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There’s a moment in Apple TV+’s “Government Cheese” where David Oyelowo’s character is swallowed by a catfish. “That’s something I didn’t have on my dance card, and something I’m sure not a lot of actors can say that they’ve done,” Oyelowo tells Variety‘s Awards Circuit Podcast. Tthe phrase that keeps coming up from people is it’s unlike anything they’ve seen. That, in and of itself, is a huge source of pride for me.”

But in the surrealist comedy, anything is possible. “That is definitely part of the joy of both doing it, and I hope watching it, is that you’re getting to see scenarios you haven’t really seen before,” Oyelowo says. That includes “seeing a Black family under these circumstances that you haven’t seen them in before, but in a familiar time.”

Oyelowo spoke to the Awards Circuit Podcast about “Government Cheese,...

Spoiler Alert: This interview contains details of Season 1 of Government Cheese

In Apple TV+’s latest caper, Government Cheese, family is at the forefront. Co-created by Paul Hunter—who also serves as co-showrunner, executive producer, writer and director—the surrealist dramedy set in 1960s San Fernando Valley tells the story of the Chambers family, an eclectic bunch of individuals with their own awe-inspiring passions and desires. The striving family is soon plagued with drama and hijinks upon the return of Hampton (David Oyelowo), the husband of Astoria (Simone Missick) and father of their two children, Harrison (Jahi Di’Allo Watson) and Einstein (Evan Ellison), after he is released from prison.

Here, Deadline speaks with Hunter about inspirations, family ties and portraying the nuclear Black family.

Deadline: I read that your family inspired this series.

Paul Hunter: Yes. It’s about real expression. It’s about how I was feeling...

Government Cheese is coming to an end.

The show, which launched on April 16 on Apple TV+, is wrapping up Season 1 today.

The series is a surrealist family comedy set in 1969 San Fernando Valley that tells the story of the Chambers, a quirky family pursuing lofty and seemingly impossible dreams, beautifully unfettered by the realities of the world.

When Hampton Chambers (David Oyelowo) is released from prison, his long-awaited family reunion doesn’t go quite as he’d planned. During his absence, Hampton’s wife, Astoria (Simone Missick), and sons, Einstein (Evan Ellison) and Harrison (Jahi Di’Allo Winston), have formed an unconventional family unit, and Hampton’s return spins their world into chaos.

Naturally, fans of the show are wondering if the show will get a Season 2.

Keep reading to find out more…

As of right now, Government Cheese has not been renewed for Season 2 or cancelled.

Apple has made no...

Ahead of the release of Jurassic World Rebirth, team members behind the film will discuss its scientific and environmental impacts at the Hollywood Climate Summit.

The three-day conference, taking place June 2 through June 4 at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills, will feature special session “A New Era Begins: Behind the Making of Jurassic World Rebirth” on June 3. Rebirth producer Patrick Crowley and cast members Audrina Miranda and Luna Blaise will join paleontologist Dr. Nathan Smith, director of the Dinosaur Institute at the L.A. Natural History Museum, for a NBCUniversal-sponsored conversation exploring how the franchise has inspired generations of scientists while also highlighting the production’s environmental initiatives, including beach and ocean “ghost net” cleanups.

Jurassic World Rebirth, starring Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, Jonathan Bailey, Rupert Friend and Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, is set in an island research facility for the original Jurassic Park...

On Friday May 2 2025, CBS broadcasts After Midnight!

David Oyelowo; Bokeem Woodbine; Simone Missick Season 2 Episode 93 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “After Midnight” promises an exciting lineup with actor David Oyelowo, actor Bokeem Woodbine, and actress Simone Missick. This episode will air on CBS and is sure to capture the attention of fans with its engaging discussions and insights from the featured guests.

David Oyelowo, known for his powerful performances in film and television, will bring his unique perspective to the show. His experience in the industry and his dedication to storytelling make him a compelling guest. Fans can look forward to hearing about his latest projects and what inspires him as an actor.

Bokeem Woodbine, another talented actor, will also join the conversation. With a diverse range of roles under his belt, Woodbine is sure to share interesting stories and experiences from his career. His insights into the acting...

When Hollywood's original ideas fall flat, sometimes it's time to reignite the classics that worked. Take the critically acclaimed French film The Intouchables (2011), which was ultimately remade for America with The Upside (2017), which became a commercial success worldwide. The U.S. version starred Bryan Cranston and Kevin Hart, the latter of whom was also once part of another exciting remake opportunity. Who can forget John Hughes' timeless holiday comedy, Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987), starring Steve Martin and John Candy? And what if the pair were replaced by Will Smith and Kevin Hart for a modern-day reimagining?

Film and TV writer Aeysha Carr (Woke) actually wrote said script with those celebrated actors in mind. MovieWeb recently caught up with Carr while she was promoting the new series she co-created, Government Cheese, and the talented scribe took time to provide an update regarding her John Hughes remake.

"That fell apart. There's so many reasons.

Apple TV+ has released the first four episodes of Government Cheese, a new original series led by David Oyelowo. The debut season consists of ten episodes, with the remaining six scheduled to drop weekly on Wednesdays. The series premiered on April 16.

