ITV has announced the recommissioning of The Assembly for a third series, prompting celebration among viewers who have dubbed it 'the best show on TV'. The broadcaster confirmed the news on June 25, noting the show's unique format where autistic, neurodivergent, and learning-disabled individuals interview celebrities in a 'no-holds-barred' style.
Impressive Viewership and Social Media Reach
According to ITV, the show has been streamed 6.9 million times and viewed over 10 million times across ITV channels and ITVX. Social media content from the series has reached two million people since its debut in 2024. The third series will consist of six 30-minute episodes, along with returning extra-content episodes titled Unseen and More Unseen.
Celebrity Guests and Format
Past interviewees include Sir Stephen Fry, Sir Lenny Henry, Rylan Clark, and Nicola Sturgeon. The format, based on the French series Les Rencontres du Papotin, airs in 20 territories and has featured over 250 celebrity guests such as Erling Haaland and Antonio Banderas. ITV has stated that VIP guests for the new series will be announced 'in due course'.
Commitment to Neurodivergent Voices
ITV emphasized collaboration with autistic and neurodivergent organizations to ensure the show works for and with neurodivergent voices. Katie Rawcliffe, ITV's director of entertainment, reality & daytime commissioning, said: 'We are immensely proud of this series. The Assembly takes the celebrities and viewers on a complete rollercoaster ride and it really is a show where you have to expect the unexpected.'
Production Team Reactions
David Smyth, ITV's entertainment and reality commissioning editor, added: 'There are so many more celebrities who need The Assembly experience. Everyone that's done it walks away saying it's the best thing they've ever done, and the warmth we receive from fans and critics alike shows viewers agree. We can't wait to get cracking with more.'
Michelle Singer from Rockerdale Studios said: 'Returning to ask more questions of even more celebrities is thrilling of course. The fact that our brilliant team on and behind the cameras can come back to do what we do best is wonderful. We can't wait for audiences to see and hear more.'
Stu Richards, also from Rockerdale Studios, joked: 'Crikey, here we go again - I'm buzzing. I can't wait to make a show in which we ask Queen Camilla about her first kiss or The Pope how often he clips his toenails. To be clear we haven't booked any of those people but I'm just manifesting it.'
Viewer Reactions
Social media users expressed joy, with over 4,000 reacting to ITV's Facebook announcement. One commented: 'The most genuine, emotional and best television ever. I've loved every single episode. I think the interviewees do a fantastic job and the celebrities being interviewed are laid bare.' Another wrote: 'Best series on TV. I've watched every episode at least twice. Love the questions but always look forward to the singing at the end. So talented!' A third added: 'I love this programme - it's so refreshing. The interviewers ask such good questions that most people wouldn't think of and the celebrities are really on the back foot. A breath of fresh air.'
