The Assembly

When former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl introduced private television, critics joked it was to “bring peace to the country.” Networks like RTL and SAT.1 soon filled living rooms with glittering, sticky shows that asked for little more than a remote control thumb.

But every so often, something refreshing breaks through—a show that wakes you up instead of putting you to sleep. One that leaves an imprint.

A few weeks ago, Canada’s public broadcaster CBC Gem launched exactly such a show: The Assembly — a documentary-interview series with a truly original premise.

Thirty to forty autistic and otherwise neurodivergent adults interview public figures.
Their motto: honest questions, open conversations—nothing off the table.

The format was born in France, later embraced by Britain and Australia, and is now capturing hearts in Canada.

“I watched all six episodes, not one ended without laughter, tears, and moments of genuine awe.”

Questions You Don’t Hear on Talk Shows

Picture a bright circle of chairs—each occupied by a unique voice, a unique rhythm of thought.
In the center: a celebrity guest, perhaps nervously wondering what’s coming next.

The questions are disarmingly direct—about career, money, relationships, regrets, and sometimes those delightfully awkward moments that make us human.
The tone: part humor, part hesitation, and an unmistakable warmth.

Critics and viewers alike call The Assembly “refreshing, emotional, and unapologetically honest.”

More Than a Show

This isn’t about the famous guests - like Howie Mandel, Jann Arden, Allan Hawco, Arlene Dickinson, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan und Russell Peters — it’s about the interviewers.
Each one brings an individual perspective, humour, and humanity to the conversation.

They’re not portrayed as “cases” but as curious, witty, and compassionate storytellers.
What unfolds is more than television—it’s a celebration of empathy, visibility, and human connection.

Viewers discover that neurodivergence isn’t a label—it’s a reflection of life’s beautiful diversity.

Awareness Comes With Responsibility

Still, questions remain:
What happens to the participants after the cameras stop rolling?
Do they receive fair recognition—or fair pay—for their work? Or even job opportunities at CBC?
Can the CBC’s commitment to inclusion also extend to opportunity and continuity?

Canada is proud of its inclusivity. Shows like The Assembly remind us that inclusion must be more than a policy—it must be practiced.

The Assembly is bold, thoughtful, and quietly revolutionary.
CBC Gem proves that television can do more than entertain—it can connect, educate, and transform.

Inclusion should never become exploitation wrapped in empathy.
And when honesty becomes the headline, everyone wins.