Hulu Reimagines The Circle
The Circle Shifts to Hulu for Revamped Season 8, Introducing Celebrity Cast and Live Audience Voting
Key Points
One analysis says Netflix never felt like the “perfect show” for *The Circle* because the format fits better as a week-to-week event that drives strategy talk and debate among viewers (a shift the Hulu move could enable).
A report on Hulu’s broader strategy notes the streamer has been building out reality programming with hits including “The Kardashians”, “Vanderpump Villa” and “Secret Lives Of Mormon Lives”—with the *Circle* celebrity reboot positioned as part of that lineup.
The same report provides a detailed slate of producers/executives involved, naming Studio Lambert and partners including Tim Harcourt, Jack Burgess, Niall O’Driscoll and Stephen Lambert, plus Motion Entertainment’s Martin Oxley and Chet Fenster, and Omaha’s Peyton Manning, Jamie Horowitz and Colin Campbell.
Another outlet adds context on the timing and platform strategy, saying Netflix never formally announced cancellation, that it’s been nearly two years since the last new season, and framing the Hulu relaunch as part of Disney’s push for more competition shows.
Background on the franchise notes *The Circle* is based on a British show and that Netflix’s run went on to inspire international versions in France and Brazil; it also says Hulu secured the rights after Netflix did not renew following the season 7 finale in October 2024.
After seven seasons on Netflix, *The Circle* is moving to Hulu with a sweeping new format. Deadline broke the news on June 10, 2026, that Netflix quietly declined to renew its deal with Studio Lambert following the Season 7 finale in October 2024 — and Hulu has now ordered a reimagined celebrity reboot in its place.
The new version will mix regular contestants with celebrity players, film in real time, and — for the first time in the US — let viewers vote to shape the game. Primetimer called it one of the first times in franchise history that audience participation will directly affect gameplay. The show sat dormant for roughly 18 months before the Hulu deal was announced, Broadcast Now noted.
Netflix Quietly Let Go of a Hit Show
Netflix never formally announced a cancellation. What's On Disney Plus reported that the streamer simply did not renew its production deal with Studio Lambert after Season 7 wrapped. That finale — won by brothers Nicky and Jojo Scarlotta, who catfished as "Gianna" — aired on October 2, 2024. After that, silence.
Industry observers say the binge model was always a poor fit for *The Circle*. CartерMatt argued the format thrives as a week-to-week event — one that drives strategy talk and debate among fans. Netflix tried "batch" releases to mimic that, but never fully pulled it off. Hulu's real-time model changes that entirely.
Real-Time Filming and Live Votes Reshape the Format
The biggest structural change is how the show will be made and watched. Episodes will film in real time, so twists and rankings shift as audience votes come in. Primetimer said this model resembles *Love Island USA* — built for social media chatter and "appointment viewing" rather than weekend binge sessions.
Players will also get a new choice: appear as themselves or go in as a catfish. The celebrity-public hybrid is a first for the US version, though Primetimer noted the Netflix run had already dabbled with celebrity specials. Susan House, a veteran of *The Bachelor*, returns as showrunner to lead the reimagined season.
Peyton Manning, Studio Lambert Lead a Star-Studded Production Team
The production lineup signals a high-budget operation. Studio Lambert — the team also behind *The Traitors* — returns as the core producer. Key executives include Tim Harcourt, Jack Burgess, Niall O'Driscoll, and Stephen Lambert, according to Broadcast Now. Motion Entertainment's Martin Oxley and Chet Fenster are also back as partners.
New to the team is Peyton Manning's Omaha Productions. Jamie Horowitz and Colin Campbell will serve as executive producers, What's On Disney Plus reported. Disney EVP Rob Mills backed the direction, saying, "I think *Traitors* has shown that putting all-stars in a game like this is really just great TV."
Hulu Builds a Reality Empire to Challenge Netflix
The pickup fits a larger Disney strategy. What's On Disney Plus reported that Hulu has been aggressively expanding its reality slate, with hits like *The Kardashians*, *Vanderpump Villa*, and *The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives* already in its lineup. *The Circle* reboot is meant to be its competitive anchor — a proven IP with a built-in fan base.
One open question: international streaming. The show will air on Hulu in the US, but What's On Disney Plus noted that global distribution through Disney+ is not confirmed. All3Media International still holds the format rights, meaning local licensing deals in markets like the UK or Australia could complicate a worldwide rollout.
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