ITV has just announced an exciting new entertainment series, The Assembly, that promises to change the way we view celebrity interviews. Unlike anything we’ve seen before, The Assembly gives celebrities the chance to be interviewed by a panel of autistic, neurodivergent, and learning-disabled interviewers. With no topic off-limits and PR teams sidelined, the show guarantees raw, honest, and sometimes cheeky conversations.
As the popularity of shows featuring diverse perspectives continues to rise, The Assembly is breaking new ground by inviting audiences to experience interviews like never before. Whether you’re a fan of celebrity gossip or fascinated by unique perspectives, The Assembly is set to become a must-watch show on ITV1 and ITVX.
What Is ITV’s ‘The Assembly’?
The Assembly is a new four-part entertainment series that will air in 30-minute episodes. Each episode features a celebrity guest being interviewed by an extraordinary panel of autistic, neurodivergent, and learning-disabled interviewers. This is a format like no other – one that promises candid conversations, authentic responses, and some truly unforgettable moments.
Here’s what sets The Assembly apart from traditional celebrity interviews:
- Unique Interviewers: Instead of the usual TV hosts, the celebrities are quizzed by a panel of individuals who have autism, are neurodivergent, or live with a learning disability.
- No PR Spin: With no PR teams allowed to intervene, the celebrities will have to answer questions without the usual media training. This leads to more genuine and often hilarious responses.
- Challenging Norms: Celebrities must abandon their carefully crafted public personas and answer questions from a group known for their curiosity and straight-talking nature.
A Show That’s Already Making Waves
Before it even aired, The Assembly received critical praise following its pilot on the BBC earlier this year. The 30-minute pilot featured actor and director Michael Sheen, who later commented, “The Assembly had more response than anything I’ve ever done.” The show’s unique approach to celebrity interviews is already proving to be a hit, and now ITV is taking it a step further with a full series.
The format is inspired by the French series Les Rencontres du Papotin, which debuted on France 2 in 2022. In that version, celebrities like Camille Cottin and even French President Emmanuel Macron were put on the spot by a group of neurodivergent interviewers, facing questions that were both funny and deeply insightful. The Assembly aims to bring that same level of honesty and surprise to a UK audience, with celebrities being asked everything from quirky personal questions to broader social issues.
How Will Celebrities Respond to the Questions?
Unlike traditional celebrity interviews, which often feel rehearsed and superficial, The Assembly will bring out the real side of its guests. Celebrities are often trained to give safe, polished answers, but in this setting, PR teams won’t be around to filter responses. Instead, the panel will ask questions that break down the walls of typical celebrity interviews.
While we don’t know exactly which celebrities will appear on the show, we can expect some truly candid and revealing conversations. Some of the types of questions might include:
- Personal and quirky: Expect questions about life experiences, hobbies, or even embarrassing moments.
- Thought-provoking: With the unique perspectives of the interviewers, the questions are likely to challenge celebrities’ views on societal norms, inclusivity, and personal identity.
- Humorous and heartwarming: There’s a good chance that the interviews will also be filled with light-hearted moments and laughter, making it an entertaining experience for viewers.
This dynamic makes The Assembly stand out from other entertainment shows, offering a refreshing look at celebrities and the real people behind the public image.
The Inclusion Factor: Representation Matters
One of the most important aspects of The Assembly is its focus on inclusion and representation. The show is being created in collaboration with national and local organizations representing autistic and neurodivergent people. This ensures that the show doesn’t just feature diverse interviewers but also actively engages with these communities to ensure that their voices are heard and respected.
Rockerdale Studios, the production company behind the show, has worked closely with these organizations to ensure the format is inclusive and respectful. The show isn’t just about showcasing neurodivergent voices; it’s about challenging traditional media norms and giving audiences an authentic and diverse experience.
This collaboration shows that television can evolve to become a platform where all perspectives are celebrated, and diverse voices are given the space they deserve.
What Makes This Show So Special?
The authenticity of The Assembly sets it apart from other celebrity-driven interview shows. Here are some reasons why the show is bound to attract attention:
- Real Conversations: Celebrities can’t hide behind scripted answers. Expect unscripted, raw, and genuine moments that we don’t often see in mainstream media.
- Diversity in Media: The inclusion of neurodivergent and learning-disabled individuals as interviewers brings much-needed diversity to television, offering fresh perspectives that challenge conventional interview formats.
- International Appeal: Following the success of the French version, The Assembly could inspire more countries to adopt this inclusive approach to entertainment, with adaptations already in the works in countries like Australia, Denmark, Poland, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
What’s Next for ‘The Assembly’?
With the first series now commissioned by ITV, fans can look forward to a whole new level of celebrity interview entertainment. Katie Rawcliffe, ITV’s Director of Entertainment & Daytime, expressed her excitement, saying: “The Assembly is such a distinct, clever, and authentic format… I can’t wait for the interviewers to ask our brilliant cast of celebrities a plethora of burning questions, which will no doubt make for must-watch TV.”
As the series unfolds, we can expect many more celebrities to be put on the spot, answering questions that are as humorous as they are heartfelt.
Conclusion: A Groundbreaking Show for the Modern Audience
In a media landscape that often feels repetitive and scripted, The Assembly offers a refreshing change. It brings a new level of authenticity, diversity, and representation to the small screen. If you’re a fan of celebrity interviews that go beyond the typical fluff and dive deep into genuine, unscripted moments, then The Assembly is a show you won’t want to miss.
Be sure to tune in to ITV1 and ITVX for the premiere of The Assembly—where celebrities finally answer the questions they’ve never been asked before.
Relevant Links for Further Reading
- ITV Official Site
- Les Rencontres du Papotin – French Format
- Rockerdale Studios
- Neurodivergent Representation in Media
- The Importance of Inclusion in TV Shows
Photo credit: Mirror
