We are barely a month into 2020 and Netflix has already delivered our next reality TV obsession. Obviously, we are talking about The Circle. This new hit show is actually based on a UK version, but Netflix's revamp has already got everyone completely hooked. It's a game based on contestant's ability to run a social media account. Players get to create a profile and while some use their own perfectly filtered photos, others decided to go the catfish route. It is a totally unique concept and for those who haven't checked it out yet, what's the hold up?
In today's article, we will be looking at 15 surprising facts about Netflix's The Circle. Since we only have 1 season so far, fans have naturally got quite a few questions about the game and how it's filmed. Well, we've got the answers! Spoilers ahead, so beware!
Circle, take us to the article!
15 Contestants Spent 15 Days Filming In Their Apartments
In an interview with OprahMag, The Circle's creator was asked just how long the contestants were tucked away in their apartments for. Fans who have watched the show will remember that players were inside of their units throughout the entire show, only leaving to use the gym and hot tub areas. Creator Tim Harcourt said, the in-apartment filming took 15 days. Talk about cabin fever!
14 Producers Had No Say Over The Catfish Photos That Were Used
With the exception of one catfisher (who used his girlfriends photos to play the game), the personas used by those catfishing seemed completely random. Many wondered if they had been chosen by producers. In a Q&A with Decider, creators Tim Harcourt denied this by saying "No. We are very strict that we want the contestants to own their own strategies, so we don’t steer players to any identities"
13 Netflix's American Version Was Also Shot In The UK, In The Very Same Building
We're guessing Tim Harcourt and others who helped to create this awesome series really liked the units they had seen used in the original UK version. As it turns out, Netflix's American version was actually shot in the exact same building as the original, located in Salford, Manchester. Funnily enough, the building itself is an apartment complex, which houses actual people, not just reality stars.
12 The Real Life "Mercedez" Reached Out To Karyn After The Show
We've got to imagine that it was pretty crazy for the people whose photos were used by the catfishing players to watch the show from home. Contestant Karyn played her entire game as "Mercedez" and used photos of a girl she had never met. As she recently revealed, the real-life "Mercedez" actually slid into her DMs after the show aired! Karyn naturally thanked her and even sent her a package of The Circle goodies.
11 Contestants Weren't Allowed Wifi Or Any Other Connections To The Outside World
This one isn't all that uncommon for reality shows. However, we're guessing this rule was a bit harder to adjust to for these contestants, simply because they had to film in solitude for 15 days whereas in other shows, contestants have constant interactions with fellow players. In The Circle, we saw contestants keeping busy with things like bracelet making, cross-words and literally anything else they could get their hands on.
10 A Tech Company Was Actually Hired To Create "The Circle"
One of the biggest questions fans have had since the finale of season 1 aired on Netflix, was whether or not "The Circle" was actually a real program or if showrunners were simply typing up the messages players wanted to send. Turns out, the thing was completely real! Tim Harcourt confirmed that a company was hired back in the early stages of production to build the platform.
9 The Cast Still Keeps In Touch And Even Has A Group Chat Going!
It seems like the cast of The Circle still hasn't had enough of each other just yet! Several contestants have actually confirmed that everyone still keeps in touch and there is even an active group chat still going on (hopefully, Joey has brushed up on emoji meanings). Unfortunately, most of the contestants are spread out across the country, but such is the beauty of social media, right?
8 Each Player Was Assigned Their Own Producer For A Little Human Interaction
15 days without any face to face interactions would naturally get a bit lonesome, so showrunners assigned each contestant their very own producer. Tim Harcourt explained in an interview that the producers were there "to explain the rules and also so the contestants had someone to talk to in-person. It’s a game where you can’t see your opponents, not a test of solitary confinement!".
7 There's A Finale Party Being Planned That Includes The Catfish Personas
Karyn AKA Mercedez, told OprahMag that she's been in contact with more than just her own catfish persona and has actually invited all of them to attend a cast party she is throwing (who's crashing with us?!). Karyn also went on to say "It's a family of perfect strangers, and it's something we'll all be able to share,".
6 Joey And Shooby's Bromance Is The Real Deal
One of the very best parts about the first season of The Circle, was watching the bromance of Joey and Shubham blossom. Many have been curious as to whether or not their connection was as strong in real-life as it was on the show. Contestant Joey Sasso confirmed just how real the bromance is when he posted this screenshot of an hour-long chat he and his boy Shooby recently had.
