Michael Parkinson’s second act: How AI tech is bringing the iconic talk show legend back to the airwaves

A void was left in the entertainment industry following the passing of broadcast legend Michael Parkinson, however, a tech company is seeking to fill that void with an AI-generated version of the late presenter.

Parkinson sadly passed away on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at the age of 88.

A statement from Parkinson’s family, at the time, confirmed his passing following a brief illness.

“After a brief illness Sir Michael Parkinson passed away peacefully at home last night in the company of his family,” the statement read.

While fans and fellow entertainers have felt Parkinson’s absence deeply, the “world first” podcast series Virtually Parkinson is set to bring the iconic presenter back for unscripted interviews with notable guests.

With his family and estate’s blessing, the series is planned for release later this year, giving fans one more chance to hear Parkinson’s signature interviewing style.

Parkinson’s son, Mike Parkinson, initially had the idea of creating the podcast, considering it a fitting tribute to his late father.

“The podcast is really a tribute to my Dad,” he said.

“I want audiences to marvel at the technology, the cleverness and cheekiness of the concept, but mostly I want them to remember just how good he was at interviewing and enjoy the nostalgia and happy memories.

“Through this platform, his legacy can continue, entertaining a new generation of fans.”

The virtual Parkinson will be created by Deep Fusion Films using content from the thousands of interviews he conducted throughout his impressive career.

While a virtual Parkinson may capture the essence of the beloved television presenter it will be difficult to replicate the breadth of experience the beloved presenter brought to his interviews following a long and successful career.

Parkinson’s stellar career began shortly after his school years when he became a features writer for the Manchester Guardian and later the Daily Express in London.

In the 1960s, he made the move into television, contributing to news programs for the BBC and Granada Television in Manchester.

Between March 1966 and January 1968, Parkinson joined the team for the BBC1 daily news magazine show Twenty-Four Hours. The following year, he took charge of Granada’s Cinema, a late-night film review program, where he had his first encounter with the legendary Laurence Olivier.

By July 1971, his self-titled show, Parkinson, began on the BBC. This show became his hallmark and ran until April 1982, returning from January 1998 to December 2007.

Over his career, Parkinson interviewed around 2,000 celebrities.

In recognition of his contributions, he received the title of Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2000 Birthday Honours. He was ranked eighth in the British Film Institute’s list of the 100 Greatest British Television Programs and twentieth in ITV’s TV’s 50 Greatest Stars.

In 2008, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II.