Created by Paul Hunter and Aeysha Carr, the show centers on Hampton Chambers (Oyelowo), a man returning home to his family after serving time in prison. Set in the San Fernando Valley in 1969, the story explores how Hampton’s absence reshaped his household—and how his reappearance disrupts what his wife and children have built in the meantime.

Astoria, played by Simone Missick, has taken on new responsibilities in his absence. Their sons, Einstein (Evan Ellison) and Harrison (Jahi Di’Allo Winston), now navigate their lives with a sense of independence that complicates Hampton’s attempts to reconnect. The show follows Hampton as he adjusts to changed dynamics while facing...

“Government Cheese” has officially landed on Apple TV+, and it features a star-studded cast alongside its lead, David Oyelowo.

The series hails from creators Paul Hunter and Aeysha Carr and boasts “Lawmen: Bass Reeves” star David Oyelowo, who also executive produces the series. It follows the series of quirky adventures a newly-released prisoner named Hampton Chambers gets into as he embarks on a mission to reinvent himself and reconnect with his family.

The show is based on an original short film by Hunter, which he and Oyelowo took to MacRo and Apple Studios.

Other key stars in the show include Djilali Rez-Kallah

Claude, Jean-Michel Richaud, London Garcia, Louis Cancelmi, Jeremy Bobb, Sunita Mani and more, but here’s the core cast to look out for when you watch!

Here’s the main cast.

David Oyelowo in “Government Cheese” (Apple TV+) David Oyelowo as Hampton Chambers

David Oyelowo stars as Hampton Chambers,...

“Government Cheese” has officially landed on Apple TV+, and TheWrap is here to give you the deets on how to watch.

The series hails from creators Paul Hunter and Aeysha Carr and boasts “Lawmen: Bass Reeves” star David Oyelowo, who also executive produces the series. The show is based on an original short film by Hunter, which he and Oyelowo took to MacRo and Apple Studios.

Here’s everything you need to know about the series plus where and when to watch.

When does “Government Cheese” premiere?

“Government Cheese” makes it premiere on Apple TV+ on Wednesday, April 16.

When do new episodes air?

The first four episodes of “Government Cheese” drop on Wednesday, April 16, and new episodes are set to air weekly on Wednesdays after the premiere.

“Government Cheese” Season 1 Episode Release Schedule:

There’s a total of 10 episodes in the first season; the Season 1 finale will air on May 28. Here’s a full outline.

Typically, brevity in television is a gift. There are always exceptions, but in the age of streaming bloat, second-screen experiences, and TV being reduced to content, clocking a tight running time is an early indicator of efficiency, confidence, or (somewhat conversely) ambition. “Government Cheese” is a different kind of exception — an aberration not because it thrives while blowing past its adopted episode lengths, but because it’s so condensed it’s barely even there.

Despite the 43-minute premiere being the longest episode of its 10-part first season, “Government Cheese” doesn’t know what to do with the little time it has, and the series’ aimlessness grows more evident with each mercifully fleeting entry. By the time the last two episodes roll around, it’s as if co-showrunners Paul Hunter and Aeysha Carr have given up on their own show. There’s no hook to lure viewers back for a potential...

Known for playing historical figures like Martin Luther King Jr. (Selma) and Bass Reeves (Lawmen: Bass Reeves) among other dramatic roles (Silo), Emmy-nominee David Oyelowo can also dabble in comedy, let's not forget. That includes his all-new series hitting Apple TV+ on April 16, aptly titled Government Cheese. It's set in Los Angeles County's San Fernando Valley, 1969, and Oyelowo is simply magnificent in a surrealist journey of an ex-con trying to reclaim his family-man status and become a successful entrepreneur. The frenzied character's goals after prison, of course, are easier said than done.

After speaking with Oyelowo for his Lawman: Bass Reeves series, MovieWeb caught up with the acclaimed performer again while he was promoting Government Cheese — and if such a title strikes you, let it be known that the dairy product was a real thing. The real-life commodity was controlled by the U.S. federal government from World War II to the early 1980s.

Fresh out of prison, Hampton Chambers has big dreams… but his family has moved on without him.

Family reunions can be messy, but “Government Cheese” takes it to a whole new level. This surrealist comedy from Apple TV+ throws David Oyelowo into the chaos as Hampton Chambers, a man fresh out of prison whose homecoming doesn’t go quite as planned. His wife (Simone Missick) and kids have built an unconventional family unit in his absence, and his return sends their world into a tailspin. Set in the late ‘60s San Fernando Valley, the show explores the “American Dream” and what happens when it spirals out of control. “Government Cheese” premieres Wednesday, April 16, with the first four episodes dropping exclusively on Apple TV+.

How to watch ‘Government Cheese’ When: Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at 12:01 a.m. Et TV: Apple TV+ Stream: Watch with a subscription to Apple TV+ From anywhere: Watch...

Government Cheese introduces us to Hampton Chambers, a man emerging into freedom from a life marred by crime and marked by extraordinary ambition. Set against the backdrop of late‑1960s San Fernando Valley—a period where social change and counterculture stirred deep currents—this series offers a richly textured stage for a story that weaves personal redemption with unexpected absurdity.

