Mike Colter & The Kings Reunite for CBS's New Legal Drama 'Cupertino'

Get ready for a thrilling new legal drama on CBS! Evil star Mike Colter is teaming up once again with hitmakers Robert and Michelle King for Cupertino, a show that's all about fighting the tech giants.

TL;DR

• CBS has officially given a series order to Cupertino, a brand-new legal drama, set to premiere during the 2026-2027 television season.
• Mike Colter takes the lead role as a lawyer who's been wronged by a tech startup and now champions those exploited by Silicon Valley's powerful elite.
• The show comes from the acclaimed creative duo, Robert and Michelle King, known for their work on hits like The Good Wife, The Good Fight, and Evil.

Good news, TV fans! Your favorite dynamic duo, Robert and Michelle King, are bringing a fresh dose of legal drama to CBS, and they're bringing a familiar face along for the ride. Mike Colter, who we've loved in everything from Luke Cage to the Kings' own supernatural thriller Evil, is set to star in their latest creation, Cupertino. This new series promises to dive deep into the often-murky waters of Silicon Valley, pitting the underdog against the powerful tech elite.

Unpacking the High-Stakes Premise of CBS's 'Cupertino' Legal Thriller

If you're into those satisfying "David vs. Goliath" stories, then Cupertino is definitely going to be on your radar. The show is described as a legal drama set right in the bustling heart of Silicon Valley, a place synonymous with innovation, wealth, and, let's be honest, a fair share of controversy. Mike Colter's character is a lawyer who finds himself in a relatable, albeit infuriating, predicament: he's been cheated out of his stock options by his former employer, a fast-moving tech startup. Anyone who's ever worked in the corporate world, or even just heard stories, knows how quickly these situations can turn south.

But instead of licking his wounds and moving on, Colter's character refuses to back down. He teams up with another attorney who's also been recently fired (talk about a power duo!) to represent others who've been taken advantage of by the seemingly untouchable "tech elite." Their mission? To fight back in a high-stakes battle against the very "Goliaths controlling Silicon Valley." This premise feels incredibly timely, tapping into a widespread sentiment about corporate power, fairness, and the everyday person's struggle against massive, faceless entities. It's the kind of show that could spark conversations and get audiences cheering for the little guy.

The Powerhouse Creative Team Behind the New CBS Drama

When you hear "Robert and Michelle King," you immediately think of smart, compelling, and often complex television. This husband-and-wife team has an incredible track record, delivering critically acclaimed series like the legal classic The Good Wife and its equally impressive spinoff, The Good Fight. More recently, they captivated audiences with the unique supernatural drama Evil, which started on CBS before moving to Paramount+.

Their collaboration with Mike Colter isn't new either; it's a true reunion! Colter was a recurring presence on both The Good Wife and The Good Fight as the memorable character Lemond Bishop, and he starred as one of the leads in all four seasons of Evil. This deep-rooted working relationship means they already have a fantastic shorthand, and the Kings clearly know how to write to Colter's strengths, making his casting in Cupertino a no-brainer for fans.

Robert and Michelle King will be writing, executive producing, and co-showrunning the series under their King Size Productions banner. Robert King is also set to direct the pilot episode, which is always an exciting sign of his direct creative vision for the show's launch. Liz Glotzer, another seasoned executive producer, is also on board, rounding out a strong leadership team for the series. Plus, the Kings are pretty busy these days, as they currently have another drama, Elsbeth (another spinoff from The Good Wife universe), airing its third season on CBS. Their ability to juggle multiple high-quality shows speaks volumes about their talent and dedication.

When Can Viewers Expect to See 'Cupertino' Hit Their Screens?

While an exact premiere date for Cupertino isn't available just yet, CBS has officially earmarked it for the 2026-2027 television season. Yes, that means we've got a bit of a wait, but this "long-term development model" is actually a hallmark of CBS, allowing creators ample time to craft robust stories and scripts. The journey for Cupertino began with development talks at CBS in the summer of 2024. Things really picked up when, earlier this year (specifically in May), CBS commissioned a full writers' room and ordered 13 scripts after being impressed by the Kings' pilot script.

Mike Colter joined the project over the summer, securing his leading role. The writers' room itself officially opened its doors in September, right after Robert King wrapped up his directing duties on an episode of Elsbeth. By early October 2025, the first batch of scripts and other materials produced by the room had already been delivered to CBS brass. This methodical approach suggests a network investing deeply in the project, aiming for a polished and compelling series right out of the gate.

