Government Cheese

I really did not expect to like this show based on the premise/aesthetic: surprised myself by watching all four episodes in one day. David Oyelowo's characters often come across as self-righteous, and it's interesting to see him in an edgier role where that attitude is not yet fully earned.

Comparisons to Wes Anderson and the Coen brothers will abound, but it most reminds me of Lodge 49. It's never really clear how much the religious/magical realist elements reflect reality vs. The characters' own sometimes questionable judgment. The whole cast is great: Simone Missick is always appealing, and Sunita Mani almost steals the whole show in what may be a one-off appearance.

Is this an alternate reality? If so, then I'll stop objecting to banks being open until 6:00pm in the 1960s. Or French Canadian gangsters, which cracks me up. And I'm not seeing any overt racism or objections to Hamilton being an x-con. Astoria is having a hard time because she's a woman with children, not because she's a Black woman. In general, I like this alternate universe, faults and all, and I'm guessing there's going to be a happy ending, because happily ever after is how dramatic narratives end in America. I want it to have a tragic ending, but it probably won't. It is a fun watch, so I'll watch until the not too bitter end.

Government Cheese is a vibrant, emotionally rich dramedy that manages to feel both nostalgic and wildly original. Set in 1969 San Fernando Valley, it follows the Chambers family with heart, humor, and a touch of surreal magic. As someone who grew up in the Valley, I can honestly say they nailed the feeling of the place-the streets, the energy, even the sunlight. It felt close to home in the best way.

What really sets this series apart is its fearless storytelling-dreams blend with reality, and the line between absurdity and authenticity is danced upon with style and purpose. At the center is Hampton Chambers, whose return home from prison throws his already unconventional family into a beautiful storm of love, conflict, and rediscovery.

The writing is sharp, the pacing bold, and the performances deeply human. Each character is layered and compelling, and the visual direction captures both the period and the whimsy of the world being built.

More than just a comedy or a family drama, Government Cheese is a meditation on resilience and the American dream-especially for Black families navigating a world that rarely makes space for them. It's imaginative, culturally rich, and speaks to the power of dreaming beyond your circumstances.

Highly recommend watching. This one lingers with you.

One of the most underrated shows airing right now. I watch pretty much everything and this is the show that has really gripped me. I don't know where it's going but I love it. I suspect some thought this was a Wes Anderson rip off or more irritating indie quirk and rejected it out of hand. But it has a genuinely nuanced originality, both in style and story. Reminded me of Lodge 49 in the tangents, mystery and free flowing narrative. Congrats to Apple for backing this - we need more of it!

Terrible it doesn't appear to be getting the attention and acclaim it deserves. A huge recommendation - can't let this series die!

Had it in my watchlist for a while. Any show / movie PRE - cellphones i appreciate more and will give it a shot. And I am happy I did. A needed break from serious drama's - It won't get the recognition it deserves because majority of people like instant gratification and don't give things a shot. And anyone younger than millennials (IMO) tend to shy away from series set before the 90's (again, IMO) - I think the acting is solid all around, and takes a used base storyline and adds a great, unique twist. Parts of the storyline that are usually filled with predictable characters, stereotypical placement is not what you find. Even "the bad guys" have a unique and funny take. Highly recommend.