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Viral YouTube Dating Show ‘Pop the Balloon’ Heads to Netflix

Hosted by Yvonne Orji, the reimagined series promises messy matchmaking, big personalities, and the same ruthless balloon-popping energy fans love.

One of the internet’s most chaotic dating shows is getting the live-stream glow-up. 

“Pop the Balloon,” the wildly viral YouTube series in which love is just one balloon pop away from rejection, is headed to Netflix as a weekly live event starting April 10. “Insecure” star Yvonne Orji will step in as host.

Initially created by married duo Arlette Amuli and Bolia Matundu, “Pop the Balloon” made its mark as a made-for-digital speed dating showdown with a twist: contestants line up, and if someone isn’t feeling the vibe, they pop a balloon to send them packing—on the spot. Since debuting online, it’s racked up over 50 million views and a waitlist of hopeful romantics looking to test their luck in love.

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Netflix is now giving the concept the live treatment with “Pop the Balloon LIVE,” promising “higher stakes, fresh twists, and celebrity surprises” every Thursday at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT. 

“We couldn’t be more excited to expand and reimagine Pop the Balloon on Netflix,” said executive producer Matt Sharp. “This new iteration builds on the original’s core concept while pushing the boundaries of connection, chemistry, and unpredictability.”

“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 said in a statement. “Hopefully the singles on ‘Pop The Balloon LIVE’ will have much more success.”

Arlette and Bolia will serve as executive producers for “Pop the Balloon LIVE,” premiering on April 10. 


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