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A24 has released the first full trailer for “Primetime,” starring Robert Pattinson as television journalist Chris Hansen. The crime drama explores the rise of NBC’s controversial “To Catch a Predator” investigations.
The new “Primetime” trailer presents Pattinson’s Hansen as an ambitious reporter pursuing television history. However, the footage also raises questions about fame, public justice and the boundaries of televised investigations.
‘Primetime’ Trailer Revisits 2006 Television
Set in 2006, “Primetime” follows Hansen as “To Catch a Predator” becomes a national television phenomenon. The NBC program used online decoys, hidden cameras and coordinated police operations to identify adults seeking sexual contact with minors.
Hansen became known for calmly confronting suspects inside staged homes. Police often arrested the men after they left the interview area.
The trailer recreates the production’s hidden cameras, control rooms and tense confrontations. It also shows the program’s growing popularity placing pressure on Hansen and his team to pursue larger stories.
Pattinson adopts Hansen’s distinctive voice and restrained interviewing style. His performance gradually shifts as the reporter becomes more focused on ratings, recognition and the program’s expanding reach.
Film Examines Media and Ethical Questions
“Primetime” is described as a drama inspired by “To Catch a Predator,” rather than a documentary. Its story appears positioned to examine both the program’s public impact and its disputed reporting methods.
The original series aired as part of “Dateline NBC” from 2004 through 2007. It became a cultural reference point despite producing only 20 episodes.
Critics questioned whether the operations blurred the lines among journalism, law enforcement and entertainment. Questions also emerged about the level of coordination between NBC, police and the online watchdog group Perverted-Justice.
One of the program’s most controversial operations occurred in North Texas during 2006. Kaufman County assistant district attorney Bill Conradt died by suicide as police and an NBC camera crew arrived at his Terrell home.
Conradt had been targeted during an operation centered in Murphy, Texas. The Collin County district attorney later declined to prosecute the cases arising from that sting.
Lance Oppenheim Makes Narrative Feature Debut
Lance Oppenheim directed “Primetime” from a screenplay by Ajon Singh. The movie marks Oppenheim’s narrative feature debut after his documentary projects “Some Kind of Heaven,” “Spermworld” and the HBO series “Ren Faire.”
Oppenheim’s earlier work often examined unusual American communities and the people operating within them. “Primetime” brings that observational approach to the competitive world of television news.
Pattinson also serves as a producer. Additional producers include Ari Aster, Lars Knudsen, Fred Berger, Brian Kavanaugh-Jones, Brighton McCloskey and Tyler Campellone.
‘Primetime’ Cast and Release Date
The supporting cast includes Merritt Wever, Skyler Gisondo, Phoebe Bridgers, Matthew Maher and Bokeem Woodbine. Anna Faris and Sean Bridgers have also been connected to the film.
A24 has scheduled “Primetime” to open in theaters on Sept. 25, 2026, according to the studio’s official film page.
The full trailer suggests the movie will examine more than Hansen’s familiar confrontations. Its central focus appears to be the cost of turning criminal investigations into nationally watched entertainment.