The Block viewers are demanding that producers drop one of their favorite new tools — and it has nothing to do with renovating.
The increasing use of artificial intelligence in the Nine show has led to complaints from fans, with AI-generated songs and bizarre clips becoming a regular feature of the 22nd season.
Forget the endless neutral interiors. The design choice that gets these viewers excited happens in the editing suite.
Sunday night’s episode sparked a new round of criticism after contestants Adam and Tayla were given the digital nightclub treatment.
A mention of cattle station manager Adam’s social mood in the workplace led to an AI-generated sequence of him dancing under club lights.
Then personal trainer Tayla started talking about the margarita machine she wanted to install on her cozy patio.
The Block viewers are demanding that producers put down one of their favorite new tools – and it has nothing to do with renovating
The Nine show’s increasing use of artificial intelligence has led to complaints from fans, with AI-generated songs and bizarre clips becoming a regular feature of the 22nd season
Watch two clips of her partying with a cocktail and the device. Apparently even the white folks need a night out.
Some viewers were less than impressed and took to The Block’s official Instagram account to spend time with the digital extras.
“Can we cut out those stupid AI songs and junk? It’s not funny, it’s not witty and it completely ruins the show,” one person complained.
Another described the content as ‘very tasteless’ and accused producers of ‘aiming the show at five-year-olds’.
A third made a blunt plea: “STOP all AI music and videos… it’s cringe and overused.”
The technology first raised eyebrows in last month’s premiere, when some contestants were asked to name their spirit animals before being transformed into them on screen.
What could have passed as an opening night novelty has since become a recurring part of the season, with artificial visuals and music accompanying the action at Mount Eliza’s locations.
And the AI experiments extend beyond the editing package.
A mention of cattle station manager Adam’s workplace social atmosphere led to an AI-generated sequence of him dancing under club lights
Some viewers were less than impressed, taking to The Block’s official Instagram account to spend time with the digital extras
Participants also received technology to help with design inspiration and planning their renovations.
Nine has defended the additions, with The Block post-production executive producer David Barbour telling Daily Mail that the technology gives the long-running show more ways to entertain audiences.
“The Block has always embraced new ways of telling stories, which is one of the reasons the show has been around for 22 seasons. This season, AI has become another creative tool in our storytelling toolkit,” he said in a statement from the network.
‘The heart of The Block remains exactly the same: great participants, genuine emotion, incredible renovations and lots of laughter. AI simply gives us more creative options to enhance those moments in fun and unexpected ways.”
Barbour said the animations and music allowed the production team to add humor and personality to scenes.
“Whether it’s the playful animations, talking animals or original music, AI gives our post-production team new ways to bring humor, personality and energy to moments that were previously difficult to convey in an entertaining way. It does not replace storytelling, but enhances it.’
He said the approach was intended to appeal to the show’s multi-generational audience.
‘The unique thing about The Block is that it attracts a very broad audience, from young children to grandparents. We wanted to use tools that surprise people, make them laugh and keep the stories fresh, while still staying true to the spirit of the show.”
Nine has defended the additions, with The Block post-production executive producer David Barbour telling Daily Mail that the technology gives the long-running show more ways to entertain audiences
Barbour also acknowledged that the changes would have a mixed reception.
“As with any creative evolution, some viewers will immediately love it, others may be surprised by it, and that’s completely understandable.”
But viewers hoping that producers will pull the plug on the digital dance floor may have to wait a little longer.
“We are very excited to experiment with these new technologies, and we will continue to use all the creative tools that help us tell the best and most entertaining version of the story,” he said.
As for the soundtrack, Barbour said AI-generated music was used in addition to the show’s traditional music library.
‘It allows us to create very specific musical moments that perfectly complement the tone, humor and personality of a scene.’
He added: “For us, AI isn’t the story, it’s just another exciting creative tool that helps us tell stories in new and entertaining ways.”
