What to know about Netflix's "Pop The Balloon LIVE"
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Netflix is making bold changes to "Pop The Balloon," the viral internet dating show from Phoenix-based married couple Bolia Matundu and Arlette Amuli.
Between the lines: Despite varying levels of success, the streaming service will attempt to air its own iteration in a live format.
State of play: Netflix's version will be hosted by actress Yvonne Orji ("Insecure") and air live weekly.
- According to the streaming service, the program will feature "everyday" contestants in addition to cast members from reality shows like "Love Is Blind," "The Ultimatum," and "The Circle."
- Matundu and Amuli are executive producers on the series with Sharp Entertainment, the company behind "90 Day Fiancé."
Catch up quick: "Pop The Balloon Or Find Love" launched on YouTube in December 2023.
- The series has become a cultural phenomenon over the past year, stamped by an SNL spoof starring Dave Chappelle and rapper GloRilla.
How it works: Hosted by Amuli, each contestant comes out one by one and gives a description of themselves to a group of single men or women standing in a line, each holding a red balloon and a toothpick.
- If the singles don't like what they see and hear, they can pop their balloon to indicate they're not interested in dating the contestant.
- The goal is for each contestant to match with the last man or woman left standing with their balloon intact.
The original show will continue to air new episodes on YouTube.
What we're watching: "Pop The Balloon LIVE" premieres on Netflix starting this Thursday at 8pm ET.
