CBC’s reality show, The Assembly, is back for a second season with six fresh celebrity interviews and a larger group of over 30 neurodivergent and autistic adults who will be posing the questions. Notable figures like actors Hudson Williams (Heated Rivalry), Zach Galifianakis (The Hangover), and Jay Baruchel (This is the End) will be in the spotlight this season.
The upcoming six-episode season will showcase interviews with actor and Miss Universe Canada Ashley Callingbull (North of North), musician Lights, and three-time Olympic hockey gold medalist Marie-Philip Poulin. Each celebrity will undergo an unrestricted interview session, featuring candid and often personal questions that delve beyond the usual promotional discourse.
The show’s appeal lies in its mix of returning and new interviewers, fostering genuine interactions, humorous moments, and unexpected connections. The format of The Assembly is inspired by the French series Les Rencontres du Papotin, which premiered in 2022 with guests including Killing Eve star Camille Cottin and French President Emmanuel Macron. This format has gained international popularity, featuring renowned personalities such as Antonio Banderas, Michael Sheen, David Tennant, and Stephen Fry.
Season 1 of The Assembly garnered accolades including a Canadian Screen Award for best direction, three Telly Awards, a Golden Sheaf Award at the Yorkton Film Festival, and a nomination for a Banff Rockie Award. Executive producer Stephen Sawchuk promises that the new season will continue to deliver the show’s essence of sincerity, humor, and genuine dialogues, resonating with audiences through its focus on human connections.
Produced by Vancouver-based Small Army Entertainment, Season 2 of The Assembly kicks off on Sunday, November 1, at 9 p.m. ET on CBC TV and CBC Gem. Exclusive “producer’s cuts” will be accessible only on CBC Gem starting at 9 a.m. ET on the same day.