Netflix has one of two things on their hands with Prank Encounters: It's either the next Jackass or Punk'd in the making, or it's a darkly comedic satirical commentary on the state of America's unemployed society in 2019, something befitting Black Mirror's best send-ups. Something tells me it'll have the success of the former without the self-awareness of the latter. But hey, at least someone's getting a laugh!

The premise sees "That kid from Stranger Things" Gaten Matarazzo hosting a "terrifying and hilarious" prank show that brings hopefuls looking for employment in for a job interview only to put them into some twisted situations. It's a weird mix. And as this first trailer shows, even Matarazzo's not entirely sure what to make of it. It's probably not as mean-spirited as it sounds, even if it does come across a bit tone-deaf. The "contestants", unwitting or otherwise at the outset, likely had to sign away consent before their segments aired anyway; at least they'll have a story to tell. Not a steady paycheck, mind you, but a story, which is just as good, right?

Prank Encounters terrorizes your local workspace starting October 25th; be sure to add it to your wish list now, if you're so inclined. Check out the ... "terrifying and hilarious" (?) trailer below:

This October, don't go outside, don't open the door, and don't trust anyone... especially Gaten Matarazzo! Prank Encounters is the most elaborate hidden camera prank show ever devised.

Here's the official synopsis:

Hosted by Gaten Matarazzo (Stranger Things), each episode of this terrifying and hilarious prank show takes two complete strangers on the surprise ride of a lifetime. It's business as usual until their paths collide and their one-day assignments turn into supernatural surprises. Where fear meets funny, Prank Encounters is the most elaborate hidden camera prank show ever devised.

prank-encounters-trailer-images
Image via Netflix
prank-encounters-trailer-images
Image via Netflix
prank-encounters-trailer-images
Image via Netflix
prank-encounters-trailer-images
Image via Netflix
prank-encounters-trailer-images
Image via Netflix

prank-encounters-trailer-images