Why “The Circle” Moved to Atlanta: What Local Viewers Should Know

If you’re in Atlanta and a fan of the Netflix reality show “The Circle,” you may have noticed a lot more talk about the series being connected with Atlanta, Georgia in recent years. Many viewers ask: “Why did The Circle move to Atlanta?”

The short answer: while the show still films its core competition in the same apartment-style setting overseas, a growing share of production work, casting activity, and industry support for shows like The Circle now runs through Atlanta’s booming film and TV ecosystem. That’s what people are usually referring to when they say “The Circle moved to Atlanta.”

Below is a clear breakdown of what that means, and what’s relevant if you live in Atlanta, are visiting, or want to understand how the show ties into the local scene.

Understanding What “Moved to Atlanta” Really Means

When people say “The Circle moved to Atlanta,” they’re often talking about one or more of these behind‑the‑scenes shifts:

  • Production offices or support teams setting up in the Atlanta area
  • Casting and pre-production being handled through Atlanta’s talent and crew networks
  • Post-production or coordination being done out of Atlanta-based companies
  • The show becoming more connected to the Atlanta film ecosystem (studios, workers, services), even if the actual apartments you see on screen are elsewhere

For a viewer in Atlanta, this matters because it:

  • Creates local job opportunities for crew, editors, assistants, and vendors
  • Opens the door for local residents to apply and get noticed by casting teams
  • Ties a global show to Atlanta’s status as a major filming hub, alongside other big-name productions

Why Atlanta Is So Attractive to a Show Like “The Circle”

Atlanta didn’t suddenly become important to The Circle by accident. The city offers a mix of financial, logistical, and creative advantages that reality and unscripted shows find especially appealing.

1. Atlanta’s Film & TV Industry Is Now a National Powerhouse

Atlanta is one of the busiest filming locations in the U.S. For shows like The Circle, that means:

  • A deep pool of experienced crew: camera operators, sound techs, production assistants, casting coordinators, and editors who already understand reality TV formats
  • Established studio infrastructure: major facilities around the metro area that can support everything from offices and control rooms to green-screen interviews and promotional shoots
  • Access to local talent: people in and around Atlanta who are already used to auditions, self‑tapes, and on-camera work

Common production areas in and around Atlanta include:

  • Midtown and Downtown Atlanta – popular for office space and quick access to hotels, transit, and services
  • Fayetteville, Union City, and Trilith area – known for large studio complexes and sound stages
  • Norcross, Stone Mountain, and Gwinnett County – frequently used for support facilities, storage, and secondary offices

When a show like The Circle plugs into this ecosystem, it becomes easier to staff up quickly, solve production problems, and keep costs stable.

2. Cost and Convenience Compared to Other Media Hubs

Compared with places like New York or Los Angeles, Atlanta can be more cost‑effective for some parts of TV production:

  • Office and studio space often comes at a lower price per square foot
  • Hotel and housing options for cast and crew are relatively more affordable across much of the metro
  • Local vendors (catering, transportation, security, equipment rental) are widely available and already used to production schedules

For a series that records hours of footage, coordinates multiple contestants, and uses heavy editing like The Circle, keeping support operations affordable is a major plus.

3. Easy Travel and Connections for Cast & Crew

Atlanta’s role as a transportation hub also plays a big part:

  • Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320) is one of the busiest airports in the world, with direct flights from many U.S. cities and international locations
  • This makes it practical for:
    • Contestants traveling in for screenings, interviews, or promotional shoots
    • Directors, producers, and executives flying in and out
    • Coordinating international aspects of a global show like The Circle

When a production wants to balance international filming with U.S.-based operations, Atlanta offers easy logistics.

How The Circle Connects with Atlanta’s Reality TV Scene

Atlanta isn’t just about scripted movies and series; the city has a strong reality and unscripted television culture. That makes it a natural home base for parts of a show like The Circle.

Local Talent & Casting Pipelines

Casting teams that work on shows like The Circle often tap into Atlanta’s large, diverse population:

  • Young professionals and creatives in neighborhoods like Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, West Midtown, and Inman Park
  • Students from Georgia State University, Georgia Tech, and other local colleges
  • Social media influencers and content creators across the metro area

While casting for The Circle is typically done online and through national calls, it’s common for Atlanta residents to see local notices, social media posts, or talent calls run through Atlanta-based casting coordinators.

