CBC announced the six celebrities who will be in the hot seat in season two of the groundbreaking, award-winning unscripted series THE ASSEMBLY (6x30): 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," 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.”
“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. For CBC, Sally Catto is General Manager, Entertainment; Jennifer Dettman is Executive Director, Unscripted Content; and Susan Taylor is Executive in Charge of Production.
About CBC/Radio-Canada
CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada's national public broadcaster. Through our mandate to inform, enlighten and entertain, we play a central role in strengthening Canadian culture. As Canada's trusted news source, we offer a uniquely Canadian perspective on news, current affairs and world affairs. Our distinctively homegrown entertainment and sports programming draws audiences from across the country. Deeply rooted in communities, CBC/Radio-Canada offers diverse content in English, French and eight Indigenous languages: Dëne Sųłıné, Dene Kǝdǝ́, Dene Zhatıé, Eastern Cree, Dinjii Zhuʼ Ginjik, Inuktitut, Inuvialuktun and Tłı̨chǫ. We also deliver content in Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Punjabi and Tagalog, as well as both official languages, through Radio Canada International (RCI). We are leading the transformation to meet the needs of Canadians in a digital world.
About Small Army Entertainment
SMALL ARMY ENTERTAINMENT is a Vancouver-based film, television, and media production company led by award-winning Executive Producers Sean De Vries and Stephen Sawchuk. The company develops and produces premium global content for broadcasters, streamers, and digital platforms. Currently, Small Army is in production on an original series (announcement coming soon) and in funded development on three other films & series. Season 2 of the hit international format The Assembly premieres November 1st, 2026 (CBC and CBC Gem).
