AI might be threatening to take all of our jobs, but could it also be used to produce our favorite TV shows?
You either love or hate AI, but one thing is for sure - it's here to stay.
The software seems to get better day by day, and with that comes a growing concern that it'll get out of hand and put us all out of work.
Now, it seems as if those who work in TV might not be safe either as an AI version of the beloved sitcom Friends is doing the rounds online
Friends using AI
The footage, which is circulating on social media, appears to show the original voices of the Friends actors, but the entire scene has been recreated using AI.
Shared by TechHalla, who stated things will "never be the same" for TV, the scene almost seems recognizable, but the more you watch, the stranger things become.
The characters seem to be mouthing anything and it doesn't match the words, and in some instances, there appears to be two AI characters playing the same people.
Have a look:
People React To Friends AI
Given that AI is quite a polarizing thing, people seem to generally be on the same page with this latest clip.
They all think it's garbage.
"I'm f***ing crying laughing at the seriousness of this post paired with the hallucinatory abomination of a video," one person wrote.
A second said: "The guy walking in at 30 seconds and immediately going over to an offscreen couch full of other people has been killing me all day."
A third added: "You notice something worse every time. Like in the first clip, pizza guy opens the door by twisting the visible handle while the door is closed shut."
So, we might be safe from AI TV shows... for now.
The original cast can never be replaced. Credit: Jim Smeal/Getty
AI Star Sparks Industry-Wide Backlash
But AI actors are going full steam ahead...
Tilly Norwood, a virtual actor created by the tech company Particle6, has drawn intense scrutiny since it was revealed in late September that major talent agencies were eyeing her for potential roles in film and television.
The idea of an AI performer landing representation alongside real actors sent shockwaves through the industry — and ignited fresh concerns about the future of Hollywood.
Astin, best known for his roles in Rudy and Stranger Things, addressed the growing debate in a recent interview with Variety.
“I appreciate that this story has captured the imagination of people, but it’s not the first shoe to drop. We had a 118-day strike, fighting very hard to put AI provisions and protections in place," he said.
"The teams at SAG-AFTRA have been in this fight for longer than people might realize.
"As technology continues to advance at light speed, we’re going to meet the challenge."
Talent Agents to Face New Talks Over AI
Astin also confirmed that SAG-AFTRA plans to tackle the issue head-on during upcoming discussions with the Association of Talent Agents (ATA), which represents major agencies such as WME, CAA, and UTA.
“Our agreement with the ATA is important, and we look forward to a healthy, constructive conversation with agencies to make sure that we continue to help each other.
"We performers rely on our agent’s judgment and their good work and their sincerity, and they rely on our talent and our marketability,” he said.
“The real issue at play is how our work is exhibited and what kinds of permissions and compensations we get for its use.”