What is ‘Pop the Balloon’? All about the viral dating series headed to Netflix
“Pop the Balloon” is headed to Netflix and adding a special twist to shake up the format.
In case you aren’t familiar, “Pop the Balloon or Find Love” became a viral hit in December 2023 when co-creator Arlette Amuli posted the first video of the dating series to her YouTube account. The episode introduced viewers to a single man looking for love and multiple contestants. If the contestants were attracted to the suitor and were intrigued by what he had to say, they would continue to get to know him. But, if they weren’t interested, they would instantly (and loudly) pop their red balloon and explain why it wasn’t a perfect match.
Since then, Amuli has uploaded 50 episodes of the digital series, featuring both men and women as leads. Each video has accumulated over 1 million views as fans can’t get enough of the uncomfortable interactions, and react to the contestants’ decisions in the comments.
Soon, more viewers will be introduced to the popular show. Netflix announced in March that a “reimagined version” of “Pop the Balloon” would debut on the streaming platform.
The streamer revealed that the speed-dating series will be live and include “even higher stakes, fresh twists and celebrity surprises.”
Netflix’s “Pop the Balloon Live” will arrive on April 10, along with a new host, “Insecure” star Yvonne Orji. Read on to learn more about the updated version of the series and how to tune in.
What is ‘Pop the Balloon Live’?
“Pop the Balloon Live,” similar to the original show, will introduce viewers to a new group of singles and mystery daters every week.
In addition to the live element, the Netflix version will also have more twists like celebrity contestants. Netflix has revealed that reality stars like “The Challenge” vet Johnny Bananas, “Too Hot to Handle” Season 2 cast member Chase DeMoor, “Teen Mom” alum Farrah Abraham and “The Ultimatum: Marry or Move on” Season 2 contestant Zaina Sesay will all make appearances on “Pop the Balloon Live.”
New executive producer Matt Sharp teased that the upcoming series will push “the boundaries of connection, chemistry and unpredictability.”
How to watch Netflix’s ‘Pop the Balloon Live’
The first episode of “Pop the Balloon Live” will be released on Thursday, April 10 on Netflix.
The show will stream live at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, and following episodes will stream every Thursday at the same time.
Who is hosting ‘Pop the Balloon Live’?
Netflix revealed that actor Yvonne Orji will host “Pop the Balloon Live.” The “Vacation Friends” star already has hosting experience from leading the 2022 Max dating series “My Mom, Your Dad.”
Speaking about taking over the hosting duties for “Pop the Balloon Live,” Oriji said in a statement, “After playing the ‘unlucky in love’ Molly Carter for five seasons on ‘Insecure,’ I know a thing or two about looking for love in a hopeless place.”
She added, “Hopefully the singles on ‘Pop The Balloon Live’ will have much more success. As host, I’m looking forward to striking that delicate balance of heart and humor for our daters and the Netflix audience at home.”
The YouTube version is (and will still be) hosted by Amuli, who serves as executive producer of the Netflix show along with co-creator and husband Bolia Matundu.
Amuli and Matundu addressed the show expanding to Netflix in a video shared on her YouTube channel April 1.
“Now I know a lot of you are wondering, ‘So what happens to our YouTube version?’ I can assure you that everything will stay the same,” Matundu said.
He shared that he will continue to produce the YouTube episodes while Amuli hosts.
Amuli chimed in and said, “Exactly, so y’all make sure you stay tuning in every Wednesday. OK, ‘Pop the Balloon’ Wednesday is still a thing.”
She said nothing is changing about the flagship internet series and they are simply having “another addition” to the franchise by partnering with Netflix.
Amuli described working with the streaming giant as a “huge deal” and a “huge blessing” and said she and her husband are looking forward to the collaboration.
“We just ask for you guys to support both of our ventures,” she continued. “We honestly can’t wait to see where this is going to go.”
Matundu also thanked their fans for supporting them over the years.
