โPop the Balloonโ is headed to Netflix and adding a special twist to shake up the format.ย
In case you arenโt familiar, โPop the Balloon or Find Loveโ 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 werenโt interested, they would instantly (and loudly) pop their red balloon and explain why it wasnโt a perfect match.ย
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 canโt get enough of the uncomfortable interactions, and react to the contestantsโ decisions in the comments.ย ย
Soon, more viewers will be introduced to the popular show. Netflix announced in March that a โreimagined versionโ of โPop the Balloonโ would debut on the streaming platform.ย
The streamer revealed that the speed-dating series will be live and include โeven higher stakes, fresh twists and celebrity surprises.โ
Netflixโs โPop the Balloon Liveโ will arrive on April 10, along with a new host, โInsecureโ star Yvonne Orji. Read on to learn more about the updated version of the series and how to tune in.
What is โPop the Balloon Liveโ?
โPop the Balloon Live,โ similar to the original show, will introduce viewers to a new group of singles and mystery daters every week.ย
In addition to the live element, the Netflix version will also have more twists like celebrity contestants. Netflix has revealed that reality stars like โThe Challengeโ vet Johnny Bananas, โToo Hot to Handleโ Season 2 cast member Chase DeMoor, โTeen Momโ alum Farrah Abraham and โThe Ultimatum: Marry or Move onโ Season 2 contestant Zaina Sesay will all make appearances on โPop the Balloon Live.โย
New executive producer Matt Sharp teased that the upcoming series will push โthe boundaries of connection, chemistry and unpredictability.โย
How to watch Netflixโs โPop the Balloon Liveโ
The first episode of โPop the Balloon Liveโ 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.ย
Who is hosting โPop the Balloon Liveโ?
Netflix revealed that actor Yvonne Orji will host โPop the Balloon Live.โ The โVacation Friendsโ star already has hosting experience from leading the 2022 Max dating series โMy Mom, Your Dad.โย
Speaking about taking over the hosting duties for โPop the Balloon Live,โ Oriji said in a statement, โAfter playing the โunlucky in loveโ Molly Carter for five seasons on โInsecure,โ I know a thing or two about looking for love in a hopeless place.โ
She added, โHopefully the singles on โPop The Balloon Liveโ will have much more success. As host, Iโm looking forward to striking that delicate balance of heart and humor for our daters and the Netflix audience at home.โ
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.ย
โNow I know a lot of you are wondering, โSo what happens to our YouTube version?โ I can assure you that everything will stay the same,โ Matundu said.ย
He shared that he will continue to produce the YouTube episodes while Amuli hosts.ย
Amuli chimed in and said, โExactly, so yโall make sure you stay tuning in every Wednesday. OK, โPop the Balloonโ Wednesday is still a thing.โ
She said nothing is changing about the flagship internet series and they are simply having โanother additionโ to the franchise by partnering with Netflix.ย
Amuli described working with the streaming giant as a โhuge dealโ and a โhuge blessingโ and said she and her husband are looking forward to the collaboration.ย
โWe just ask for you guys to support both of our ventures,โ she continued. โWe honestly canโt wait to see where this is going to go.โย
Matundu also thanked their fans for supporting them over the years.ย
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