Government Cheese is a new show that premiered today on Apple TV+ with its first four episodes and is set to release weekly until its season finale on May 28. The show stars David Oyelowo, Simone Missick, and Bokeem Woodbine. Set in 1969 San Fernando Valley, the Chambers, a quirky family pursues lofty and seemingly impossible dreams. 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. While the first four episodes are out now on Apple TV+, I have seen all 10 episodes. Here are my thoughts.

It doesn’t matter what actor David Oyelowo is in, I will watch it. Ever since his breakout role in Selma as Martin Luther King Jr., I am of the belief that the actor has not gotten his flowers since. He is exceptional in Selma, but his supporting roles ever since has not given him the opportunity to properly showcase his talents… until now in a terrific lead role. His range is unbelievable as someone who can present a variety of emotions without saying much. He can be funny, scared, and serious at any given time.

The show is executive produced by Oyelowo alongside his wife of 27 years. I’d like to believe the two see the promise in the show that I am afraid may be overshadowed by the mega-popular show, The Studio. While I do like The Studio more, this is a great show to tune right into after you have seen the latest episode of The Studio. Government Cheese is the first show from my recollection where the first four episodes of the given show released on day one. Either Apple TV+ is sees promise and wants to rope in viewers or they don’t see it being that popular and need to try to rope in viewers that way.

I think one aspect viewers will recognize early on is how its style and tone tends to mimic Wes Anderson. It fits perfectly for the quirky tone the show is going for from its cinematography to production design to the performances. The specific Wes Anderson style disappears over time, but it’s still a great way to invest cinephiles into the show who is looking for something film related after The Studio.

The show tends to find ways to surprise its viewers that I believe will keep viewers coming back week after week. The pacing may be hit or miss at times. It is an easy watch at around 30 minutes per episode with the premiere being the longest episode that helps establish this creative new world. I found new surprises throughout, especially at the end of each episode that will make you reshape the way you looked at the show before and intrigued by seeing what’s next.

The supporting performances are strong all across the board that help balance the drama with the comedy. I don’t believe I have seen Simone Missick before, but she offers a strong character arc as Hampton’s wife Astoria, that gives her the freedom to do extraordinary things if the show gets picked up for a second season. Bokeem Woodbine offers a standout performance that has a distinct personality that helps keep the story going. Adam Beach has a nice little presence in the show. Louis Cancelmi is interesting and intimidating. Finally, I can see Jahi Winston & Evan Alexander Ellison going on to do big things after their amazing performances as Hampton’s kids.

Created by Paul Hunter & Aeysha Carr, the two have created something extraordinary that feels timely, thematic, and creative. As quirky as the show can get, it can also get extremely dark, but it’s all necessary to help these characters develop. Paul Hunter last directed 2003’s Bulletproof Monkey, which may be interesting to viewers, but his large catalogue of work with music videos shines through in the show with its creativity and the way it chooses to open up the show at times before the show’s intro comes in.

Speaking of the intro, it’s another huge win for Apple TV+. The one thing I have always found consistent about the stream is how they can always create an exciting and unique intro. The icing on the cake is the fact that the theme song comes from Pharrell Williams, one of my all-time favorite musical artists. I may be biased towards my love for his music, but the intro theme song got me pumped every single time for all its 10 episodes.

Overall, Government Cheese is a delightful watch over on the Apple TV+ streamer. It’s incredibly entertaining and I hope it gets the recognition it deserves, because I need a second season; otherwise, I will be championing it to be picked up elsewhere. David Oyelowo is exceptional in the lead role. No matter what happens next, I hope this gives him the spotlight to lead more things, whether that be film or television. I’d even make a strong argument that he deserves to be in a Wes Anderson movie.

VERDICT: 4/5 (Great)