Reality television has long fascinated audiences with its blend of drama, competition, and human connection. One of the most talked-about entries in recent years is The Circle, a social media-driven game show where contestants compete for a cash prize by forming alliances, strategically building online personas, and eliminating rivals—all without ever meeting face to face. Since its American debut on Netflix, fans of The Circle USA have been captivated not only by the gameplay but also by the sleek, futuristic-looking apartments where the cast lives in isolation.
But a question lingers in the minds of many viewers: Where is The Circle USA filmed? Despite the show’s global popularity, Netflix has kept certain production details under wraps, leading to widespread speculation. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the filming location of The Circle USA, explore how production unfolds, and uncover the behind-the-scenes efforts that bring this unique reality format to life.
The Origins of The Circle USA
Before delving into the filming location, it’s crucial to understand the roots of the show. The Circle is not originally an American creation—it was developed by British producer Tim Harcourt and first launched in the UK as The Circle (UK) in 2018 on Channel 4. Its success led to adaptations in multiple countries, including the United States, France, Brazil, and Spain.
Netflix acquired the rights to produce international versions, with the U.S. edition premiering in January 2020. Like its counterparts, The Circle USA features contestants isolated in individual luxury apartments, communicating solely through a custom social media platform known as “The Circle.” Players can choose to be themselves or catfish others by adopting entirely different identities.
This format requires not just psychological engagement but also a carefully designed physical environment, which leads us back to the central question: Where is The Circle USA filmed?
Unveiling the Filming Location: Manchester, England
Despite being a U.S.-themed series, The Circle USA is surprisingly not filmed in the United States. The show is actually filmed in its original production home—Manchester, England. Specifically, it is shot at a converted office building known as the Adelphi Wharf Phase 2 development, located on the banks of the River Irwell in Salford, Greater Manchester.
This facility serves as the central production hub for multiple international versions of The Circle, including U.S., UK, French, and other global editions. While this may seem counterintuitive, the decision aligns with Netflix’s broader strategy of centralizing high-production-value reality shows in secure, purpose-built environments.
Why Manchester and Not Los Angeles or New York?
You might be wondering, why film an American reality show in the UK? The answer lies in logistical efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and legacy production infrastructure.
When Netflix decided to adapt the format for the American audience, they leveraged existing resources. The original UK version had already established a fully functioning set, complete with 16 isolated apartments, a central hallway, a production control room, and the technical backbone required for live social media interaction.
By reusing this setup, Netflix avoided the need to construct a new, identical environment from scratch—an expensive, time-consuming task. Moreover, the UK’s experience in producing the show allowed for smoother execution, reduced training time for crew, and ensured consistency in the format.
The Set: A Vision of Modern Isolation
The filming location isn’t just a geographic answer—it’s an architectural marvel designed to replicate the essence of digital connection and physical isolation. Each apartment in The Circle is furnished with high-end finishes, floor-to-ceiling windows (though often digitally altered), smart lighting, and a large touchscreen that serves as the player’s portal to the game.
The apartments are all part of a single, highly secure building retrofitted for filming. Interior designers worked closely with the production team to create distinct yet neutral spaces that reflect a modern, cosmopolitan aesthetic.
These apartments are not real residences in a traditional sense. Instead, they are elaborate film sets built within a former office space transformed into the ultimate social experiment lab.
How Does the Filming Process Work?
Knowing where The Circle USA is filmed is only part of the story. The real intrigue lies in how the show is actually produced—24/7 surveillance, digital interfaces, and contestant management all happen in one centralized location.
The Apartment Layout and Design
Each of the apartments in The Circle is nearly identical in structure, with subtle design variations to give each contestant a unique visual identity. Here’s what a typical apartment includes:
- Central touchscreen (used to send messages, view profiles, and participate in games)
- Compact living area with a couch, coffee table, and entertainment console
- Bathroom and private bedroom with modern fixtures
- Mini-kitchen with pre-stocked snacks and beverages
- Wall-mounted cameras and hidden microphones for constant filming
Despite the spacious and well-designed interiors, contestants are prohibited from leaving their apartments unless instructed by producers (e.g., during eliminations or final confrontations).
