Could a robot ever know that sometimes a human just wants to go where everybody knows their name? Can a chatbot captivate a country for months as everyone guesses who shot J.R.? Would artificial intelligence get millions wondering if their TV screens suddenly went dead at the end of an iconic series? In other words, will AI ever conjure up stellar entertainment as compelling as Cheers, Dallas, or The Sopranos?
In an industry as dynamic as television, staying relevant and innovative is a challenge that few have mastered as well as Randy Douthit, the executive producer of the streaming court show Judy Justice. With a career spanning decades, Douthit has invaluable insights into the industry’s evolution, especially in the context of the burgeoning role of AI in Hollywood.
The introduction of AI into television production has sparked a revolution, changing the landscape in ways that were unimaginable just a few years ago. Movie and television production screeched to a halt last year as writers went on strike to determine precisely what the parameters in this new world would be. However, Randy Douthit isn’t too bothered by the recent developments.
“There are some things that it will never be able to do,” he observes. “It can’t capture the soul of a person. It can mimic them; it can pull things together that they’ve said in the past, but there is no substitute for human spontaneity and creativity.”
This sentiment resonates in an industry where creativity and the human touch are paramount. While AI can streamline processes and offer new technical avenues, Douthit emphasizes its limitations, particularly in capturing the essence of human emotion and spontaneity. AI’s role, as he sees it, is complementary rather than replacement.
Recent strikes and controversies have highlighted AI’s negative aspects, yet Randy Douthit acknowledges its potential benefits. “It is good for research. It’s good for examining the mechanical elements of things and for evaluating technical options. It can create — or re-create — certain types of experiences. But it is no substitute for the human touch,” he states.
There is one place where AI truly excels, he notes.
The application of AI in motorsports, a field close to race enthusiast Douthit’s heart, offers a glimpse into its potential outside traditional media. “AI has an incredible diagnostic potential in this area. It can make cars safer, which is better for the sport,” says Douthit.
AI isn’t the only disruptive presence making its mark on the sector. As technology shifts from traditional broadcast and cable to streaming services, “Streaming platforms give viewers more control. It’s more democratic,” he observes. “They can binge a show. They can take it with them or tune in anywhere. It’s made things fundamentally more accessible, which is better for both consumers and producers.”
However, Douthit believes traditional broadcasting will persist, albeit with reduced influence. “People have been predicting the death of TV forever, and I don’t see it happening. There will always be network television — it may not have the influence or reach that it once did, but it will always be around,” Douthit predicts, acknowledging the enduring appeal of traditional formats even as new technologies emerge.
Douthit has played a pivotal role in the success of Judge Judy and its streaming successor, Judy Justice. He speaks to the influence of Judge Judith Sheindlin on public perceptions of the legal system. “Judy represents a type of justice that people don’t always get in real life … She gets it,” Douthit explains. This reflects the public’s appreciation for a justice system that aligns more closely with their ideas of common sense and fairness.
He also addresses the educational aspect of courtroom TV, particularly in shows like Judy Justice. “The legal system won’t necessarily remedy a lack of common sense or good judgment,” he says, underscoring the show’s role in demonstrating the realities and limitations of the legal system. Douthit’s insights highlight the importance of understanding the legal process and the value of personal responsibility.
As the television industry evolves with AI, Douthit reminds us of the importance of maintaining a balance between innovation and the timeless value of human creativity and judgment. It’s a balance that will define the future of television in an era increasingly dominated by AI.