A current episode of “Pop The Balloon” featured a former HBCU soccer quarterback.
Jarrett Dunston, a former quarterback at Winston-Salem State College, appeared in a current episode on-line. The 38-year-old spent three seasons as a signal-caller on the HBCU throughout its Division I try.
“Pop the Balloon” is a viral courting present that started on YouTube in December 2023, created by Arlette Amuli and Bolia “BM” Matundu. The present contains a distinctive format the place a single contestant faces a lineup of potential matches, every holding a pink balloon. If a participant is uninterested, they pop their balloon, eliminating themselves from consideration. This setup results in candid and sometimes humorous interactions, as contributors clarify their causes for popping or protecting their balloons.
Episodes characteristic a brief interview, watched by the would-be daters, which permit them to doubtlessly ‘pop the balloon’ earlier than they even get face-to-face.
The unique YouTube collection gained recognition for its uncooked and unfiltered portrayal of courting, notably resonating with Black audiences. It showcased actual individuals discussing their preferences and deal-breakers brazenly, resulting in each entertaining and thought-provoking moments. Some contributors even discovered lasting connections, with reviews of {couples} persevering with relationships past the present.
In April 2025, Netflix launched a dwell adaptation titled “Pop the Balloon LIVE,” hosted by Yvonne Orji. Whereas sustaining the core idea, the Netflix model launched celeb contributors and a extra polished manufacturing. Nevertheless, it confronted criticism for diluting the unique’s authenticity and cultural significance, with some viewers feeling it misplaced the essence that made the YouTube collection particular.
Regardless of the combined reception of the Netflix adaptation, the unique YouTube collection continues to thrive, providing viewers an unfiltered look into fashionable courting dynamics.
(Spoiler Alert) Not one of the girls popped the balloon on Dunston whereas he was interviewed. You’ll have to observe the episode to see how he did after that.
