Yvonne Orji Addresses ‘Pop The Balloon' Backlash, Comparisons To OG Host Arlette, And More
Yvonne Orji is filling some big shoes as the new host of Netflix's Pop The Balloon Live! — an adaptation of the popular YouTube series originally hosted by creator, Arlette Amuli. However, as the actress and comedian revealed in a recent conversation with VIBE, the transition didn't come without its hesitations, moments of deep self-reflection, and, unfortunately, backlash from the public.
When Netflix first approached Orji about the possibility of hosting the show, she wasn't immediately sold. 'What's funny is I had seen some of the clips, and obviously we had seen Dave Chappelle do it on SNL,' she said, revealing her initial curiosity. 'But when Netflix approached me, I went back and did my research. I was like, 'okay, so what's the show really about?'' After watching more of the show's concept and format, the Insecure star became intrigued by its mix of live-action, unpredictability, and its appeal. 'I got very interested in what it was that made people fall in love with it,' she admitted.
However, once she dove deeper into the world of Pop The Balloon, it didn't take long for her to realize what she was getting into. Orji quickly found herself facing the challenge of maintaining her brand —which revolves around joy, love, and kindness — while managing the high-stakes of live TV. 'I had asked all the questions of like, 'Hey, what's the tone of this show?'' she recalled, revealing her concern about keeping the show in line with her core values. 'I'm very specific with the things I say yes to.'
But, it wasn't just about doing the show; it was about making sure she could be herself. 'Everyone involved is like, 'We want this to be a place where people can find connection.' But we also have to be realistic knowing that anything can happen,' Orji shared. This meant that she would have to tap into her quick-thinking skills, to handle whatever the live format threw her way.
Coming into an already-established space, Orji admitted that she knew she'd be stepping into a cult-classic social series previously dominated by Amuli, the beloved original host of the show. But rather than worry about being compared to her predecessor, the Nigerian-born actress and comedian took a more self-assured approach. 'What Cardi B say? 'I'm my own competition. I'm competing with myself,'' she laughed, dismissing any concern about filling someone else's shoes.
For her, it's clear that Pop The Balloon needed a host with a distinct style, especially given the shift to a live format. 'We're two different people with two different styles,' she explained. 'Arlette and BM have been able to do something absolutely brilliant. But the Netflix show is live, and they needed someone who could think on their feet, who could bring levity.' With a background in comedy, Orji fit the bill perfectly. In fact, she embraces the difference in their styles rather than feeling any pressure to mimic Arlette's success. 'This is not a replica of that show,' she asserted. 'It's an adaptation. And once you add the live element, it's a completely different show.' Pretty much, Orji's focus for the live format isn't to recreate what's been done before, but making the experience her own while staying true to the essence of the show.
A true realest, Orji admitted that she saw all of the backlash that followed the show's premiere on Thursday (April 10), and couldn't help but to understand what some of the viewers felt. 'That's not the show I signed up for,' she confided, referring to some of the chaotic moments viewers witnessed in the premiere. 'We want people looking for connection and authenticity. It's huge for me because what are we doing if we're not being authentic and true to ourselves?'
'Just watched #poptheballoonnetflix and honestly WTF was @netflix thinking!? Yall took a perfectly good, relatable show OVER produced and gentrified tf out of it. Nobody involved was trying to make connections they all were trying to make MOMENTS even the host. Disappointed,' one viewer wrote on X. Another person echoed those sentiments with, 'Part of the reason Arlette's version of Pop The Balloon worked was bc 99% of the contestants were just regular black folks… Not fake influencers with thousands of followers. They gentrified the hell out this show. Netflix will pay for their sins.'
Orji's perspective was made clear that as an unscripted show, she plans to steer clear of sensationalism. Viewers have shown that they crave the dramatic and viral moments that have happened on the YouTube series, such as a man telling a young woman her face was 'too wrinkly' for him to date, or a woman dismissing an eligible bachelor because he 'looked like he reads a lot of books.' Instead of egging on potential embarrassing moments that occur when participants are hesitant to say what makes someone unattractive to them, Orji asserted, 'I can defuse situations. We don't need to belabor something that's not kind.'
While Orji's sharp wit keeps the show lively, she's also deeply invested in the underlying theme of the show, which is to connect people. Her own thoughts on love, romance, and dating shines through as she engages with the participants. 'I always say, 'We don't judge, but I do got follow-up questions,'' she laughed. For Orji, she wants to explore the complexities of attraction, pointing out that superficial traits, like height or appearance, shouldn't be dealbreakers when it comes to finding love.
'I think this show really does put a camera onto everybody,' she said thoughtfully. 'Is this who you portray yourself to be? Is this what you want to portray? Let's be for real.' For her, the show gives her a chance to challenge her guests, but also to get them to challenge themselves. As she continues with her hosting duties, Orji hopes to inspire viewers to give people a chance, even if they wouldn't have expected to click with them on paper.
Although Pop The Balloon Live! has faced its share of backlash, with viewers quick to judge after just one episode, The Blackening star urges fans to 'stick around' a little while longer. 'We're so quick to judge off one episode. Stick around, there might be a second, third, fourth episode that you're like, 'Oh, there it is,'' she encouraged. And while Orji is taking the reins on Netflix, Pop The Balloon with Arlette will still be on YouTube every Wednesday, offering fans a chance to enjoy the original series alongside the new live version.
Outside of hosting and her two-year first–look deal with Sony, Orji has exciting projects on the horizon. She's working on her third comedy special, set to delve into the challenges of dating as a successful woman in her forties with no kids. 'There's a whole generation of women who find themselves still single at 40, making good money and no children, and it's like, what does society put on you?' she excitedly shared.
As for now, fans can tune in to see Yvonne Orji on Netflix's Pop The Balloon Live! every Thursday at 5PM PT / 8PM ET.
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