Hampton, having served time for lesser transgressions, returns to a family transformed by his absence and driven by its own dreams. His aspirations, which include the quirky invention of a self-sharpening drill, are met with a reality in which familial bonds and cultural expectations are continuously renegotiated.

The narrative carries hints of surreal humor interspersed with poignant family dynamics, channeling energy reminiscent of a parallel cinematic tradition found in both globally acclaimed auteurs and the spirited experimentation of modern Bollywood parallel cinema.

The series crafts its visual storytelling with a...

Even at the peak of Peak TV, the medium’s gatekeepers were resistant to making full-fledged commitments to surrealism and absurdity. But that hasn’t stopped some weird curios from sneaking through.

There have been long-running favorites like Fargo, critical hits like I’m a Virgo, cult treasures like Lodge 49 and Baskets, plus a bunch of quickly forgotten oddities like Apple TV+’s Hello Tomorrow! and The Big Door Prize and Sunny or Amazon’s Mammals. These misfit outliers in a medium generally designed to reach the widest audience possible mostly haven’t been breakouts, but there’s a good chance that each show I mentioned found some small audience that felt blessed to have been granted a series that spoke to them plus maybe a dozen other people. There’s no point in having art if everything is a Law & Order or medical procedural and nothing features a...

Plot: A surrealist family comedy set in 1969 San Fernando Valley that tells the story of the Chambers, a quirky family pursuing lofty and seemingly impossible dreams, beautifully unfettered by the realities of the world. When Hampton Chambers is released from prison, his long-awaited family reunion doesn’t go quite as he’d planned. During his absence, Hampton’s wife, Astoria, and sons, Einstein and Harrison, have formed an unconventional family unit, and Hampton’s return spins their world into chaos.

Review: The aesthetics of filmmakers like Wes Anderson and Joel and Ethan Coen are unique, original, and ultimately divisive for audiences. Love or hate them, you cannot deny that Anderson and The Coen Brothers offer something few filmmakers can replicate. The new Apple TV+ series Government Cheese offers an attempt to tell a family-oriented comedy-drama set in the late 1960s with the quirky feel of a Wes Anderson film if...

Government Cheese takes an unusual angle on a very well-covered historical moment.

Apple TV+’s surrealist comedy series from creators Paul Hunter and Aeysha Carr is set in the summer of 1969, the tumultuous time of the moon landing, Woodstock, the Manson murders, the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights Movement, etc. But none of that is in the show. Instead, the show is tightly focused on the personal story of the Chambers family, a Black family living in the San Fernando Valley. They’re not so concerned with the tumult of the outside world, because their lives — their jobs, relationships, and their search for God and meaning — are tumultuous enough.

The project’s different vision of the era is what drew star and executive producer David Oyelowo to it. Earlier in his career, Oyelowo appeared in a trio of hit films — The Help, Lee Daniels' The Butler, and Selma — that deal...

David Oyelowo is still determined to take to the skies in The Return of the Rocketeer, a sequel to the 1991 cult classic The Rocketeer. First announced in 2021, the film is to be produced by, and possibly star, Oyelowo, and is to center around a retired member of the Tuskegee Airmen who takes up the high-flying mantle of the Rocketeer. Oyelowo spoke about the project with Collider's Christina Radish while promoting his new Apple TV+ series, Government Cheese.

Says Oyelowo of the long-in-development sequel:

"I’m definitely still trying to get it done, especially when you see what’s happening to the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen as it pertains to what’s going on in the country politically at the moment. To get that film made is definitely something I’m very, very focused on. One of the hardest things with any project you’re developing is when there’s regime change,...

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Apple TV+ entered into the streaming game pretty late, but because of the quality of their originals, they are quickly becoming everybody’s favorite. After the success of shows like Severance and Ted Lasso, the Apple-owned streaming service shows no signs of slowing down. It releases new brilliant TV shows and movies every month to expand its impressive content library. So, here are the best new shows coming to Apple TV+ in April 2025.

Your Friends & Neighbors Season 1 (April 11) Credit – Apple TV+

Your Friends & Neighbors is an upcoming crime thriller dark comedy-drama series created by Jonathan Tropper. The Apple TV+ series is set in a wealthy community and it follows Andrew Cooper, a recently divorced New York hedge fund manager who becomes unemployed and uses criminal methods to maintain his and his family’s comfortable lifestyle.

Apple TV+ has announced the programming that will be added to the streaming service next month. The Apple TV Plus April 2025 lineup includes the comedy series Government Cheese, the third season of the kids & family series Jane, and the drama series Carême and Your Friends & Neighbors.

Apple TV+ offers drama and comedy series, feature films, documentaries, and kids and family entertainment. It is available on the Apple TV app on the iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Apple Vision Pro, Mac, smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, Tcl, and others, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation and Xbox consoles, and at the Apple site.

