Hearst Networks EMEA has announced the commission of its first major on-screen artificial intelligence deployment.
The company’s History Channel in the Netherlands has commissioned Particle6 to produce Streets of the Past, a 10-episode short series exploring the history of Dutch streets and squares.
Particle6 is best known for creating AI actor Tilly Norwood.
The series will see real-life presenter Corjan Mol visiting historical scenes created by AI using archival material, paintings, engravings, and photographs.
The combination of contemporary live-action footage and precisely created AI scenes allows viewers to literally ‘walk’ through the streets of the past, said Hearst Networks.
Speaking about the project, Eline van der Velden, founder and CEO of Particle6, said: “While we’ve been using AI behind the scenes for some time, this is our first series to deploy AI at scale on screen. It allows us to seamlessly blend live-action footage of modern-day Netherlands with historical scenes, bringing history to life in an immersive way. We’re proud to be doing this with Hearst Networks, a forward-thinking, supportive, and ethical partner.”
Sam Pearson, head of short-form commissioning at Hearst Networks, added: “The collaboration with Particle6 demonstrates how technology and creativity can enhance each other. AI offers us creative possibilities that were previously impossible and allows viewers to experience history in a way that is both visually compelling and educational.”
Streets of the Past will be broadcast on The History Channel in the Netherlands from January 2026.
