Prank Encounters of a Netflix kind

For those who pine for Beadle’s About Netflix has brought the hidden camera prank format back for a new generation.

The Netflix Original Prank Encounters, is described by the streaming service as ‘an epic hidden-camera prank show hosted by Gaten Matarazzo’. 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.

The eight-episode series of Prank Encounters launches later this year. Gaten Matarazzo is probably best known to viewers for his portrayal of Dustin in Stranger Things, and thanks to that role and several theatre productions Gaten has solidified his place as a breakthrough actor of his generation.

Recognized by The Hollywood Reporter as one of the top 30 stars under the age of 30, Matarazzo began his professional career in the original Broadway production of Priscilla Queen of the Desert as Benji. He also appeared as part of the Godspell cast of 2013 and then drew rave reviews as Gavroche in the 2014 revival of Les Misérables.

When he is not filming, the 16-year-old devotes his time to raising awareness about cleidocranial dysplasia – a condition that affects the development of bones and teeth. With the help of a Utah-based doctor, Matarazzo launched – CCD Smiles – a Foundation built to help families pay their children’s dental bills. He recently visited Capitol Hill to speak in favor of a new piece of legislation called the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (ELSA). This bipartisan legislation will provide insurance coverage to individuals born with congenital abnormalities or birth defects.

Matarazzo also formed a six-piece band called Work In Progress, and will travel the country on tour this summer delivering enthusiastic performances with their covers and originals. The band also consists of his musically precocious siblings – Carmen on the drums and Sabrina as a vocalist. The band takes inspiration from every decade since the ’60s, drawing from classic rock, metal, alternative, and emo.

Recently announced, Matarazzo will return to theatre and lead the star-studded cast in Hollywood Bowl’s summer production of ‘Into the Woods’ this July.

UK viewers in the 1980s and 90s were dealt pranks by the late Jeremy Beadle in his ITV programmes.