From a media release:
CBC today announced the six celebrities who will be in the hot seat in season two of the groundbreaking, award-winning unscripted series THE ASSEMBLY (6×30): actor Hudson Williams (Heated Rivalry), three-time Olympic gold medalist Marie-Philip Poulin, actor Jay Baruchel (This Is the End), Miss Universe Canada Ashley Callingbull (North of North), singer-songwriter Lights and actor Zach Galifianakis (The Hangover). THE ASSEMBLY premieres on CBC Gem and CBC TV beginning Sunday, November 1 at 9 p.m. (9:30 NT). Special extended “Producer’s Cuts” will be available exclusively on CBC Gem the same day starting at 9 a.m. ET.
Season two of THE ASSEMBLY features the cast of autistic and neurodivergent interviewers audiences loved from its first season and welcomes additional new interviewers. Each episode sees a different celebrity take part in an ask-anything interview complete with unpredictable and direct questions. THE ASSEMBLY is a global sensation that delivers profound revelation, authentic conversations, some tears and a lot of laughs.
“The response to The Assembly’s first season was incredible,” says Jennifer Dettman, Executive Director, Unscripted Content, CBC. “Our interviewers bring such a fresh, honest energy to the traditional talk show, and we’re excited to showcase more engaging conversations with some of the most well-known national and international celebrities.”
“This season of The Assembly is full of surprises and promises to deliver even more of the heart, humour and authentic conversations that can only happen on a show like this,” says executive producer Stephen Sawchuk. “It has been such a great journey for Small Army Entertainment, our interviewers, crew and guests,” continues executive producer Sean De Vries. “Being back for a second season shows that the series is resonating with audiences. It’s heartening to have a hit show that thrives on authentic human connection.”
THE ASSEMBLY has won numerous awards since its debut last fall, including a Canadian Screen Award for Best Direction, a Golden Sheaf Award at Yorkton Film Festival, three Telly Awards and it was nominated for the prestigious Banff Rockie Award. The show’s format is an adaptation of French series Les Rencontres du Papotin, which launched in 2022 on France 2 with guests including Killing Eve star Camille Cottin and President Emmanuel Macron. Now a global hit, other iterations of THE ASSEMBLY have featured guests including Antonio Banderas, Michael Sheen, David Tennant, Sir Stephen Fry and Sam Neil, among other major international stars.
THE ASSEMBLY is produced by Small Army Entertainment for CBC, with executive producers Sean De Vries and Stephen Sawchuk.
