Although he’s been dead 16 years, artificial intelligence has resurrected George Carlin for another comedy special.
The hourlong show, “I’m Glad I’m Dead,” was posted Monday on the Dudesy YouTube channel. Dudesy is generative AI used by the podcast of the same name.
The podcast often features hosts Will Sasso and Chad Kultgen reacting to the comedic creations of the Dudesy AI.
This time, the Dudesy AI created a special that imitates the voice and cadence of the edgy Carlin. In its opening remarks, the AI explains the intent behind the special.
“It’s my impersonation of George Carlin that I developed in the exact same way a human impressionist would. I listened to all of George Carlin’s material and did my best to imitate his voice, cadence and attitude as well as the subject matter I think would have interested him today,” the AI said. “So think of it like Andy Kaufman impersonating Elvis or like Will Ferrell impersonating George W. Bush.”
The special covers a variety of hot-button social and political issues, including AI, much like Carlin did in the 14 specials he released during his life.
While many said the AI did an excellent job at impersonating Carlin’s voice and style, they were quick to point out how creepy it is.
“Am I the only one who was a bit freaked out by Dudesy grooming us to be comfortable with and accept AI completely through jokes?” one comment read.
Probably the least impressed party was Carlin’s daughter, Kelly Carlin, who blasted the AI special on X.
“No machine will ever replace his genius. These AI-generated products are clever attempts at trying to re-create a mind that will never exist again. Let’s let the artist’s work speak for itself,” she wrote. “Humans are so afraid of the void that we can’t let what has fallen into it stay there.”
Contact the author
Please read our comment policy before commenting.