Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Have you seen the trailer for Primetime yet?
Robert Pattinson transforms into a Chris Hansen-inspired TV journalist in A24’s upcoming thriller, which draws from the rise and controversy surrounding To Catch a Predator.
The Dateline NBC series ran from 2004 to 2007, using online decoys posing as minors to lure adult men to sting houses. Once they arrived, Chris Hansen confronted them on camera about their messages before law enforcement often moved in. The show became a cultural phenomenon — and Hansen’s confrontations became instantly recognizable.
But the series also faced intense criticism over its relationship with law enforcement and whether its investigations crossed ethical lines. The controversy escalated following a 2006 Texas sting involving prosecutor Bill Conradt, who died as police, accompanied by a Dateline camera crew, attempted to arrest him at his home. His sister later sued NBC, and the case was settled. NBC executives eventually concluded the series had become too controversial to continue, though Hansen has maintained that it simply “ran its course.”
Now, Primetime is revisiting that era, and Hansen himself has some thoughts about Robert Pattinson stepping into a version of his shoes.
In an interview with true crime influencer Annie Elise, Hansen stated, “I didn’t get to choose my own guy,” and continued, revealing he had previously imagined Denis Leary portraying him. While acknowledging Pattinson is “a very popular actor,” Hansen said he has “some questions” about Hollywood’s motives and noted he had no involvement in the movie’s production.
Hansen says he plans to watch the film privately before giving his full verdict.
Primetime hits theaters Sept. 25.
Will you be watching? What are your thoughts about the trailer so far?
#TrueCrime #ToCatchAPredator #ChrisHansen #RobertPattinson #A24
Have you seen the trailer for Primetime yet?
Robert Pattinson transforms into a Chris Hansen-inspired TV journalist in A24’s upcoming thriller, which draws from the rise and controversy surrounding To Catch a Predator.
The Dateline NBC series ran from 2004 to 2007, using online decoys posing as minors to lure adult men to sting houses. Once they arrived, Chris Hansen confronted them on camera about their messages before law enforcement often moved in. The show became a cultural phenomenon — and Hansen’s confrontations became instantly recognizable.
But the series also faced intense criticism over its relationship with law enforcement and whether its investigations crossed ethical lines. The controversy escalated following a 2006 Texas sting involving prosecutor Bill Conradt, who died as police, accompanied by a Dateline camera crew, attempted to arrest him at his home. His sister later sued NBC, and the case was settled. NBC executives eventually concluded the series had become too controversial to continue, though Hansen has maintained that it simply “ran its course.”
Now, Primetime is revisiting that era, and Hansen himself has some thoughts about Robert Pattinson stepping into a version of his shoes.
In an interview with true crime influencer Annie Elise, Hansen stated, “I didn’t get to choose my own guy,” and continued, revealing he had previously imagined Denis Leary portraying him. While acknowledging Pattinson is “a very popular actor,” Hansen said he has “some questions” about Hollywood’s motives and noted he had no involvement in the movie’s production.
Hansen says he plans to watch the film privately before giving his full verdict.
Primetime hits theaters Sept. 25.
Will you be watching? What are your thoughts about the trailer so far?
#TrueCrime #ToCatchAPredator #ChrisHansen #RobertPattinson #A24