Your Friends & Neighbors Apple TV Plus April 2025 Schedule

Available April 11

Your Friends & Neighbors (TV-ma Drama Series)

“Your Friends & Neighbors” is a compelling drama series from creator Jonathan Tropper and starring and executive produced by Jon Hamm.

Already renewed for a second season,...

The 1960s were a time of contradiction. The fight for civil rights often coincided with the counterculture hippie movement, but as this occurred, other forces tried to uphold the status quo. Simultaneously, breakthroughs in science and art changed the world for the better. Government Cheese, a new series from Apple TV+, tries to marry this world of contradictions. Visiting the era through broadly comedic events and some surrealist aspects, Government Cheese delivers some interesting ideas. While the execution does not always land, there are enough highlights to keep the audience engaged.

Government Cheese — The Plot

After a few years in prison, Hampton Chambers (David Oyelowo) returns home to a family that found a way to live without him. Haunted by the grief of his actions in prison, Hampton still holds onto a dream. If he can turn his talents as an inventor into an actual product, he can earn back...

Quick LinksGovernment Cheese Strips Down '60s Americana With StyleDavid Oyelowo Leads a Standout CastGovernment Cheese's Weirdest Themes Carry a Universal Message

Though it doesn't get as much attention as other streaming services, Apple TV+ has been at the forefront of prestige streaming content for years with shows like Shrinking, Severence and Silo. Each show is as varied in its narrative as its cast, and all manage to reach audiences through the execution of these ideas. Thankfully, when it comes to its latest series, Government Cheese, Apple has pulled out all the stops to offer audiences one of its most unique surrealist dramadies, yet that reminds audiences that finding oneself and providing for family doesn't have to be a choice.

Government Cheese follows Hampton Chambers (David Oyelowo) after being released from prison in 1969. Though he expected a warm welcome, he instead found that his wife, Astoria (Simone Missick), and sons,...

Una surrealista comedia familiar. © Apple TV+

Apple TV+ ha presentado el primer tráiler y póster de su nueva y surrealista comedia familiar Government Cheese, creada por Paul Hunter, director de videoclips musicales de Maroon 5, Justin Timberlake o Pharrell Williams, y Aeysha Carr (Brooklyn Nine-Nine).

Government Cheese se ambienta en 1969 en el valle californiano de San Fernando y cuenta la historia de los Chambers, una estrafalaria familia que persigue sueños muy grandes y aparentemente imposibles, maravillosamente liberada de las limitaciones del pensamiento realista. Cuando Hampton Chambers (Oyelowo) sale de la cárcel, su esperada reunión familiar no sale como había planeado. Durante su ausencia, su esposa Astoria (Missick) y sus hijos Einstein (Ellison) y Harrison (Di’Allo Winston) han formado una unidad familiar poco convencional, y el regreso de Hampton pone su mundo patas arriba.

La comedia de diez episodios está protagonizada por David Oyelowo (Juego de roles), Simone Missick (Altered Carbon...

Apple TV+ has unveiled the trailer for ‘Government Cheese,’ starring multi-award-winner David Oyelowo, who also serves as executive producer.

The series is a surrealist family comedy set in 1969 San Fernando Valley that tells the story of the Chambers, a quirky family pursuing lofty and seemingly impossible dreams, beautifully unfettered by the realities of the world. When Hampton Chambers (Oyelowo) is released from prison, his long-awaited family reunion doesn’t go quite as he’d planned. During his absence, Hampton’s wife Astoria (Missick) and sons Einstein (Ellison) and Harrison (Di’Allo Winston) have formed an unconventional family unit, and Hampton’s return spins their world into chaos.

Simone Missick, Jahi Di’Allo Winston and Evan Ellison, star alongside Oyelowo in the Apple Original series hailing from creators Paul Hunter and Aeysha Carr. The ensemble cast also includes Jean-Michel Richaud, London Garcia, Djilali Rez-Kallah, Bokeem Woodbine, Jeremy Bobb, Louis Cancelmi, Julien Heron,...

Apple TV+ describes their new series Government Cheese as a “surrealist family comedy,” and the trailer confirms that’s accurate. Two-time Emmy nominee David Oyelowo stars in the 10-episode series debuting on April 16, 2025 with the release of the first four episodes.

New episodes stream on Wednesdays.

Created by Paul Hunter and Aeysha Carr, the cast includes Simone Missick, Jahi Di’Allo Winston, and Evan Ellison. Jean-Michel Richaud, London Garcia, Djilali Rez-Kallah, Bokeem Woodbine, Jeremy Bobb, and Louis Cancelmi also star. Julien Heron, Djilali Rez-Kallah, Louis Ferreira, Thomas Beaudoin, Kyle Mac, John Ortiz, and Adam Beach round out the ensemble.

“Government Cheese is a surrealist family comedy set in 1969 San Fernando Valley that tells the story of the Chambers, a quirky family pursuing lofty and seemingly impossible dreams, beautifully unfettered by the realities of the world. When Hampton Chambers (Oyelowo) is released from prison, his long-awaited family reunion doesn’t go quite as he’d planned,...

