Apple Wanted Tim Cook to Appear as Himself in Comedy Show 'The Studio'

Apple wanted CEO Tim Cook to make a surprise cameo appearance on Apple TV+'s original comedy show "The Studio"—a request that was declined by the show's creator, Seth Rogen, in favor of an appearance from Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos, Business Insider reports.

The Studio Apple TV Plus
Episode eight of "The Studio" includes a brief scene in which Sarandos plays an exaggerated version of himself. The show's fictional studio executive, Matt Remick, encounters Sarandos in a bathroom at the Golden Globes, where Remick expresses confusion over the frequency with which Sarandos is thanked by winners during their acceptance speeches. Sarandos replies that the gratitude is not spontaneous, but required by contract.

Rogen told Business Insider that Apple executives asked if the role could instead be filled by Apple CEO ‌Tim Cook‌ instead. "They asked if we could use ‌Tim Cook‌ instead, and we said no," he said. Sarandos's appearance on a rival platform is notable given the unusual nature of such cross-company collaboration at the executive level.

‌Apple TV‌+ has already ordered a second season of "The Studio" ahead of the series finale, which will be released on May 21.

Popular Stories

iPhone 17 Pro Dark Blue and Orange

iPhone 17 Release Date, Pre-Orders, and What to Expect

Thursday August 28, 2025 4:08 am PDT by
An iPhone 17 announcement is a dead cert for September 2025 – Apple has already sent out invites for an "Awe dropping" event on Tuesday, September 9 at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. The timing follows Apple's trend of introducing new iPhone models annually in the fall. At the event, Apple is expected to unveil its new-generation iPhone 17, an all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17...
iPhone 17 Pro Iridescent Feature 2

iPhone 17 Pro Clear Case Leak Reveals Three Key Changes

Sunday August 31, 2025 1:26 pm PDT by
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series on Tuesday, September 9, and last-minute rumors about the devices continue to surface. The latest info comes from a leaker known as Majin Bu, who has shared alleged images of Apple's Clear Case for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, or at least replicas. Image Credit: @MajinBuOfficial The images show three alleged changes compared to Apple's iP...
xiaomi apple ad india

Apple and Samsung Push Back Against Xiaomi's Bold India Ads

Friday August 29, 2025 4:54 am PDT by
Apple and Samsung have reportedly issued cease-and-desist notices to Xiaomi in India for an ad campaign that directly compares the rivals' devices to Xiaomi's products. The two companies have threatened the Chinese vendor with legal action, calling the ads "disparaging." Ads have appeared in local print media and on social media that take pot shots at the competitors' premium offerings. One...
iOS 18 on iPhone Arrow Down

Apple Preparing iOS 18.7 for iPhones as iOS 26 Release Date Nears

Sunday August 31, 2025 4:35 pm PDT by
Apple is preparing to release iOS 18.7 for compatible iPhone models, according to evidence of the update in the MacRumors visitor logs. We expect iOS 18.7 to be released in September, alongside iOS 26. The update will likely include fixes for security vulnerabilities, but little else. iOS 18.7 will be one of the final updates ever released for the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR,...
maxresdefault

The MacRumors Show: iPhone 17's 'Awe Dropping' Accessories

Friday August 29, 2025 8:12 am PDT by
Following the announcement of Apple's upcoming "Awe dropping" event, on this week's episode of The MacRumors Show we talk through all of the new accessories rumored to debut alongside the iPhone 17 lineup. Subscribe to The MacRumors Show YouTube channel for more videos We take a closer look at Apple's invite for "Awe dropping;" the design could hint at the iPhone 17's new thermal system with ...

Top Rated Comments

gleepskip Avatar
17 weeks ago
Tim has the looks and voice for newsprint.
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mattopotamus Avatar
17 weeks ago
I have been loving this show. The episodes are intense, but so entertaining. This really came out of nowhere, but then again I feel like most Apple shows are that way.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
iMac The Knife Avatar
17 weeks ago
So, Tim Cook wanted Tim Cook to appear as himself in "The Studio". Got it.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
kb2755 Avatar
17 weeks ago
And of course, I'd like to thank Sal Saperstein.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TechWhisperer Avatar
17 weeks ago
Tim is an exceptional CEO, but his timid demeanor and weak stage presence could make public appearances awkward. I’m relieved they declined, as it might have been painfully cringeworthy.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
JanoschR Avatar
17 weeks ago
Good decision by Rogan. I like Tim Cook but having the Netflix CEO appear as himself is way more interesting.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)