CBS Orders ‘Cupertino’: A Silicon Valley Legal Drama

CBS has officially greenlit ‘Cupertino,’ a new legal drama set to premiere during the 2026-2027 season. This marks a significant addition to the network’s upcoming programming slate, bringing together acclaimed creators Robert and Michelle King with star Mike Colter in a narrative poised to explore the complex legal landscape of Silicon Valley.

A New Legal Battleground in Silicon Valley: The Premise of ‘Cupertino’

‘Cupertino’ is described as a “David vs. Goliath legal drama,” a thematic choice that promises high-stakes conflict within the often-cutthroat world of tech innovation. The series centers on a lawyer, portrayed by Mike Colter, who finds himself embroiled in a personal legal battle after being cheated out of his stock options by his former employer, a prominent tech start-up. Rather than capitulate, he takes a stand, joining forces with another recently fired attorney. Together, they commit to representing individuals who have been exploited by the tech elite, challenging the powerful “Goliaths” that dominate Silicon Valley’s industry. This premise suggests a narrative rich with current socio-economic relevance, focusing on themes of corporate ethics, employee rights, and the pursuit of justice against overwhelming odds.

The Creative Minds Behind ‘Cupertino’: Robert and Michelle King

The new CBS Silicon Valley legal drama ‘Cupertino’ hails from the prolific duo Robert and Michelle King, who are set to write, executive produce, and co-showrun the series under their King Size Productions banner. Robert King will also direct the pilot episode. The Kings are renowned for their expertise in crafting compelling legal and political dramas, with a celebrated track record that includes hits like ‘The Good Wife,’ ‘The Good Fight,’ and ‘Evil.’ Their involvement signals a commitment to intricate storytelling, sharp dialogue, and thought-provoking legal intricacies, aligning with their distinctive style that has garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated viewership.

Mike Colter’s Return to CBS and Collaboration with the Kings

Mike Colter, previously announced as the star of ‘Cupertino,’ brings a strong presence to the lead role. His casting also signifies a reunion with Robert and Michelle King, with whom he has a well-established professional relationship. Colter previously starred in the Kings’ supernatural drama ‘Evil’ for four seasons, a series that initially premiered on CBS before moving to Paramount+. Furthermore, he made multiple appearances across several seasons of the Kings’ hit CBS show ‘The Good Wife’ as Lemond Bishop, a role he later reprised in its spin-off, ‘The Good Fight.’ This history of successful collaborations suggests a strong creative synergy between Colter and the Kings, promising a nuanced portrayal of the central character in ‘Cupertino.’

Development and Production Details

The journey of ‘Cupertino’ to a full series order has been a structured one. The Kings initially brought the concept for development to CBS in 2024 as part of their overall deal with CBS Studios. Following this, CBS commissioned a full writers’ room and a 13-episode script order earlier in the current year. This staged development indicates confidence from the network in the project’s potential. In addition to Robert and Michelle King, Liz Glotzer is also on board as an executive producer for the series. Production for ‘Cupertino’ will be handled by CBS Studios, further solidifying its place within the network’s internal production ecosystem.

CBS’s Expanding 2026-2027 Slate

‘Cupertino’ is one of the foundational pieces for CBS’s 2026-2027 season, marking the second new series earmarked for that period. Another highly anticipated drama, ‘Einstein,’ starring ‘Criminal Minds’ alum Matthew Gray Gubler, was initially slated for the 2025-2026 season but was subsequently delayed to 2026-2027. Complementing these new entries, the popular comedy series ‘Ghosts’ has also received a renewal through the 2026-2027 season, extending its run to a sixth season. This strategic scheduling indicates CBS’s efforts to cultivate a robust and diverse lineup for future seasons, balancing new ventures like ‘Cupertino’ with established viewer favorites.

Conclusion

The order for ‘Cupertino’ from CBS positions it as a significant new entry in the network’s drama offerings for the 2026-2027 season. With the proven creative vision of Robert and Michelle King and the compelling lead performance by Mike Colter, the series is poised to deliver a timely and engaging legal drama exploring the intricate power dynamics of Silicon Valley. Its “David vs. Goliath” narrative promises to resonate with audiences interested in stories of justice and resilience against corporate might, making ‘Cupertino’ a series to watch as details emerge closer to its anticipated premiere.