The Role of Technology in Production
A critical component of The Circle is the technology behind the social media interface. While the app looks futuristic and seamless, it is, in reality, a custom-built platform managed by a team of software developers, producers, and moderators.
Messages typed by one player are reviewed and approved by producers before being sent to the recipient. This ensures no inappropriate content is broadcast and allows for editing to maintain narrative flow. Voiceovers are also sometimes recorded to enhance clarity during fast-paced conversations.
Additionally, players are only allowed to communicate through the app during scheduled “chat times,” preventing round-the-clock messaging and allowing production crews time to upload challenges, prompts, and video messages.
Control Room: The Brain of The Circle
Behind the scenes, a massive control room operates like a high-tech command center. Staffed by dozens of crew members—including producers, camera operators, social media managers, and sound engineers—the control room monitors every apartment around the clock.
This control room is also where strategic decisions are made: when to prompt conversations, when to introduce twists, and how to edit footage for maximum drama. Because The Circle USA is filmed over several weeks, the production team has the advantage of seeing patterns in player behavior and adjusting future challenges accordingly.
International Versions, One Location
An interesting aspect of The Circle USA is that the same set in Manchester is used for multiple global versions of the show. The production team changes decor, signage, and even subtle cultural cues to make each regional edition feel authentic.
For instance:
| Version | Language | Set Adjustments |
|---|---|---|
| The Circle USA | English (American) | American flags, U.S.-branded snacks, pop culture references |
| The Circle UK | English (British) | British brands, UK slang in prompts, local humor |
| The Circle France | French | French signage, local cuisine, tailored challenges |
| The Circle Brazil | Portuguese | Brazilian music, tropical design elements, regional trends |
This repurposing of the same physical space allows Netflix to streamline operations while maintaining the illusion that each version is shot independently in its respective country.
The Impact of Location on Casting and Production
Despite being filmed overseas, The Circle USA features a cast entirely composed of American participants. Contestants are recruited from all over the U.S.—from California to New York—and flown to the UK for filming.
Casting Process and Logistics
The casting team seeks individuals with vibrant personalities, strong social media savvy, and the ability to form strategic alliances. Once selected, participants undergo background checks, psychological evaluations, and production briefings.
They are then flown to Manchester, where they are sequestered in a hotel for a quarantine period before entering their apartments. This process ensures no outside communication and prevents exposure to prior season results.
Travel costs, accommodations, and logistical support are fully covered by the production team. Contestants are also informed that they will be away from home for approximately 3–4 weeks, depending on how far they progress in the game.
Cultural Adaptation and Language Consistency
While the show is filmed in the UK, all interactions, challenges, and voiceovers are conducted in American English. Producers ensure that slang, memes, and references are U.S.-centric to maintain authenticity for the audience.
The crew on set includes both British and American producers to balance logistical expertise with cultural relevance. This hybrid team helps craft content that resonates with U.S. viewers, despite being produced across the Atlantic.
Criticisms and Viewer Reactions
The revelation that The Circle USA is filmed in the UK often comes as a surprise—and sometimes a disappointment—to American fans. Some have voiced concerns about whether the show’s authenticity is compromised by its overseas production.
However, Netflix and the production team argue that the location does not affect the essence of the game. The Circle is about identity, communication, and perception—not geography. As long as the contestants are American and the content reflects U.S. culture, the filming location is merely a backdrop.
Moreover, several other popular American reality shows are filmed outside the country. For example, Love Island USA is shot in South Africa and previously in Fiji, while The Bachelor frequently films international dates abroad. The trend of filming U.S. reality shows overseas is, in fact, becoming more common due to cost and logistical benefits.
Behind the Scenes: Safety and Privacy Measures
Filming in a centralized location also allows for stringent safety and privacy protocols—especially important given the high-stakes nature of social manipulation in the game.
Quarantine and Health Protocols
During the filming of later seasons, especially those during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, strict health measures were implemented. Players were tested before travel, quarantined upon arrival, and monitored throughout filming. The closed environment of the set made it easier to control exposure.
