The Assembly Returns to CBC November 1 With Six Celebrity Guests
CBC’s award-winning interview series The Assembly returns for its second season on November 1, 2026, featuring Hudson Williams, Marie-Philip Poulin, Jay Baruchel, Ashley Callingbull, Lights and Zach Galifianakis.
CBC is bringing back The Assembly for another season of personal conversations, unexpected questions and memorable celebrity interviews. Premiering Sunday, November 1, 2026, the Canadian unscripted series will feature more than 30 autistic and neurodivergent adults interviewing six celebrities across six episodes.
The new season welcomes additional interviewers alongside returning cast members, continuing the show’s distinctive approach to celebrity conversations.
Six Celebrities Join The Assembly Season 2
Each episode features a celebrity answering questions from a group of autistic and neurodivergent adults. Unlike traditional celebrity interviews, the conversations are shaped by the interviewers’ own interests, curiosity and direct questions.
The six confirmed celebrity guests are:
- Hudson Williams: Actor known for Heated Rivalry.
- Marie-Philip Poulin: Three-time Olympic gold medalist and Canadian hockey star.
- Jay Baruchel: Canadian actor known for This Is the End.
- Ashley Callingbull: Miss Universe Canada and actor appearing in North of North.
- Lights: Canadian singer-songwriter.
- Zach Galifianakis: Actor and comedian known for The Hangover.
Together, the guests bring backgrounds in film, television, music and sports, creating opportunities for a wide variety of conversations throughout the season.
What Makes The Assembly Different?
The Assembly moves away from the familiar celebrity interview format by allowing autistic and neurodivergent adults to lead the discussion.
The interviewers ask questions directly, creating exchanges that can be funny, emotional, surprising and personal.
Season 2 builds on the show’s first-season success while expanding its group of interviewers.
The series has received several honours, including a Canadian Screen Award for Best Direction, a Golden Sheaf Award at the Yorkton Film Festival and three Telly Awards.
The Canadian production is based on the French television format Les Rencontres du Papotin, which first aired in 2022. Versions of the show have since featured international celebrities, including Antonio Banderas, Michael Sheen and David Tennant.
When and Where to Watch The Assembly Season 2
The second season premieres on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 9 p.m. ET on CBC TV and CBC Gem.
Viewers looking for additional content can watch extended Producer’s Cuts, which will be available exclusively on CBC Gem beginning at 9 a.m. ET on the same day.
The new season includes six episodes, each approximately 30 minutes long.
The Assembly is produced by Vancouver-based Small Army Entertainment for CBC, with Sean De Vries and Stephen Sawchuk serving as executive producers.
Watch The Assembly Season 2 Trailer
Audiences can get an early look at the upcoming season through the official trailer.
Watch the official Season 2 trailer on YouTube
For episodes and additional information, visit The Assembly on CBC Gem.
With an expanded group of interviewers and six new celebrity guests, the upcoming season promises more of the candid conversations that have become central to the series.
