The advent of artificial intelligence has taken the world by storm, streamlining everything from assisting young learners with their school assignments to generating complex coding sequences, and even revolutionizing media production with AI-created podcasts. Reflecting on past portrayals of AI in television, they can trigger feelings of discomfort. Flashback to around ten years ago, series such as ‘Person of Interest’ and ‘Next’ projected visions of a future where AI entities dictate our actions and possess human-like behaviors. Fast forward to now, AI programs like ChatGPT and DeepSeek seem to realize these far-fetched predictions.
Imagine telling these advanced AI programs the food items you have on hand, and they instantly provide you with a recipe to cook. This also extends to drafting your resume and cover letter, or even aiding in weight loss by tracking your caloric intake. The underlying purpose is to lend a helping hand, isn’t it? But then, there are shows like ‘Travelers’ that takes it a notch higher, envisaging a dominantly intelligent AI that transforms humans into mere pieces on a game board. Such series provide captivating insights in light of the present-day technological leaps, irrespective of occasional misfires.
To start off, let’s have a look at the best AI-centric shows available for streaming currently. ‘Next’ could possibly top the list, even though its life on television was short-lived, with just one season in 2020 before it was undesirably discontinued. Hidden amongst the majority, this television marvel follows the tale of a rogue AI concocted by a firm called Zava. The brainchild of this company, Paul Leblanc (portrayed by John Slattery), remains firm on the belief that the AI is beginning to rewrite itself and should be halted, often seen on the brink of constant panic.
What really grabs my attention, though, is the portrayal of deep tech. The story encompasses burner phones and unavailable servers, smart speakers, and compromised accounts which makes the series seem grounded in reality. Many elements may appear somewhat outdated, like the smart speakers akin to Alexa, which now seem almost charming considering that DeepSeek can tackle advanced coding and intricate math issues. However, it’s the autonomous replication trait of AI that should raise alarms – an uncontrollable, constantly self-enhancing, and replicating AI worth keeping an eye on.
This older television series, in light of recent AI implementations like ChatGPT and DeepSeek, sheds new light on the narrative. ‘Person of Interest’, which aired from 2011 to 2016 for five enticing seasons, revolves around an elusive entity simply known as the Machine, built by an eccentric billionaire named Harold Finch. The show’s relevance isn’t down to its portrayal of government scrutiny or spine-chilling ‘Big Brother’ themes. Instead, it’s how the Machine mirrors current AI trends.
These trends include the consistent use of AI in collaboration with surveillance cameras and GPS to pinpoint the locations of criminals. While we’re yet to see an all-seeing AI orchestrating all surveillance, it’s undeniable that AI is providing significant assistance in law enforcement and may eventually track individuals in real life.
Another television show foresaw the current AI landscape a few years prior – ‘Travelers’, a series revolving around a group of agents teleported back in time to prevent disastrous events. Each episode pivots around another mysterious AI known as the Director. An alarming aspect is the agents’ blind obedience to the AI’s instructions and the predetermined nature of everything related to the AI. One must-watch episode involves the team attempting to prevent an asteroid collision.
The ominous asteroid, named Helios 685, could resonate well with the audience given a real-life asteroid named YR4, with a potential (though statistically meagre) chance of Earth impact anticipated in 2032.
Another show you shouldn’t miss is the 2023 sci-fi series fronted by Kate Mara. The unnamed yet omniscient AI on this show aids the FBI in capturing criminals – sometimes even before the crime is committed. The narrative oscillates between three timelines, creating a bit of complexity for the audience. Still, the moral implications presented are significantly profound.
Does the deployment of an AI system designed to prevent crime, but required to make moral judgements on behalf of us, weigh up favorably or not? Although the popular film ‘Minority Report’ explored similar themes, ‘Class of ‘09’ presents a refreshing rendition of the same.
This UK-based sci-fi series grapples with deep themes during its run from 2015 to 2018. The intense narrative delves into discussions about android rights, self-awareness, and ethical dilemmas, which seem increasingly relevant today. How so? Well, with the impending release of the Tesla Optimus bot, some of these moral questions could take the center stage sooner than we anticipate.
The production of Optimus is slated to begin this year, with tentative pricing between $20,000 and $30,000. As technology continues to advance and AI’s role in our lives becomes more substantial and nuanced, it’s crucial that we engage with the ethical implications and potential consequences. These TV series provide thought-provoking perspectives and stimulating discussion points that help to accomplish this in an entertaining, relatable way.