Yvonne Oriji speaks onstage during the 2024 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards Ceremony at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on March 7, 2024, in Los Angeles.
Originally appeared on E! Online
Love doesn’t have to deflate over time.
In fact, Netflix wants viewers to keep their hopes alive. So, they’re reimagining the viral YouTube dating series "Pop the Balloon or Find Love" as a new TV show.
According to the streaming service’s March 27 press release, their version of the show — fittingly called "Pop the Balloon LIVE" — will air every Thursday at 8 p.m. ET beginning April 10. Similar to the original dating experiment, every episode will feature singles testing “their chemistry while trying to keep their balloon intact, bringing real-time eliminations, unpredictable dilemmas, and unfiltered romance straight to viewers as it happens.”
However, there’s a new twist involved. This time, the contestants will include a mix of other reality stars, such as Farrah Abraham of "Teen Mom," Johnny Bananas of "The Challenge," Chase DeMoor of "Too Hot to Handle" and Zaina Sesay of "The Ultimatum."
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This adaptation comes nearly two years after the debut of "Pop The Balloon" on YouTube in 2023. The viral sensation, which was originally created by married couple Arlette Amuli and Bolia “BM” Matundu, has a "Bachelor"-coded format — but instead of gifting their potential suitors a rose, a contestant will be rejected by the sound of a balloon popping.
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The series has gained popularity on social media in the last year, delivering amusing clips of Amuli — who also hosts the show — reacting to contestants either flirting or shading each other. But in the new adaptation, Amuli will pass her hosting mic to "Insecure" alum Yvonne Oriji.
“I know a thing or two about looking for love in a hopeless place,” Oriji said in a statement. “Hopefully the singles on 'Pop The Balloon Live' will have much more success. As host, I’m looking forward to striking that delicate balance of heart and humor for our daters and the Netflix audience at home.”
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Meanwhile, Amuli and Matundu will work their magic behind-the-scenes as executive producers.
