Fans of intricate legal dramas and sharp, character-driven storytelling rejoice! CBS has given a full series order to Cupertino, the highly anticipated Silicon Valley-set legal thriller from the masterminds behind The Good Wife and Evil, Robert and Michelle King. This exciting development also confirms the return of beloved actor Mike Colter in the leading role, solidifying another powerful collaboration for the acclaimed team slated for the 2026-2027 television season.
The television landscape is buzzing with the news that Cupertino, the innovative legal drama spearheaded by creators Robert and Michelle King, has received a series order from CBS. This marks a significant moment for enthusiasts of high-caliber network television, promising a fresh take on the legal genre within the unique backdrop of the tech world. The series is officially slated for the 2026-2027 season, indicating CBS’s long-term confidence in the project and its creative team, as reported by Variety.
At the heart of Cupertino is the compelling reunion of the Kings with actor Mike Colter, who will star and also serve as a producer. Colter, known to fans for his powerful performances in the Kings’ critically acclaimed series Evil and his recurring role in The Good Wife and The Good Fight as Lemond Bishop, brings a familiar and commanding presence to this new venture. This collaboration underscores a successful partnership that has consistently delivered thought-provoking and engaging television.
A David vs. Goliath Narrative for the Digital Age
The premise of Cupertino is designed to resonate deeply in an era defined by tech giants. The show is described as a “David vs. Goliath legal show” that plunges into the complexities of Silicon Valley. Mike Colter portrays a lawyer who finds himself cheated out of his stock options by a powerful tech startup, an all-too-common tale in the fast-paced, high-stakes world of technology.
Refusing to be silenced, Colter’s character joins forces with another recently fired attorney. Their mission: to represent individuals who have been taken advantage of by the powerful “tech elite” and help them fight back against the Goliaths controlling Silicon Valley. This setup promises high-stakes courtroom battles combined with the social commentary fans have come to expect from the Kings’ work. The city of Cupertino, known globally as the home of Apple’s headquarters, lends its name to the series, perfectly symbolizing the corporate power structures the protagonists will challenge.
The Kings’ Enduring Legacy at CBS
Robert and Michelle King have carved out an indelible niche in television with their distinctive blend of legal drama, political intrigue, and even supernatural elements. Their previous hits for CBS and Paramount+ include:
- The Good Wife: An Emmy-winning legal and political drama that garnered critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase.
- The Good Fight: A critically praised spinoff of The Good Wife, pushing boundaries with its sharp commentary.
- Evil: A supernatural drama that captivated audiences with its unique premise and compelling characters, also starring Mike Colter.
- Elsbeth: The latest addition to their CBS universe, a spinoff of The Good Wife currently airing its third season.
Their ongoing success is further evidenced by CBS Entertainment President Amy Reisenbach’s statement from May, where she hailed the Kings as “some of our most prolific and visionary creators.” Reisenbach emphasized that upon reading the script, moving forward with Cupertino was “a no-brainer” as part of CBS’s year-round development strategy. This early enthusiasm, which included an initial 13-episode script commitment and the opening of a writers’ room in the fall, underscores the network’s deep trust in the Kings’ ability to deliver compelling content, according to Deadline.
Joining Robert and Michelle King as executive producers on Cupertino is their longtime collaborator Liz Glotzer. Robert King is also set to direct the premiere episode, ensuring his signature directorial vision will be present from the very beginning. The series will be produced under the Kings’ banner, King Size Productions, in association with CBS Studios.
CBS’s Strategic Slate for 2026-2027
Cupertino is poised to be a significant addition to CBS’s programming slate, joining other anticipated series and returning favorites for the 2026-2027 season. This includes the Matthew Gray Gubler-led procedural Einstein, which was recently pushed from the 2025-26 season to the following year, leading to the exit of female lead Rosa Salazar. Additionally, the popular comedy series Ghosts has already been renewed through the 2026-2027 season, securing its spot for a sixth season.
The order of Cupertino highlights CBS’s commitment to delivering fresh, high-quality scripted dramas, leveraging established relationships with proven hitmakers like the Kings. Fans eagerly await another expertly crafted legal journey, this time navigating the intricate and often ruthless landscape of Silicon Valley.
