What happened

Michael Parkinson's son, Mike Parkinson, launched a new podcast series titled "Virtually Parkinson," featuring an AI-generated version of the late chat show host. 

Produced by Deep Fusion Films and set to launch late 2024, the eight-part series features unscripted conversations between the AI version of Sir Michael Parkinson and yet-to-be announced notable guests.

The AI was trained on over 2,000 interviews conducted by Parkinson throughout his career, allowing it to emulate his style and approach "authentically".

Mike Parkinson said Deep Fusion co-creators Ben Field and Jamie Anderson were said to be "100% very ethical in their approach towards it, they are very aware of the legal and ethical issues, and they will not try to pass this off as real". 

Why it happened

The series reputedly received full support from Sir Michael's family and estate; however, it played into the broader issue of the role of AI in broadcasting and creative industries - notably the extent to which artificial intelligence is likely to displace existing jobs and impact opportunities and livelihoods - in the UK and elsewhere.

In this case, concerns have also been heightened by the fact that Sir Michael Parkinson is no longer alive to consent to or shape the content being produced in his name, leading to questions about how authentic the series will actually turn out to be and whether it will end up burnishing his legacy.