AI Upscaling Nightmares: Why Classic Sitcoms Like Roseanne and A Different World Are Suffering

If you’ve recently streamed Roseanne on Peacock or A Different World on Netflix, you might have noticed something unsettling. Both shows are struggling with bizarre visual issues stemming from their recent AI-driven remasters. Faces shimmer, eyes appear to float, and text in the background becomes incomprehensible. This disconcerting transformation is the result of attempts to upscale these beloved classics to 4K resolution.

The Disturbing AI Remix: A Closer Look

The alarming visual anomalies in A Different World were highlighted by tech expert Scott Hanselman on his TikTok. As reported by Futurism, the internet was flooded with shocking images of the classic sitcom, showcasing how this AI upscaling brings unintended consequences to its visual integrity.

Who’s Responsible for These Visual Horrors?

The instinct is to point the finger at the streaming service hosting the shows. After reaching out, Netflix declined to comment. However, it’s worth noting that Netflix doesn’t own the rights to A Different World and lacks an incentive to modify the remaster. Like many licensed shows, it is likely that one day, A Different World will disappear from the platform.

The Real Culprit: Carsey-Werner Company

The core issue lies with the content owners and licensors—specifically, The Carsey-Werner Company. Known for producing iconic sitcoms such as That ’70s Show, 3rd Rock From the Sun, and Roseanne, Carsey-Werner recently announced that all ten seasons of Roseanne are now available on Peacock. Unfortunately, this remaster has not escaped the AI-induced distortions.

The Visual Degradation of Roseanne

While Roseanne fared slightly better than A Different World, it still suffers from the same grotesque AI upscaling. Many characters’ faces shimmer unsettlingly, with their eyes appearing to roll in their sockets. This distortion is particularly noticeable in scenes featuring The Lanford Lunch Box diner, where text-heavy menus turn into unrecognizable symbols under the AI’s harsh transformation.

Is the Remaster Actually Honoring the Original?

Carsey-Werner publicly celebrated the remaster of Roseanne, claiming it “honors original content” while enhancing its visual quality. This statement came in a report by Variety, detailing how advanced AI was utilized alongside artistic expertise to transform the original 4×3 standard definition into enhanced 16×9 masters. However, viewers experiencing the results might beg to differ, as the process has grotesquely altered the show’s original beauty.

The Reality: Costs of Quality Remastering

Quality remastering takes time, effort, and funding. For instance, it cost approximately $70,000 (about €66,000) per episode to remaster Star Trek: The Next Generation, which exemplifies how a careful approach can yield beautiful results. In contrast, the AI-driven technique applied to A Different World appears more economic than effective, raising concerns over the quality of streaming content.

Will AI Upscaling Define the Future of Classic TV Shows?

As streaming services continue to evolve, the preservation of classic shows shouldn’t involve de-familiarizing them through inferior technology. The degradation of these beloved series calls into question the reliance on AI upscaling versus true, dedicated remastering techniques—an area that should be approached with thoughtful care and expertise.

FAQs

What is AI upscaling in video remastering?

AI upscaling uses artificial intelligence to enhance the resolution of video content, transforming lower-quality footage into higher-resolution formats. However, it often compromises the original quality, leading to artifacts such as distorted faces and illegible text.

Why are classics like Roseanne and A Different World being remastered?

Streaming platforms aim to attract viewers by offering remastered versions of classic shows in higher resolutions, but often sacrifice quality due to rushes to meet modern viewing standards without proper care.

Are there any classic shows that were successfully remastered?

Yes, shows like Cheers and The X-Files have been lovingly remastered to enhance their viewing experience without detracting from the original charm. These remasters retain the original 4:3 aspect ratio while improving overall visual clarity.

How can viewers access classic shows in quality formats?

Viewers can find quality remastered classics on various streaming platforms that prioritize careful remastering. Always check reviews and viewer feedback for indications of the remastering quality.