David Oyelowo in “Government Cheese,” premiering April 16, 2025 on Apple TV+. Photo Credit: Apple TV+ Apple TV+ prepares to deliver big laughs with its awaited comedy series Government Cheese. The show’s first trailer has been released demonstrating its unique nature. The 10-part series premiering on April 16th combines family-centered storytelling with surreal elements in the vivid backdrop of San Fernando Valley in 1969. David Oyelowo stands at the center of the show through his dual role as the lead actor and executive producer. Oyelowo portrays Hampton Chambers who returns home from prison to find his family dramatically changed while he was incarcerated. Simone Missick delivers a hilarious performance as Astoria who has tirelessly maintained their family’s unity. Einstein (Evan Ellison) and Harrison (Jahi Di’Allo Winston), as the sons of Astoria and Hampton Chambers, display an endearing bond that defies conventional understanding. The family experiences hilarious turmoil when Hampton comes back...

David Oyelowo is headed back to the 1960s, but this time he isn't playing Martin Luther King, Jr. No, this time the Selma star is diving headfirst into comedy, tackling the role of an inventor-slash-criminal, finally out of prison and ready to give his family the life they deserve. Only — as the tagline of the new AppleTV+ series states — "second chances are never that simple." Particularly in the surrealist world in which the Chambers family lives. But you won't have to wait until the series' premiere to get a sense of what we mean, as the streaming service has finally released a trailer you can watch right now.

Popping up now to let people know about its just-announced premiere date (keep reading to find out!), the Government Cheese trailer takes us back to the San Fernando Valley of 1969. Here, according to the official synopsis, is where we find the Chambers,...

Today, Apple TV+ unveiled the trailer and key art for Government Cheese, starring multi-award-winner David Oyelowo, who also serves as executive producer.

The ten-episode comedy series will make its global debut on Apple TV+ on Wednesday, April 16 with the first four episodes, followed by new episodes every Wednesday through May 28, 2025.

Simone Missick, Jahi Di’Allo Winston and Evan Ellison, star alongside Oyelowo in the Apple Original series hailing from creators Paul Hunter and Aeysha Carr.

Government Cheese is a surrealist family comedy set in 1969 San Fernando Valley that tells the story of the Chambers, a quirky family pursuing lofty and seemingly impossible dreams, beautifully unfettered by the realities of the world.

When Hampton Chambers (Oyelowo) is released from prison, his long-awaited family reunion doesn’t go quite as he’d planned.During his absence, Hampton’s wife, Astoria (Missick), and sons, Einstein (Ellison) and Harrison (Di’Allo Winston), have formed an unconventional family unit,...

Quick LinksThe Defenders Introduced the McU's Next Great Superhero TeamWhy Didn't The Defenders Get a Second Season?Can The Defenders Ever Return?

Daredevil: Born Againmarks the beginning of a new era for the Marvel Cinematic Universe as it redoubles its effort to represent the street-level side of its expansive franchise. The new Disney+ series is a continuation of Netflix's Daredevil, which kicked off what later became known as "The Defenders Saga." Separated from but still taking place within the larger MCU, the Defenders Saga consisted of multiple TV-ma series starring ground-level superheroes like Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Iron Fist, Luke Cage, and the Punisher. While these characters all operated separately, several came together for an epic crossover miniseries, The Defenders, in 2017.

The Defenders was the culmination of the Defenders Saga, bringing together the franchise's main heroes for a massive battle that none of them could have won on their own.

"Dad can make something out of nothing." "He made the best sandwiches out of government cheese and white bread." Apple TV has revealed a trailer for a wacky comedy called Government Cheese, created by music video director Paul Hunter. The surrealist family comedy series from Apple Studios will be streaming in April this spring. Set in the San Fernando Valley, 1969. Where the American Dream gets surreal. David Oyelowo stars as Hampton Chambers - a newly released ex-convict striving to leave his own criminal past behind and reunite with his family. Amidst this struggle, he grapples with frequent inexplicable moments of divine intervention and dreams of invention. Alas, his long-awaited family reunion doesn't go quite as he'd planned. His wife, Astoria, and sons, Einstein & Harrison, have formed an unconventional family unit. But he has some ideas anyway... The big ensemble cast includes Simone Missick, Jahi Di’Allo Winston, & Evan Ellison as his family,...

Paul Adelstein is offering up his therapy services to tech giants.

The Private Practice and Prison Break vet has joined AMC and AMC+’s untitled Silicon Valley series as a Freudian psychotherapist, our sister site Deadline reports.

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Updated: Apple TV+ has unveiled the first trailer for Government Cheese, its upcoming comedy series starring and executive produced by David Oyelowo.

Oyelowo’s Hampton Chambers has a plan “that’s going to make our family the toast of Chatsworth,” he asserts as the trailer begins. Fresh out of prison, Hampton is attempting a do-over as an inventor, with “a drill’ that “self-sharpens as it works.” Vowing not to do “smash and grabs anymore” Hampton says he’s “on the righteous path.”

The 10-episode series premieres globally on Apple TV+ on Wednesday, April 16 with the first four episodes, followed by one episode weekly every Wednesday through May 28.

Check out the trailer above and see series details and first-look photos below.

