The Block 2026 cast have addressed the ongoing criticism over the use of AI in the episodes.
ICYMI: fans of the show have been rather vocal on social media about their dislike for the AI technology peppered throughout the season.
On some of The Block’s clips, fans have pleaded for the show to “cut out the AI slop, no one wants to see it”.
The Block stars address the AI complaints
At Nine’s Upfronts (aka the fancy schmancy industry event where networks roll out their upcoming content, including next year’s plan for The Block), Scott Cam, Shelley Craft, Shaynna Blaze and a few contestants were asked for their take on the AI use this year.
“Look, it’s been good. I always have liked the music on The Block. I’ve always thought it was fantastic, and the AI is personalising all of that,” Scott told PEDESTRIAN.TV. “I’d like it a little bit peppered throughout.”
His co-host Shelley Craft agreed that the first ep was a little much as it depicted contestants morphing into animals, telling the publication it “caught [her] a little bit off guard”.
“There was a lot of new stuff in there, but again, all the elements of The Block that we know and love from previous years, we’re just building on that,” she said.
“The editors have just as much fun as we do on set, so that’s awesome.”
As for longtime judge Shaynna Blaze, she admitted that AI isn’t really her thing.
“To tell you the truth, I’m not an AI person, so I like traditional,” she said. “But the thing is, the reason The Block is so good and it keeps coming back is because they try everything. If it was the same rinse, lather, repeat, people would turn off.”
She concluded, “So whether it works or whether it’s not, it makes people talk, keeps them interested, and then we’ll see what they do next year.”
This year’s contestants also weighed in, with Adam and Jolene opining that there are some perks to it, such as children being interested in the show.
“I don’t think maybe that was their aim, but I think it’s working,” Adam said, while Jolene added it “takes the edge off the seriousness”.
“Some of the songs are so catchy,” Sev said. “Each to their own. I think it’s a good integration. It’s just going to keep happening, so get used to it. Buckle up.”
As for Lisa, she believes it “keeps you engaged” but acknowledged that “some people don’t love it”.
The Block airs on Sundays at 7pm and Monday – Wednesday at 7:30pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.
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