A First-of-Its-Kind Television Series on PBS
Series Overview
AI: Unpacking the Black Box is a groundbreaking eight-part television series currently airing across PBS in the United
States. It is the first television series produced entirely with artificial intelligence, allowing viewers to witness AI’s
evolution in real time as production models advanced from experimental to state-of-the-art. Hosted by John McElligott, a futurist, inventor, and global thought leader on exponential technologies, the series explores how AI will impact every corner of human life: from work and education to longevity, religion, defense, and the very future of humanity.
Global Appeal
- First-of-its-kind AI Production – audiences watch AI itself ‘grow up’ on screen.
- Universal Themes – every society is grappling with questions of AI, automation, and human purpose.
- World-Class Guests – featuring Dr. Michio Kaku, Peter Diamandis, former U.S. Homeland Security directors,
neuroscientists, faith leaders, and innovators pushing the boundaries of science and ethics. - Proven Credibility – currently airing across PBS, one of the world’s most trusted broadcasters.
Episodes (8 × 30 mins)
- AI at Work – How automation reshapes jobs and education.
- AI & Longevity – Extending human life with machine intelligence.
- AI & Religion – Faith meets the machine age.
- AI & Government – Policy, surveillance, and global power.
- AI & Defense – Security in an age of autonomous weapons.
- AI & Creativity – Machines as collaborators and artists.
- AI & Nature – Resurrecting extinct species like the woolly mammoth.
- AI & the Future of Humanity – Where do we go from here?
Host Bio – John McElligott
John McElligott is a globally recognized futurist, inventor, and entrepreneur whose mission is to ensure no community is left behind in the age of artificial intelligence. As creator and host of AI: Unpacking the Black Box — the first television series produced with AI and currently airing nationwide on PBS — John has established himself as a pioneer in media innovation. His work blends deep technical expertise with the art of storytelling, making him one of the few voices able to bridge exponential technology and mainstream audiences.
John has interviewed over 50 of the world’s leading experts — from Dr. Michio Kaku, father of string theory, to Peter Diamandis of Singularity University, as well as former U.S. Homeland Security directors, neuroscientists, faith leaders, and global innovators tackling the most profound questions of our time.
A sought-after international speaker, John has delivered keynotes to government leaders, Fortune 500 executives, and global audiences on the future of work, automation, and human resilience in the face of disruption. His initiatives have drawn national attention, including recognition from the White House, and his ventures in robotics, AI, and workforce development have been featured in major media outlets. Above all, John is known for making complex technologies accessible, inspiring audiences across cultures and industries to prepare for — and thrive in — an era of exponential change.
Distribution Strategy
We are seeking international broadcast and streaming partners who share our mission to make AI accessible to all.
Territories of Focus:
- North America
- Latin America
- Europe
- Asia-Pacific
- Middle East & Africa
Formats available:
- 8 × 30 min episodes (broadcast-ready)
- Localized subtitles/dubbing available for all markets.
Contact
For International Distribution Inquiries:
John McElligott
j.mcelligott@thefrontierfuturist.com