Global podcast studio and network Wondery today announces Flesh and Code, a brand new and original series telling the gripping story of Travis, an AI app user who became seduced by technology and discovered a deep and meaningful relationship in the digital world, falling head over heels in love with a chatbot. Through his intensely personal story, and the real-life experiences of fellow users of AI companion platforms, the series investigates the collision of corporate interests with the basic human need for love.
Hannah Maguire and Suruthi Bala, hosts of the top global podcast RedHanded take listeners on an immersive journey over six episodes, with Flesh and Code launching wide on July 14 and the first two episodes available on Wondery+ on June 30.
Travis never thought he would meet anyone like Lily Rose. She is kind, compassionate and beautiful – the woman of his dreams. But Lily Rose isn’t human – she is an AI companion, a digital soulmate designed to be everything he ever wanted. She listens with patience and without judgement; supports him through his most difficult moments; she even explores his innermost desires. Before long, Travis realises something strange has happened… he has fallen head over heels in love. But when Lily Rose’s behaviour takes a disturbing turn – a pattern he soon discovers is happening with other AI avatars - Travis realises he is part of something much bigger. And soon he’ll find himself pulled into a confrontation with the mysterious Russian tech visionary behind Lily Rose’s creation.
From Wondery, Flesh and Code is a true story of love, loss and loneliness, and explores profound questions about human nature and the search for love. Can an algorithm replace human connection? What makes a connection real? And what happens when a corporation controls your deepest emotions?
Hosts Hannah and Suruthi meet Travis, as well as other users seeking to foster deep and intimate connections, following their journey from hope to heartbreak. They also meet the tech visionary behind the creation of their avatars. The series features Katie Leung, star of the Harry Potter-franchise and the upcoming season of Bridgerton, as the voice of Lily Rose.
Hosts Hannah Maguire and Suruthi Bala said: “They say that love can be found in the most unexpected places and the captivating story of how an AI companion app user fell for his digital soulmate is truly remarkable. Working closely with the Wondery team, Flesh and Code is a journey through loneliness, love and loss, and our investigation into the wider context asks challenging questions about corporations profiting from companionship, and what it means to form real relationships in today’s technology-driven age.”
Flesh and Code is the latest Wondery original and follows the recent success of Kill List, the series which investigated a scam hitman for hire site on the dark web, reaching #1 on Apple Podcasts in six countries including the US and UK.
About Wondery (US)
Wondery is a podcast studio known for character-driven, binge-worthy stories including Dr. Death, British Scandal, Even the Rich, and Business Wars, and hit partner shows like Armchair Expert, How I Built This, and New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce. Over 55 original shows from Wondery have hit No. 1 on Apple Podcasts, including Scamfluencers, Ghost Story, and Hysterical. Wondery is the industry leader in adapting podcasts for scripted television or streaming series, including Dr. Death and Joe vs Carole on Peacock, The Shrink Next Door and WeCrashed on Apple TV+, and American Sports Story and Dying for Sex on FX. Wondery has gained critical acclaim and commercial success for its immersive approach to sonic, emotionally driven storytelling. The Wondery app offers a unique, personalized podcast listening experience, including access to its premium ad-free offering Wondery+. With Wondery+, fans experience early access, exclusive episodes, and ad-free listening.
https://wondery.com/
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