Cupertino Debuts: Kings' New Legal Drama Pits Tech Victims Against Silicon Valley Giants

Key points

• Cupertino premiered on CBS at 10 p.m. on October 8, 2026, with streaming availability on Paramount+ starting October 9.
• The show stars Mike Colter as Michael Price and Rachel Keller as Olivia Siffre, two attorneys who form a firm to represent victims of tech giants.
• Creators Robert and Michelle King, known for The Good Fight and Evil, developed the series over a decade, citing the AI boom as a catalyst for its current relevance.
• The series features a case-of-the-week format addressing issues like AI in transplant lists, surveillance, and labor exploitation, alongside a recurring mystery involving a whistleblower.
• Filming took place in New Jersey, including locations in Leonia and Fort Lee, rather than Northern California, which some critics noted affected the show's visual authenticity.

Background

Robert and Michelle King have a history of creating socially relevant dramas, including The Good Wife, The Good Fight, and Evil. Their previous works often explored systemic failures in legal, political, and religious institutions. Cupertino continues this trajectory by focusing on the ethical and legal implications of artificial intelligence and corporate power in Silicon Valley.

How outlets are covering it

The Hollywood Reporter's Daniel Fienberg praised the show's fast pace and ensemble but criticized its lack of depth compared to the Kings' best work, noting the main characters feel like 'moving chess pieces' and the visual blandness due to New Jersey filming. The Mercury News' Randy Myers offered a more positive view, calling it a 'bright spot' in the fall season and appreciating its modulated, less strident approach to tech criticism compared to other shows. The A.V. Club highlighted the Kings' intent to focus on humanity rather than algorithms, with the creators emphasizing that the show asks questions rather than preaching. The Bergen Record focused on the local impact of the production in Leonia, NJ, highlighting the borough's efforts to attract film industry investment.

Why it matters

Cupertino addresses the growing public anxiety regarding artificial intelligence and corporate surveillance, offering a narrative that critiques tech giants while focusing on human impact. Its success could signal a shift in how broadcast television handles complex, timely social issues, balancing entertainment with substantive commentary on modern technological challenges.

What to watch

The series will continue airing on CBS, with streaming episodes available on Paramount+. Critics will monitor the development of the recurring mystery involving the whistleblower character and the evolution of the main cast's relationships. The Kings have indicated they are open to future seasons, depending on CBS's interest and the availability of material.