Former 'To Catch a Predator' host Chris Hansen has publicly criticized the new film 'Primetime,' calling the depiction of his career and the show 'detached from reality.'
Key facts
- •Chris Hansen hosted 'To Catch a Predator' on NBC between 2004 and 2007.
- •The film 'Primetime' is directed by Lance Oppenheim and stars Robert Pattinson as Hansen.
- •Hansen described the film as 'pure fiction' and gave Pattinson's performance a 'D' grade.
- •Hansen claimed he was barred from an advanced screening because he refused to sign a restrictive NDA.
- •The film is based on a 2007 Esquire article titled 'Tonight on Dateline This Man Will Die.'
After weeks of public criticism, former Dateline NBC host Chris Hansen has watched the A24 film 'Primetime,' which features Robert Pattinson portraying him. Hansen, who hosted the hidden-camera sting series 'To Catch a Predator' from 2004 to 2007, described the movie as "pure fiction" and "so detached from reality." The film, directed by Lance Oppenheim, is based on a 2007 Esquire article about Hansen’s investigative work.
Hansen’s Critique of the Film
In a segment for his podcast, 'Have A Seat With Chris Hansen,' the host expressed dissatisfaction with the film’s portrayal of his career. He specifically criticized a scene featuring a shirtless Pattinson reciting lines in front of a mirror, labeling it "absurd." Hansen further characterized the film as a "hit piece" on his work, arguing that it ignored the positive impact of his investigations into individuals attempting to harm children.
Disagreements Over Artistic Liberties
Hansen contested the film's depiction of 'To Catch a Predator' as a small-scale production struggling for recognition, stating that the program was always broadcast during primetime. He suggested that director Lance Oppenheim intended to create a "horror-like film" rather than an accurate account of his investigations. While Pattinson previously stated at the Venice Film Festival that he hoped Hansen would view the performance as a compliment, Hansen ultimately gave the portrayal a "D" grade.
Pre-Release Tensions
Leading up to his viewing of the film, Hansen had expressed frustration regarding the production, including contemplating legal action and purchasing advertising space for his own true-crime network, TruBlu, to run before screenings. He also claimed he was denied access to an advanced screening after refusing to sign a non-disclosure agreement, which the production team required to protect intellectual property and prevent spoilers.
Timeline
- 2004-2007Chris Hansen hosted the series 'To Catch a Predator' on NBC.
- 2007Esquire published the article 'Tonight on Dateline This Man Will Die,' which serves as the basis for the film.
- Last monthHansen appeared on Fox News to discuss his refusal to sign an NDA for an advanced screening of the film.
- Thursday nightHansen watched the film at a Times Square AMC theater.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Rolling Stone, Deadline.
