Is Netflix's Prank Encounters real or not? Fans think Gaten Matarazzo's new show is "fake"

28 October 2019, 16:49

By Nicky Idika

Viewers are wondering whether Gaten Matarazzo's new Netflix show, Prank Encounters, is real, fake, staged, or something in between.

Netflix's new hidden camera show Prank Encounters arrived on the platform on Friday (25 October). It stars Stranger Things actor Gaten Matarazzo as the Kutcher-esque celeb in the control room and features "real life" people in surprising and often terrifying situations. It's 2019, though, and TV viewers have been conditioned to question everything. So, is Prank Encounters real or not?

The premise of Prank Encounters is fairly easy to follow. Two strangers who have never met are thrust into an elaborate supernatural-themed scenario while surrounded by paid actors who are in on the gag.

Netflix Prank Encounters. Picture: Netflix

In one episode, a young woman is charged with the home care of a patient named Teresa, who has undergone extensive cosmetic surgery. Later, it is "revealed" that the woman has been kidnapped by a man claiming to be her husband and that she is actually a missing person named Nicole. Spooky, right?

While the reactions of the participants on Prank Encounters range in believability, many viewers still have questions – most of them having to do the show's production.

Hey @netflix what is this "Prank Encounters" show, do you really think your audience in 2019 is that stupid? I have never seen a prank show this fake in my life... Perfect shots, perfect camera angles, perfect lightning, c'mon!!! I was expecting much more out of your company.
— Mario Ochoa (@mario_ochoa) October 25, 2019

Prank Encounters on @netflix @NetflixANZ is so fake. How come the victims don't swear at all.
— Nikita Bahri (@nikitabahri_) October 28, 2019

I started watching the “Prank Encounters” but if this is supposed to be a real prank, why are there cinematic level of audio quality and camera angles in 90% of the shots. Far beyond what a hidden camera can do.
— Gaijinhunter (@aevanko) October 26, 2019

watching prank encounters and im having doubts to whether it is real hmmmmm
— Sufi Adha (@itssufyyo) October 27, 2019

Between the perfect audio, impeccable camera angles, absurd scenarios and absolutely wild reactions, folks are wondering just how real Prank Encounters is.

READ MORE: Netflix's new prank show with Stranger Things' Gaten Matarazzo is getting backlash

Twitter user @thekevinhealy identified himself as the creator of Prank Encounters and has assured viewers that what they're watching is 100% real.

I promise you it is all real. We came up with some very cool ways to make it feel more like a movie. Thank u so much for checking us out!
— Kevin Healey (@thekevinhealey) October 27, 2019

As it turns out, some fans aren't even bothered about whether the show is real, fake, staged, or something in between.

💯 real. It was so hard to make but we had a blast! Thank you for checking us out!
— Kevin Healey (@thekevinhealey) October 27, 2019

loved prank encounters idc if it’s fake
— A. (@heysooon) October 28, 2019

So, is Prank Encounters on Netflix real or fake?

Well, we have no choice but to take Kevin Healy's word for it.

Kevin Healy also told EW that they made it "very clear to everyone that it's a one-night assignment. They are going to have an adventure. They were compensated for being part of something pretty special".

Prank Encounters faced a mini-backlash before it premiered as many worried for the potential job seekers at the heart of the hidden camera show. Netflix has since assured viewers that everyone "had a great time" and were paid for their appearance on the programme.

There ya go. Prank Encounters is real, everyone was paid, and the people had fun! Nothing to see here, folks.