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Another day, another dating series to get hooked on.
With its format as a live show, Netflix’s “Pop the Balloon Live” sets itself apart from the likes of “Too Hot to Handle” and “Love is Blind” (which the streamer still euphemistically calls “social experiments”). And, arguably, it comes across more overtly as competition than a love connection.
The show, which is adapted from Arlette Amuli and Bolia Matundu’s YouTube series “Pop The Balloon or Find Love,” premieres Thursday night and promises a cast of “everyday daters” alongside reality TV veterans.
Here’s what to expect from “Pop the Balloon Live.”
How to watch ‘Pop the Balloon Live’
The new Netflix series airs episodes Thursdays at 8 p.m. EDT/5 p.m. PDT.
After premiering live, episodes will be available to watch back on Netflix.
What is ‘Pop the Balloon or Find Love?’
Since launching their first episode in December 2023 with Phoenix singles, Amuli and Matundu have racked up 1 million subscribers.
The YouTube series’ premise has contestants line up in front of a prospective match. Someone pops a balloon “if you’re not feeling the person,” but they could also “keep it to find out if they’re your match.” Amuli then asks why someone is or is not their type, and typically brutal honesty ensues.
How does ‘Pop the Balloon Live’ work?
Netflix’s description for its adapted series reads: “Each episode features a lineup of singles, surprise mystery daters, and a signature red balloon. If your balloon pops, your shot at love is over. No second chances.”
As host Orji explained to Netflix’s Tudum, “In the simplest terms, it’s like, ‘Hey, how can we put people in the same room and have them have real conversations? How can we also show people what some of their blind spots might be too?
“Maybe you pop the balloon too soon, and now you’re like, ‘Ah, they could have been a great guy, but I judged them based on something superficial.’ It’s also an opportunity for people to have real learnings about themselves.”
Unlike the original YouTube series, she said, “When there is a connection, they get a chance to ask deeper questions and see if this is a match they want to take into the real world.”
‘Pop the Balloon Live’ cast
Fans might notice some familiar faces from across the reality TV universe. Some of these reality TV veterans are:
- Johnny Bananas (“The Challenge”)
- Zaina Sesay (“The Ultimatum”)
- Chase DeMoor (“Too Hot to Handle”)
- Farrah Abraham (“Couples Therapy,” “Celebrity Big Brother”)
- Demi Burnett (“Bachelor” franchise, “Got to Get Out”)
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