The Circle (2020)
Netflix's addictive social experiment where players flirt, scheme, and catfish their way to a $100,000 prize — all without ever meeting face to face.
The Circle - Series Information
- Original Title: The Circle
- First Air Year: 2020
- Last Air Year: 2024
- Created by: Tim Harcourt
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Reality
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 50 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 7
- Number of Episodes: 90
- Status: Returning Series
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: January 1, 2020 (United States - TV-MA), January 1, 2020 (Germany - 12), January 1, 2020 (Brazil - 16), January 1, 2020 (South Korea - 19)
- Networks: Netflix
- Alternative Titles: Le jeux du cercle (FR), The Circle (US) (UK), The Cercle Etats Unis (US), 더 서클: 미국 (KR)
- Production Companies: Studio Lambert
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Circle - Plot
Status and strategy collide in this social experiment and competition show where online players flirt, befriend and catfish their way toward $100,000.
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The Circle - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Tim Harcourt
Main Cast
- Michelle Buteau
- Shubham Goel
- Mel B
- Emma Bunton
- Brian Clark
- Billie-Jean Blackett
- Marvin Achi
- Tom Houghton
- Oliver Twixt
- Brett Robinson
The Circle - FAQs
Where can you stream The Circle online?
The Circle is exclusively available on Netflix. You can watch it with a standard Netflix subscription or through Netflix Standard with Ads, which offers a more affordable entry point. All seven seasons are available to stream on demand, so you can binge from the very beginning.
How many seasons does The Circle have?
The Circle currently has seven seasons, plus a bonus Specials season, totalling 90 episodes. Each season runs 13 episodes and introduces a fresh batch of contestants competing for $100,000. The show premiered in January 2020 and is still listed as a returning series.
Can contestants actually catfish other players on The Circle?
Absolutely — catfishing is one of the show's most entertaining and strategic elements. Contestants can enter the game as a completely different person, using another individual's photos and a fabricated identity. Some of the most memorable moments in the series come from catfish reveals, where hidden identities are finally exposed to shocked housemates.
Has any celebrity ever competed on The Circle?
Yes — Spice Girls legends Mel B and Emma Bunton both appeared as contestants, bringing a dose of pop culture royalty to the competition. Their presence added an extra layer of intrigue, as fellow players had to figure out whether the famous duo were playing as themselves or hiding behind a disguise.
Who hosts The Circle on Netflix?
Michelle Buteau hosts the US version of The Circle. Known for her sharp wit and warm energy, Buteau has been the face of the show since its Netflix debut in 2020. Her comedic timing and genuine enthusiasm for the contestants' drama make her a perfect fit for the format.
Is The Circle renewed or cancelled for future seasons?
The Circle is currently listed as a returning series and remains in production, meaning Netflix has not cancelled it. With seven seasons already delivered and strong viewer engagement, the show continues to be one of Netflix's go-to reality competition titles.
What is The Circle actually about?
The Circle places contestants in separate apartments where all communication happens through a custom social media platform. Players can be themselves or adopt a fake persona to win popularity. They rate each other, block rivals, and compete for a $100,000 prize — making it a sharp, often hilarious commentary on social media culture.
What are some shows similar to The Circle?
If The Circle is your thing, The Traitors is an excellent next watch — it blends social strategy with hidden identity gameplay in a gripping format. The Circle Brazil offers the same premise with a different cultural flavour, while UnREAL provides a scripted but razor-sharp look behind the scenes of reality TV production.
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