Key facts
- BBC Director-General Matt Brittin reviewed a 50-minute AI-generated "Doctor Who" episode.
- Brittin described the AI-generated episode as 'pretty good.'
- Brittin stated that AI is 'not going to replace humans.'
- The BBC previously abandoned plans to use generative AI for "Doctor Who" marketing materials due to audience backlash.
- The BBC has launched pilot projects using generative AI, including for weather reports and image enhancement.
BBC Director-General Matt Brittin has reviewed a 50-minute "Doctor Who" episode generated entirely by artificial intelligence, deeming it "pretty good." Brittin, speaking at the Royal Television Society conference, also commented that AI is "not going to replace humans" and that "everyone's a creator." He added that "not all the creativity is bad."
This development comes after the BBC abandoned plans to use generative AI for marketing materials for the show in 2024, following significant backlash from the show's audience. The broadcaster had announced it was using AI to promote "Doctor Who" but quickly reversed course after receiving complaints, characterizing the effort as a "small trial."
Despite the previous setback, the BBC has continued to explore AI, launching "pilot projects" that include an AI-generated synthetic voice for weather reports and image enhancement. Brittin had previously indicated a willingness to consider allowing BBC programs to be made and presented with AI, provided it operates "within guardrails." The venerable sci-fi show "Doctor Who," which first aired in 1963, was recently put out to tender after concluding a $220 million deal with Disney and going on hiatus. Brittin, who previously worked at Google for 18 years, did not disclose further details about the AI-generated episode, such as whether it was produced internally by the BBC or submitted by an external party. The BBC declined to comment on the matter.