The Circle Season 4 - Here's What We Can Tell Fans So Far

Netflix's "The Circle" is nearing its Season 3 finale, but some viewers are already eager to start a new round of the reality game show that uses the social media tactics of influencers, catfishing, and hashtags to both reward and eliminate players. The reality competition series features a group of people who move into the same apartment building, but they never meet face-to-face while competing. They communicate only through a social media app that allows them to take on a false identity if they choose to catfish the other players.

All contestants rate each other, with the top-rated cast members being named that week's influencers, capable of blocking — or eliminating — other players. Blocked players are given the opportunity to meet one player in-person before they leave, and the next day, a video message to all reveals if they were real or fake. The final episode sees all remaining players rate one another, with the highest-rated player winning the game and a $100,000 prize.

According to TVLine, "The Circle" is so popular, the streaming giant has already renewed it for Season 4 and 5 before the current season has even ended. So, what can fans expect from Season 4?

Given the show's popularity, fans won't have to wait too long for a new season to debut. Deadline reports that more than 14 million households tuned in for the second season, making "The Circle" one of Netflix's top unscripted shows. Netflix has yet to announce when Season 4 will premiere, but past seasons have been released closer together.

Most notably, the third season was released September 8, only five months after Season 2 dropped on the streaming service. This means viewers can likely anticipate a new round of players scheming their way to the top sometime in early 2022. Given the show's past timelines, a release date in January seems plausible. Fans can follow the show, which is produced by Studio Lambert and Motion Content Group, through its official social media account on Twitter for updates, including an announcement on Season 4's release date.

While an all-star season could be announced, each season of "The Circle" so far has featured a new cast of diverse contestants, a pattern that's likely to stay the same for Season 4. A casting website is currently soliciting applicants for the Netflix series. Applicants must be at least 18, and past seasons have featured contestants of all ages, including Season 3's Michelle, a 53-year-old TikTok star from South Carolina (per Bustle). 

Deadline also reports current host Michelle Buteau will return for Seasons 4 and 5. A stand-up comedian, Buteau provides colorful narration for the series as contestants interact and compete in challenges to earn spots as a top influencer. Fans often take to Twitter to comment on how funny Buteau's voiceovers are. For example, one fan wrote, "love how sarcastic #TheCircleNetflix @MichelleButeau is! She stay funny funny and should be spotlighted in the comments!" Buteau is also an actor who has appeared in the TV series "First Wives Club" (per IMDb).

With Season 3 only now wrapping up, not much is known about Season 4. Here's what we do know: Past seasons of "The Circle" have featured 13 episodes, and that isn't likely to change for Season 4. Filming also hasn't started yet; the casting application notes it is set to close in October 2021. It's also possible the show will introduce new twists for a new season. Former contestants have admitted to not knowing what to expect when filming begins. 

In an interview with Fox News, Season 3 contestant Daniel Cusimano (pictured above) said his strategy for winning changed after getting to know the other players on the show. "I was like, 'I'm going to be like, cutthroat.' I'm going to end this, like, burn the house down. But then you meet genuine real people like Ruksana. And I was like, I love her," he said.