Fans slam 'humiliating, terrible' Netflix reality show Prank Encounters

Stranger Things actor Gaten Matarazzo. Photo / Getty Images

Netflix's new hidden-camera prank show has sparked a furious backlash online as its premise targets people who are trying to find work.

The streaming giant new eight-episode reality series Prank Encounters is set to launch later this year, and will be hosted and produced by Stranger Things star Gaten Matarazzo.

According to Deadline, it's described as a "terrifying and hilarious prank show" that "takes two complete strangers who each think they're starting their first day at a new job".

The description goes on to tease: "It's business as usual until their paths collide and these part-time jobs turn into full-time nightmares".

The AV Club slammed the show's premise, claiming it's "screwing with people trying to find work".

Its William Hughes said on twitter: "Props to Matarazzo. This is a far scarier premise than any monster that's ever crawled out of the Upside Down".

Beth McColl wrote: "I was just saying I'd love to watch a rich child humiliate economically insecure adults. Can't wait.

"Imagine a famous child jumping out and telling you that No, you will not be getting healthcare anytime soon but Yes, you might be on TV maybe."

While Priscilla Page wrote: "Nothing funnier than thinking you've finally landed a job and eluded unemployment, poverty, and possible homelessness, only to discover you inhabit a cruel hellscape ruled by that kid from Stranger Things."

Is it possible that this prank show hosted by gaten matarazzo is all a hoax, which in itself is the prank? Because if it's real, I kinda hope someone in PR gets to experience unemployment for themselves. #PrankEncounters #gatenmatarazzo

— Rabbit-sensei (@Rabbitsensei) June 15, 2019

#PrankEncounters @netflix thinks this is a great idea for a TV show. Hire someone thinking they have found a job and then prank them with the fact they really don't have a job. NO creativity at all and down right cruel.

— Siggy (@Siggy93757004) June 15, 2019

next on @netflix, we have a series where we prank people trying to adopt that they get a kid, but actually they don't. And then season where we prank people in cancer treatment that they are in remission, but hey actually, they aren't. How hilarious! #PrankEncounters https://t.co/3jm0rSxcaW

— Jyrki Sorjonen (@jyrkikekke) June 15, 2019

nothing funnier than thinking you've finally landed a job and eluded unemployment, poverty, and possible homelessness, only to discover you inhabit a cruel hellscape ruled by that kid from Stranger Things https://t.co/cDuSuc3LPx

— priscilla page (@BBW_BFF) June 14, 2019

A Netflix spokesperson said: "The pranks in Prank Encounters are spooky, supernatural, and over the top, and everyone had a great time.

"All participants came in with the expectation this was a one-day, hourly gig and everyone got paid for their time."