Netflix’s newest experimental dating show, Pop the Balloon Live, has finally arrived on the streaming platform. While the April 10, 2025, premiere received some lackluster reviews from viewers, with critics calling the series “boring” and “unorganized” online, other fans are excited and hopeful to see where Pop the Balloon Live goes from here. But what exactly is the premise of the show? In Touch breaks down everything to know about Pop the Balloon Live, including what it’s about, the cast, how to watch new episodes and more.

What Is ‘Pop the Balloon Live’?

In Pop the Balloon Live, singles line up in a row, with each person holding a balloon. If the person isn’t feeling a vibe with the bachelor or bachelorette in front of them, they pop their balloon, ending their chances of a love connection with that person. Then, they must explain why they popped the balloon, which can get a little tense.

If the concept of Pop the Balloon Live sounds familiar, that’s because it was inspired by the popular YouTube series “Pop the Balloon or Find Love,” created by Arlette Amuli and Bolia Matundu, who are both executive producers of the Netflix version.

“What excites me is expanding that fan base,” host Yvonne Orji told Netflix’s Tudum. “When you start a company, you want it to go global. Arlette and BM have been very successful. Now they’re able to have Netflix in on it as well.”

Meanwhile, Arlette and Bolia — who will still also produce new episodes of the YouTube version of the show — said, “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.”

Who Is in the Cast of ‘Pop the Balloon Live’?

While Pop the Balloon Live will feature new singles from the everyday world in each episode, Netflix has teased that reality TV fans can expect to see a few familiar faces from other shows like Too Hot to Handle and The Challenge. Celebrity guest stars include The Challenge’s Johnny Bananas, Too Hot to Handle’s Chase DeMoor, The Ultimatum’s Zaina Sesay and Teen Mom’s Farrah Abraham.

Who Is the Host of ‘Pop the Balloon Live’?

Yvonne Orji will host Pop the Balloon Live every week. The Nigerian American actress and comedian is best known for starring as Molly Carter in the series Insecure from 2016 to 2021, a role that earned her an Emmy nomination and three NAACP Image Awards. She has also appeared in Jane the Virgin, My Dad the Bounty Hunter, Velma, Vacation Friends and more.

Yvonne has also starred in two HBO comedy specials — Momma, I Made It! in 2020 and A Whole Me in 2022.

How to Watch ‘Pop the Balloon Live’

The premiere of Pop the Balloon Live streamed on Netflix on April 10, 2025. New episodes will stream live every Thursday night at 8 p.m. ET.