The ever-entertaining Netflix reality show ‘The Circle’ returned in early September with its third season of new-age garbage reality television, concluding in the final days of the month after 13 episodes of drama, laughs and awaiting the announcement of the winner in the finale episode.

Originally premiering back in January 2020, the show quickly captivated viewers, particularly during the original COVID-19 lockdown, and was renewed for multiple seasons following thereafter. The show was and still remains a breath of fresh air in the reality television space, using the advent of social media to create relationships both on-screen and off-screen as well. 

As seen with the previous two seasons, eight people (with more added as the show progresses) in separate rooms, portray either their true self or catfish as someone else with the goal of winning 100,000 dollars through lies, relationships and alliances. The one caveat? The only way to get to know others within the game is through chatting within a social media-like app, with one person getting ‘blocked’ by players about every episode.

Although the first two seasons were far from intellectually stimulating, I was excited to watch yet another season of what has certainly become a favorite guilty pleasure of mine, and I was far from disappointed right from the get-go.

While reality television is usually one of my targets of criticism, something I avoid like the literal plague, this show has always held a special place in my queue and has consistently been one I never lost interest in, with each episode lasting about 45 minutes to a little over an hour. 

The show also has a great deal of representation, with many of its participants, especially in the third season, being members of the LGBTQ+ community along with a high level of racial diversity among the players. The lack of LGBTQ+ representation in Netflix shows and movies, along with the cancelation of multiple shows with queer leads, has been a major point of controversy and criticism on Netflix, but perhaps ‘The Circle’ is the beginning of a step in the right direction for the streaming giant.

Another reason I have not yet bashed this show is that the players are people the average viewer can relate to: not millionaires, Instagram influencers and viral sensations, but real people. The types of people you could be friends and neighbors with. 

That’s the difference between this and a reality show like the upcoming ‘Hype House’ project or the recently released ‘D’Amelio Show,’ and while yes, it may be yet another low-quality shown, a trend it seems all streaming services have chosen to follow, ‘The Circle’ excels at connecting with ordinary viewers and entertaining its audience. All and all, I thoroughly enjoyed my journey through the third season and would give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars. I highly recommend it to those who are seeking an escape from the more intense dramas on Netflix, and would prefer a more lighthearted comedy show.