Netflix is creating a new version of axed show 'The Circle'.
Emma Willis
After Channel 4 dropped the show earlier this year, it has been revealed that streaming service Netflix will produce and stream ‘The Circle USA’, which will feature contestants from both the US and the UK.
The success of recent programmes like ‘Too Hot To Handle’, which features contestants from both countries, has inspired producers to acquire a transatlantic cast
A TV insider told The Sun newspaper's Bizarre TV column: "Using an international cast of contestants is an approach that’s already proved successful with similar shows, such as the steamy dating favourite 'Too Hot to Handle'.”
'The Circle' first launched in 2018 and saw contestants - who live in the same apartment building but are not allowed to meet - trying to win £100,000 by either playing as themselves or posing as someone else in a bid to become the most popular on social media.
The show was a success for Channel 4, and the third series - which was won by Natalya Platonova - pulled in an average of 1.3 million viewers each week, which was up from 1.2 million for the second season.
The third series of Netflix’s version will air later this year, and with a further two series already having been commissioned, auditions for British stars are said to have already started.
The show will continue with its title of 'The Circle USA' as Netflix has not acquired the rights to the British version from Channel 4.
US comedian Michelle Buteau will continue as host of 'The Circle USA', so 'The Circle' presenter Emma Willis is not expected to return.
Speaking previously about cancelling the show, Channel 4 bosses said: "'The Circle' has been a huge hit for young audiences and has grown successively over three seasons on Channel 4, consistently outperforming slot averages.
"We’re incredibly proud to have worked with Studio Lambert North and Motion Content Group to invest in such an innovative show and to have given it a springboard for its international format success.
“In much the same way as when we originally commissioned 'The Circle', Channel 4 has a responsibility to continually look at how we reinvent and create space for new ideas, and so we have decided not to commission the show for a fourth season.
"We’d like to thank Studio Lambert, Motion and all those involved for 'The Circle’s huge success over the last three series.”
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