The Hollywood Reporter recently conducted a test to see if a chatbot named ChatGPT could write a humorous scene for the hit TV show 30 Rock. The machine learning tool is no stranger to writing and producing scripts, but rarely is it used to create comedic pieces. The machine was directed to write a script featuring the characters Liz Lemon, Toofer, Lutz and Frank going on strike, and how it would affect the show they work on, The Girlie Show. ChatGPT completed the task in less than 15 seconds, but the real challenge was determining if the chatbot was successful in creating a genuinely funny scene.
Dan Fienberg, the site’s TV critic, took to the test and his verdict was less than enthused. “The shape of the scene is not exactly horrible,” he admitted, “It’s setting up something farcical that never actually materializes, but the idea is a fully respectable C-.” He went on to critique the dialogue, saying it lacked punchlines or recognizable voices connected to the well-known characters. Fienberg concluded that even seasoned actors like Tracy Morgan and Jane Krakowski wouldn’t be able to make the dialogue given by ChatGPT funny.
ChatGPT is expected to develop further as time goes on and big names like South Park have already started to take advantage of its capabilities to write parts of their episodes. Not only that, but AI has begun to raise concerns in the entertainment industry, with people wondering if it will be the downfall or even replacement of the whole industry. While AI may not quite be there yet to replace writers, it’s certainly getting better and its application could eventually be found in other industries too.
