
Family movie night? There's an app for that
Download our new mobile app on iOS and Android.
Prank Encounters
By Melissa Camacho,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Uneven but fun prank show can be brutal, has cursing.
Add your rating
A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Prank Encounters
Community Reviews
Based on 6 parent reviews
Really good! 9+
What's the Story?
PRANK ENCOUNTERS is a hidden-camera show that places people in their own personal tale of horror. Stranger Things' Gaten Matarazzo sets up elaborate pranks with the help of actors, "hiring" two unsuspecting victims to do jobs at two separate locations. As the events unfold, the two complete strangers cross paths, and find themselves having to deal with some weird and scary circumstances together. Matarazzo follows all the events from a remote location, but reveals himself at the height of the fray.
Is It Any Good?
This fun but uneven comedy series gets its laughs by showing how unsuspecting people react to the weird, outlandish, and downright freaky events they are made to face while doing what they believe is their job. The gags are well developed, but a few unfold a bit slowly, and others seem more goofy than scary. While some of the victims of these hijinks seem truly overwhelmed by what is happening, others don't appear as convinced. Nonetheless, Prank Encounters has its share of funny moments and is amusing enough to keep prank lovers entertained. There's definitely a conversation to be had with kids about pranks in general, and when they can go too far.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about pulling pranks on people. How do you know when you're being funny, and when you're taking it too far?
How much time and organization does each gag featured on Prank Encounters require in order for it to go smoothly? What is the hardest part of each prank to pull off?
TV Details
- Premiere date: October 26, 2019
- Cast: Gaten Matarazzo
- Network: Netflix
- Genre: Comedy
- TV rating: TV-MA
- Last updated: February 18, 2023
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
Where to Watch
Our Editors Recommend
Comedy TV Shows for Teens
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate