Artificial intelligence is everywhere these days, from your phone to your fridge, and it's only a matter of time before it takes over your TV screen. CBS's new drama Cupertino dives headfirst into that world, offering a David-and-Goliath story set in the heart of Silicon Valley. The series, from the creative team behind Evil and The Good Wife, blends a classic legal procedural with a healthy dose of sci-fi, making for a show that feels both timely and thrilling.
Mike Colter, who previously worked with showrunners Robert and Michelle King on Evil, leads the cast as Michael Price, a high-powered attorney who gets ousted from his own company, S-Talk, by his partner Richard Everett (Will Brill). Colter brings a warm, everyman quality to the role, making Michael relatable even as he navigates the cutthroat world of tech law. He's joined by Rachel Keller as Olivia Siffre, a young lawyer who's fired after reporting sexual harassment. Keller's performance is sharp and grounded, avoiding the typical ingénue trap, and her chemistry with Colter is electric.
After their abrupt dismissals, Michael and Olivia realize that taking on S-Talk through traditional legal channels is a dead end—every law firm in the area is in bed with the tech giants. So they decide to start their own scrappy firm, taking on the industry's biggest players with little more than grit and determination. They're helped by a colorful supporting cast, including Ella Stiller as the resourceful assistant Christy Palladino, Nik Dodani as tech expert Vik Malhotra, and Busy Philipps as Natalia Boutella, a billionaire's ex-wife with a grudge and a checkbook. On the opposing side, Renée Elise Goldberry plays Nichole E. Ferebee, a formidable attorney who represents the Magnificent 7, a group of the most powerful tech companies in the U.S.
What sets Cupertino apart is its willingness to tackle real-world issues that feel ripped from the headlines. From AI chatbots influencing crimes to shady military contracts, the show doesn't shy away from the ethical and legal dilemmas of our tech-saturated age. It's a goldmine of material, and the series handles it with a mix of seriousness and entertainment, making complex topics accessible without dumbing them down.
The show's format is classic procedural—each episode presents a new case—but the sci-fi elements add an extra layer of intrigue. It's not quite Mr. Robot, but it's not afraid to explore the darker possibilities of technology, including AGI and anti-tech terrorism. This blend of genres keeps the show fresh and unpredictable, even as it follows a familiar structure.
One of the most compelling aspects of Cupertino is the personal baggage that Michael and Olivia carry. Olivia's conservative Christian upbringing shapes her worldview, while Michael's estranged relationship with his famous attorney father, Bayard Diamond (Joe Morton), adds depth to his character. These backstories give the characters more dimension and make their partnership feel more meaningful.
While the premise might sound a bit gimmicky, Cupertino executes it with confidence and style. It's a show that knows its audience and delivers on multiple levels—whether you're here for the legal drama, the tech commentary, or just to see Colter and Keller shine. If you're looking for a new procedural with a twist, this is one worth checking out.
For fans of the genre, Cupertino offers a fresh take on the legal drama, and it's a welcome addition to CBS's lineup. With its strong cast and timely subject matter, it's a show that's sure to spark conversations. And if you're curious about the real-world tech issues it tackles, you might find yourself doing a little research after each episode—just like we did.
