If you’ve been watching The Block this season, there’s one thing you couldn’t have missed (even if you tried). The use of AI has been sprinkled throughout the episodes like chocolate on top of a cappuccino, and unlike coffee drinkers, this added extra isn’t filling viewers with delight.
From a pooping duck and a bathroom loveseat turning into a tram stop to a submarine sinking a house and oh-so catchy jingles, the random details added to the show have left fans asking, well, ‘what the f–k’?
After weeks of complaints, and even Channel Nine stepping in to defend its decision, WHO asked the contestants what they made of being turned into a talking monkey head (hey Rick), admitting it was strange to see what production had come up with every time they tuned in to watch the show.
Quick recap: What did Channel Nine say about using AI?
David Barbour, the show’s post-production Executive Producer, told WHO that the show wants to continue being inventive with how it creatively tells stories.
“The Block has always embraced new ways of telling stories, which has been one of the reasons the show is now 22 seasons in. This season, AI has become another creative tool in our storytelling toolkit.”
He continued, “The heart of The Block remains exactly the same: great contestants, genuine emotion, incredible renovations and plenty of laughs. AI simply gives us more creative options to amplify those moments in entertaining and unexpected ways.
“Whether it’s the playful animations, talking animals or original music, AI gives our post-production team new ways to bring humour, personality and energy to moments that might previously have been difficult to communicate in an entertaining way. It’s not replacing the storytelling, it’s enhancing it.”
Barbour said that given that the show attracts “an incredibly broad audience,” including young children through to grandparents, the team wanted to “lean into tools that surprise people”.
What do the contestants really think about AI on the show?
This sentiment of ‘enticing the next generation’ was echoed by contestant Jolene, who told WHO the “quirky” additions are welcomed ones.
“I think it’s interactive for the younger generations as well,” she explained. “I think the original Block fans are sort of, you know, middle-aged or an older sort of demographic. So I think the fact that it’s for younger people now, that is good.
“I mean, we’re going to move with the times. AI is a part of that, unfortunately. So I think it’s been really quirky and funny.”
Her partner, Adam, said he found the AI-generated songs and graphics made the show “a bit more fun”.
“I found it really interesting. I think it’s just changed the whole show in a way that’s a bit more light-hearted,” he said, recalling a time when WHO asked him about the time he was turned into a ninja, and he had no idea what (or why) it was being brought up.
“I had no idea,” he laughed. “But I don’t remember things at the best of times.”
As the headline suggests, other contestants are loving the use of AI on the show — with this season being the first to feature it.
“Yeah, I don’t mind the AI, I don’t think the viewers are enjoying it too much, but I think it’s great,” Rick said, while her teammate and daughter, Tayla, chimed in: “It’s just music, it makes it fun, it pushes you to calm down. People need to stop being so ridiculous.”
There you have it, folks. The contestants like it, and it sounds like it’s here to stay.
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