DEADLINE: CBC renews "The Assembly" In Canada for season 2

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EXCLUSIVE: Canadian pubcaster CBC has renewed its version of the groundbreaking unscripted format The Assembly.

The announcement of a second season comes on World Autism Day, and will feature an expanded cast of more than 30 neurodivergent and autistic adults who interview celebrities – often asking unusual or uncomfortable questions that other interviewers may not consider.

In each episode, a different celebrity receives the unpredictable, probing and direct questions in a no-holds-barred interview, resulting in profound revelations, authentic conversations and comedy moments. In Canada, Small Army Entertainment produces, based on France 2’s format Les Rencontres du Papotin. Filming begins in Vancouver this month ahead of a planned fall premiere. No word on the celebs just yet.

“The Assembly has connected deeply with audiences across Canada and beyond, and we’re excited to continue those honest, candid and thoughtful conversations in season two,” said Jennifer Dettman, Executive Director, Unscripted Content, CBC. 

“With season two, we hope to broaden representation of the autistic and neurodivergent community by introducing audiences to even more members of The Assembly,” added Stephen Sawchuk, executive producer at Small Army. Another EP, Sean De Vries, said: “This season promises more big names and more opportunities for entertaining and authentic conversations that audiences simply won’t see anywhere else.”

Season 1 of The Assembly was been nominated for two 2026 Canadian Screen Awards, including Best Factual Series; a Banff World Media Festival Rockie Award; and two Yorkton Film Festival nominations. The show is offered locally on the CBC Gem streaming service, featuring the likes of Allan Hawco (Saint-Pierre), Arlene Dickinson (Dragons’ Den), Howie Mandel (The Price is Right Tonight), singer-songwriter Jann Arden, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (Never Have I Ever) and comedian Russell Peters.