CBC’s The Assembly is one of those rare shows that immediately feels like a breath of fresh air. Instead of polished celebrity interviews, it hands the microphone to a roomful of autistic adults who ask the kind of bold, honest, and deeply human questions most hosts would never dare.
The result? Conversations that jump straight past small talk and into the heart of who these celebrities really are. After earning praise around the world, The Assembly is finally making its Canadian debut, and it’s bringing authenticity, courage, and a whole lot of heart to CBC audiences.
What Is The Assembly?
At its core, The Assembly is a completely different kind of interview show; one built on honesty rather than polish.
Each episode brings together a group of autistic interviewers who ask celebrities direct, thought-provoking questions without the usual filters or rehearsed cues. Nothing is off-limits, and that’s exactly what makes the conversations so powerful.
Within minutes, guests find themselves opening up about insecurities, life choices, and deeply personal moments. The format has already earned rave reviews overseas for its sincerity and emotional depth, and now Canadian viewers get to experience that same refreshing, no-holds-barred energy firsthand.
Where Did The Assembly Come From?
The Assembly didn’t begin in Canada; it actually started as a French series called Les rencontres du Papotin, which debuted on France 2 in 2022. The format made waves almost instantly, especially after French President Emmanuel Macron was famously asked whether it was appropriate to marry his former teacher, who is 25 years older. His candid response went viral and helped launch the show into international fame.
What makes the origin even more meaningful is that the series was inspired by a real newspaper written and published by autistic journalists since 1990.
From that legacy grew a TV format so powerful that it has now been commissioned in 19 countries and adapted for British audiences under the name The Assembly; the version that ultimately paved the way for CBC’s Canadian edition.
Meet the Canadian Celebrity Guests
The Canadian version of The Assembly features an exciting mix of stars who quickly discover that no celebrity is off-limits here. Each guest faces questions that are bold, personal, and sometimes surprisingly deep.
- Arlene Dickinson was asked about her affair, divorce, and personal insecurities, describing the experience as both challenging and kind-hearted.
- Howie Mandel opened up about his struggles with OCD, sharing a hilarious story involving a rubber glove during his first live performance.
- Maitreyi Ramakrishnan faced questions about self-love and personal identity.
- Russell Peters was challenged on racial perceptions, asked whether he felt like a “safe brown guy for white audiences.”
- Allan Hawco also joined the lineup, navigating candid questions with honesty and humour.
These interviews aren’t just about celebrity gossip; they reveal the human side of public figures in a way only The Assembly can.
Meet the Autistic Interviewers
What makes The Assembly truly unique is its cast of 47 autistic adults from British Columbia, who rotate throughout the six episodes. These interviewers aren’t just participants; they are the heart of the show, bringing their own voices, perspectives, and curiosity to every conversation.
Producers worked closely with community organizations and support networks to ensure participants felt empowered and respected. Each interviewer had the freedom to craft their questions and express themselves in their own way, with optional resources to guide them if needed.
For cast members like 24-year-old Mac Walsh, it was a chance to finally see themselves represented on screen. For 37-year-old Julianna Vittorio, it became an unforgettable experience that built confidence, friendships, and a stronger connection to the neurodivergent community.
Behind the Scenes: Filming in Vancouver
The Assembly was filmed across multiple locations in Vancouver, British Columbia, with every space carefully chosen to meet the needs of its autistic cast. Sets were designed with natural light, private areas for preparation, and sensory-friendly rooms to ensure participants felt comfortable and supported.
This approach allowed interviewers to perform at their best, asking questions in their own style while having quiet, safe spaces to regroup between takes.
The Creative Minds Behind the Canadian Version
In Canada, The Assembly is produced by Small Army Entertainment in Vancouver, with executive producers Sawchuk and Sean De Vries at the helm. After seeing the show’s impact in France and the UK, they recognized the potential for a Canadian version that could both entertain and provide insight into neurodivergent communication.
De Vries describes the show as “magnetic,” not just because of celebrity insights, but for the authenticity, energy, and sincerity that autistic interviewers bring to every conversation. By centring the voices of neurodivergent adults, the Canadian production offers viewers a fresh perspective and a rare opportunity to see representation done right.
Episodes & Where to Watch
The Assembly premiered on CBC and CBC Gem on Thursday, November 6 at 9 pm (9:30 NL), with two half-hour episodes airing each week over three weeks, for a total of six episodes.
For viewers who want even more content, CBC Gem offers a special director’s cut with additional minutes not seen in the broadcast episodes. The streaming service is available for free on iOS, tvOS, Fire TV, Android TV, Android phones and tablets, LG and Samsung Smart TVs, Roku, Xbox One/S/X, and online at gem.cbc.ca.
Whether you watch it on TV or stream it online, The Assembly is easy to access and impossible to forget.
Why The Assembly Matters in Canada
The Assembly isn’t just another celebrity interview show; it’s a breakthrough in representation. By placing autistic adults at the centre of the conversation, the series gives neurodivergent voices the visibility they rarely receive on mainstream television.
The show challenges traditional media norms, proving that interviews can be honest, raw, and deeply human without losing respect or sensitivity. For viewers, it’s an opportunity to witness authentic communication, gain insight into neurodivergent perspectives, and experience celebrities in ways that are rarely seen.
Wrapping Up
CBC’s The Assembly is more than just a TV show; it’s a bold, refreshing space where autistic interviewers and celebrity guests connect in ways that feel genuine, vulnerable, and often unforgettable.
Whether you’re tuning in for celebrity insights, neurodivergent representation, or just a glimpse of honest, unfiltered conversation, The Assembly promises an experience unlike any other.