👉 If you’re in Atlanta and want to be on shows like The Circle:

  • Keep an eye on reputable casting agencies that have offices or strong presences in Atlanta
  • Follow official casting announcements from the show or network, especially when they highlight Southeast or Atlanta-area candidates
  • Be cautious and verify that any casting call is legitimate, especially if it asks for fees or sensitive personal information

Production Support, Editing, and Coordination

Even if cameras aren’t rolling in downtown Atlanta, a show like The Circle may use Atlanta-based professionals for:

  • Offline and online editing
  • Graphics and motion design
  • Story producing and post-production coordination
  • Publicity, marketing material, and press support centered around U.S. audiences

This back-end work isn’t always visible on screen, but much of it can be handled remotely or from production offices in the Atlanta area.

What This Means for Atlanta Residents and Visitors

If you’re in Atlanta and curious about the show’s connection to the city, here’s how it might affect you personally.

1. Opportunities for Local Creatives and Crew

Atlanta residents involved in film, TV, or content production may find:

  • More job postings and freelance gigs related to unscripted TV and social-media‑driven shows
  • A higher chance that your existing Atlanta-based employer or studio works on or around projects comparable to The Circle
  • Opportunities to network at Atlanta production hubs, industry meetups, and local film events where staffers from these shows may appear

Common places where local professionals connect include:

  • Georgia Film Office (75 5th St NW, Suite 1200, Atlanta, GA 30308 – commonly associated with state support for film and TV)
  • Industry meetups and organizations that operate in areas like Midtown, Buckhead, and Peachtree Center

2. Visibility for Atlanta on the Reality-TV Map

Even if The Circle’s signature apartment building isn’t in Atlanta, the city’s involvement:

  • Reinforces Atlanta’s image as a media and pop-culture hub, not just a filming backdrop
  • Increases the odds that future contestants or guest appearances come from Atlanta or the wider Georgia area
  • Makes it more common to see Atlanta-based personalities, influencers, or podcasters discussing or cross-promoting the show

3. Fans in Atlanta: How to Stay Connected

If you’re a fan living in or visiting Atlanta, you can:

  • Watch for local watch parties or themed events hosted at Atlanta bars, lounges, or event spaces—especially in social neighborhoods like Midtown, East Atlanta Village, or the BeltLine area
  • Follow local media outlets and entertainment reporters who cover Atlanta’s role in major TV productions
  • Keep your eye out for media pop-ups, promotional events, or casting-related activities that sometimes align with popular shows being marketed in the city

Quick Summary: Why The Circle Ties In with Atlanta

Here’s a simple overview of the key reasons people say The Circle “moved” to Atlanta and what that actually refers to:

ReasonWhat It Means in AtlantaWhy It Matters to You
Major film/TV hubProduction offices, crew, and vendors frequently based in metro AtlantaMore local jobs and industry opportunities
Cost-effective operationsAffordable office space, services, and hotels vs. some other media citiesEasier for shows to run support work from here
Transportation hubHartsfield–Jackson connects cast/crew worldwideSmooth logistics for national and international productions
Reality TV cultureEstablished base of talent, casting, and unscripted professionalsMore chances for Atlantans to audition and work on shows
Growing media reputationAtlanta branded as a go-to city for hit showsLocal pride and more pop-culture visibility for the city

So, Did The Circle Literally Move Its Filming to Atlanta?

The on-screen apartments and core filming environment for The Circle are still set up in a location specifically built for the show’s unique format, not in Atlanta high-rises.

What has shifted toward Atlanta are:

  • Back‑end and support elements of production
  • Use of Atlanta’s crew, talent, and infrastructure
  • A stronger link between the show and the Atlanta entertainment industry

For someone living in or visiting Atlanta, the practical takeaway is this: Atlanta is a key behind-the-scenes player in how shows like The Circle are made and supported, even if you don’t see recognizable Atlanta landmarks on screen.