Ever since news broke that the Friends cast will reunite for a two-hour NBC special, there has been renewed hope among fans that one day there could be new episodes of the hit TV series. Now, thanks to a computer program, that may be possible. (Whether the stars of the series agree to participate in such a program is another question.)
Earlier this week Twitter user and Pandyland creator Andy Herd tweeted multiple screenshots showing his computer-generated Friends scripts. The scenes were crafted using previously performed dialogue from every single episode of the series.
READ MORE: Scientists warn of artificial intelligence threat
http://twitter.com/_Pandy/status/689209034143084547
To complete the task, he fed the scripts into his computer and used something called a neural network, a form of artificial intelligence. The device quickly picked up on patterns within the writing and crafted new similarly worded scenes. The result is episodes that are funny but, sadly, nonsensical.
Phoebe: Wow lady! You’re just gonna come over to him jumpy! (They start to cry.)
Chandler: So, Phoebe likes my pants.
Monica: Chicken Bob!
Chandler (in a muffin) (Runs to the girls to cry): Can I get some presents.
Here’s another shared by The Daily Beast:
Chandler: Yes.
READ MORE: Google reportedly working on an artificially intelligent messaging app
The reason Herd tested the artificial intelligence waters with the ’90s sitcom is because he remembers liking the show. “It was on TV constantly for about 20 years.”
In emails with The Washington Post he added: “I was motivated by childlike fascination at the possibilities of machine learning and how it could be applied to humor… I think the scripts are actually better than some current TV sitcoms. I have received a lot of positive feedback.”
This won’t be the last time we hear of interesting tech creations using the sci-fi technology. Google may be working on a new messaging app that requires it to answer search queries for users. And Mark Zuckerberg wants to build a butler to help run his house. There are reports Apple, Microsoft and IBM are also investing in artificial intelligence.
READ MORE: Entire ‘Friends’ cast reuniting on two-hour NBC special
As for Friends fans, they will have to look to reruns and the aforementioned reunion to get their cast member fix. Five of the main stars — Jennifer Aniston, Matt LeBlanc, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow and David Schwimmer — will attend; Matthew Perry, who played Chandler Bing, will be in London tending to previous obligations. The two-hour NBC special honouring producer James Burrows is slated to air on Sunday, Feb. 21 at 9 p.m. ET.
Comments