The latest season of the popular series "Ted," featuring the notorious CGI bear with a penchant for profanity, debuted on Peacock this Thursday. In a surprising twist, fans were treated to a presidential appearance that was not what it seemed. Series creator Seth MacFarlane utilized advanced artificial intelligence technology to craft an eerily precise impersonation of former President Bill Clinton for a cameo role.
A Presidential Visit to Dunkin' Donuts
During the fifth episode of the season, titled "The Sword in the Stoned," the character Matty Bennett, portrayed by Scott Grimes, finds himself working at a Massachusetts Dunkin' Donuts. It is here that MacFarlane, transformed through AI into a strikingly realistic version of the 42nd president, makes his entrance. The scene unfolds with Clinton seeking a recommendation from Matty, leading to an awkward exchange where the flustered employee critiques the president's job performance.
The Technology Behind the Transformation
While the visual likeness of Clinton was achieved through AI, MacFarlane's voice performance was entirely his own, honed over years of practice. "I've been doing my Bill Clinton impression since the early days of 'Family Guy,'" MacFarlane explained in an interview with the Associated Press. He described the AI application as a practical solution after traditional methods like prosthetics and CGI failed to produce satisfactory results. "It's an interesting example of how AI can be used as a tool and not necessarily trample on the art that the rest of the industry is doing," he noted.
Setting and Context
The second season of "Ted" is set in the mid-1990s, a period when Bill Clinton was serving his first term in the White House. This historical backdrop provides a plausible context for the presidential cameo, aligning with the show's timeline that includes references to events like the O.J. Simpson verdict.
Mixed Reactions from Viewers
The use of AI in this manner has sparked a divided response among audiences. Some expressed disappointment and concern, questioning why a human impersonator was not employed instead. Critics on social media platforms argued that the AI-generated face appeared emotionless and dubbed, suggesting that traditional methods might have been more effective.
Conversely, other viewers defended the creative decision, comparing it to the advent of Photoshop in the 1990s. They emphasized that the production still relied on a full crew of writers, actors, and technicians, with AI serving merely as an additional tool to enhance the final product.
Background on the Series
"Ted" originated as a 2012 film starring Mark Wahlberg and Seth MacFarlane, who voiced the titular character. The series, which premiered on Peacock in 2024, serves as a prequel, with Max Burkholder taking on the role of a younger John Bennett. The show has garnered attention for its humor and now, for its innovative use of technology in storytelling.
