‘This show is about our future!’ declares Bill Gates in the opening shot of “What’s Next? The Future with Bill Gates”. The five part docu-series on Netflix is an exploration of the pressing challenges facing humanity today. Gates takes the viewers through critical issues ranging from artificial intelligence (AI) to climate change and misinformation. Unsurprisingly, he is pretty charming and pulls you in whenever he is on screen, which helps make the information he presents accessible. He blends optimism and caution as he relies on his belief in technology as a force for good while also acknowledging the potential pitfalls.
The simple yet powerful introduction of how the show is about our future, sets the tone for what is to come. The first episode, titled “What AI Can Do For Us/To Us,” generates immediate interest as it dives into the dual-edged nature of AI technology. Gates interviews key figures in the tech industry, including Greg Brockman from OpenAI and Dr Fei-Fei Li from Stanford University, who provide insights into both the capabilities and dangers of AI.
Gates skilfully balances his optimistic outlook with the cautionary tales shared by his guests. For instance, filmmaker James Cameron’s comparison of our current relationship with AI to the Titanic serves is a reminder of the potential consequences if we don’t navigate this technology wisely. This interplay between hope and fear is a recurring theme throughout the series.
In subsequent episodes, Gates tackles various urgent topics. The second episode addresses misinformation—a particularly timely issue in our digital age. It is both humorous and alarming when Gates read outlandish conspiracy theories about himself, including one that claimed he belonged to a secret lizard society. This light-hearted moment contrasts sharply with the serious implications of misinformation on public perception and trust.
The series does not shy away from discussing climate change either. This is unsurprising as Gates has been extremely vocal about this issue for a while now. Experts that Gates speaks to emphasise that we are at a critical juncture where immediate action is necessary to avert disaster. Gates’ commitment to finding solutions is evident as he discusses innovative technologies like next-generation nuclear power plants that promise to reduce emissions without compromising safety.
It is important to note that while Gates’ enthusiasm for these advancements is infectious, there is an imbalance in how positive and negative aspects are presented. In the AI episode, for instance, while potential benefits are highlighted, the negative consequences—such as job displacement and increased isolation—just get brief mentions. A deeper examination of these issues would have provided a more nuanced perspective.
The series features an impressive lineup of celebrity guests and experts that lend their voices to these discussions. From Lady Gaga to Senators Bernie Sanders and Mitt Romney, each brings their unique perspective on the issues at hand. Gates’ interaction with these personalities is engaging; they often revealed his willingness to listen and learn from others. Yet, there is such a thing as ‘too much of a good thing’. Some of the episodes leaned too heavily on celebrity appearances rather than diving deeper into expert analysis. While it’s entertaining to see familiar faces discussing serious topics, on yearns for more substantial insights from those directly involved in combating these challenges.
With the final episodes of “What’s Next?” there is a reflection of Gates’ overarching message: we are at a tipping point where decisive action is required. His efforts to persuade billionaires to pledge their wealth for philanthropic causes are commendable, yet there is very clearly room for more critical discussion on wealth inequality itself.
The series does conclude on an uplifting note. But maybe it shouldn’t have? It needed to assign more attention to the complexities of the issues discussed. For instance, while solutions like philanthropy are important, they do not address systemic problems rooted in capitalism and governance.
“What’s Next? The Future with Bill Gates” is an informative docuseries that effectively highlights pressing global challenges through the lens of one of the world’s most influential figures. Gates is charismatic and makes the series increasingly watchable. While it offers a hopeful vision for the future powered by technology and innovation, it sometimes glosses over critical concerns that deserve equal scrutiny. Ultimately, Gates’ commitment is inspiring, but the series leaves a feeling of wanting more depth in certain areas.
We recommend this series to anyone interested in understanding how technology intersects with some of society’s most pressing issues today. It serves as both an introduction to these topics and a call to action for viewers to engage with them critically.
You can stream the series on Netflix.
