The high-stakes world of Silicon Valley tech is getting a courtroom showdown in Cupertino, a new CBS legal drama. The series was created by the acclaimed husband-and-wife production duo Robert and Michelle King. Known for shaping sharp television narratives in series like The Good Wife, The Good Fight, Elsbeth, and Evil, the Kings are trading supernatural mysteries and traditional courtrooms for the corporate boardrooms and stock option disputes of Northern California.
Set to premiere on Thursday, October 8, at 10/9c on CBS-with streaming available on Paramount+-the series follows a David-versus-Goliath premise. Two ousted legal professionals turn the tables on the powerful technology companies that wronged them.
The Plot: From Tech Insiders to Underdog Advocates
The narrative centers on Michael Price, portrayed by Mike Colter. He is a stable corporate attorney who discovers overnight that his position is far less secure than he imagined. After being pushed out of a technology startup called S-Talk in what amounts to a stock option theft scheme, Michael finds himself stripped of his equity and looking for answers. His dismissal is orchestrated under the guise of an information leak accusation, a move his contacts suspect was designed purely to absorb his financial stake.
Parallel to Michael’s departure is the story of Olivia Siffre, played by Rachel Keller. A recently graduated associate at S-Talk, Olivia faces sudden dismissal after rejecting unwanted advances from Michael’s business partner, Richard Everett, portrayed by Will Brill. When Olivia discovers that S-Talk’s newly developed artificial intelligence application has utilized her voice without authorization, she teams up with Michael. Because traditional representation proves hesitant to challenge the tech startup, the pair propose an unconventional solution: they will legally represent each other, establishing a brand-new firm dedicated to helping everyday people fight back against the tech elite.
An Ensemble Cast of Legal Eagles and Tech Moguls
Cupertino features a robust ensemble cast designed to anchor its fast-paced corporate battles:
- Mike Colter as Michael Price: A betrayed co-founder turned underdog advocate seeking workplace justice.
- Rachel Keller as Olivia Siffre: A sharp recent law graduate who helps build the new firm from the ground up.
- Ella Stiller as Christy Palladino: A young assistant navigating the intense corporate culture at the heart of the story.
- Nik Dodani as Vikram Malhotra: A coder who seeks out Michael and Olivia for legal assistance.
- Busy Philipps as Natalia Boutella: The ex-wife of an artificial intelligence billionaire who steps in to bankroll the new firm as a means of retribution.
- Renée Elise Goldsberry as Nichole E. Ferebee: A brilliant opposing attorney who faces off against Michael across the courtroom, complicated by an existing romantic history.
Production and Broadcast Details
The series is produced by Robert and Michelle King through King Service Productions alongside executive producers Liz Glotzer and Sam Hoffman. While the title nods directly to the iconic California city in Santa Clara County where major technology titans like Apple loom large, production takes place outside the physical municipality. It leans heavily into the atmospheric culture of Silicon Valley corporate ambitions.
Viewers can catch weekly episodes starting October 8 on CBS, following lineup broadcasts like Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage, Eternally Yours, and Elsbeth. Live streaming and on-demand options are available via Paramount+, catering to audiences looking to track the legal battles week by week.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cupertino
When does Cupertino premiere on television?
Cupertino premieres on Thursday, October 8, at 10 PM ET/PT, airing weekly on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.
Who created the series Cupertino?
The legal drama was created by Robert and Michelle King, the acclaimed production team behind The Good Wife, The Good Fight, and Evil.
Is Cupertino based on a true story?
No, Cupertino is a fictional television drama. However, its core themes draw inspiration from real-world workplace dynamics, stock option disputes, and power structures within the tech industry.
Where can I stream Cupertino episodes?
New episodes can be streamed live on Paramount+ with the Premium plan as they air on CBS, or streamed on demand the following day with any Paramount+ subscription plan.
What is the main premise of the show?
The series follows two fired tech industry professionals who team up to launch a specialized law firm. They represent everyday people who have been wronged by powerful Silicon Valley startups and technology conglomerates.
