It’s official! Pop the Balloon culture is headed to Netflix.
Since debuting on YouTube in late 2023, the unique speed dating series has become a cultural phenomenon, even making its way to Saturday Night Live with Dave Chappelle and Glorilla. It was also featured in a recent episode of The Neighborhood.
Now, after racking up millions of views, the series is making the jump to Netflix. The streaming giant announced the news Thursday (March 27), revealing how their reimagined version, Pop the Balloon Live, will differ from the original.
“We couldn’t be more excited to expand and reimagine Pop the Balloon on Netflix,” executive producer Matt Sharp said in a press release. “This new iteration builds on the original’s core concept while pushing the boundaries of connection, chemistry, and unpredictability.”
Created by Bolia Matundu and Arlette Amuli, the original version featured a single contestant searching for love among a group of suitors holding red balloons. Instead of traditional eliminations like The Bachelor, suitors who lost interest simply popped their balloons to signal rejection.
Netflix promises even higher stakes, fresh twists, and surprise celebrity cameos, all unfolding in real time.
What’s more, Insecure star Yvonne Orji will host, with a lineup of reality stars and TV personalities, including Johnny “Bananas” Devenanzio (The Challenge), Chase DeMoor (Too Hot to Handle), Farrah Abraham (Teen Mom), and Zaina Sesay (The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On).
Matundu and Amuli are also on board as executive producers.
“We’re thrilled to see Pop the Balloon take on a new life on Netflix,” they said in a joint statement. “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.”
Pop the Balloon Live premieres April 10 at 8 p.m. ET on Netflix, with new episodes dropping every Thursday.