Previous, Dec. 5, 2024: Apple TV+ has dropped some of the first images for Government Cheese, its upcoming comedy series starring and executive produced by David Oyelowo. You can see them above and below.

Hailing from the U.K., David Oyelowo wasn’t familiar with the term “government cheese,” the processed cheese given to welfare recipients and to U.S. schools and food banks since the 1940s. But his new Apple Original series, “Government Cheese,” gives the term new meaning anyway.

“It’s a very intriguing title,” Oyelowo tells Variety, previewing the series. “A good title is a very hard thing to find — especially a title that has layered meanings and is analogous to what the show is about.”

Oyelowo stars as Hampton Chambers, the patriarch of a family living in southern California’s San Fernando Valley in 1969. The Chambers – wife Astoria (Simone Missick) and sons Einstein (Evan Ellison) and Harrison (Jahi Di’Allo Winston) — are a quirky bunch pursuing lofty and seemingly impossible dreams.

The plot kicks off when Hampton is released from prison, and, as the series synopsis explains, his long-awaited family reunion...

One of the executive producers behind Netflix's Luke Cage breaks down the broad strokes for the series' tragically canceled third season.

In a January 25 X post, Luke Cage executive producer and Creed II scribe Cheo Hodari Coker responded to a fan post lauding the series' storytelling. "Glad y'all are finally discovering it," Coker wrote. "And what we had planned for Season 3 was even better... all Public Enemy song titles as the thematics, starting with 'Public Enemy #1' and ending with 'Rebel Without a Pause." When asked how far in the development process the third season got before the series was shelved, Coker responded, "Six episodes written, 8 outlined, 13 projected...and nope, I ain't saying sh*t."

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After serving as one of the stars of the hit series Silo, actor David Oyelowo is returning to Apple TV+ for his next project. He's the star and executive producer of Government Cheese, a new comedy series coming to the streaming platform next year.

Officially, the series will debut on Apple TV+ on April 16, 2025. The series will kick off with its first four episodes dropping simultaneously, while nenw episodes will then be released weekly on every Wednesday thereafter until the finale on May 28, 2025. While the premiere is still several months away, first look photos have been revealed by Apple TV+, revealing Oyelowo and other stars of the series in their roles. The images can be seen below.

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David Oyelowo stars in Government Cheese, an upcoming surrealist family comedy set to be released by Apple TV+. A handful of first-look images of the ten-episode series have been released, and the streaming service also announced that the first four episodes will premiere globally on Apple TV+ on April 16, 2025, followed by one episode weekly through May 28, 2025.

Created by Paul Hunter and Aeysha Carr, the series finds Simone Missick, Jahi Di’Allo Winston, and Evan Ellison starring alongside Oyelowo, who also serves as executive producer. Set in 1969 in the San Fernando Valley, Government Cheese tells the story of the Chambers, “a quirky family pursuing lofty and seemingly impossible dreams, beautifully unfettered by the realities of the world. When Hampton Chambers (Oyelowo) is released from prison, his long-awaited family reunion doesn’t go quite as he’d planned. During his absence, Hampton’s wife Astoria (Missick) and sons Einstein (Ellison) and Harrison (Di...

Marg Helgenberger has several years of television experience to her name, starting all the way back in the 1980s. But within the slew of projects, she’s most well known for playing Catherine Willows on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. She was a part of this show for thirteen years but took a step back to focus on her personal life.

Marg Helgenberger in a still from CSI: Vegas | Credits: CBS Broadcasting

After this she returned to CSI: Vegas in 2022 and during the same time also signed up for CBS legal drama All Rise. While she appreciated the opportunity, working on both simultaneously also had a bad effect on her health.

Marg Helgenberger Detailed How Working in Two Shows at the Same Time Took a Bad Toll on Her

Marg Helgenberger played Catherine Willows for thirteen years in CSI, before stepping back from the role in 2013. But after nine years in...

Today, Apple TV+ shared a first look at Government Cheese, starring multi-award-winner David Oyelowo, who also serves as executive producer.

Simone Missick, Jahi Di’Allo Winston and Evan Ellison star alongside Oyelowo in the series hailing from creators Paul Hunter and Aeysha Carr.

The 10-episode series will premiere globally on Apple TV+ on Wednesday, April 16, with the first four episodes, followed by one episode weekly every Wednesday through May 28, 2025.

Government Cheese is a surrealist family comedy set in 1969 San Fernando Valley that tells the story of the Chambers, a quirky family pursuing lofty and seemingly impossible dreams, beautifully unfettered by the realities of the world.

When Hampton Chambers (Oyelowo) is released from prison, his long-awaited family reunion doesn’t go quite as he’d planned. During his absence, Hampton’s wife, Astoria (Missick), and sons, Einstein (Ellison) and Harrison (Di’Allo Winston), have formed an unconventional family unit, and Hampton’s...

