Comedians Charlie Brooker and Diane Morgan discussed their new project, "Cunk on Cinema," along with their views on artificial intelligence and its role in comedy, during a recent interview.
The series, set to premiere on BBC Two and iPlayer in November, continues the character Philomena Cunk’s satirical exploration of various topics. Brooker explained that the show evolved from several potential ideas, including an American travelogue and an episode featuring Paul McCartney, which he pursued partly out of personal interest. Diane Morgan, who co-stars in the series, expressed her ambivalence around celebrity culture, noting her limited familiarity with figures such as Michael Bay, whom they interviewed for the show.
AI themes play a notable role in the new episodes, with Cunk often challenging experts by referencing AI responses. Brooker and Morgan shared their own experiences with AI, or lack thereof. Brooker said he uses AI tools sparingly, mainly for practical tasks like finding restaurants but avoids relying on it for creative writing. He expressed skepticism about the technology’s developers and dismissed fears that AI will dominate humanity as exaggerated. He humorously compared advanced AI language to unintelligible sounds, likening it to the spread of disease through feeding cows animal scraps.
Morgan acknowledged that despite not personally using AI, one of her comedic roles involves playing a robot in the show "Ann Droid." She recounted the anxiety she felt preparing for that role, including attending “robot school” where she learned nonverbal cues such as not blinking or bobbing her head, and practiced walking in a robotic manner. The preparation reflected the challenges of performing nonhuman characters authentically.
Both performers also recounted unusual jobs from their pasts. Morgan mentioned working in a worming tablet factory, clarifying she never consumed the products, while Brooker recalled working at a CeX store where he encountered various unsavory tasks, including clearing a room filled with debris and a deceased animal.
Throughout the conversation, the pair exchanged mutual appreciation, with Morgan crediting Brooker for helping launch her comedy career. Brooker complimented Morgan’s natural comedic talent but admitted discomfort with offering direct praise.
The new season of "Cunk on Cinema" continues the series’ trademark blend of satire and deadpan interviews, reflecting on contemporary culture with humor and irony.