The best of fall programming includes all-new CBC shows and favourite classics

As the colourful leaves continue to fall and the temperature starts to drop, it’s the perfect time to get cozy and find something to enjoy. This November, CBC is your destination for compelling stories that will entertain and inspire you.

So settle in and discover a blend of new and returning favourites—from the groundbreaking new series The Assembly, where Canadian celebrities open up to a unique panel of 30 people on the autism spectrum, to a 50th anniversary celebration of the Canadian classic, King of Kensington, streaming exclusively on CBC Gem.

Plus, explore vital global stories with a new season of For the Culture with Amanda Parris and expand your culinary horizons with the return of Chuck and the First Peoples' Kitchen.

For your ears, dive into the latest true-crime investigation with the new podcast series, Uncover: Allison After NXIVM, exploring Allison Mack’s involvement in the infamous self-help cult.

All this and more in CBC’s Top 5 for November.

The Assembly - Watch Free, Thursday Nov. 6 on CBC Gem (also on CBC TV) — In each episode of this unique entertainment series based on the hit international format, one of Canada’s most popular celebrities and public figures faces a group of 30 atypical interviewers, all on the autism spectrum. Featured celebrity guests include Allan Hawco, Arlene Dickinson, Howie Mandel, Jann Arden, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan and Russell Peters.

King of Kensington - Watch Free on CBC Gem — Al Waxman stars as Larry King, a convenience store owner in Toronto's Kensington Market known for helping friends and neighbours alike. CBC Gem is making 10 select episodes available in honour of the iconic Canadian comedy series’ 50th anniversary.

For The Culture With Amanda Parris (Season 2) - Watch free beginning Friday, Nov.  28 on CBC Gem — In this stunning journey of personal and cultural discovery, Amanda travels across North America, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia, to explore topics impacting the Black community around the world. 

This unique series pulls conversations out of the group chats, and moves them directly into the mainstream in an insightful and entertaining way.  

This season, an incredible lineup of guests including actor, director, author and activist David Harewood (Homeland, Supergirl, Psychosis and Me), and two-time WNBA champion and Toronto Tempo General Manager Monica Wright Rogers, speak to Amanda about Black men’s mental health; the cost for kids around the world who wish to pursue an elusive hoop dream; imagining a future beyond police and prisons; Black food sovereignty; the impact tourism and Black travellers have on Black countries; and the idea of “strategic singlehood” for a growing number of Black women.

Chuck and the First Peoples' Kitchen Season 2 - Watch Free Friday, Nov. 14 on CBC Gem — Excited to learn more about culinary tradition, Chef Chuck Hughes is welcomed into various Indigenous communities to expand his cooking horizons. Willing to share integral parts of their culture and culinary heritage, members of the communities teach Chuck various family and ancestral recipes, which are to be protected and passed onto future generations.

Podcast 

Uncover: Allison After NXIVM - Available Monday, Nov. 10 on CBC Listen and other podcast platforms. — You think you know the NXIVM story. The secretive self-help empire. The sex cult headlines. The downfall of its leader, Keith Raniere. But the most famous woman at the centre of the story has remained largely silent. Allison after NXIVM tells the story of Allison Mack: former Smallville actress, high-ranking NXIVM member, and convicted felon. With exclusive access following her release from prison, this series traces her astonishing path from Smallville fame to NXIVM’s inner circle—and her effort to rebuild a life in the wreckage. Through raw interviews and revealing conversations with those who knew her before, during, and after NXIVM, this season dives deep into the gray zones of influence, accountability, and redemption.

There's more

Looking for more great entertainment? Explore a world where a tap of the thumb can turn a hunch into a wager in the new Passionate Eye documentary Swipe.Bet.Repeat (Nov. 5). 

Ready to kick off the holiday season a little early? The Great British Baking Show Season 15 Christmas Special is back to inspire and delight (Nov. 7). Plus heartwarming holiday features The Perfect Christmas (Nov. 15); The Fabric Of Christmas (Nov. 19); Six Degrees Of Santa (Nov. 21); Merry Liddle Christmas Baby (Nov. 24), starring Kelly Rowland; and Five Star Christmas (Nov. 28)