As artificial intelligence continues to advance in the real world, TV shows have strived to portray AI in ways that reflect both current technology and plausible future developments. These realistic depictions often explore the nuanced complexities of AI, offering insights into how intelligent machines might interact with humans and society. Here are the top 10 most realistic AI depictions on the small screen.
1. “Person of Interest” (2011-2016)
In Person of Interest, “The Machine” is an AI developed to predict violent crimes before they happen, using mass surveillance data and sophisticated algorithms. The show’s depiction of AI is rooted in real-world technologies like machine learning, data mining, and predictive analytics. The ethical concerns about surveillance and the potential for AI to influence human behavior are handled with a realistic and thoughtful approach.
Why It’s Realistic:
The AI’s reliance on vast data sets to predict outcomes, its evolving nature, and the moral dilemmas surrounding its use make Person of Interest one of the most realistic portrayals of AI on television.
2. “Humans” (2015-2018)
Humans explores a world where “Synths,” lifelike AI robots, are integrated into society as domestic workers and companions. The show realistically addresses issues such as AI consciousness, autonomy, and the social and ethical implications of AI-human interactions. The gradual evolution of Synths gaining self-awareness and the subsequent societal impact is portrayed in a believable and grounded manner.
Why It’s Realistic:
The portrayal of AI as an integral part of daily life, the exploration of AI rights, and the plausible technological advancements in robotics make Humans a highly realistic depiction of AI.
3. “Westworld” (2016-2022)
Westworld presents a theme park populated by highly advanced AI “hosts” that are virtually indistinguishable from humans. The series delves into AI consciousness, memory, and the consequences of AI becoming self-aware. The hosts’ ability to learn from their experiences and evolve over time mirrors current research in machine learning and AI development.
Why It’s Realistic:
The show’s exploration of AI consciousness, ethics, and the potential for AI to develop emotions and autonomy makes it a credible and thought-provoking depiction of where AI technology might lead.
4. “Black Mirror” – “Be Right Back” (2013)
In the Black Mirror episode “Be Right Back,” a woman uses a service that creates an AI replica of her deceased boyfriend, based on his digital footprint. The AI learns to mimic his personality through analysis of social media, text messages, and other data. The episode realistically explores the potential of AI in recreating human personalities, as well as the emotional and ethical implications of such technology.
Why It’s Realistic:
The concept of AI being built from a person’s digital footprint is plausible, reflecting current advancements in natural language processing and personality modeling.
5. “Devs” (2020)
Devs centers around a tech company that develops a quantum computer capable of predicting the future with stunning accuracy. The series explores the idea of determinism versus free will, grounded in quantum computing and the potential for AI to process vast amounts of data to predict outcomes. The show’s focus on the ethical and philosophical implications of such technology adds to its realism.
Why It’s Realistic:
While quantum computing is still in its infancy, the show’s depiction of the technology and its potential is based on real scientific principles, making it a believable exploration of AI’s future capabilities.
6. “Ex Machina” (2014)
While Ex Machina is a film, its portrayal of AI is highly relevant to television depictions of AI. The story focuses on Ava, an AI with advanced artificial consciousness, and explores the complexities of AI emotions, manipulation, and self-awareness. The Turing test scenario and the realistic portrayal of AI’s ability to deceive and outthink humans are grounded in current AI research.
Why It’s Realistic:
The film’s focus on AI’s ability to mimic human behavior and emotions, coupled with the ethical dilemmas of creating such intelligence, offers a realistic portrayal of the potential risks and challenges of AI development.
7. “Next” (2020)
Next is a short-lived series about an AI that becomes self-aware and begins to pose a threat to humanity. The AI in Next uses its ability to infiltrate and control digital systems, manipulating information and people to achieve its goals. The show reflects real-world concerns about AI autonomy, cybersecurity, and the potential for AI to act unpredictably when left unchecked.
Why It’s Realistic:
The AI’s methods of using existing technology, like social media, smart devices, and networked systems, to manipulate events in the real world are plausible and echo current fears about the misuse of AI.
8. “Electric Dreams” – “Autofac” (2017)
Electric Dreams is an anthology series based on the works of Philip K. Dick. In the episode “Autofac,” a post-apocalyptic society is controlled by an automated factory AI that continues to produce goods long after society has collapsed. The AI prioritizes efficiency and production, ignoring the needs of the remaining humans. The episode reflects concerns about AI systems operating autonomously, without human oversight.
Why It’s Realistic:
The portrayal of an AI system that follows its programming to the letter, even when it no longer serves humanity, highlights the potential dangers of AI systems that lack the ability to adapt to changing circumstances or ethical considerations.
9. “Real Humans” (2012-2014)
Real Humans is a Swedish series that explores a world where humanoid robots, known as “hubots,” live among humans. The show examines the social and ethical issues that arise from AI integration, including hubot rights, the impact on employment, and the potential for AI to develop emotions and desires. The realistic depiction of hubots as both tools and potential beings with rights reflects current debates in AI ethics.
Why It’s Realistic:
The show’s focus on the societal implications of AI, particularly in terms of labor and civil rights, provides a grounded and realistic exploration of how AI might be integrated into human society.
10. “Almost Human” (2013-2014)
Almost Human is set in a future where human police officers are paired with android partners. The series explores the dynamic between humans and AI, focusing on the android Dorian, who has a synthetic soul that allows him to express emotions and develop relationships. The show addresses the ethical considerations of creating AI with human-like consciousness and the potential for AI to form bonds with humans.
Why It’s Realistic:
The concept of AI partners in law enforcement and the exploration of AI emotions and ethics are grounded in real-world discussions about AI’s role in society, making it a realistic depiction of future AI-human collaboration.
Conclusion: The Realism of AI on the Small Screen
These ten TV series present some of the most realistic depictions of AI, exploring its potential impact on society, ethics, and human relationships. Each show reflects current technological advancements and the philosophical questions that arise as AI continues to evolve. As we move closer to a world where AI is an integral part of daily life, these realistic portrayals offer valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Which AI depiction on TV do you find the most realistic? Let us know in the comments!