New CBS Series 'Cupertino' Tackles Silicon Valley's Moral and Legal Battles

The legal procedural genre gets a Silicon Valley twist with the premiere of CBS's new series, 'Cupertino.' The show, created by the prolific duo Michelle and Robert King, known for "The Good Wife," "The Good Fight," and "Elsbeth," centers on a pair of lawyers who champion the causes of individuals taken advantage of by powerful tech companies.

'Cupertino' introduces viewers to Michael Price (Mike Colter) and Olivia Siffre (Rachel Keller), former employees of the Silicon Valley startup S-Talk. Both are fired simultaneously, though under very different circumstances. Price, a partner, is dismissed under suspicion of leaking information, while Siffre, a recent law school graduate, faces termination after rebuffing the advances of Price's business partner. Initially hesitant to pursue legal action, particularly Siffre who wishes to avoid publicizing her harassment claims, the duo decides to sue S-Talk for wrongful termination when Price learns his equity may have been taken. They agree to represent each other in their respective cases.

Their resolve solidifies when Siffre discovers that S-Talk's new AI application is using her voice without consent. The drama escalates as S-Talk, represented by Price's former lawyer, countersues. However, Price and Siffre manage to have the judge recuse himself and inflict enough damage during the initial hearing to compel S-Talk into a settlement.

Adding to their burgeoning firm, Michael's assistant, Christy Palladino (Ella Stiller), joins them after being escorted out of S-Talk for communicating with Price.

The series aims to capture the complex and often cutthroat culture of Silicon Valley, exploring themes of morality, the relentless pursuit of profit, and the ethical implications of unchecked technological advancement. The Kings' signature blend of sharp procedural storytelling, well-developed characters, and dark humor is evident, offering social commentary wrapped in engaging legal drama.

Colter and Keller establish a compelling rapport as the leads, despite their characters' contrasting backgrounds. The series will also feature Busy Philipps and Renée Elise Goldsberry as series regulars, starting with the second episode.

The show's creators have a proven track record with legal dramas, and 'Cupertino' appears poised to continue that tradition by combining compelling cases with timely social issues and a strong comedic undercurrent. The narrative is set up to follow Michael and Olivia as they navigate their new firm, Price & Siffre, taking on challenging cases against formidable tech entities. The closing scene of the premiere introduces their first client, a disheveled man seeking immediate legal help against unseen adversaries.

'Cupertino' airs on CBS, continuing the network's slate of procedural dramas. The series delves into the often-unseen consequences of innovation, with its AI-driven plot points even generating surprising dialogue for a network television show.