Government Cheese Season 1 explores themes of magical realism, family dynamics, crime, and the struggles of personal ambition. It blends a surreal, stylistic approach with emotional coherence, focusing on flawed but creative characters navigating complex relationships and societal pressures.

The central characters include Hampton, a huckster with chronic overconfidence portrayed by David Oyelowo, and Astoria, an aspiring interior design associate whose personal hopes have faded over time. The show delves into their interior lives, with Hampton's questionable actions and Astoria's faded dreams being key story elements.

The series uses vibrant color palettes and mid-century modern furniture to create a textured, immersive setting. Production design highlights character interiority, such as Astoria's changing wardrobe colors reflecting her emotional state and the physical decay of her home symbolizing her lost dreams. These visual elements support the narrative's emotional depth and period setting.

Government Cheese Season 1 is a visually striking comic drama with elements of surrealism and magical realism. It combines sardonic humor with family drama and crime caper elements. The tone is quirky and at times larcenous, with a mix of humor and emotional seriousness, though some critics note it can feel slow or lacking in depth early on.

Character development is gradual, with Hampton initially being neither fully likable nor an outright anti-hero, and his motivations somewhat unclear. Astoria's story is told through her changing circumstances and emotional decline. The extended cast is portrayed with cartoonish details early on, making it challenging to take them seriously at first, but the story settles into a worthwhile family drama as it progresses.