Steve Jobs on Camera: The Best TV and Film References

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March 23, 2023

Steve Jobs on Camera: The Best TV and Film References

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Over the years, Steve Jobs the personality has become just as famous as the iconic products produced by his company. A black turtleneck, jeans, and sneakers have become synonymous with the Apple mastermind, and references to Jobs have naturally made their way into movies and TV.

Jobs has appeared in cartoon form on The Simpsons, Futurama, and South Park, and been brought to life by former ER doc Noah Wyle in a made-for-TV movie. Tina Fey even donned his signature outfit for an episode of 30 Rock, and his wardrobe got a nod in this year’s Crazy Stupid Love.

The TV episodes touched on various Apple rumors: South Park tackled whether or not Apple can track your every move and capture your soul with one click of the iTunes “I agree” button. In Springfield, Bart and Lisa bemoaned the fact that they could not afford a shiny Apple product, while the Futurama gang tackled a popular theme: AT&T and its reputation for dismal service on the iPhone.

Wyle, meanwhile, portrayed Jobs as a charismatic but egotistical tech magnate, irate when the nerdy and desperate Bill Gates stole his idea and used it for Windows.

Over on 30 Rock, Liz Lemon tried to use that Steve Jobs charisma to wow some execs, but a calm tone, flashy graphics, and repetitive mantra was not enough to sway the higher ups.

Check out the slideshow for some iconic Jobs moments on film. The list is not exhaustive; if you can think of any other favorite Jobs parodies or references, let us know in the comments.

1. South Park

South Park

In this 2011 episode of South Park, Steve Jobs has a very special “one more thing.” In a nod to the horrifying Human Centipede, South Park’s version of Jobs unveils the HUMANCENTiPad, a tablet powered by users who are connected in a rather grotesque manner. Where did Apple find people willing to participate in HUMANCENTiPad? Unsuspecting users who clicked “Agree” on the iTunes terms and service, of course. Unfortunately that included South Park character Kyle, so the gang headed to the Genius Bar to secure the return of their friend. To do so, Kyle’s dad had to ditch his PC, sign up for Apple, and agree to 24-7 tracking. Cartoon Jobs is seen in his trademark black turtleneck and jeans unveiling the HUMANCENTiPad, offering the first version to Cartman, and later berating Kyle and the others for continually signing contracts without reading them. “Why won’t it read?!” he screams.

2. The Simpsons

The Simpsons

In this 2008 episode of The Simpsons, Bart has a run-in with “Steve Mobs,” the CEO of “Mapple.” During a Mobs video product announcement “from deep below the sea,” at Mapple HQ, Bart overrides the system, pretends to be Mobs, and berates Apple Store customers for spending $500 on a phone “with a picture of a fruit on it.” Those customers revolt, and in a nod to Apple’s iconic “1984” TV ad, Comic Book Guy throws a sledgehammer at the video screen featuring Mobs. Later, after wracking up a $1,200 bill with iTunes purchases, Lisa travels to Mapple headquarters and begs Mobs for a refund or payment plan. Mobs has her dress up in an iPod costume outside an Apple store, forcing her to pass out flyers while reciting, “Think Differently.”

3. 30 Rock

30 Rock

In this episode of 30 Rock, a turtleneck- and jeans-clad Liz Lemon parodies Steve Jobs’ signature keynote style while trying to sell her sketch comedy show, TGS.

4. Chuck

Chuck

This 2009 episode of Chuck, the lead character interviews at a tech company, Roark Industries, in order to investigate rumors of a virus in Roark’s latest OS. Chevy Chase appears as Ted Roark, the CEO of that company, who is a composite of various tech chiefs, including Jobs, Bill Gates, and Richard Branson. In the episode, Chuck’s father returns and rants about how Roark stole many of his top tech ideas from him, a battle reminiscent of Jobs’ idea-stealing fight with Gates.

5. Futurama

Futurama

In a 2010 episode of Futurama, evil overlord Mom takes on the Jobs character, appearing on a screen to introduce the new version of the “eyePhone” to hundreds of eager fans. “The new eyePhone is wonderful. I use it to check recipes and send threatening emails to unauthorized, third-party app developers,” she says.

6. Pirates of Silicon Valley

Pirates of Silicon Valley

While starring as a doctor on ER, Noah Wyle was also Steve Jobs. This 1999 made-for-TV movie was based on the book “Fire in the Valley: The Making of the Personal Computer,” and portrayed Jobs as an egomaniacal but charismatic leader who battled for tech dominance with Bill Gates, played by Anthony Michael Hall. “They would take on the world and take on each other,” a voiceover says in the hilariously dramatic trailer.

7. The Pixar Story

The Pixar Story

This documentary takes a more serious tone, charting the successful rise of Pixar, the animation studio that has produced hits like Toy Story. Pixar got its start in 1979, and Jobs acquired it seven years later. With several blockbusters under its belt, Pixar was purchased by Disney for $7.4 billion in 2006, making Jobs the largest Disney shareholder. The Pixar Story charts that rise to the top, and includes interviews with Jobs and other Pixar luminaries, like George Lucas. “Pixar’s seen by a lot of people as an overnight success, but if you really look closely, most overnight successes took a long time,” Jobs says in the trailer. There are often Apple references in Pixar movies, including the popular WALL-E, which shows the title robot watching “Hello Dolly” on an iPod and making the Mac start-up chimes.

8. Crazy Stupid Love

Crazy Stupid Love

In this 2011 movie, Ryan Gosling’s character gives Steve Carell a makeover, arguing that only Steve Jobs can get away with the schlubby, jeans and sneakers routine. “Are you in a fraternity? Are you Steve Jobs, the billionaire CEO of Apple? No? Then you have no reason to wear New Balance shoes. Ever!” Gosling tells Carell.

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Source link : https://www.pcmag.com/news/steve-jobs-on-camera-the-best-tv-and-film-references