Netflix taps YouTube again as it orders live version of dating series Pop the Balloon

YouTube dating series Pop the Balloon has had more than 100 million views

Netflix has commissioned a live version of the popular YouTube dating series Pop the Balloon, as it continues to look to the Google-owned platform for IP.

The original version of the YouTube series, which has racked up more than 100 million views, is created by Phoenix-based married couple Arlette Amuli and Bolia Matundu. The format sees singles test their chemistry while trying to keep their balloon intact.

Sony Pictures Television-backed US prodco Sharp Entertainment (TLC’s 90 Day Fiancé) is producing the Netflix iteration of the show, with Yvonne Orji hosting and Amuli and Matundu executive producing. The debut episode will premiere on April 10.

The streaming giant said the live version will have “higher stakes, fresh twists and celebrity surprises,” including appearances from reality personalities such as Johnny Bananas (The Challenge), Chase DeMoor (Too Hot to Handle), Farrah Abraham (Teen Mom) and Zaina Sesay (The Ultimatum).

Other exec producers on the project include Sharp Entertainment’s Matt Sharp, Dan Adler and Bonnie Biggs, as well as Ellen Rocamora.

The greenlight marks the latest instance of Netflix looking to YouTube for new content. In November, the streamer greenlit a second season of reality series Inside from UK YouTuber group The Sidemen after the first season had been released on YouTube. At the same time, Netflix commissioned a US version of the Inside format. The streamer has also acquired episodes of Ms Rachel and The Amazing Digital Circus.

The order also sees Netflix doubling down on two areas that have become a priority in recent years: live programming and dating formats.

Its live programming line-up includes WWE Raw, Everybody’s Live with John Mulaney and Live from the Other Side with Tyler Henry, while it has also enjoyed success with its Jake Paul versus Mike Tyson boxing event and its Christmas Day NFL games.

Meanwhile, its roster of dating shows includes Love is Blind, Too Hot to Handle, Perfect Match, The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On and The Ultimatum: Queer Love.