Netflix is giving one of the internet’s favorite dating shows a streamer upgrade.
Pop the Balloon, the viral series created by husband-wife duo Bolia Matundu (BM) and Arlette Amuli, is officially headed to Netflix—live. Starting April 10, the reimagined version will stream every Thursday at 8 PM ET, with Insecure star Yvonne Orji stepping in as host.
The premise is the same: singles pair up, test their chemistry, and try to keep a balloon between them from popping. But now, with a live format, the stakes are higher, the drama is real-time, and the eliminations are happening on the spot.
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The show, which originally had YouTube in a chokehold—first took off on YouTube with over 100 million views, has become a go-to for entertaining, unpredictable takes on modern dating. With this new chapter, Netflix is doubling down—bringing in familiar reality TV faces like Johnny Bananas, Chase DeMoor, Farrah Abraham, and Zaina Sesay for a mix of everyday and not-so-everyday singles navigating the journey to love.
Quote from the show’s creators Bolia Matundu (BM) and Arlette Amuli who are also executive producers of the now-Netflix series.
“We’re thrilled to see Pop the Balloon take on a new life on Netflix. 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. Yvonne is engaging, witty and authentic—and we are looking forward to her serving as the host for the reimagined version at Netflix!”
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Orji added, “After playing Molly Carter, I know a little something about love not going as planned. I’m excited to help guide these singles—and the audience—through a dating experience that’s just as fun as it is unpredictable.”
Produced by Sharp Entertainment, the team behind 90 Day Fiancé, Pop the Balloon LIVE joins Netflix’s growing list of live and social-driven shows. But this one is standing in its own lane, bringing fresh energy, a new host, and a show that’s already been embraced by the culture.
Thursdays just got interesting.