Coffee Table News
Exclusive Interview: What’s Next for Best Friend Bill from ‘The Circle’
Netflix has swiped right on reality television.
In recent months, the streaming giant has deepened their connection with audiences with the addition of some addicting reality TV offerings including dating series Love Is Blind and The Circle.
For those unfamiliar with Netflix’s The Circle, the series is described as Big Brother meets Catfish, where contestants all move into the same apartment building but never meet face-to-face as they’re all confined to their own apartment.
Instead, they get to know each other exclusively through their profiles on the Circle social media app.
CraveYouTV had the chance to catch up with Bill Cranley, also known as “Best Friend Bill” from Chicago, Illinois, who entered the game during episode 6.
Not only did he gives us the scoop about his time on the series, but he also talked about his recent guest appearance on Chicago PD and disclosed what’s next for Best Friend Bill!
The Circle… that was one hell of an adventure, right?
Such a wild experience! The show did a great job at keeping all the contestants “in the dark” with how the entire process worked. Coming in, I had no idea what to expect or even how to work the Circle app!
How did that casting process work?
The casting process was very long, spanning over 6 months. They first held an in-person interview in Chicago just discussing who I was, what I did for a living, and what strategy I would use to become the winner of The Circle. About 5 Skype interviews later they flew us all out to LA for a final interview which consisted of a trial version of The Circle and chatting with other “contestants” via voice chat.
What do you wish went differently/ what would you do differently?
Honestly, I wish I was brought on to the show from the very beginning. Getting brought on so late I could tell that there was a slight disconnect from me to the other players, compared to what they had with each other. I didn’t get the opportunities to chat with the players that I wanted to and my time spent on the show went by so quickly. My strategy to be “authentic” didn’t play out because I didn’t get to truly build any type of relationship in that short of time.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B7PGusAhvxV/
What was your favorite part about being on the show?
I loved having my own apartment! They stocked my fridge with all of the groceries I asked for and was a nice break from the real life.
What did you learn about reality TV?
I learned that even if you’re building real relationships with others, when you’re on TV it’s all one big competition.
What do you want to say to your fans?
All of you have been awesome! For real so many people have reached out understanding my strategy and where I am coming from, and even though my time in the show was short-lived, all my fans have been so cool. I’ve already hung out with a few fans in Chicago!
At the same time, you were gaining exposure from The Circle, you appeared on Chicago PD. How was that gig?
Unreal! Chicago PD is very different from the circle and reality tv in general. Just as fun though.
How did you land the role?
I act in Chicago and go to auditions! I was asked by my agency to audition, and it turns out I’m really good at getting shot to death 😀
https://www.instagram.com/p/B7t9VYiBQmB/
What’s it like being an actor in Chicago? What are the steps to getting a speaking role on a TV show like Chicago PD?
Being an actor in Chicago is so much fun with little pressure to fight against other actors for a spot. All of my actor and model friends are always so supportive of each other, talking about different ways to get booked or ways to become a better actor. From what I hear it’s not as cutthroat as LA, and always happy to help out a fellow actor.
The steps to land a speaking role is all about the hustle! It’s going to 10 auditions in a week not landing a gig, and then having the strength to do it all over again the next week! You get used to hearing “no,” and that’s not a bad thing. I see it as motivation to keep going and getting better at what you do.
What’s next for Best Friend Bill?
Good question! I’m still pursuing acting and modeling in Chicago and hope to land more roles over this next year. I definitely want to travel more this year as well and start up a fun project of documenting the most interesting people, places, and things; hopefully checking off a few things on my bucket list!
If you’re reading this and you have a unique/interesting hobby or lifestyle, hit me up; would love to experience it with you!
You can find Bill on Instagram @BillCranley!
La Brea fans, you have something to celebrate.
NBC has given an early season 3 renewal to the prehistoric sci-fi series. The network gave the green light right just before season 2 kicked off on Jan. 31, returning from hiatus with two back-to-back episodes. (Read our review!)
