EXCLUSIVE: CBC celebrities, assemble! The names in the hot seat for Season 2 of the Canadian version of The Assembly are in, and they’ve got some collective star power.
Heated Rivalry star Hudson Williams, The Hangover‘s Zach Galifianakis and This is the End actor Jay Baruchel have signed up to be grilled by a cast of autistic and neurodivergent interviewers for the six-part series.
Also on the cast list are three-time Olympic gold medalist Marie-Philip Poulin, Miss Universe Canada Ashley Callingbull, who has appeared in Netflix, CBC and APTN comedy North of North, and singer-songwriter Lights.
The second season of CBC’s show premieres on CBC Gem and CBC TV on Sunday, November 1 at 9 p.m. ET (9:30 NT). Special extended ‘Producer’s Cuts’ will be released on CBC Gem the same day from 9 a.m. ET. Here’s the trailer.
The Assembly began life in France on France Télévisions as Les Rencontres du Papotin, and has since spawned returning versions in countries such as the UK, Spain and Australia. Guests across versions have included Camille Cottin, President Emmanuel Macron, Antonio Banderas, Michael Sheen, David Tennant, Stephen Fry and Sam Neil.
Each version features the cast of autistic and neurodivergent interviewers audiences, who collectively quiz celebrities in an ask-anything interview format. In Canada, interviewers from the first season will return alongside additional new ones.
“The response to The Assembly’s first season was incredible,” said 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.”
In Canada, Small Army Entertainment makes the series for CBC. Season 1 won a Canadian Screen Award for Best Direction, a Golden Sheaf Award at Yorkton Film Festival, three Telly Awards and was nominated for the Banff Rockie Award.
“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,” added executive producer Stephen Sawchuk. “Being back for a second season shows that the series is resonating with audiences,” added Sean De Vries, the other exec producer. “It’s heartening to have a hit show that thrives on authentic human connection.”
For CBC, Sally Catto is General Manager, Entertainment; Dettman is Executive Director, Unscripted Content; and Susan Taylor is Executive in Charge of Production.