Netflix subscribers have slammed a new dating show, with many viewers saying they switched it off just minutes in.
The recently dropped series, Pop the Balloon Live, hit the streaming giant on Thursday (10 April), but it quickly came under fire from disgruntled fans.
The speed-dating format, created by Bolia Matundu (BM) and Arlette Amuli last year and originally aired on YouTube, is a viral sensation.
With its fresh take, Netflix has scooped up the concept. Emmy-nominee Yvonne Orji hosts the show. Instead of releasing pre-recorded episodes, the series streams live every Thursday.
At its core, the idea is straightforward: singles start holding red balloons that can pop at will throughout the episode. Then one lone single is tasked with wooing the lineup while contenders stand ready to pop their balloons and bow out of the potential love match, reports Surrey Live.
Regulars have been locking in weekly, with Arlette's original content often racking up views in the millions. Yet, despite this loyal audience, Netflix's adaptation hasn't quite hit the same sweet spot, attracting a wave of critiques instead.
An X (formerly Twitter) user blasted the live event as a 'complete waste of time,' writing: "The Pop the Balloon show on Netflix is a joke. It's a complete waste of time."
Some viewers openly admitted they couldn't complete the first episode in full. One viewer bluntly stated: "15 minutes into Netflix's version of Pop the Balloon, and let's just say I popped the balloon."
Another viewer expressed similar disappointment, sharing: "Turned on Netflix's Pop the Balloon challenge... turned it off after 5 minutes wtf was that." (sic)
Adding to the wave of disapproval, another chimed in with their harsh critique: "The Netflix Pop the Balloon is a bore fest. They should have left it alone."
A fifth person revealed a warning they received about the show: "My friend just told me don't waste my time with that Pop the Balloon nonsense on Netflix."
Despite these brutal reviews, some fans are still optimistic that the series can be improved.
One such optimistic viewer commented: "Lmaoooo I watched Pop the Balloon on Netflix to see why everyone tripping, it's not that bad they can get better but it's okay for a start ngl [not going to lie]." (sic)
Pop the Balloon Live streams every Friday on Netflix.
