The Assembly returns for second season with six celebrity guests

CBC's unscripted series The Assembly returns for a second season on Nov. 1 with six new celebrity guests facing questions from a panel of autistic and neurodivergent adults.

Actors Hudson Williams, Zach Galifianakis and Jay Baruchel are among the guests in the hot seat.

The six-episode season also features actor and Miss Universe Canada Ashley Callingbull, singer-songwriter Lights and three-time Olympic hockey gold medallist Marie-Philip Poulin.

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"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."

Each celebrity faces an ask-anything interview, with direct, unpredictable questions that move beyond the usual promotional talking points.

A new trailer shows Williams being asked about his sex life and whether he's ever felt anything for co-star Connor Storrie that was "more than friendship."

But the questions also go deep. Baruchel is asked whether any particular childhood moment was traumatizing, and Williams tells the panel about how he deals with loneliness.

"Your friends and your family are like the climbing pegs that you pull yourself back into life by," he tells the group.

The interviewers include familiar faces from the show's first season as well as new participants, with an expanded cast of more than 30 neurodivergent and autistic adults.

Executive producer Stephen Sawchuk says the new season will bring more of the show's "heart, humour and authentic conversations."

"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 added.

Fellow executive producer Sean De Vries calls the show's return a sign that its focus on human connection is resonating with audiences.

"Being back for a second season shows that the series is resonating with audiences," said De Vries. "It's heartening to have a hit show that thrives on authentic human connection."

The show's format is adapted from the French program Les Rencontres du Papotin, which began in 2022 on France Télévisions with guests including Camille Cottin and President Emmanuel Macron.

The format has since travelled internationally, with other versions in the UK, Spain and Australia featuring guests including actors Antonio Banderas, Michael Sheen, David Tennant and Stephen Fry.

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.

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, with a 9:30 p.m. NT start on CBC TV.

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