The creators behind "The Good Wife" and "The Good Fight" have launched a new legal drama on CBS, titled "Cupertino," which centers on the legal challenges arising from Silicon Valley's rapidly evolving tech landscape. Premiering Oct. 8, the series is being lauded for its tightly constructed plot, engaging characters, and a blend of humor and timely commentary on the technology sector.
"Cupertino" stars Mike Colter as Michael Price, an attorney wrongfully terminated from a startup he co-founded. Rachel Keller portrays Olivia Siffre, a junior lawyer whose distinct Christian beliefs offer a unique perspective on an industry where leaders often pursue "godlike powers." Both Price and Siffre find themselves with strong wrongful-termination cases, but a jaded colleague quickly informs Price about the harsh realities of Silicon Valley's legal environment. "This is Silicon Valley," the colleague explains. "It’s David and Goliath. And the Goliaths protect each other here. Apple, Google, Facebook, OpenAI—they’ve got a combined value of $23 trillion. If you sue, you’ll never work around here." The seasoned lawyer adds that legal professionals in the region profit more from equity in startups than from litigation.
The premise sets the stage for Price and Siffre to establish their own firm, dedicated to representing the underdog. As they navigate various cases, their practice, Price, Siffre & Associates, expands its team. This includes Christy (Ella Stiller), Michael’s former assistant who uses her extensive family network for investigations, and Vikram (Nik Dodani), a coder who provides technical consultations. Busy Philipps joins the cast as Natalia Boutella, the ex-wife of a billionaire, who also possesses a law degree. Renée Elise Goldsberry appears as a frequent adversary to the firm and an old flame of Michael’s.
The series tackles contemporary issues within the tech industry, with cases inspired by real-world events. These include AI chatbots allegedly influencing young people to commit harmful acts, prediction market founders facing legal turmoil, and gig-economy workers enduring poor conditions. Artificial intelligence and its societal impact are a central theme, with one season-long arc involving an AI that claims sentience and enlists Price and Siffre to sue its creators.
Robert and Michelle King, the show's creators, aim to educate viewers about the tech sector's influence on areas such as healthcare and democracy, as well as the challenges posed by a legal system where judges may lack expertise in complex technological subjects. The rise of sophisticated deepfakes, the pervasive nature of surveillance, and the accessibility of personal data are also highlighted. Robert King stated in a recent interview that the show focuses on the "Davids"—the individuals against the tech giants—because the leaders of these powerful companies are "really the stupidest and dumbest people." However, the series balances its critiques by occasionally portraying AI and other innovations as heroic, especially when contrasted with human corruption.
Despite the serious subject matter, "Cupertino" is described as a remarkably fun and engaging show. The ensemble cast exhibits strong chemistry, and the dialogue is sharp and witty. The show effectively integrates characters' personal lives with their professional challenges and the series' overarching themes. Supporting roles are filled by notable actors, including Fisher Stevens, Jackie Hoffman, and Joe Morton.
While the series has received praise, some aspects are noted as less developed, such as the character of Michael Price, whose motivations and background are still unfolding. The show occasionally relies on familiar Silicon Valley tropes, but these are considered minor flaws in the context of the Kings' larger achievement. "Cupertino" is seen as a revitalization of the network legal drama, offering a smart and contemporary storytelling approach.