Prank Encounters has been criticised over its subject matter (Picture: Netflix)

Stranger Things star Gaten Matarazzo has faced criticism for signing up to host a new hidden-camera show which targets people looking for work.

The 16-year-old actor will host and executive produce new eight episode series Prank Encounters, which will launch on Netflix later this year.

A description for the series, however, has raised concerns over the prank show’s intentions.

A Netflix press release 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.


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



There’s no details if the people on the show will be paid or compensated for their efforts, or exactly how they’ve been selected to take part.

The show’s subject however has prompted a wave of criticism after Matarazzo shared the news on Twitter, with some branding the show ‘disgusting’.

In a statement issued to Metro.co.uk, 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.’

Matarazzo shot to fame playing Dustin on Stranger Things, which is set to return for its third season next month.

Stranger Things returns next month (Picture: Netflix)

He recently teased how the third season will be the most violent yet, saying: ‘It’s definitely gorier, which is pretty cool.

‘If you don’t like gore stuff, I mean, watch it anyway. It’s not for the faint of heart, as some would say.’

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

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