The AI-generated version of Houdini appears as a documentary subject answering questions about his life to a camera.
Hindustan Times
24 October, 2026, 11:40 am
Last modified: 24 October, 2026, 11:54 am
Fox Nation is facing criticism online over its AI-generated show, "Houdini: Back from the Dead." The three-part series debuted on 14 October, bringing illusionist Harry Houdini back to life ahead of the 100th anniversary of his death on 31 October 2026.
"Houdini: Back from the Dead" follows the illusionist's life through his own 'words', focusing on a childhood marred by a violent accident and strained family relationships, as well as the daring feats he performed for audiences.
The AI-generated version of Houdini appears as a documentary subject answering questions about his life to a camera.
The series marks the wider Fox News network's first foray into fully AI-generated content, a format that remains controversial. Lauren Petterson, president of Fox Nation, Fox News's streaming service, said the show represented "new creative ground by using emerging technology to bring one of history's most fascinating figures to life for a modern audience".
"We're proud to showcase a new form of historical storytelling that allows viewers to experience Houdini's remarkable life in his own words, while remaining rooted in extensive research and historical accuracy," she said, according to Variety.
However, not all viewers have welcomed "Houdini: Back from the Dead."
Fox Nation's Houdini: Back from the Dead panned online
Many people online criticised Fox Nation's new Houdini show.
"Fox abusing AI for everything is so on-brand, its not even funny. Whole Houdini series AI generated. Yandy Diaz AI generated. They have no shame," one user wrote.
Another added, "no fox i do not want to watch the AI Harry Houdini thing."
A third user said, "What would the real Houdini think of this clap-trap necromancy I'm seeing on Fox right now?"
Another described it as "AI Houdini slop", criticising Fox for promoting the format.
How much of Houdini: Back from the Dead uses AI
"Houdini: Back from the Dead" was produced by Red Rock Films. More than 400 licensed photographs and archival footage were used to create the AI-generated show. Human actors served as stand-ins for historical figures, while the production team used AI to transform them into characters from Houdini's life, including his wife, Bess, his mother, brother and friends.
Humans wrote the script using information from diaries, books and letters. Experts and research were used to verify historical details. The characters' voices combine human performances and AI-generated audio.