“Have fun putting a square in the circle”: The Circle host Michelle Buteau reacts to not returning as show moves from Netflix to Hulu

The future of The Circle has officially taken a new turn, and so has its longtime host Michelle Buteau. After leading the Netflix reality competition series for seven seasons, Buteau has confirmed she will not be returning as the show transitions to Hulu. Her reaction to the change quickly became a talking point after she delivered a candid, humorous response that reflected both pride in her tenure and acceptance of the show’s reboot direction.

The update comes as The Circle itself undergoes one of its biggest transformations since its debut, shifting platforms and format as it prepares for a redesigned competitive structure featuring celebrities alongside everyday contestants.

Michelle Buteau Reflects on Her Exit From The Circle

Michelle Buteau addressed her departure during her appearance on Bravo’s Watch What Happens Live on June 21. The moment captured her signature humor mixed with honest reflection about her journey.

“I’m glad that The Circle found a new home, because it’s a great show,”

Buteau said during the segment.

“I hosted the U.S. version, the longest-running version for seven seasons, and I put my foot in it, my back, my back fat, my right titty, I put all the stuff in it. But they’re not going to go through with me being the host and so I say, good luck, bless up, I hope you have fun putting a square in the circle.”

Her comment quickly resonated with fans for its blend of humor and finality, underscoring her deep association with the show’s identity. Buteau hosted the U.S. version from 2020 through 2024, becoming a central voice guiding viewers through the show’s social strategy twists and eliminations.

The shift to Hulu marks a new era for the franchise after its original run on Netflix. According to reporting from Deadline, the series was not renewed following its seventh season finale in late 2024, prompting a reimagined version now in development.

The upcoming version is expected to introduce a hybrid casting format, bringing together both civilian players and celebrities. This change alone marks a significant departure from the original structure, which focused exclusively on everyday contestants competing through a social media-style interface.

The new format will also incorporate real-time gameplay elements and audience voting for the first time in the U.S. adaptation. Producers have described the reboot as a “fast-turnaround social experiment,” designed to reflect modern digital communication culture more closely than previous seasons.

A Return to the Show’s Original Concept With a Modern Twist

While the U.S. version evolved significantly under Netflix, the Hulu adaptation is reportedly taking inspiration from the original U.K. series. That version emphasized identity play, isolation, and strategic deception through a messaging-only system where contestants could choose to present themselves as anyone they wanted.

The reboot retains this core mechanic, with players still isolated in individual apartments and communicating only through a dedicated app. However, the addition of celebrity contestants is expected to shift the dynamics, potentially increasing unpredictability and audience engagement.

Industry observers note that this blend of old and new formats could help the franchise reconnect with its roots while appealing to a broader streaming audience. The shift also reflects Hulu’s growing interest in high-concept reality programming designed for bingeable, event-style viewing.