The Circle: If Big Brother was an episode of Catfish, made by the Black Mirror creators

Big Brother, the sensation that spanned almost two decades from the turn of the millennium, was the British version of the Dutch reality television franchise of the same name. If you're an adult Briton, the chances are that you've known and loved the show in all of its intrusive glory. Alas, all good things have to sadly come to an end.

Fear not, because as one thing ends, another thing begins. Enter The Circle.

When trying to envision The Circle, think MTV's Catfish meets Channel 4's Big Brother, with a reminiscent hint of Netflix's Black Mirror. Contestants are loaded into a block of flats - in Sunny Salford, of all places - and each given their own flat to reside in for the process of the show. Yet, there's a twist.

The contestants never meet face-to-face until the end of their time in The Circle. They are able to communicate with each other using an application designed for the show that mimics a social media platform. They have the ability to update their statuses, change their profile picture, chat to each other in a messaging forum, but they never meet each other in person or via video chat, meaning - you guessed it - they can be, or portray themselves as, anyone they want.

This catfishing twist is a brilliant social experiment that allows people the opportunity to explore the "what if's" about their personality and lives. It allows people to live out their wildest fantasy of themselves or the ability to see if being yourself can really get you the whole way. It's a game of catfishing vs. truth, of popularity and social media, but mostly it's a game of how well you can play the game.

And, did I mention that it's all voice-activated? "Circle, send message."

Despite beginning in 2018, a while before the COVID-19 pandemic, The Circle is essentially the perfect show for a time where human contact needs to be limited.

Throughout the show, the players are able to "rate" each other from most to least favourite players. Based on their average scores, the players at the bottom of the list are sometimes kicked off of the show automatically - or "blocked", in true social media terminology - but, more often than not, the players that rank in the top two positions become "influencers" and have the sole responsibility of choosing which player will be "blocked".

Blocked players are instantly eliminated from the game but are given an opportunity to head to one of the other player's flats and meet them in person. Cue shock, joyous screams and a lot of hugs.

Once they've met the person of their choosing, the blocked player then records a video message which is shared with the remaining players to reveal whether or not they were indeed themselves or a catfish.

If you're not already convinced that The Circle is the binge-worthy show that you've been looking for, did I mention that the second season of the UK show sees Richard & Judy's Richard Madely playing a 27-year-old woman named Judy?

There are currently two seasons of the UK version of the show, with a third season and a celebrity Stand-Up-2-Cancer special planned for 2021. Not only that, but Netflix has just released the first season of the US version of the show - which is equally as binge-worthy and quite rewarding to see contestants used to warmer climates sunbathe on a rooftop in Salford.

The Circle is infuriating, heartwarming and hilarious all at once, and it's certain to scratch your Big Brother itch. If you're after a social experiment to binge, or a show that brings Big Brother into the 2020s, The Circle is the show for you.

"Circle, publish the article."