I don’t know how your TikTok FYP looks, but clips of the dating series Pop the Balloon or Find Love are constantly in rotation on mine. Now, the viral hit show from host Arlette Amuli and husband Bolia Matundu is getting the Netflix treatment, the streaming service announced Thursday.
Co-created by the couple, Pop the Balloon found an audience on YouTube and TikTok, and even made it to Saturday Night Live as a parody sketch. Netflix’s version is titled Pop the Balloon Live and will begin broadcasting live each Thursday at 8 p.m. ET beginning April 10.
Hosted by Yvonne Orji, the series’ format will be similar to the original, having single contestants line up with their red balloons while trying to make a romantic connection with the main guest. Pop the balloon to signal rejection, or keep it intact to signal genuine interest.
What will be different? The Netflix series will bring “even higher stakes, fresh twists and celebrity surprises.” Some personalities who viewers will see include Johnny Bananas, Chase DeMoor and Farrah Abraham. Though Amuli won’t be hosting this iteration, she and Matundu are behind the scenes as executive producers.
“We’re thrilled to see Pop the Balloon take on a new life on Netflix,” said Amuli and Matundu. “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!”
Tune in weekly for Pop the Balloon next month, and if you’re not familiar with the dating show, check it out on TikTok or YouTube.