Delving Deeper into the Relevance and Setting of 'Cupertino'

The choice of "Cupertino" as the series title is no accident. It's named after the Californian city in Santa Clara County, a place that practically screams "Silicon Valley." This area saw the initial boom of the tech industry, and today, it remains home to some of the biggest tech giants in the world, most notably Apple's headquarters. The show's very title grounds it firmly in the world it seeks to critique and explore, promising a highly localized yet globally relevant narrative.

For those living through an era dominated by tech companies, where debates about data privacy, corporate ethics, and wealth disparities are daily news, Cupertino feels incredibly resonant. The idea of ordinary individuals fighting against the immense power of tech billionaires and corporations is a story many people are eager to see unfold on screen. It’s a premise that feels both current and cathartic, offering a fictional outlet for real-world frustrations.

It's also worth noting that Cupertino joins another drama, Einstein (starring Matthew Gray Gubler), as part of CBS's 2026-2027 lineup. Funnily enough, some commentators have already playfully dubbed Cupertino the "most relatable premise" among CBS's upcoming shows for that season, highlighting the immediate connection audiences feel to its themes of corporate injustice versus the slightly more eccentric "bad boy physicist" premise of Einstein. This anticipation speaks volumes about the buzz already building around the Kings' latest venture.

Why This Reunion Matters for Fans of Smart Television

The Kings have a signature style that combines sharp writing, intricate legal (or supernatural) cases, and a knack for exploring moral ambiguities. Their shows are rarely black and white, often challenging viewers to consider different perspectives while delivering compelling character arcs. With Mike Colter leading the charge, audiences can expect a charismatic and morally complex protagonist who will likely navigate the ethical minefields of Silicon Valley with a blend of integrity and strategic ruthlessness.

Colter, after his memorable turn as the demon-fighting priest David Acosta in Evil, and his powerful portrayal of Luke Cage, brings a gravitas and an intensity that will be perfectly suited to a lawyer fighting for justice against formidable odds. His previous work with the Kings ensures a comfortable and productive set, allowing the creative team to push boundaries and deliver high-quality storytelling that fans have come to expect.

So, mark your calendars (mentally, for now!) for 2026-2027. Cupertino is shaping up to be a must-watch for anyone who loves a good legal drama, a compelling "underdog fights back" narrative, or simply appreciates the consistent excellence of Robert and Michelle King and their frequent collaborator, Mike Colter. It's a show that promises to entertain while touching on some very real and relevant issues in our tech-dominated world.

Frequently Asked Questions About CBS's 'Cupertino' Series

When does 'Cupertino' officially premiere on CBS?

While there isn't an exact date announced yet, Cupertino is slated to premiere as part of CBS's 2026-2027 television season. Keep an eye out for more specific schedule announcements closer to that time!

Who are the main creators and stars behind 'Cupertino'?

The series is created, written, and executive produced by the acclaimed duo Robert and Michelle King, under their King Size Productions banner. Robert King is also directing the pilot. Mike Colter (known from Evil and The Good Wife) will star as the lead lawyer. Liz Glotzer is also an executive producer.

What is the core plot of the 'Cupertino' legal drama?

Cupertino is a "David vs. Goliath" legal drama set in Silicon Valley. It follows a lawyer (Mike Colter) who, after being cheated out of his stock options by a tech startup, teams up with another fired attorney to represent and fight for individuals exploited by powerful tech elites.

Will Mike Colter be the only main cast member in 'Cupertino'?

Mike Colter has been announced as the star, playing the lead lawyer. The logline also mentions him joining forces with "another recently fired attorney," suggesting there will be at least one other significant co-lead. Additional casting details beyond Colter are not yet available.

Sources

• Variety: CBS Orders Silicon Valley Legal Drama 'Cupertino' From Robert and Michelle King With Mike Colter Starring
• Deadline: Silicon Valley Drama 'Cupertino' Lands CBS Series Pickup For 2026-27
• The Hollywood Reporter: Robert and Michelle King’s ‘Cupertino’ Lands CBS Series Order
• TV Insider: ‘Cupertino’ Is Officially Happening: All the Details on ‘Evil’ Reunion With Mike Colter & the Kings
• The A.V. Club: Mike Colter to go from Evil to evil with new Silicon Valley show
• PopCulture.com: Mike Colter to Reunite With 'Good Wife' and 'Evil' Creators for New CBS Drama
• Just Jared: Mike Colter Is Re-Teaming with 'Evil' Co-Creators Robert & Michelle King for 'Cupertino'
• UPI: Mike Colter to star in CBS legal drama 'Cupertino'
• TVLine: CBS Picks Up Mike Colter-Led Cupertino From The Kings