5 Shows to Watch If You Like Cupertino: TVLine Picks for Legal Drama, Tech and Witty Laughs
A modern legal fight
Mike Colter and Rachel Keller play lawyers who lose their jobs and launch a firm of their own. Their cases pit them against powerful technology companies as they try to defend ordinary people.
The series combines a David-and-Goliath conflict with stories shaped by current events. Its writing, cast and technology-focused setting are among the qualities highlighted in the recommendations.
The Kings’ legal world
“The Good Wife,” the first major hit from Robert and Michelle King, stars Julianna Margulies as Alicia Florrick. After her husband, a disgraced State’s Attorney, is jailed, Alicia returns to work at a Chicago law firm.
The legal procedural draws on contemporary politics and explores corruption in Cook County. Mike Colter appears as a dangerous drug lord, while the story follows Alicia as she works out what kind of lawyer she wants to become.
Mystery, belief and technology
In “Evil,” Mike Colter plays David Acosta, a priest-in-training hired by the Catholic Church to investigate cases that may have paranormal explanations. He works with forensic psychologist Kristen Bouchard, played by Katja Herbers, and technology expert Ben Shakir, played by Aasif Mandvi.
The trio weighs spiritual explanations against more ordinary ones. The series mixes mystery, comedy and horror, and includes a conspiracy storyline; its cast also features Michael Emerson, Andrea Martin and Wallace Shawn.
Silicon Valley and the law
HBO’s “Silicon Valley” takes a comedic approach to the technology industry. Thomas Middleditch plays programmer Richard Hendricks, whose Pied Piper app is built around an algorithm with the potential to change the internet.
Richard and his colleagues try to protect the app from tech entrepreneur Gavin Belson, played by Matt Ross. Kumail Nanjiani, Martin Starr and Zach Woods play members of the group, whose setbacks fuel comedy aimed at tech-bro culture and large companies.
“The Lincoln Lawyer” offers a more direct legal drama. Based on Michael Connelly’s books, it stars Manuel Garcia-Rulfo as defense attorney Mickey Haller, known for working from his Lincoln.
Key points
- “Cupertino” follows fired lawyers who take on Silicon Valley technology companies.
- “The Good Wife” and “Evil” both feature Mike Colter and were created by Robert and Michelle King.
- “Silicon Valley” centers on a programmer trying to protect his app from a powerful entrepreneur.
- “The Lincoln Lawyer” stars Manuel Garcia-Rulfo as defense attorney Mickey Haller.