Mental Health Support
The intense nature of social isolation and strategic gameplay can take a toll on mental well-being. To address this, Netflix and the production company provide every contestant with access to trained psychologists and mental health counselors.
These professionals are available during and after filming, helping players transition back to normal life—a critical step, especially for those who experience sudden fame or negative audience reactions.
Contestant Oversight
Despite being cut off from the outside world, contestants are never truly alone. Producers monitor their well-being through cameras and scheduled check-ins. If a player appears distressed or unwell, the production team can intervene.
This oversight ensures ethical treatment while maintaining the integrity of the game’s rules.
The Future of The Circle USA Filming
As of 2024, there has been no indication that Netflix plans to move the filming of The Circle USA to the United States. The Manchester facility remains the most efficient and proven option for producing the show.
That said, the production team continues to evolve the set and technology. Season 7 introduced a new apartment design with brighter colors and enhanced interactive features, suggesting that behind-the-scenes innovation is ongoing.
There is speculation that Netflix might eventually create a dedicated U.S.-based version of the set—particularly if spin-offs or live tours are developed. However, for the time being, Manchester remains the heart of The Circle’s universe.
Why the Filming Location Matters to Fans
You might ask: Why does it matter where The Circle USA is filmed? For many fans, the location adds a layer of authenticity (or lack thereof) to their viewing experience.
Some appreciate the transparency and enjoy understanding how their favorite shows are made. Others feel a sense of connection knowing that their fellow Americans are competing on a stage originally designed for British contestants.
Moreover, geography often shapes storytelling. While The Circle USA maintains an American cultural tone, knowing it’s filmed in a former office building in Salford adds an ironic twist to its themes of digital connection and physical disconnection.
Tourism and Fan Interest in the Filming Location
Interestingly, despite the set being inaccessible to the public, the filming location has sparked curiosity and even fan tourism. While there are no official tours of the Adelphi Wharf set, some superfans have visited Manchester and taken photos outside the building.
Local businesses near the filming site have even started referencing The Circle in their marketing, capitalizing on the show’s global fame. Manchester, already known for its industrial heritage and vibrant media scene (home to the BBC and ITV studios), is gaining recognition as a hub for international reality television.
Conclusion: The Circle USA’s Global Production, American Soul
So, to answer the question clearly: The Circle USA is filmed in Manchester, England, at a specially converted production facility used for multiple international versions of the show. While not shot on American soil, the series remains authentically American in casting, culture, language, and tone.
The choice to film overseas reflects the evolving nature of global television production, where efficiency, consistency, and innovation matter more than national boundaries. The Circle’s success lies not in its physical location but in its ability to capture the complexities of human connection in a digital age.
Next time you watch a dramatic face-off or heartfelt confession on The Circle USA, remember: behind those sleek apartment walls in Manchester, American players are navigating one of the most psychologically intense social experiments in modern reality TV—all from thousands of miles away from home.
Where is Circle USA actually filmed?
The Circle USA is filmed in a specifically designed apartment complex located in Salford, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom. Despite being an American version of the international reality show franchise, the production takes place in the same building used for the UK version of The Circle. This custom-built housing facility is part of a larger media and production complex known as the Dock10 studios, situated within the MediaCityUK development. The site is a hub for numerous British television programs and provides a secure, state-of-the-art environment for the filming of isolated reality shows like The Circle.
Filming in the UK allows for greater logistical control, consistent production standards, and reduced costs compared to producing within the United States. The apartments are outfitted with cameras, microphones, and smart screens to support the show’s unique social media-based gameplay, where contestants never meet face to face during the competition. Although the cast members are from the U.S. and the content is tailored for American audiences, the physical location remains overseas to maintain the show’s unified production model across different countries.
Why is The Circle USA filmed in the UK instead of the United States?
The primary reason The Circle USA is filmed in the UK is due to the established production infrastructure already in place at the Dock10 studios in Manchester. The original UK version of The Circle was developed and filmed there, which meant that the specialized set—complete with fully wired apartments, surveillance systems, and technical production capabilities—was already operational. Replicating this environment in the U.S. would have required significant time and investment, making it more practical to continue using the existing facility.
