Government Cheese

There’s an irony to the referenced Government Cheese that underpins the jagged heart of Paul Hunter and Aeysha Clarke’s surrealist comedy-drama. The title evokes the image of processed survival – state-sanctioned, barely palatable, and given to those on the margins of society, a twisted adjunct to the American Dream. In many ways, that’s exactly what Hampton Chambers (David Oyelowo) finds awaiting him upon his release from prison.

Hampton, inspired by Hunter’s own father, embodies the harsh realities of survival and reintegration after incarceration. Set in San Fernando Valley in 1969, the series charts his tumultuous return to a family and a world that has largely moved on without him. His wife, Astoria (Simone Missick), and sons, Harrison (Jahi Di’Allo Winston) and Einstein (Evan Alexander Ellison), are living lives in which he is, at best, an afterthought. Clinging to hope – and an invention he believes will be his ticket to legitimacy – Hampton wavers between determined optimism and chaotic compromise. Hunter excels in blending sharp satire with raw honesty, exploring systemic poverty and government aid through witty dialogue, dark humour, and complex, multidimensional characters who transcend stereotypes. There’s a dreamlike quality to the way scenarios unfold, at times veering into the outrageous, particularly when it comes to the self-sharpening drill – the invention Hampton obsessively tinkers with throughout the series, convinced it holds the key to his future success. The show frequently straddles the line between reality and absurdity, amplifying the disorienting nature of Hampton’s attempt to return to normalcy. 

Oyelowo’s performance remains steadfast as the episodes introduce wildly divergent scenarios – from Hebrew lessons to heists – showcasing his versatility. Missick’s portrayal of Astoria provides a steady emotional counterweight to Hampton’s manic energy. The show’s surreal elements are complemented by striking use of colour and period-accurate sets, effortlessly immersing viewers in the 60s while maintaining an element of the uncanny. At its core, the series explores the tension between faith and desperation, tradition and reinvention. Hampton’s devout nature and belief in divine guidance clash with his impulsive pursuits, making him an endlessly fascinating man of contradictions and a protagonist to be rooted for despite all odds.

Christina Yang

Government Cheese is released on Apple TV+ on 16^th April 2025.

Watch the trailer for Government Cheese here: