On December 28, Netflix came out swinging with The Circle season 5, and while the show presented plenty of heroes to root for, it also showcased some very grating personalities. The show has retained the same format; contestants compete behind screens, with some attempting to catfish their way to the top. This season does, however, contain a new twist, as everyone has to be single, or pretend to be in order to participate.
That twist has mostly left the pool of contestants unaffected. There are still contestants to love and others to despise. Such has always been the case with the series, and a push for contestants to date will likely not change that. So, with The Circle season 5’s new twist in play, that only leaves the question of who is worth detesting this time around.
The Circle’s Token Unlikable Model: Xanthi Perdikomatis
Xanthi Perdikomatis was the first contestant to appear on camera this season, which is a rather large responsibility. The first contestant has to make a good impression for themselves and set the mood for the season. New viewers may decide whether or not to watch completely based on Xanthi. Unfortunately, she did not live up to the task. She came off as loud, annoying, and abrasive. She also seemed to live up to the stereotype that models on the show's previous seasons have established, being booted from the show first and not coming off as very endearing. Even The Circle’s host, Michelle Buteau, commented on how Xanthi couldn’t do anything quietly.
The Circle Casts More Annoying Players
As shown on The Circle's Instagram, there are other contestants from season 5 who have ruffled some feathers, but none quite as much as Xanthi. Sam Carmona, for example, came off a bit hypocritical when she rated Brett Robinson as her least favorite, but then became outraged when he’d done the same to her. Sam also came off as a bit loud and obnoxious, talking about nothing but her breasts for a good portion of her screen time.
Billie-Jean Blackett, playing as her ex-boyfriend, Bruno, came off as similarly vain when the rankings didn’t go her way. She was also shocked to not be an influencer, and fans felt she lacked self-awareness. Meanwhile, Brett has bad blood with Big Brother fans, making him less popular as well. When Xanthi and Brett were eliminated and returned to catfish together, fans started enjoying them more, as many felt that they balanced each other well.
Fan opinion did soften for many of these contestants with time. Of course, aggravating cast members and larger-than-life personalities are a big part of any reality TV show. Anyone in the media knows that controversy sells. While The Circle may generate buzz and friction for its less likable characters, fans may one day get fed up with these contestants and stop watching the show altogether. Though it’s all a bit of a strategic gamble, as long as fans keep watching The Circle, the unlikable personalities are here to stay.
Source: Xanthi Perdikomatis/Instagram, The Circle/Instagram