ITV’s The Assembly: A Bold and Heartwarming New Series Celebrating Neurodivergent Voices

Image: ITV Press

By Jon Donnis

ITV has officially commissioned Rockerdale Studios to produce The Assembly, a groundbreaking new entertainment series set to air on ITV1, ITVX, STV, and STV Player. The 4 x 30-minute series features a refreshing and bold concept, placing celebrities in the hot seat as they are interviewed by a group of inquisitive individuals who are autistic, neurodivergent, and/or learning disabled. This remarkable panel promises to deliver candid, funny, and heartwarming moments that challenge the typical polished media narratives.

Each episode of The Assembly will spotlight a different celebrity, pushing them to set aside rehearsed answers and face some of the most unexpected and genuine questions of their careers. While the lineup of famous faces remains under wraps, the show promises to draw talent from across the entertainment world. With no topic off-limits and an endless range of subjects to explore, The Assembly is set to be a truly unpredictable and engaging viewing experience.

Originally airing as a BBC pilot earlier this year, the show received widespread acclaim. Actor and director Michael Sheen, who was featured in the pilot, reflected on its impact, saying, "The Assembly's had more response than anything I've ever done." This enthusiasm has paved the way for a full series, demonstrating the format's resonance with both audiences and celebrities alike.

Based on the French series Les Rencontres du Papotin, which launched in 2022 on France 2, The Assembly has already proven its adaptability and global appeal. The original series featured memorable interviews with prominent figures like President Emmanuel Macron and Killing Eve star Camille Cottin. The format has since been successfully adapted in multiple countries, including Australia, Denmark, and Spain, with more adaptations in progress.

ITV has collaborated closely with national and local autistic and neurodivergent organizations to ensure that The Assembly authentically represents and supports neurodivergent voices. Katie Rawcliffe, ITV's Director of Entertainment & Daytime, praised the series, calling it a "distinct, clever, and authentic format" and promising it will be "must-watch TV."

Executive Producers Michelle Singer and Stu Richards of Rockerdale Studios expressed their excitement for the project, emphasizing the show's mix of humor, warmth, and daring authenticity. Known for producing content that champions disabled agency, Rockerdale Studios has a history of creating impactful programming, including Channel 4's Mission: Accessible and the BBC Three black comedy series Jerk.

Commissioned as part of ITV's Diversity Commissioning Fund, The Assembly aligns with ITV's commitment to promoting racial and disability equity in storytelling and production opportunities. Launched in 2022, the fund has allocated £80 million over three years to ensure diverse voices and experiences are represented across ITV's programming.

Set to air in 2025, The Assembly promises to bring a unique and heartfelt perspective to prime-time television, redefining what it means to truly connect with audiences and celebrate the diversity of human experience.