Dateline’s To Catch a Predator ran from 2004-2007.  Despite only running for 3 seasons and producing just 20 episodes, the show was a hit and a cultural phenomenon. The host, Chris Hansen, became a household name and a fixture in pop culture. When the show came to its tragic end, people began to learn how the sausage was made and it left some viewers with a sour taste in their mouth.  

A24’s Primetime delves into some of the concerns and controversy surrounding Chris Hansen and the show.  

The film starts with Chris Hansen (Robert Pattinson) rehearsing how he’s going to read a chat log to an unsuspecting man waiting in the kitchen. It’s as if Hansen is playing a character when he confronts these men. After the segment ends you begin to see how Hansen, along with the producer Andie (Meritt Wever), begin to craft what the show eventually becomes.  

Meanwhile, a young aspiring actor named Daniel aka Decoy Dan (Skyler Gisondo) takes an acting gig that pays $5,000 an episode. He thinks he’s playing a kid on a show and doesn’t realize he’s playing a decoy for To Catch a Predator. 

After a traumatic first day on set, Dan is noticeably rattled and has dinner with Hansen to help calm him down. This is when the movie starts to show the mask of Hansen and crew slip. Dan is told he’s doing something more than acting; he was a “superhero” that was helping save children. In truth, he was another pawn helping Hansen reach is goal as the #1 show. 

Mixed into the story is Hansen’s alleged infidelity. He’s meeting this unnamed woman at hotels and being shadowed by tabloids. It’s unclear what purpose this served for the story, unless you interpret as another instance of Hansen being out of control.

Although the subject matter is heavy, the film has some dark comedic moments. Depending on moviegoers level of humor, they may find the dark comedy incredibly funny. The dark humor, infidelity side story, and dramatic retelling of a show may be too much for some moviegoers. The film doesn’t quiet come together the way it should. Not to mention the fate of the show is never mentioned.

The highlight of the film is Robert Pattinson’s fantastic performance as Hansen. He has his voice and vocal tics down perfectly. He’s good at showing two sides man that’s dealing with his own personal demons while also driven by success. The way Hansen’s eyes light up whenever he’s “on” or receives a compliment is a small touch but a really good example of how small things can help make a performance. The best part of the performance is how entertaining Pattinson makes watching a man struggle as he desperately wants to beat ABC’s Lost in that time slot, or struggle be seen as the type of journalist Stone Phillips is for his coverage of the Afghanistan War. I don’t know if this is Pattinson’s Oscar performance, but its a very good reminder that he’s one of the best actors working.  

The surprise performance comes via Meritt Wever as Andie. She’s driven by her own success and is ok putting anyone in harm’s way to achieve her goals. She’s also one of Hansen’s pawns that is being used for his own gain. Wever’s performance is so good, especially in the third act when the show takes its sting to Texas. She may be the one walking away with hardware during award season.  

For people that’ve seen the show or the many clips on social media, the movie hits some of the show’s viral moments. They reenact Rabbi David Kaye and his physical altercation with Hansen. The film ends with the most infamous case – Assistant District Attorney Louis Conradt and the tragic end to his sting operation. 

Primetime is a dramatic look at one of America’s iconic shows and reveals some of the decisions that gave people concern. The film discusses some of the many issues highlighted in 2025’s documentary Predators that does a deeper dive into Hansen and some of the show’s issues. Director Lance Oppenheim does a good job showing what’s actually motivating Hansen, and its not catching predators…it’s fame. It will remind audiences of streamers and “pred catchers” online today. What will Chris Hansen and To Catch a Predator’s legacy be? Will it be one of America’s iconic shows that took down predators? Or will it be one of America’s infamous scandals that exploited people for views. I guess it all depends on perspective. Oppenheim lets the viewers decide.  

Grade: B–