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.

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Top Rated Comments

gleepskip Avatar
20 weeks ago
Tim has the looks and voice for newsprint.
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mattopotamus Avatar
20 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
20 weeks ago
So, Tim Cook wanted Tim Cook to appear as himself in "The Studio". Got it.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
kb2755 Avatar
20 weeks ago
And of course, I'd like to thank Sal Saperstein.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TechWhisperer Avatar
20 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
20 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)