Person of Interest: A Cyberpunk Masterpiece That Predicted Today’s AI

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Many science fiction shows don’t hold up over time, but a cyberpunk thriller from ten years ago feels surprisingly relevant today – almost eerily so.

Science fiction often accurately predicts the future, and we’re seeing that happen more and more. Shows like Black Mirror have episodes that feel unsettlingly relevant to our current lives. Similarly, the classic cyberpunk novel Neuromancer resonates deeply today because it so powerfully captured the feeling of isolation even as technology connects us all.

A sci-fi series from about ten years ago, while not as well-known as shows like Black Mirror, is proving surprisingly prescient with its predictions about artificial intelligence, as some of them are now beginning to happen.

Person Of Interest’s Exploration Of AI, Surveillance, & Privacy Holds Up Shockingly Well

When the TV show Person of Interest first imagined artificial intelligence monitoring everything through microphones and cameras, it felt like a far-fetched idea. It seemed like good science fiction, but unrealistic—until Edward Snowden’s disclosures in 2013 revealed some disturbing realities.

By 2025, technologies like Clearview AI’s facial recognition and powerful spyware such as Pegasus have turned what once seemed like science fiction into a realistic concern.

The TV show Person of Interest initially focused on Harold Finch’s challenge with an AI that could offer solutions without explaining why. We’re seeing similar issues today with language models and other algorithms – they sometimes arrive at odd conclusions simply by finding patterns in incomplete information.

The more you explore the show Person of Interest and its insightful look at artificial intelligence and surveillance, the more unsettling and relevant it feels.

The show Person of Interest illustrated how surveillance wouldn’t need to be imposed on people. Instead, it suggested we’d willingly carry devices that collect our data, not just for safety and security, but also to be targeted with persuasive advertising.

A Decade After It Ended, Person Of Interest Deserves A Lot More Attention Than It Gets

Despite receiving critical acclaim – with a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes – and lasting five seasons, the sci-fi thriller Person of Interest isn’t as widely discussed as other popular shows in the genre, which is surprising given its quality and insightful portrayal of the modern world.

Beyond its compelling and realistic storylines, Person of Interest boasts incredible acting from Jim Caviezel, Michael Emerson, Sarah Shahi, and the rest of the cast. Although the first season starts a little slowly, the writing by Jonathan Nolan quickly makes this brilliant sci-fi series consistently exciting and engaging.

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2025-12-19 06:58