“What’s Next? The Future with Bill Gates”, Worth the watch?

This five-part documentary series premiered on Netflix on September 18, 2024. In this series, Bill Gates explores pressing global issues and the potential of emerging technologies to address them.

Series Overview

Each episode delves into a specific challenge:

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI): Gates examines the rapid evolution of AI, discussing its potential benefits and risks with experts like filmmaker James Cameron and OpenAI co-founder Greg Brockman.
2. Misinformation: The series explores the pervasive challenge of misinformation in the digital age, featuring insights from personalities such as Lady Gaga.
3. Climate Change: Gates investigates the scale of the climate crisis and the potential of cutting-edge technologies to mitigate its effects, engaging with climate activists and innovators.
4. Income Inequality: The documentary addresses the injustice of income inequality and explores opportunities to tackle poverty, featuring discussions with figures like Senator Bernie Sanders.
5. Disease Eradication: Gates explores how science and innovation lead to cures for deadly diseases, with contributions from public health experts, including Dr. Anthony Fauci.

Production and Contributors

The series is executive produced by Oscar-winning director Morgan Neville, known for “20 Feet from Stardom.” It features diverse contributors, including scientists, politicians, artists, and activists, providing a multifaceted perspective on each topic.

Critical Reception

The series has received mixed reviews. Some critics praise its informative content and Gates’ engaging approach, while others feel it lacks depth in certain areas. For instance, The Guardian noted, “What’s Next is a good question. But sometimes, what was built into a system long before is worth more examination.”

Personal Insights

A notable aspect of the series is Gates’ conversation with his daughter, Phoebe Gates, in the episode on misinformation. This discussion provides personal insights into the impact of misinformation on women’s rights activism and the challenges advocates face in the digital age.

“What’s Next? The Future with Bill Gates” offers viewers an opportunity to engage with critical global issues through the lens of a prominent figure in technology and philanthropy. By combining expert interviews, personal reflections, and explorations of innovative solutions, the series aims to inspire thoughtful discussions about the future of our world.