In a stunning development, a new AI-generated comedy special titled “George Carlin: I’m Glad I’m Dead!” has been unleashed to the public, more than 15 years after the legendary comedian’s passing. However, this release has not been without controversy. Carlin’s daughter, Kelly Carlin, expressed her outrage at the special, highlighting her belief that no machine can ever replicate her father’s genius.
In a heartfelt statement shared on social media, Kelly Carlin emphasized her father’s lifelong dedication to perfecting his craft using his unique human experiences, intelligence, and imagination. She condemned AI-generated products as mere attempts to recreate a mind that can never exist again. Instead, she urged people to appreciate the authentic George Carlin by exploring his vast collection of 14 specials available across various platforms.
The AI program behind the special, named Dudesy, functions as a co-host alongside comedians Will Sasso and Chad Kultgen in their weekly podcast and YouTube show. This program gathers insights from data to create new episodes, with the AI acting as the third host. The hour-long special tackles current issues that Carlin might have addressed had he been alive, including mass shootings and prominent billionaires such as Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk.
Dudesy clarifies at the beginning of the special that the impersonation of George Carlin is the AI’s own creation, based on the extensive study of Carlin’s material. Drawing parallels to human impressionists, the AI aims to capture Carlin’s voice, delivery, attitude, and even the subject matter he would find interesting today. This approach is likened to Andy Kaufman impersonating Elvis or Will Ferrell impersonating George W. Bush.
Although the AI-generated comedy special pushes boundaries and offers a taste of what Carlin’s comedy might have explored, its release comes amidst ongoing debates surrounding the ethical implications of AI-generated content. The controversy surrounding the special serves as a reminder that while AI can replicate certain aspects, it will never replace the genuine and irreplaceable genius of George Carlin.