We are barely a month into 2020 and Netflix has already delivered our next reality TV obsession. Obviously, we are talking about The Circle. This new hit show is actually based on a UK version, but Netflix's revamp has already got everyone completely hooked. It's a game based on contestant's ability to run a social media account. Players get to create a profile and while some use their own perfectly filtered photos, others decided to go the catfish route. It is a totally unique concept and for those who haven't checked it out yet, what's the hold up?

In today's article, we will be looking at 15 surprising facts about Netflix's The Circle. Since we only have 1 season so far, fans have naturally got quite a few questions about the game and how it's filmed. Well, we've got the answers! Spoilers ahead, so beware!

Circle, take us to the article!

15 Contestants Spent 15 Days Filming In Their Apartments

In an interview with OprahMag, The Circle's creator was asked just how long the contestants were tucked away in their apartments for. Fans who have watched the show will remember that players were inside of their units throughout the entire show, only leaving to use the gym and hot tub areas. Creator Tim Harcourt said, the in-apartment filming took 15 days. Talk about cabin fever!

14 Producers Had No Say Over The Catfish Photos That Were Used

With the exception of one catfisher (who used his girlfriends photos to play the game), the personas used by those catfishing seemed completely random. Many wondered if they had been chosen by producers. In a Q&A with Decider, creators Tim Harcourt denied this by saying "No. We are very strict that we want the contestants to own their own strategies, so we don’t steer players to any identities"

13 Netflix's American Version Was Also Shot In The UK, In The Very Same Building

We're guessing Tim Harcourt and others who helped to create this awesome series really liked the units they had seen used in the original UK version. As it turns out, Netflix's American version was actually shot in the exact same building as the original, located in Salford, Manchester. Funnily enough, the building itself is an apartment complex, which houses actual people, not just reality stars.

12 The Real Life "Mercedez" Reached Out To Karyn After The Show

We've got to imagine that it was pretty crazy for the people whose photos were used by the catfishing players to watch the show from home. Contestant Karyn played her entire game as "Mercedez" and used photos of a girl she had never met. As she recently revealed, the real-life "Mercedez" actually slid into her DMs after the show aired! Karyn naturally thanked her and even sent her a package of The Circle goodies.

11 Contestants Weren't Allowed Wifi Or Any Other Connections To The Outside World

This one isn't all that uncommon for reality shows. However, we're guessing this rule was a bit harder to adjust to for these contestants, simply because they had to film in solitude for 15 days whereas in other shows, contestants have constant interactions with fellow players. In The Circle, we saw contestants keeping busy with things like bracelet making, cross-words and literally anything else they could get their hands on.

10 A Tech Company Was Actually Hired To Create "The Circle"

One of the biggest questions fans have had since the finale of season 1 aired on Netflix, was whether or not "The Circle" was actually a real program or if showrunners were simply typing up the messages players wanted to send. Turns out, the thing was completely real! Tim Harcourt confirmed that a company was hired back in the early stages of production to build the platform.

9 The Cast Still Keeps In Touch And Even Has A Group Chat Going!

It seems like the cast of The Circle still hasn't had enough of each other just yet! Several contestants have actually confirmed that everyone still keeps in touch and there is even an active group chat still going on (hopefully, Joey has brushed up on emoji meanings). Unfortunately, most of the contestants are spread out across the country, but such is the beauty of social media, right?

8 Each Player Was Assigned Their Own Producer For A Little Human Interaction

15 days without any face to face interactions would naturally get a bit lonesome, so showrunners assigned each contestant their very own producer. Tim Harcourt explained in an interview that the producers were there "to explain the rules and also so the contestants had someone to talk to in-person. It’s a game where you can’t see your opponents, not a test of solitary confinement!".

7 There's A Finale Party Being Planned That Includes The Catfish Personas

Karyn AKA Mercedez, told OprahMag that she's been in contact with more than just her own catfish persona and has actually invited all of them to attend a cast party she is throwing (who's crashing with us?!). Karyn also went on to say "It's a family of perfect strangers, and it's something we'll all be able to share,".

6 Joey And Shooby's Bromance Is The Real Deal

One of the very best parts about the first season of The Circle, was watching the bromance of Joey and Shubham blossom. Many have been curious as to whether or not their connection was as strong in real-life as it was on the show. Contestant Joey Sasso confirmed just how real the bromance is when he posted this screenshot of an hour-long chat he and his boy Shooby recently had.

5 Contestants Always Had Access To An On-Set Therapist

In an interview, contestant Shubham Goel revealed that there was an on-set therapist made available to the players anytime they needed one. When asked how frequently the contestants actually wanted to see one, Tim Harcourt said, "[They were called upon] whenever anyone felt stressed or just wanted someone to talk to who was outside the game.". This seems like a great idea that should probably be used in most reality shows...

4 The Apartments Are All Completely Soundproof

Considering how many times we heard the contestants screaming throughout the game, the question over whether or not their units were soundproof  became pretty relevant. Afterall, hearing a masculin scream coming out of "Rebecca's" room would have completely ruined Seaburn's game. Well, we have learned that the units were in fact completely soundproof and there was even a spare apartment in between each of the contestants flats.

3 Joey Sasso Is Actually In The Acting Biz IRL

Contestant Joey Sasso went from everyone's least favorite contestant in the first episode, to everyone's favorite by the finale. His run of the show was pretty impressive and he really did managed to sell himself as a cool guy. While on the show he claimed to be a bartender, in real-life the guy's actually an actor! However, he did say he was completely authentic while playing The Circle and that nothing was an act.

2 Contestants Got To Put In Daily Grocery Orders

During the 12 episodes, we actually saw the contestants cooking quite a bit (what else did they really have to do?). However, each player seemed to be whipping up different dishes, so many wondered how the whole food situation worked since contestants weren't allowed to leave their apartments. Tim Harcourt revealed that, "Contestants put in grocery orders every day or so.".

1 Joey And Miranda Still Have Some Sparks Between Them

While neither Joey nor Miranda has exactly confirmed an ongoing relationship, we do know for a fact that the two are still in contact and still share a special bond. When asked in an interview about the state of his and Miranda's post-show relationship, Joey played it classy and said, "Miranda, she's someone I just absolutely love and adore and have the most amazing relationship with. We both feel blessed for the experience.".