Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Uneven but fun prank show can be brutal, has cursing.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Prank Encounters
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 7 parent reviews
Based on 19 kid reviews
Kids say this hidden-camera prank show is both funny and somewhat scary, with many reviewers enjoying its humor despite acknowledging the presence of swearing and fake violence. While recommended for older children, some families advise parental oversight due to occasional jump scares and mature themes.
- funny
- scary
- swearing
- parental guidance
- enjoyable
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
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 :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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