Before Robert Pattinson steps into the shoes of To Catch a Predator host Chris Hansen, viewers may want to revisit the controversial TV phenomenon that inspired his upcoming A24 movie performance.
The Batman star heads Primetime, a new film drawing inspiration from NBC’s infamous Dateline segments, which turned host Hansen’s confrontations with suspected online predators into must-see television and eventually a pop-culture sensation. But the series’ legacy is far more complicated than its catchphrases and viral clips, with its controversial tactics ultimately coming under intense scrutiny.
With Primetime heading to theaters on September 25, here’s where you can watch the original To Catch a Predator, along with details about what happened to the series and what else to know before seeing the A24 film.
Where can you watch ‘To Catch a Predator’?
To Catch a Predator aired a total of 20 broadcast episodes spanning 12 distinct undercover investigations between 2004 and 2007 as a special segment on Dateline NBC.
At this time, the original To Catch a Predator segments are not officially hosted on any standard streaming platforms due to legal, ethical, and network distribution issues. However, many classic episodes, segments, clips, and archival uploads can be found shared on video-sharing sites like YouTube that have archived the show.
For Chris Hansen’s later independent work and updated investigations, you can check subscription-based platforms like the TruBlu app or his dedicated channels.
Additionally, you can watch the 2025 documentary Predators, which explores the show’s controversial legacy, on Paramount+.
When will Primetime premiere in theaters?
A24’s Primetime is set for theaters on September 25, 2026. No streaming information is available at this time.
What was To Catch a Predator?
To Catch a Predator began as a recurring Dateline NBC segment and continued as a series of investigative specials from 2004 until 2007.
In the series, host Chris Hansen would trap and confront adults who were engaging in online conversations with decoys posing as minors. The team would bait the men to an address with the promise of “hanging out” (or more) with a minor, only to be caught on camera and exposed as a possible sexual predator.
Once trapped, Hansen would then question the individuals about their online conversations and why they had wanted to meet up with an underage minor, including what their plans might include. Often, law enforcement was involved in the operations.
The specials and segments became the most popular parts of Dateline, quickly becoming enmeshed with pop culture.
Why was To Catch a Predator canceled?
To Catch a Predator was canceled by NBC in 2007 following a major controversy when a high-profile Texas prosecutor, William Conradt Jr., was targeted by the show and died by suicide as police and the camera crew arrived at his home.
The Texas prosecutor never went to the sting house, prompting authorities to pursue him at home. According to ABC News, his sister initially sought $109 million, alleging NBC and law enforcement contributed to his death; the 2008 settlement amount was undisclosed, with both sides calling the resolution “amicable.”
Primetime, In Theaters, September 25
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