David Oyelowo is no stranger to working with Apple TV+ after starring in the first two episodes of Silo, but now he’s back to topline his own series that just got an exciting first look. Apple TV+ has released the first images of Government Cheese, the upcoming family comedy that will premiere on April 16, 2025. Government Cheese is set in 1969 San Fransisco and follows the Chambers, a quirky family chasing dreams that seem impossible. Hampton (Oyelowo) is released from prison and the reunion with his family doesn’t go as he hoped, as he discovers his wife (Simone Missick) and sons Einstein (Evan Ellison) and Harrison (Di’Allo Winston) have formed an unconventional family bond. Hampton’s return throws a wrench in everything, that sets off a hilarious chain of events that everyone will relate to on some level.

Daredevil: Born Again is one of the most highly anticipated upcoming releases in the MCU, largely due to the success of Netflix’s Daredevil series. The show aims to blend Daredevil’s existing storyline and supporting characters with the broader MCU canon, generating immense excitement among fans for the start of a street-level phase in the cinematic universe.

Following the release of Echo, the Defenders Saga from Netflix has been made canon, and it’s believed that Born Again will further solidify these connections. Alex Perez discussed this topic in his most recent Ama.

In a recent Q&a, a fan asked Alex Perez about the possible return of characters from The Defenders in the MCU, specifically whether Krysten Ritter, Mike Colter, and Finn Jones would reprise their roles, along with Simone Missick’s Misty Knight, Jessica Henwick’s Colleen Wing, and Elodie Yung’s Elektra.

Alex mentioned he had...

‘Daredevil: Born Again‘ is one of the most exciting upcoming MCU releases, mostly due to the popularity of Netflix’s ‘Daredevil’ show. The series is supposed to merge Daredevil’s existing canon and supporting characters with the MCU canon, and fans couldn’t be more excited for this beginning of a street-level phase in the cinematic universe.

With the release of ‘Echo’ Netflix’s Defenders Saga was made canon, and it’s theorized that ‘Born Again’ will further strengthen those connections. This is also something that Alex Perez addressed in his most recent Ama.

In a recent Q&a, a fan asked Alex Perez about the potential return of characters from ‘The Defenders’ in the MCU, specifically if we might see Krysten Ritter, Mike Colter, and Finn Jones reprise their roles, along with Simone Missick’s Misty Knight, Jessica Henwick’s Colleen Wing, and Elodie Yung’s Elektra.

Alex mentioned...

Finn Jones is ready to return as Iron Fist. The actor recently addressed the possibility of reprising the superhero role in future Marvel Cinematic Universe projects.

While speaking with The Nerd Shepherd (via X) at the Heroes Dutch Comic Con in Utrecht, the Netherlands, Jones shared how he believed that there was still "a lot of room for growth with that character." He added, "I think I'm in a place professionally where I would like to continue to grow with that character." As for how he would like to see Iron Fist brought back, Jones agreed that a Heroes for Hire series featuring the character and Mike Colter's Luke Cage would be the best idea. "I would love to see the chemistry between me and Mike again. It was always fantastic. I think those are really interesting characters to put together," he said. "If they would bring me and...

There won't be an All Rise season 4, but unresolved storylines keep fans speculating. Lola faces Russian crime syndicate threats, while Mark and Amy navigate marriage dynamics. Characters like Sara, Emily, and Vic face life-altering decisions in the season 3 finale.

All Rise season 4 might not be happening, but there are plenty of unresolved storylines that will leave fans speculating about what could have happened for years to come. Starring Simone Missick as Lola Carmichael, All Rise aired on CBS for its first two seasons and was then saved by the Oprah Winfrey Network, OWN, for what would be the third and final season. While the switch in networks did make a significant change in the tone and plots, it provided some much-needed closure to certain arcs while leaving the door open for others.

Showcasing the talents of many fantastic actresses of color, All Rise had Lola Carmichael at the center as...

The upcoming Apple TV+ series “Government Cheese” has filled out its main cast with four new additions, Variety has learned exclusively.

Jahi Winston, Evan Alexander Ellison, Jeremy Bobb, and Louis Cancelmi have all joined the show. They will appear alongside previously announced series lead David Oyelowo as well as cast members Simone Missick, Bokeem Woodbine, Sunita Mani, and Adam Beach.

Based on the short film of the same name by Paul Hunter, “Government Cheese” follows Hampton Chambers (Oyelowo), described as “a man recently released from prison who struggles to keep his criminal past at bay and win back his family, all while processing moments of divine intervention that seem to happen with increasing frequency.”

Winston is repped by WME and Jackoway Austen Tyerman. Ellison is repped by Amplified for management and talent agency Pacific Artists Management. Bobb is repped by Gersh, and Suskin/Karshan Management. Cancelmi is repped by Gersh and Red Letter Entertainment.

Bokeem Woodbine, Sunita Mani, and Adam Beach have joined the upcoming Apple TV+ dramedy “Government Cheese,” Variety has learned.

They will star in the series alongside previously announced lead David Oyelowo as well as Simone Missick. Variety exclusively reported the show was in the works at Apple in June 2022.

Based on the short film of the same name by Paul Hunter, “Government Cheese” follows Hampton Chambers (Oyelowo), described as “a man recently released from prison who struggles to keep his criminal past at bay and win back his family, all while processing moments of divine intervention that seem to happen with increasing frequency.”

