Government Cheese is an historical surrealist comedy drama television series created by Paul Hunter and Aeysha Carr and starring David Oyelowo, Simone Missick, Bokeem Woodbine, Adam Beach, and Sunita Mani. Set in 1969, the series follows the Chambers family, an African American family living in the San Fernando Valley, and the chaos that arises after burglar-turned-inventor Hampton Chambers returns from prison. Government Cheese premiered on April 16, 2025, on Apple TV+.[2]
In 1969, Hampton Chambers, a convicted burglar, is released from prison and returns to his home in Chatsworth, Los Angeles, where he reunites with his family and tries to start over with a second chance by inventing the "Bit Magician", a self-sharpening power drill. However, the unconventional structure of the Chambers family formed in his absence, moments from his past, run-ins with shady and dangerous figures, and even instances of seeming divine intervention complicate matters.
It was announced in June 2022 that Apple TV+ was nearing a deal to order the series, which would see David Oyelowo star in and executive produce.[5] The deal for the series was closed by December 2023, when Oyelowo and his production company Yoruba Saxon signed a first-look deal with Apple,[6] and Simone Missick would be cast.[7] In April 2024, Bokeem Woodbine, Adam Beach and Sunita Mani would be among additional castings announced.[8][9]
Filming began in May 2024 under the working title Bonneville in Los Angeles.[10]