Yvonne Orji is standing firm in the face of social media backlash after the premiere of Pop The Balloon Live! on Netflix. The actress and comedian stepped in as the new host of the live dating show, which adapts the cult-favorite YouTube series originally created by Arlette Amuli and Bolia Matundu (B.M.).
After the show’s debut on April 10, many fans of the original series took to social platforms with harsh critiques. Some accused Netflix of “gentrifying” the concept. Others claimed the charm of the show was lost in the transition from grassroots content to a celebrity-studded production.
One viewer posted, “Y’all took a perfectly good, relatable show and overproduced it. Even the host seemed focused on viral moments.”
Orji, however, isn’t shying away from the criticism. In fact, she says she understands some of it. “That’s not the show I signed up for,” she told VIBE. “We want people looking for connection and authenticity. It’s huge for me.”
Yvonne Orji Tells Fans to “Stick Around”
Orji emphasized that the live format changes everything. “This is not a replica of that show,” she explained. “It’s an adaptation. And once you add the live element, it’s a completely different show.”
In an interview with TODAY.com, Orji acknowledged that the premiere didn’t go as rehearsed. “I said, ‘This is not what we practiced. This is not the show.’ But it’s live. We can’t reset,” she said.
Despite the rocky start, Orji remains hopeful. She’s been in discussions with Netflix and producers about how to better align the show with its original spirit. “It’s continually getting refined and renewed,” she said. “So just keep watching.”
Orji brings more than just charisma to her role—she brings conviction. Known for her values-driven approach, she made it clear from the start that she wanted the show to reflect kindness, not chaos. “I can defuse situations. We don’t need to belabor something that’s not kind,” she said.
Bringing the Love Back
Still, Orji isn’t trying to be Arlette Amuli. She’s charting her own course. “We’re two different people with two different styles,” she noted. “All I can be is Yvonne Orji.”
As the host of a live show with unpredictable energy, Orji says she’s tapping into her skills as a comedian and truth-seeker. “My tagline for the show is, ‘We listen, we don’t judge, but I do have follow-up questions,’” she joked.
Orji is also advocating for casting changes, hoping future episodes will reflect the everyday people that made the original series so beloved. She believes attraction is complex and shouldn’t be based on shallow traits alone. “Let’s be for real,” she said. “Is this who you portray yourself to be? Is this what you want to portray?”
Though Pop The Balloon Live! faced early turbulence, Orji remains committed to steering it back on course. “We’re so quick to judge off one episode,” she said. “Stick around. There might be a second or third episode where you say, ‘Oh, there it is.’”
Episodes of Pop The Balloon Live! stream Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET on Netflix.