Viral Dating Series “Pop the Balloon” Is Coming Live to Netflix

Love is in the air – until it’s not. Today, Netflix announced that it’s taking the viral dating series, Pop the Balloon, to the next level by streaming a reimagined version LIVE every Thursday @ 8PM ET beginning April 10, 2025 only on Netflix.

Pop the Balloon LIVE will be the same Pop the Balloon fans know and love, but now with even higher stakes, fresh twists, and celebrity surprises. In this electrifying dating experiment, singles test their chemistry while trying to keep their balloon intact. As connections form and tensions rise, one thing is certain: when your balloon pops, so does your shot at love. Now, for the first time ever, Pop the Balloon is going live on Netflix, bringing real-time eliminations, unpredictable dilemmas, and unfiltered romance straight to viewers as it happens.

Alongside everyday contestants, some of your favorite reality stars and personalities including Johnny Bananas (The Challenge), Chase DeMoor (Too Hot To Handle), Farrah Abraham (Teen Mom), and Zaina Sesay (The Ultimatum) will join the show stepping into a whole new dating experience- raw, real and unlike anything they’ve faced before.

Host: Yvonne Orji

Production Company: Sharp Entertainment (part of Sony Pictures Television)

Executive Producers: Matt Sharp, Dan Adler and Bonnie Biggs (for Sharp Entertainment); Ellen Rocamora; Bolia Matundu (BM) and Arlette Amuli

Quote from Matt Sharp, executive producer:

“We couldn’t be more excited to expand and reimagine Pop the Balloon on Netflix. This new iteration builds on the original’s core concept while pushing the boundaries of connection, chemistry and unpredictability. Partnering with BM, Arlette and Netflix has been an incredible experience, and we can’t wait for audiences to see how the show evolves.”

Quote from Bolia Matundu (BM) and Arlette Amuli, executive producers:

“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!”

Quote from Yvonne Orji, Host:

“It’s really great to see BM and Arlette’s vision expand to this version, due to their creativity, consistency and desire for more connection. After playing the ‘unlucky in love’ Molly Carter for 5 seasons on Insecure, I know a thing or two about looking for love in a hopeless place. 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.”

Pop the Balloon LIVE joins Netflix’s roster of ongoing and past live programming including WWE Raw, Everybody’s Live with John Mulaney, Live from the Other Side with Tyler Henry, Paul-Tyson, Dinner Time Live with David Chang, NFL Christmas Day on Netflix and much more; and dating social experiments including Love is Blind, Too Hot to Handle, Perfect Match, The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On, The Ultimatum: Queer Love, Later Daters and many others.