Cupertino might be made for your mom, but it’s a good take on tech

The television landscape is increasingly reflecting public anxieties about Big Tech's pervasive influence and ethical concerns.

The CBS procedural drama "Cupertino," created by Robert and Michelle King, tackles the tech industry's complexities and societal impact through a fictional Silicon Valley law firm. The show's plot centers on lawyers Michael Price and Olivia Siffre, who leave an "evil AI company" to sue Big Tech. Despite a slow start, the series integrates contemporary tech anxieties, such as AI ethics, data privacy, and the influence of tech billionaires, into its narrative. It draws parallels to real-world events and figures, including OpenAI's voice appropriation controversies and Jeff Bezos's interests. The show's 20-episode season structure allows for deeper exploration of these themes and character development, contrasting with shorter streaming seasons. "Cupertino" aims to resonate with a broad audience by presenting these issues with nuance and a degree of humor, positioning itself as a thoughtful, albeit fictionalized, commentary on the current technological landscape.

The show's creators, known for sophisticated network dramas, are leveraging the longer format of broadcast television to delve into complex, multi-episode arcs related to AI and Big Tech. This approach allows for deeper world-building and character exploration than is typical for shorter streaming series, potentially leading to a more resonant narrative. By focusing on a law firm suing tech giants, "Cupertino" offers a unique angle on the tech backlash, engaging with topical issues in a manner that feels both timely and accessible to a mainstream audience.

"Cupertino" arrives as a wave of tech-centric content sweeps across film and television, indicating a broader cultural moment of scrutinizing the tech industry. While other shows may adopt a more overt or preachy stance, "Cupertino's" strength lies in its nuanced portrayal and its ability to discuss complex tech topics with intelligence and a touch of optimism. This suggests a growing market for media that can demystify and critically examine technology for a wider viewership, moving beyond niche tech circles.