First major series made entirely with AI scores on Chinese television

The Chinese television industry has reached a milestone with the premiere of Beyond Wukong, the first large-scale series created almost entirely using artificial intelligence. Airing on the regional station Hunan Satellite Television, the show achieved top viewership ratings, causing a surge in stock prices for its production company, Mango TV. The thirty-episode series, based on the classic novel Journey to the West, was completed in just three months. While producers note that humans still handle the core concepts and character development, AI is responsible for the visuals and narrative optimization, while maintaining the use of human voice acting.

The project has sparked significant public debate regarding the role of technology in creative fields. While some viewers praise the visual quality, critics and industry observers express concern over the loss of human artistry and the potential threat to millions of jobs within the television sector. To remain responsive, producers are even adjusting future episodes based on real-time feedback from the audience. This development marks a notable divergence from Western streaming services, which currently utilize AI only for minor scene production rather than full-scale series creation.