The Block has only been back on air for less than a week, but already the renovation show has found itself plunged into controversy.
Blockheads aren’t too happy with the show’s liberal use of what appears to be AI technology in the 2026 season.
On Instagram, several of The Block’s clips have been flooded by users telling the show to “Cut out the AI slop, no one wants to see it.” Fans have been sharing their confusion on social media.
One viewer on Reddit went as far as to claim that they spotted “five uses of AI in the first five mins of the season.” Another viewer has admitted they will be “boycotting The Block for AI use” this season.
In particular, some The Block viewers have voiced their concerns with some of the songs featured, which sound like they’re made with AI. Recent examples include a bizarre song about why all the teams wanted ‘House 4’ and another inspired by Tayla over her term ‘knick knackies’ for household decorations.
“The AI music is seriously the last straw,” wrote a disgruntled viewer. “The shitty AI ‘songs’ with themed lyrics are absolutely the last straw. This show has absolutely gone to the dogs, I’m so disappointed.”
The post proved popular with other viewers expressing their disappointment with the music. “Bring back the hit songs from the past, like in previous seasons. What the hell is going on this season with the music?” another added.
Then there are the graphics, with the premiere episode of The Block including scenes where contestants were turned into monkeys, horses and lions.
Again, this has drawn accusations of AI use, with strong opinions being levelled at The Block over the alleged use of AI.
“I genuinely cannot stand this season already. Drawings, filters and these silly jingles all being made with generative AI,” read one strongly worded post. “It just affirms that people are out of jobs all so Channel 9 can save a couple bucks and simultaneously contribute to the deterioration of our planet.”
As another commented: “The Block has lost the plot, I’ve stopped watching this season, as soon as I saw AI crap!”
Chattr has reached out to Channel Nine for comment on viewers’ complaints.
Major changes to The Block in 2026
The AI claims come as The Block has introduced some major changes for the 2026 season.
For the first time, all five teams are living together off-site in one Mount Eliza share house, rather than sleeping inside their builds or in separate caravans. The arrangement means contestants cannot escape their rivals after leaving the construction site, with shared bathrooms, kitchens and laundry facilities already creating tension.
Teams are also working under strict council-approved hours because the homes are located in an established residential neighbourhood. Contestants can renovate only between 7am and 6pm on weekdays and 9am and 3pm on Saturdays, with no construction allowed on Sundays. Unlike previous seasons, there will be no late-night work or desperate all-nighters before room reveals.
The Block airs on Sundays at 7pm and Monday – Wednesday at 7:30pm on Channel 10 and 10Play.
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