Additionally, the production company behind The Circle, Studio Lambert, is headquartered in the UK and has extensive experience managing the show’s format in this location. By centralizing production, they ensure consistency in quality, security, and gameplay execution across international versions. Filming in the UK also streamlines the process of launching multiple editions of the show globally, as cast from various countries can be accommodated under the same roof with little need to rebuild sets elsewhere.
Are the apartments on The Circle real or sets?
The apartments used in The Circle USA are not conventional homes but specially constructed sets built within a studio environment. Each contestant lives in a completely self-contained, fully furnished apartment designed to simulate a modern urban living space. These units include bedrooms, kitchens, living areas, and balconies, but are meticulously engineered to host the show’s technical requirements, such as integrated cameras, audio equipment, and constant internet connectivity via the in-room touchscreen device known as “The Circle.”
Despite their realistic appearance, the apartments are not part of a functioning residential building. They are located within a closed studio complex to ensure complete isolation and privacy for the players. This controlled environment prevents outside interference and allows producers to manage lighting, sound, and technical operations efficiently. While the décor and layouts vary slightly between seasons to keep the look fresh, each apartment maintains the core structure needed for seamless filming and immersive gameplay.
How do contestants get to the filming location?
Contestants selected for The Circle USA are flown from the United States to Manchester, England, at the expense of the production company. Before departure, they undergo security checks, medical screenings, and pre-filming orientation to prepare for the isolated nature of the competition. Upon arrival in the UK, they are transported directly to the secure filming site in MediaCityUK under strict confidentiality protocols to avoid leaks or interactions with the public.
Each contestant is kept in isolation before being assigned to their apartment, ensuring they don’t encounter other players prior to the game beginning. The production team maintains tight control over travel and logistics to preserve the integrity of the competition. Contestants remain in the UK for the duration of their time on the show, which typically lasts several weeks, and are returned home after their elimination or at the conclusion of the season.
Is the location shown on-screen authentic?
The show features many visual elements suggesting a metropolitan U.S. setting—such as skyline views and references to American cities—but these are digitally enhanced backdrops added for aesthetic purposes. The actual filming occurs in an interior studio with no natural outdoor views, and any windows in the apartments display pre-recorded or CGI-generated cityscapes. These enhancements are designed to make the apartments feel more vibrant and relatable to American audiences.
The interior décor, smart home appliances, and layout, however, are genuine components of the set. Every apartment is fully functional, with real kitchens, furniture, and technology. While the environment simulates a high-end urban lifestyle common in American cities, the physical location remains the studio in Manchester. The blend of real and fabricated elements is intentional, creating a believable world for both the players and viewers while maintaining the logistical demands of a closed production.
Do contestants leave the building during filming?
No, contestants do not leave the building once they enter their assigned apartments. Throughout the duration of their participation in The Circle USA, they remain completely isolated within the secure studio facility. This isolation is fundamental to the show’s concept, as players only interact through the digital platform provided by the touchscreen device, reinforcing the illusion that they are connecting over social media without face-to-face contact.
Even when players are eliminated, they are escorted out of the building discreetly and typically flown back to the U.S. immediately. Finalists who reach the endgame may have limited off-camera time together only after the competition has concluded and all voting is finalized. The strict no-exit policy ensures fairness in gameplay and prevents any external influences from disrupting the social dynamics at the heart of the show.
Can fans visit the filming location of The Circle USA?
The filming location of The Circle USA is not open to the public, and tours of the apartment sets are not offered. As part of the Dock10 studios within the secure MediaCityUK complex, access is restricted to authorized personnel, cast, and crew only. This high level of security is necessary to maintain the secrecy of the game, prevent spoilers, and protect the privacy of participants during filming.
Although fans cannot visit the actual apartments, parts of the MediaCityUK area do offer public tours that showcase the broader BBC and ITV production facilities nearby. These tours provide insight into British television production but do not include any access to The Circle set. Occasionally, promotional materials or behind-the-scenes content released by Netflix may give fans a virtual glimpse into the environment, but physical visits remain strictly prohibited for the duration of production.