New Jersey is cementing its status as the new powerhouse of television production, with the latest CBS legal drama Cupertino serving as the prime example of the state’s thriving creative economy. While the show’s plot is deeply rooted in the high-stakes world of West Coast technology, the series is crafted entirely within the Garden State, highlighting a shift in how modern entertainment is produced, funded, and sustained.
From Silicon Valley to the Hudson County Stage
Cupertino follows the legal battles of attorneys Michael Price and Olivia Siffre—portrayed by Mike Colter and Rachel Keller—as they seek justice for individuals and smaller entities crushed by the weight of massive tech conglomerates. The narrative is designed to be as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. “We wanna entertain them, but we wanna sort of raise their eyebrows and their attention to something that’s pretty important,” said Colter, referencing the show’s focus on the ethical implications of the modern tech landscape.
While the story is set against the backdrop of northern California, the actual production takes place in Kearny, New Jersey. The production team utilizes a sprawling 90,000-square-foot studio space to replicate the look and feel of the tech-heavy Pacific Coast. According to lead actress Rachel Keller, the creative effort to transform New Jersey’s aesthetic into the polished, modern world of Cupertino has been a rewarding technical challenge.
A Billion-Dollar Economic Engine
The arrival of Cupertino is more than just a win for local fans; it is a major victory for the state’s burgeoning infrastructure. Emory Edwards, president and CEO of the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce, noted that the state is currently generating approximately $1 billion annually in film-related revenue. Furthermore, an additional $900 million has been funneled into building the physical infrastructure necessary to host world-class productions.
This economic surge is bolstered by a symbiotic relationship between production crews and local business owners. David Schoner, a senior advisor for the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission, emphasized that the industry serves as a catalyst for local employment, supporting a wide range of vendors and small, family-owned businesses that provide the essential services needed to keep a set running smoothly.
Cultivating Talent and Local Impact
For the cast, the shift to New Jersey-based filming has been a professional boon. Ella Stiller, who plays legal assistant Christy Palladino, describes the experience as the “honor of a lifetime.” As a theater actor, Stiller highlights the advantage of tapping into New Jersey’s deep reservoir of stage talent, noting that the ability to work on a high-profile production while remaining connected to the local community is a significant benefit.
Renée Elise Goldsberry, who rounds out the legal team as attorney Nichole Ferebee, echoes this sentiment, focusing on the broader impact of the production. “It’s so amazing because it means the message is going out and it means a lot of people have jobs,” Goldsberry said.
As the legal drama continues to unfold, the success of the series serves as a testament to how the film industry is reshaping regional economies. For those following the high-tech legal theatrics, Cupertino airs every Thursday at 10 p.m. on CBS. In a special programming move, the network has scheduled a new episode for 8 p.m. on Sunday, November 8, which will be immediately followed by two encore episodes, giving viewers multiple opportunities to catch the show that is proving that the future of Hollywood might just be found in the heart of New Jersey.
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