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In the new CBC series, The Assembly, a group of autistic people ask unpredictable, probing and direct questions to celebrities in a no-holds-barred interview. No topic is off the table.
It’s an international hit that’s now available in some 19 countries, including Canada.
Canadian celebrities sign on to appear on The Assembly
The six celebrity guests are comedians Howie Mandel and Russell Peters, singer Jann Arden, entrepreneur Arlene Dickinson and actors Maitreyi Ramakrishnan and Allan Hawco participated.
According to Executive Producer Sean De Vries, the celebrity guests didn’t need much convincing to get on board, “Many were excited by the fact that this was going to be an interview without an ‘agenda’ of any kind and one driven by an authentic interest in all aspects of their lives. Also, there is something exciting about the fact that our interviewers could truly ask anything.”
“I’m from the theater. I love the truth,” said Hawco about his experience, “And I’m honored to be here.”
A roomful of autistic and neurodivergent interviewers ask unpredictable, probing and direct questions to celebrities in a no holds barred interview.
The unpredictability of the format makes for an honest, authentic experience for everyone involved — even the audience at home.
How were the interviewers selected?
The casting process for The Assembly took over a year. Producers worked with professional organizations within the autistic community to find people who would be interested in appearing on the show. Once selected, they were provided with some background information about each celebrity guest, but it was up to them to do their own research and decide how much or how little they would prepare.
Each came up with a handful of questions which were vetted to avoid potential duplication. “It was important to us and to them that everyone got the opportunity to ask a question they’d prepared,” said fellow Executive Producer Stephen Sawchuk.
Maitreyi Ramakrishnan is interviewed on The Assembly (Erich Saide)
The show’s purpose is to offer a platform for people to exercise their own agency. He explains, “Every single person on this planet has a unique way of seeing the world and this series highlights and celebrates the perspectives and voices of our neurodivergent cast.”
Preparing the interviewers for a TV taping
It was important that each participant felt as comfortable as possible from the moment they arrived. General tips and interview techniques were shared with each interviewer. The team held in-person meetings to show them what to expect on a TV set and what kinds of resources would be available on location.
The set on Episode 2 of The Assembly (Erich Saide)
Filming locations were chosen with the needs of the community in mind. Each was fully accessible and used natural lighting. Extra rooms were available as quiet spaces and producers offered things like stress balls and noise cancelling headphones to anyone who might need them. “It was important to everyone involved that the set be an inclusive, safe space,” said De Vries.
“It was a scary yet an absolutely amazing experience,” said one of the interviewers, Jenny Story, “I have had fun, faced my fears, tried something new and I am truly grateful.
Interviews on The Assembly are completed unscripted
There were no pre-planned scripts or rehearsals and the celebrities came prepared to answer questions as openly as possible.
In the debut episode, Ramakrishnan shared a frightening encounter she had with a fan, talked about her favourite memory (being the first Tamil woman on the cover of Time magazine) and explained the reason behind her advocacy work (the first time someone has asked her about it). She also thinks a gorilla would win in a battle with 100 men.
Actor Maitreyi Ramakrishnan answers a personal question on The Assembly
“It was everything that I thought it would be,” said Ramakrishnan, “Your questions actually require me to think and not be on autopilot. Thank you for doing the research and being so thoughtful with your questions.”
There were lots of tears, hugs — and some singing.
Mariah Reitmeier, a trained opera singer, performed Puccini’s O mio babbino caro, which is Ramakrishnan’s favourite aria.
Actor Maitreyi Ramakrishnan on set at The Assembly (Erich Saide )
It’s simply unforgettable television that challenges stereotypes about autistic and neurodivergent people.
There is value in offering an inclusive opportunity for people who are too often excluded. Nicole Jinn, an interviewer says, “That is why The Assembly holds a greater social and cultural value than almost all other programming on TV.”
Watch The Assembly on CBC Gem
“The interviewers are incredibly excited for Canadian audiences to see the show,” says Sawchuk.
Watch The Assembly, now available on CBC Gem.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.cbc.ca ’
