The CBS drama Cupertino unpacks gambling apps and prediction markets in "A.J. & Buddy," an episode written by Joey Hartstone that explores how betting platforms like the fictional Wager Mode pose risks of election interference and political violence.
The case begins when Christy meets A.J. Cutter (Ben Cook) at a club and wakes up on his private jet to Saint Kitts, learning he's fleeing arrest. She brings in lawyers Michael and Olivia, who discover A.J. and his college partner Buddy co-founded Wager Mode, which started with absurd bets but spiraled into wagers on assassinations and disease deaths. District Attorney Sarah Clausen warns Olivia that such apps could incentivize violence and manipulate election narratives.
Michael and Olivia each represent one client, creating conflict when prosecutors push them to turn on each other. Both refuse the plea deal. A.J. eventually turns himself in after Christy convinces him, while Olivia learns Buddy has anonymously placed bets on elections through an account called Go For Broke. The DA targets that account, but neither man reveals the other.
A subplot reunites Girls5eva stars Busy Philipps and Renee Elise Goldsberry as investors. Natalia discovers the firm is being sued by CultAI for illegally accessing the chatbot Bo. The episode also features strong chemistry between Ben Stiller and Cook.
Cupertino airs Thursday, November 5 and 12, with a bonus episode Sunday, November 8.