Dan Snow's latest historical documentary on Pompeii promised to be a thrilling dive into ancient life—but viewers were left unsettled by an unexpected distraction: a chilling AI-generated voiceover.
The acclaimed historian's energetic storytelling was undercut by the unnatural cadence of the artificial narrator, which many described as "robotic" and "disturbing." Fans took to social media to express their discomfort, with some even switching off midway.
Why AI Narration Missed the Mark
While AI technology has advanced rapidly, its application in documentaries remains controversial. The lack of human warmth and inflection in the Pompeii narration created an eerie disconnect, pulling focus from Snow's otherwise engaging presentation.
"It felt like a dystopian audiobook," one viewer commented. "Dan's passion for history was drowned out by this soulless voice."
Viewers React to the Uncanny Valley Effect
The unsettling reaction highlights the "uncanny valley" phenomenon—where almost-human but not-quite-right voices trigger discomfort. Some speculated that budget constraints led to the AI choice, but others argued that authenticity should never be compromised in historical storytelling.
"If you're going to talk about real people who lived and died in Pompeii, at least give them a real voice," wrote another critic.
Will AI Replace Human Narrators?
This backlash raises questions about the future of AI in broadcasting. While cost-effective, synthetic voices risk alienating audiences when overused. For now, it seems human narrators still hold the edge in emotional resonance.
As one fan put it: "History is about humanity. Let's keep it human."
