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Robert Pattinson Brings 'To Catch a Predator' to Life in New Film 'Primetime'
The A24 film follows To Catch a Predator’s rise and the ethical fallout as Hansen chases higher ratings.
- A24 will release 'Primetime' in theaters nationwide on Thursday, September 24. The film stars Robert Pattinson as Chris Hansen, dramatizing the 2006 era of the reality series 'To Catch a Predator'.
- Director Lance Oppenheim and screenwriter Ajon Singh developed the film based on Luke Dittrich's article 'Tonight on Dateline: This Man Will Die'. Pattinson initially signed on as producer before committing to the lead role following a pitch involving Four Loko.
- Cinematographer David Bolen uses cameras from 20 years ago to capture the 2006 setting with distinct visual identity. The supporting cast includes Merritt Wever, Skyler Gisondo, Phoebe Bridgers, Matthew Maher, and Bokeem Woodbine.
- The film currently holds a 6.5 rating. Critics noted Pattinson's portrayal as his "weakest performance of 2026," citing exaggerated outbursts, though his "gonzo eye and mouth acting" remains technically impressive.
- Primetime examines the cultural impact of 'To Catch a Predator' and the television landscape of the era. The film portrays Hansen as a predator of a "different breed" when preparing for the "kill.
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'Primetime' skewers one of the early aughts’ crassest cultural artifacts
Starring Robert Pattinson, director Lance Oppenheim's film goes behind the scenes of the “Dateline NBC” spinoff “To Catch a Predator,” a ratings bonanza that only lasted three years but seemed to play forever in reruns, "leaving a cultural footprint that’s more like a stain," reviews critic Sean Burns.
·Boston, United States
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Robert Pattinson brings 'To Catch a Predator' to life in new
When Robert Pattinson first got the script for “Primetime,” a dramatization of NBC Dateline’s “To Catch a Predator” and the controversial sting operation that would lead to its cancellation, he was amazed it hadn’t been made into
·Baltimore, United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources33
Leaning Left9Leaning Right1Center9Last UpdatedBias Distribution48% Left, 47% Center
Bias Distribution
- 48% of the sources lean Left, 47% of the sources are Center
48% Left
L 48%
C 47%
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