Robert Downey Jr. is getting behind YouTube’s move to original TV shows with an upcoming docu-series about artificial intelligence (AI).
Downey Jr. is no stranger to AI-based media; the suit he dons as Iron Man in the Marvel films, as well as Tony Stark’s virtual assistant, J.A.R.V.I.S., is presumably based off some AI technology.
In this upcoming series for YouTube Red, however, Downey will not be starring as a sarcastic billionaire, but rather taking on the role of host and narrator as the series follows researchers and influencers in the areas of science, philosophy, technology, engineering, medicine, futurism, entertainment and the arts detail their take on AI, according to reports today.
At a closer look, the show will detail how AI will impact the world and how humans both live and work in the present and future, according to Deadline.
Downey is executive producing the show alongside wife Susan Downey, who has also produced the new Sherlock Holmes movies and a number of other films, including Cradle 2 the Grave (2003), House of Wax (2005), The Book of Eli (2010) and Iron Man 2 (2010), starring Downey Jr.
“Robert and I share a curiosity for AI, a complicated and often polarizing subject. Our aim is to explore AI through a lens of objectivity and accessibility in a thoroughly bold, splashy and entertaining way. We’re thrilled to bring this project to life along with Network Entertainment, Sonar and YouTube Red,” Downey said, according to Deadline.
A number of other producers on the show will come from the couple’s production company, Team Downey, in addition to producers from outside parties.
“We are excited to be in business with the smart, creative minds behind this innovative new series,” Susanne Daniels, Global Head of Original Content at YouTube, said. “There is so much to discover, and this series will take us on a fascinating journey as we explore the exciting developments in the world of AI and glimpse into the future.”
The show will feature eight hour-long episodes and premiere in 2019.
For those unfamiliar with YouTube Red, the paid subscription service was launched in October 2015 and includes access to ad-free and offline video, the YouTube Music app and other YouTube Red original content.
When it comes to its TV impact, the most popular of its original shows is largely Cobra Kai: The Karate Kid Saga Continues (based on the original ‘80s and ‘90s film franchise). The show has garnered notable attention since its premiere on May 2, with Variety reporting today that it beat all other streaming competition – including Hulu’s The Handmaid’s Tale and Netflix’s 13 Reasons Why and Arrested Development – from May 6 to May 12.