Gaten Matarazzo is known for playing Dustin in Stranger Things (Picture: Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for MTV)

Netflix has responded following backlash to the announcement of new series Prank Encounters, a hidden-camera show which targets job seekers.

Gaten Matarazzo, known for playing Dustin in Stranger Things, acts as host and executive producer on the eight-episode series set to launch on Netflix later this year.

Following the show’s announcement last week, many criticised the series for potentially having a harmful effect on those looking for work.

A Netflix press release, describing the show, reads: ‘Each episode of this terrifying and hilarious prank show takes two complete strangers who each think they’re starting their first day at a new job.


Prank Encounters releases later this year (Picture: Netflix)

‘It’s business as usual until their paths collide and these part-time jobs turn into full-time nightmares.’



In a statement issued to Metro.co.uk following the backlash, 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.’

While this confirms the contestants were paid for appearing in the show, we’ll have to wait until Prank Encounters’ release to see how it handles the subject.

The series marks Matarazzo’s first Netflix show outside of Stranger Things, which is set to return for its third season next month.

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

Prank Encounters is scheduled to launch later this year on Netflix.

MORE: Stranger Things star Gaten Matarazzo criticised over ‘disgusting’ new Netflix prank show

MORE: Netflix’s Murder Mystery: Adam Sandler is funny and everyone is obsessed with Jennifer Aniston’s wedges