What if artificial intelligence could make shows faster, cheaper, and even better? That’s exactly what Netflix is betting on.
In a major first, the streaming giant used generative AI in its new sci-fi series El Eternauta—and the results are turning heads.
“We remain convinced that AI represents an incredible opportunity,” said Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos.
The statement followed the company’s impressive $11 billion second-quarter earnings.
The series, based in Buenos Aires after a toxic snowfall, includes a jaw-dropping scene of a building collapse—created with AI-assisted visual effects in record time.
What’s The Impact?
“Completed 10 times faster than traditional methods,” Sarandos noted, “and at a fraction of the cost.”
That’s huge for a show that might’ve been too expensive to make otherwise.
But not everyone’s cheering. The entertainment industry is still reeling from last year’s actor and writer strikes.
AI fears—especially around job losses—were front and center.
Sarandos insists it’s about empowerment, not replacement.
“This is real people doing real work with better tools,” he said, pointing to AI’s role in shot planning, pre-visualization, and special effects.
