Popular ‘Pop The Balloon’ Youtube Series Gets Live Order From Netflix; Yvonne Orji To Host
Beginning April 10, Netflix will stream a reimagined version of the beloved internet series Pop the Balloon. Pop the Balloon LIVE is the same show fans know and love, but with even higher stakes, fresh twists, and celebrity surprises, all unfolding in real time.
For those who are just now … popping in, Pop the Balloon is a speed dating–style online show created by Bolia Matundu (BM) and Arlette Amuli, who also serve as executive producers of the new Netflix iteration of the YouTube series. In the show, participants line up, and others “pop the balloon” of those they’re not interested in, essentially eliminating them from the dating pool. As connections form and tensions rise, one thing is certain: When your balloon pops, so, alas, does your shot at love on the show. The live version will bring eliminations, unpredictable dilemmas, and unfiltered romance straight to viewers.
Plus, alongside everyday contestants, some of your favorite reality stars and personalities — including Johnny Bananas (The Challenge), Chase DeMoor (Too Hot To Handle), Farrah Abraham (Teen Mom), and Zaina Sesay (The Ultimatum: Marry or Move on) — will join the show, stepping into a whole new dating experience — raw, real and unlike anything they’ve faced before.
“We couldn’t be more excited to expand and reimagine Pop the Balloon on Netflix,” executive producer Matt Sharp says. “This new iteration builds on the original’s core concept while pushing the boundaries of connection, chemistry, and unpredictability.”
Pop the Balloon LIVE is also executive produced by Dan Adler and Bonnie Biggs for Sharp Entertainment, as well as Ellen Rocamora.
“We’re thrilled to see Pop the Balloon take on a new life on Netflix,” Matundu and Amuli tell Tudum. “From day one, we’ve kept love and fun at the heart of the show, and watching it evolve and soar beyond our wildest dreams has been truly exciting. As executive producers, we’re proud to support this next chapter and can’t wait for both new and longtime fans to experience it.”
The new series will be hosted by Emmy-nominated Nigerian American comedian, actor, and author Yvonne Orji (Insecure). Matundu and Amuli describe Orji as “engaging, witty and authentic,” and Orji says her role in Insecure ultimately prepared her for this new project.
“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,” Orji says “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 Netflix version of the series will stream live every Thursday at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT beginning April 10.
