ambition behind Government Cheese is clear, it doesn’t quite deliver. Despite Oyelowo’s compelling performance and a few flashes of originality, the series never finds its footing. It tries to do too much without saying enough and ultimately falters as a result. This could have been a unique and engaging show, but as it stands, it’s an uneven and forgettable experience.
TV and City 