The Assembly returns for second season with Hudson Williams, Zach Galifianakis and Jay Baruchel

The Assembly, CBC's unscripted interview series, returns for a second season on November 1 with six new celebrity guests facing questions from a cast of more than 30 neurodivergent and autistic adults. Actors Hudson Williams, Zach Galifianakis and Jay Baruchel will be in the hot seat for the six-episode season. They will be joined by three-time Olympic hockey gold medallist Marie-Philip Poulin, actor and Miss Universe Canada Ashley Callingbull, and singer-songwriter Lights. The series features an ask-anything format where the interviewers pose direct, unpredictable questions that often get personal, moving beyond typical promotional talking points. A new trailer shows Williams being asked about his sex life and whether he ever felt anything "more than friendship" for his Heated Rivalry co-star Connor Storrie. Baruchel is asked about potentially traumatizing childhood moments, while Williams discusses how he deals with loneliness. "Your friends and your family are like the climbing pegs that you pull yourself back into life by," Williams tells the group.

The show's creative team describes it as a place for revelation and laughs, making room for candid exchanges, awkward pauses and moments of real connection. The mix of interviewers includes familiar faces from the first season as well as new participants. "The response to The Assembly’s first season was incredible," said Jennifer Dettman, executive director of unscripted content at 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."

Executive producer Stephen Sawchuk said the new season is full of surprises. "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," Sawchuk said. Fellow executive producer Sean De Vries said the show's return is a sign it is resonating with audiences. "It’s heartening to have a hit show that thrives on authentic human connection," De Vries said. The first season won a Canadian Screen Award for best direction, a Golden Sheaf Award at the Yorkton Film Festival, three Telly Awards and was nominated for a Banff Rockie Award. The format is adapted from the French program Les Rencontres du Papotin, which began in 2022. The concept has since travelled internationally, with other versions featuring guests including actors Antonio Banderas, Michael Sheen, David Tennant, Stephen Fry and French President Emmanuel Macron.

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.

With files from CBC News, Deadline and Rural Radio Network