What Happens When a “Succession” Writer Takes on Silicon Valley

In this episode of Channels with Peter Kafka, host Peter Kafka interviews Jonathan Glatzer, creator of the new AMC series The Audacity, a satirical drama set in Silicon Valley that explores the human stories behind tech culture rather than the technology itself. Glatzer, known for his work on Succession and Better Call Saul, explains that while the show uses Silicon Valley as a backdrop, its focus is on the people—entrepreneurs, therapists, government workers, and families—navigating wealth, power, and moral ambiguity. He reflects on how the show’s themes around AI, data privacy, and the tech-industrial complex have become increasingly prescient, even mirroring real-world events like wildfires and AI therapy bots that emerged after the pilot was written. Glatzer expresses deep skepticism about the unchecked power of tech elites and the societal cost of data-driven capitalism, while also acknowledging AI’s potential to help, as long as it’s not rushed into our lives without accountability. The conversation also touches on the changing landscape of television production in 2026, with tighter budgets and fewer prestige TV opportunities. Glatzer praises AMC’s independence as a rare platform for bold satire, especially on a topic as sensitive as Silicon Valley. He discusses his cautious use of AI in writing—using it only for research, not ideation—and shares his unease about generative AI’s impact on creativity and the writing profession. Despite the temptation to read audience reactions, he vows to stay focused on character-driven storytelling. The episode ends with a strong recommendation to watch The Audacity on AMC+ for the best experience, free from commercials and intrusive branding.