Apple TV+ has unveiled the first trailer for its upcoming comedy series Government Cheese, starring and executive produced by David Oyelowo. The 10-episode series will debut globally on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, with the first four episodes available immediately. Following the premiere, new episodes will release weekly every Wednesday through May 28.
Joining Oyelowo in the ensemble cast are Simone Missick, Jahi Di’Allo Winston, Bokeem Woodbine, and Evan Ellison. Created by Paul Hunter and Aeysha Carr, Government Cheese is described as a surrealist family comedy set in the 1969 San Fernando Valley.
The series follows Hampton Chambers (Oyelowo), whose release from prison sparks a family reunion that doesn’t go as planned. During his absence, Hampton’s wife Astoria (Missick) and their sons Einstein (Ellison) and Harrison (Di’Allo Winston) have forged an unconventional dynamic, leading to chaos when Hampton returns. The story explores themes of ambition, resilience, and chasing seemingly impossible dreams, all while navigating their unique version of the American Dream.
The cast also includes Jeremy Bobb, Louis Cancelmi, Julien Heron, Djilali Rez-Kallah, Louis Ferreira, Thomas Beaudoin, Kyle Mac, John Ortiz, and Adam Beach.
After much anticipation, the first glimpse of Government Cheese is finally here—and it sets the tone for a series that’s both wildly entertaining and deeply meaningful.
Hampton, played by Oyelowo, returns home from a prison stint to find his family thriving in their own unconventional way. His presence disrupts their dynamic, but he’s determined to stay out of trouble and pursue his ambitious dream of inventing a self-sharpening drill. However, obstacles come at him from every angle—whether it’s mobsters, skepticism, or literal nets trapping him in his pursuit. Despite the chaos, the trailer makes it clear: Hampton is a dreamer who refuses to give up.
The trailer itself offers an immediate explanation for the show’s title. Hampton’s son remarks, “Dad can make something out of nothing.” Astoria responds, “He did know how to make the best sandwich with Government Cheese and white bread.”
That line alone encapsulates what the show is really about: resourcefulness, perseverance, and making the best of whatever life throws your way. The phrase “government cheese” has long been associated with struggle, particularly in Black and Brown communities, as a reference to the processed cheese distributed through food assistance programs. However, Government Cheese flips the narrative—turning it into a metaphor for resilience, adaptability, and the ability to create something meaningful despite limited resources.
At first glance, the title might have sparked hesitation—given the way media often portrays Black struggle stories. But as the trailer unfolds, it becomes clear that this isn’t a show about hardship; it’s about ingenuity and making life work against all odds. If you’re a dreamer or someone who wants more out of life, Government Cheese looks like it will offer both humor and an uplifting message in every episode.
The series is written, executive produced, and co-showrun by Hunter, who also directs, and Carr. Oyelowo serves as an executive producer under his Yoruba Saxon banner, alongside Charles D. King and Marta Fernandez for Macro Television Studios, and Ali Brown for Ventureland. The series is produced by Apple Studios and Macro Television Studios.
Hunter, known for his work directing music videos for artists like Maroon 5 and Mariah Carey, makes his television writing and directorial debut with this series. Carr, a veteran writer behind episodes of Everybody Hates Chris and Brooklyn Nine-Nine, brings her comedic expertise to the project.
Oyelowo, fresh off his starring role in Paramount+’s Lawmen: Bass Reeves, described the series as “parabolic” and “absurdist”, while praising Apple TV+ for its collaborative approach. “The great thing about Apple is that an Apple original is actually a very real thing,” Oyelowo shared in a previous interview.
Government Cheese premieres April 16, 2025, exclusively on Apple TV+. The series will first debut at South by Southwest before its official launch.
Check out the trailer and let us know your thoughts. Will you be tuning in?