The Block Cast Weigh In On Controversial AI Editing This Season

While the showstopping renovations, spicy cast drama and controversial judges’ comments often get The Block viewers talking, another element of the show has completely dominated online conversations this season: AI.

Ever since the first episode, fans have had a mixed reaction to the use of AI in the show’s editing — from personalised jingles and outfit changes to the contestants transforming into animals and even dancing in nightclubs.

Social media users have made their opinions loud and clear, and now the people involved with the show have spoken out. PEDESTRIAN.TV asked the cast for their thoughts on the AI editing at the recent 2027 Nine Upfront, and the responses were quite mixed.

The Block 2026 cast weigh in on AI editing

Longtime host Scott Cam confessed that, as much as he’s enjoying having his own theme song, he isn’t the biggest fan of how much AI-generated music has featured throughout the season.

“Look, it’s been good. I always have liked the music on The Block. I’ve always thought it was fantastic, and the AI is personalising all of that,” he told P.TV. “I’d like it a little bit peppered throughout.”

His co-host Shelley Craft agreed that the first episode “caught [her] a little bit off guard” when the contestants transformed into their ‘spirit animals’ during their piece-to-camera interviews.

“There was a lot of new stuff in there, but again, all the elements of The Block that we know and love from previous years, we’re just building on that,” she shared.

“The editors have just as much fun as we do on set, so that’s awesome.”

Shaynna Blaze, who has been a judge on The Block since 2012, also admitted she has mixed feelings about the AI editing.

“To tell you the truth, I’m not an AI person, so I like traditional,” she said. “But the thing is, the reason The Block is so good and it keeps coming back is because they try everything. If it was the same rinse, lather, repeat, people would turn off. So whether it works or whether it’s not, it makes people talk, keeps them interested, and then we’ll see what they do next year.”

As for the contestants, House One’s Adam and Jolene said they “love” the AI editing as it’s allowed children to enjoy the show more.

“I don’t think maybe that was their aim, but I think it’s working,” Adam remarked, while Jolene added it “takes the edge off the seriousness”. House Four’s Courtney agreed that her niece and nephew love the AI and the editing has been their favourite part of the show.

“Some of the songs are so catchy,” Sev added. “Each to their own. I think it’s a good integration. It’s just going to keep happening, so get used to it. Buckle up.”

“It keeps you engaged,” House Three’s Lisa added. “Some people don’t love it, but I think it’s just a bit of fun.”

The comments come shortly after The Block’s post-production executive producer, David Barbour — who co-created the show back in 2003 alongside Julian Cress — told P.TV in a statement that he proudly stands by the editing this season and views AI as “simply another exciting creative tool that helps us tell stories in new and entertaining ways”.

“The Block has always embraced new ways of telling stories, which has been one of the reasons the show is now 22 seasons in. This season, AI has become another creative tool in our storytelling toolkit,” he explained.

“The heart of The Block remains exactly the same: great contestants, genuine emotion, incredible renovations and plenty of laughs. AI simply gives us more creative options to amplify those moments in entertaining and unexpected ways.”

Barbour went on to emphasise that AI is “enhancing” the storytelling rather than replacing it, and said it gives the show’s post-production team “new ways to bring humour, personality and energy to moments that might previously have been difficult to communicate in an entertaining way”.

“As with any creative evolution, some viewers will love it immediately, others may be surprised by it, and that’s completely understandable. We’ve been really excited to experiment with these new technologies, and we’ll continue using whatever creative tools help us tell the best and most entertaining version of the story,” he continued.

“The music follows the same philosophy. Alongside our traditional music library, we’ve incorporated AI-generated music where it best serves the story. It allows us to create highly specific musical moments that perfectly complement the tone, humour and personality of a scene.”

Basically, love it or hate it, AI is here to stay.

The Block airs Sunday at 7pm and Monday to Wednesday at 7:30 pm on Channel 9.