Woodbine ‘s recent TV credits include the “Halo” series at Paramount+, “Ripley” at Netflix, and “Wu-Tang: An American Saga” at Hulu. He has also been in shows like “Fargo,” “Saving Grace,” and “Underground.” On the film side, he recently starred opposite Bill Burr and Bobby Cannavale in “Old Dads,...

Apple Studios and MacRo Television Studios have added three new actors to Government Cheese, the upcoming Apple TV+ dramedy with David Oyelowo starring in the lead role as well as serving as executive producer through his company Yoruba Saxon.

Created by Paul Hunter and Aeysha Carr, Government Cheese follows Hampton Chambers (Oyelowo), a man recently released from prison who struggles to keep his criminal past at bay and win back his family, all while processing moments of divine intervention that seem to happen with increasing frequency. 

Joining the cast are Bokeem Woodbine (Old Dads), Adam Beach (The Power of the Dog) and Sunita Mani (Servant). Government Cheese also stars Simone Missick.

The project is based on an eponymous original short film by Hunter, which he and Oyelowo took to MacRo and Apple Studios. Hunter and Carr serve as co-showrunners, writers and executive producers. Charles D. King and Ahmadou Seck will...

Lola Carmichael and Mark Callan challenged TV stereotypes of male-female friendships, adding depth and complexity to All Rise. Their friendship went beyond entertaining banter to provide genuine character development and a critical storytelling device that spoke to the entire show. Simone Missick and Wilson Bethel's performances made Lola and Mark's friendship feel stable, real, and deserving of audience investment.

Of all the aspects that made All Rise unique, Lola Carmichael and Mark Callan's friendship was the most endearing. The CBS and later OWN series rested squarely on the shoulders of its impressive cast, who brought each character to life with complexities not found in many other shows. That was particularly true of what Simone Missick and Wilson Bethel were able to accomplish with Mark and Lola, whose relationship was unlike anything else TV had to offer.

In the same way that Lola challenged the justice system, Mark and Lola...

R-rated superhero movies have paved the way for mature and boundary-pushing TV storytelling in the MCU, Dcu, and other brands, allowing for social commentary and exploration of the human experience. Shows like Luke Cage, Gen V, Doom Patrol, Jessica Jones, and Peacemaker deliver mature and gritty narratives, tackling themes such as injustice, trauma, abuse, and generational issues. Harley Quinn, The Punisher, Daredevil, Invincible, and The Boys offer violent and gory content alongside complex characters and social commentary, challenging traditional notions of heroism and exploring dark aspects of society.

As the superhero genre disengages from the traditional clean-cut hero versus villain narrative, it opens the door for more interesting, boundary-pushing stories in the MCU, Dcu, and other brands. In film, R-rated superhero movies began a legacy that has been adopted and perfected by the long-form storytelling of television. Thanks to this removal of constraints, the superhero genre has produced some stellar...

A fan-made poster imagines Colleen Wing and Misty Knight in a potential MCU reinvention of the canceled Daughters of the Dragon series. The poster depicts the characters in their comic-accurate costumes, including Colleen Wing's chi-powered sword and Misty Knight's robotic arm. The return of Daredevil and Kingpin in the MCU opens up the possibility for Jessica Henwick and Simone Missick's characters to return and for the Daughters of the Dragon series to finally be realized.

Marvel Television's canceled Daughters of the Dragon series has been brought to life in a new fan-made poster for an MCU reinvention of the show. Beginning with 2015's Daredevil, Marvel Television developed a series of TV shows for Netflix, culminating in The Defenders, which brought Charlie Cox's Daredevil, Krysten Ritter's Jessica Jones, Mike Colter's Luke Cage and Finn Jones' Iron Fist together to battle the Hand. Netflix's Marvel shows were very popular,...

Alexander Skarsgård is just a confused android… in Apple TV+’s Murderbot.

The Big Little Lies alum will headline and executive-produce the aforementioned 10-episode sci-fi series from creators/directors Chris and Paul Weitz (About a Boy, Mozart in the Jungle).

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Based on Martha Wells’ book series The Murderbot Diaries, the adaptation is described as an “action-packed” story about “a self-hacking...

Former All Rise and Luke Cage star Simone Missick has been cast opposite David Oyelowo in Government Cheese, Apple TV+’s upcoming dramedy starring and executive produced by Oyelowo, Deadline has confirmed.

Created by Paul Hunter and Aeysha Carr, Government Cheese follows Hampton Chambers (Oyelowo), a man recently released from prison who struggles to keep his criminal past at bay and win back his family, all while processing moments of divine intervention that seem to happen with increasing frequency.

Missick will portray Oyelowo’s wife, Astoria.

Government Cheese is based on an eponymous original short film by Hunter. Produced by Apple Studios and Macro Televisions Studios, Government Cheese is written and executive produced by Hunter, who also directs, and Carr. Charles D. King and Ahmadou Seck will executive produce the series for Macro Television Studios along with Jelani Johnson and Marta Fernandez. Oyelowo will executive produce through his Yoruba Saxon banner.