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CBC’s unscripted series, The Assembly, returns for a second season with six new celebrity interviews and an expanded cast of more than 30 neurodivergent and autistic adults asking the questions.
Actors Hudson Williams (Heated Rivalry), Zach Galifianakis (The Hangover) and Jay Baruchel (This is the End) are among the celebrity guests in the hot seat.
WATCH | The Assembly Season 2 trailer:
The six-episode season also features actor and Miss Universe Canada Ashley Callingbull (North of North), singer-songwriter Lights and three-time Olympic hockey gold medallist Marie-Philip Poulin.
Each celebrity faces an ask-anything interview, with direct, unpredictable questions that move beyond the usual promotional talking points, and often get personal.
For example, in the first season, singer Jann Arden was asked about her brother who was convicted of murder. “It was like a wrecking ball that went through our family,” she said.
Howie Mandel talked about how he went public — by accident — with his obsessive-compulsive disorder, and was asked about what parts of his body he shaves besides his head.
This group shot shows Canadian singer-songwriter Lights, centre with pink hair, posing with the interviewers of The Assembly. (Erich Saide/CBC)
This time, the interviewers include familiar faces from the show’s first season as well as new participants.
That mix is central to the show’s appeal. Rather than steering guests through a polished set of talking points, The Assembly makes room for candid exchanges, awkward pauses, humour and moments of real connection. The creative team describes the show as a place for revelation and laughs — sometimes in the same conversation.
The show’s format is adapted from the French program Les Rencontres du Papotin, which began in 2022 with guests including Killing Eve star Camille Cottin and French President Emmanuel Macron.
The format has since travelled internationally, with other versions featuring guests including actors Antonio Banderas, Michael Sheen, David Tennant and Stephen Fry.
Actor and Miss Universe Canada Ashley Callingbull shares a laugh with the interviewers of The Assembly. (Erich Saide/CBC)
The first season of CBC’s The Assembly won a Canadian Screen Award for best direction, three Telly Awards and received a Golden Sheaf Award at the Yorkton Film Festival. It was also nominated for a Banff Rockie Award.
Actor Jay Baruchel, centre, in the hot seat in season 2 of The Assembly. (Erich Saide/CBC)
In a statement, CBC’s Jennifer Dettman, executive director of unscripted content, says the first season’s response showed there was an appetite for the interviewers’ “fresh, honest energy.”
Executive producer Stephen Sawchuk says the new season will bring more of the show’s “heart, humour and authentic conversations.” Fellow executive producer Sean De Vries calls the show’s return a sign that its focus on human connection is resonating with audiences.
Vancouver-based Small Army Entertainment produces the series for CBC. Season 2 begins Sunday, Nov. 1, at 9 p.m. ET on CBC TV and CBC Gem. Extended “producer’s cuts” will be available only on CBC Gem from 9 a.m. ET that day.