Per TVLine, La Brea will get six episodes in the third season with the possibility of scoring more down the line. And if no additional episodes are green-lit, six feels like a solid number that would be enough to provide a solid conclusion for dedicated fans.
The series averaged about 5.4 total weekly viewers, including DVR audiences, in its first season run, however, its midseason return fared rather poorly with 2.1 million and 2 million for both episodes, respectively. All of that could change once playback numbers are factored in proving that the drama was worth saving after all.
The series, which premiered in September 2021—and fills the sci-fi gap left behind by shows like Timeless and Debris—follows a group of people who fall through a mysterious sinkhole in Los Angeles and find themselves transported to 10,000 B.C.
Big Sky ended on a high note on Wed, Jan. 18, wrapping up a whirlwind season filled with murder, mystery, and deception.
And naturally, fans are already craving more, especially as each season of the series delves into a new storyline centered in Helena, Montana, and involving Dewell & Hoyt’s Cassie Dewell and Jenny Hoyt.
As of now, ABC has not renewed Big Sky for a fourth season, and it may be months before we get any insight into the matter.
In terms of ratings, the series kept steady with 2.4 million viewers and a 0.2 demo, which means ABC could go either way with their decision.
The fact that they brought in the big guns like Reba McEntire and Jensen Ackles for this season likely means the network believes in the series—and it’s hard to argue with the dedicated fanbase that has stuck around through every twisted and over-the-top plot.
The third season wrapped up many lingering storylines, giving fans closure to the mystery plaguing the season, however, there’s always more to explore when it comes to the dynamics between the core characters. And something tells me, there’s no shortage of criminal activity in Helena.
While Cassie and Cormac finally made things official, fans were likely hoping to see a bit more romance for Jenny and Ackles’ Beau. The show has been toying with their chemistry, sparking a “will they or won’t they” debate, but when it finally came down to solidifying their relationship, they left it open-ended. While it may have been frustrating to fans, it’s likely the show’s hope that it’s enough to convince ABC to green light another season to allow them to explore these relationships further.
When TV Insider asked Ackles if he’d return for a fourth season, he explained, “I don’t know. They haven’t even picked up the show yet for Season 4, so I don’t know if anybody’s coming back for Season 4 yet. That’s above my pay grade.”
However, he added, “But if they do decide to pick up a Season 4 — which I would hope they would, I think the show’s really great, and I think it’s got a lot of story left to tell — I don’t know. They had me for one season. They were probably like, well, let’s just bring him in for one, and we’ll see how it goes, and then we’ll go from there. So they’re waiting to hear what happened with the show, and then they’ll probably talk to [showrunner] Elwood [Reid] and try to figure out what to do with the characters, those that are returning and those that they want to return.”
Seems promising!
Once ABC gives the word—we’ll update this post accordingly. In the meantime, don’t be shy, read our review of the Big Sky Season 3 finale right here.
Shocking news Firehouse 51—Taylor Kinney is exiting Chicago Fire.
Deadline reported the news on Friday, Jan. 20, revealing that the actor, who anchors the show as Kelly Severide, will be taking a break from the series.
Kinney has been a staple on the Dick Wolf drama since its inception in 2012 and is a huge reason why the series has retained such a dedicated viewership.
While an official reason was not provided, and a rep for the show did not offer a comment, sources close to production told the outlet that Kinney is taking a “leave of absence” to deal with a personal matter. No word on what the situation is.
The cast and crew were reportedly informed of the leave right before the news broke, with the writer’s room likely having to rewrite scripts to accommodate the change.
It’s unclear whether this will be a permanent leave, nor is there any info about how he will be written out for now.
Kinney has not addressed the news himself as of writing.
This is the latest shocking exit in the #OneChicago world as Jesse Lee Soffer, who plays Jay Halstead on Chicago PD, exited earlier this season, while Brian Tee hung up his coat earlier this season on Chicago Med after portraying Ethan Choi since 2015.
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