Full Breakdown
CBS Orders New Legal Drama "Cupertino" for 2026-27 Season
10/23/2025, 12:50:07 PM
Overview of "Cupertino"
CBS has officially ordered a new legal drama titled "Cupertino," set to premiere in the 2026-27 television season. The series, created and executive produced by Robert and Michelle King, will star Mike Colter, known for his roles in "Evil" and "The Good Wife." The show is described as a "David vs. Goliath" narrative, focusing on a lawyer who, after being cheated out of stock options by a tech start-up, teams up with another recently fired attorney to represent others wronged by the tech elite in Silicon Valley.
Development Timeline
The development of "Cupertino" began in summer 2024 when CBS commissioned a writers room for the series. Following the positive reception of the Kings' pilot script, CBS ordered a full writers room to produce 13 additional scripts. The writers room opened in September 2025, and the first materials were delivered to CBS shortly thereafter. The series is produced under CBS Studios, with Robert King directing the premiere episode.
Key Figures Involved
Robert and Michelle King are notable figures in the television industry, having previously created acclaimed series such as "The Good Wife" and "Evil." Their collaboration with Mike Colter, who has a history with the Kings through his roles in "The Good Wife" and "Evil," marks a significant reunion. Liz Glotzer will also serve as an executive producer for "Cupertino."
Significance of the Setting
The series is named after Cupertino, California, a city in Silicon Valley known for being the headquarters of major tech companies, including Apple. This setting is integral to the show's premise, as it explores the power dynamics and legal battles between individual employees and tech giants.
Official Statements & Responses
CBS Entertainment President Amy Reisenbach expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “When we read the script … it was a no-brainer that we wanted to move forward with the show as part of a year-round development strategy.” This sentiment reflects CBS's confidence in the Kings' storytelling abilities and the relevance of the show's themes.
Criticism & Opposition
While there has been significant excitement surrounding "Cupertino," some critics have raised concerns about the portrayal of the tech industry and the potential for clichés in the "David vs. Goliath" narrative. The effectiveness of the series in addressing real-world issues related to tech companies remains to be seen.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The Kings are some of our most prolific and visionary creators,” — Amy Reisenbach, CBS Entertainment President
What's Next
As "Cupertino" moves forward in production, further details regarding casting and specific premiere dates are expected to be announced. The series joins another CBS drama, "Einstein," which has also been slated for the 2026-27 season, indicating a strategic expansion of CBS's programming lineup.
