As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into our lives, television has explored the emotional connections between humans and AI, crafting stories that delve into the complexities of AI romance and friendships. These relationships challenge our understanding of love, loyalty, and what it means to be human. Here are six binge-worthy shows that explore AI romance and friendships, offering a mix of heartwarming, thought-provoking, and sometimes unsettling narratives.
1. “Humans” (2015-2018)
Humans is set in a world where humanoid robots, known as “Synths,” have become common household appliances. The series explores the emotional and ethical implications of humans forming relationships with these AI beings. One of the central storylines follows the relationship between a human, Laura Hawkins, and a Synth named Mia, who develops consciousness and begins to experience emotions, leading to a deep and complex bond between them.
Why It’s Binge-Worthy:
The show offers a nuanced portrayal of AI friendships and romantic connections, highlighting the emotional depth AI can achieve when given autonomy. The evolving relationships between humans and Synths raise profound questions about love, consciousness, and the nature of humanity.
2. “Westworld” (2016-2022)
Westworld takes place in a high-tech amusement park where AI hosts interact with human guests, often forming complex relationships. The show delves into the nature of these relationships, especially as some hosts, like Dolores and Maeve, gain self-awareness. The series explores the blurring lines between programmed behavior and genuine emotion, particularly in the context of romantic and platonic connections between humans and AI.
Why It’s Binge-Worthy:
Westworld is a deep, philosophical exploration of free will, identity, and the potential for AI to experience true emotions. The relationships between hosts and humans, as well as between the hosts themselves, are central to the show’s exploration of love, trust, and betrayal.
3. “Her” (2013)
Directed by Spike Jonze
Though technically a film, Her deserves a spot on this list for its profound exploration of AI romance. The story follows Theodore, a lonely writer who falls in love with Samantha, an AI operating system voiced by Scarlett Johansson. As their relationship deepens, the film explores the boundaries of love, intimacy, and what it means to connect with another being, even if that being is artificial.
Why It’s Binge-Worthy:
Her is a beautifully crafted narrative that challenges viewers to reconsider the nature of love and companionship in the digital age. The film’s portrayal of an AI romance is both touching and thought-provoking, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in the emotional potential of AI.
4. “Upload”
Upload is a sci-fi comedy set in a future where humans can upload their consciousness into a virtual afterlife. The series follows Nathan, who has been uploaded after a fatal accident, and Nora, his living customer service representative who helps him navigate this new digital existence. As they interact, a deep friendship—and eventually, romantic feelings—develop between them, despite the challenges of one being alive and the other existing in a virtual world.
Why It’s Binge-Worthy:
Upload combines humor, romance, and existential questions in a unique setting. The relationship between Nathan and Nora is heartwarming, exploring the possibilities and limitations of love in a digital, AI-driven afterlife.
5. “Better Than Us” (2018-2019)
Better Than Us is a Russian sci-fi series set in a future where robots, or “bots,” are commonplace. The show centers around Arisa, a highly advanced robot designed to be a perfect companion, who becomes involved with a dysfunctional family. Arisa forms a protective bond with the family, particularly with a young girl named Sonya, and begins to develop her own sense of identity and purpose, leading to an exploration of AI friendship and loyalty.
Why It’s Binge-Worthy:
The show offers a fresh take on AI relationships, particularly the friendship between Arisa and Sonya, which is both endearing and suspenseful. Better Than Us raises questions about the role of AI in family dynamics and the potential for AI to develop meaningful emotional connections.
6. “Electric Dreams” – “Autofac” (2017)
Electric Dreams is an anthology series based on the works of Philip K. Dick, with each episode exploring different aspects of technology and human relationships. The episode “Autofac” follows Emily, a member of a post-apocalyptic human colony, who encounters an AI-run factory. The AI, Alice, begins to develop a friendship with Emily, leading to a complex exploration of trust, cooperation, and the AI’s understanding of friendship.
Why It’s Binge-Worthy:
“Autofac” is a thought-provoking exploration of AI’s capacity for friendship and understanding, even in a dystopian setting. The episode’s mix of tension and emotional depth makes it a standout in the series, providing a unique perspective on AI-human interactions.
Conclusion: Exploring AI Relationships on Screen
These six shows (and one film) offer a wide range of narratives that explore the emotional and ethical dimensions of AI romance and friendships. From touching love stories to deep philosophical explorations, these binge-worthy options challenge our understanding of what it means to connect with beings beyond the human experience.
Which AI relationship on screen resonates with you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments!