Common Sense Media Review
By Marty Brown
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Oyelowo shines in sometimes violent Coen Bros.-esque comedy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Government Cheese
What's the Story?
GOVERNMENT CHEESE begins when ex-smash-and-grab thief Hampton Chambers gets released from prison. He discovers his estranged family has been doing just fine without him. To mend fences, he goes door to door selling an invention of his own design, hoping to find investors before his old criminal life draws him back in. Will he succeed?
Is It Any Good?
This is a story about a Black family, set during the civil rights era, that doesn't put the Civil Rights Movement in the forefront. That, and an absurdist comedic tone similar to the Coen Brothers' films, help Government Cheese avoid Black stereotypes despite being set in and around the prison system. The problem is that it's tough to sort out what the story actually is, as Hampton simply bumbles through a series of incidents while trying to navigate life outside of the joint. The result feels sort of vaguely fun, but also tetherless, making it hard to truly root for Hampton on his journey toward rehabilitation.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the 1960s. What do you know about American history in the 1960s? How does the story of Government Cheese fit into this?
How does this show depict the prison system? What is Hampton's life like after prison? How realistic or unrealistic do you think this depiction is?
What obstacles stand in Hampton's way when he tries to sell his self-sharpening drill? How does he approach these obstacles? Why is he successful or unsuccessful?
TV Details
- Premiere date : April 16, 2025
- Cast : David Oyelowo , Simone Missick , Bokeem Woodbine
- Network : Apple TV
- Genre : Comedy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : April 27, 2025
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