Last updated: 7 November 2026
Chris Hansen, the real host of To Catch a Predator, has hit out at Primetime, the A24 film in which Robert Pattinson plays him. Hansen says the movie is far removed from reality. Pattinson says he came to the role as a fan.
The film arrived on digital platforms on 3 November 2026, which is why the feud is back in the headlines.
What Is Primetime About?
Set in 2006, Primetime follows Chris Hansen as he builds To Catch a Predator into a TV sensation. The show set up sting houses to confront men who arrived intending to abuse minors.
Lance Oppenheim directs, in his first narrative feature, from a script by Ajon Singh. Pattinson also produces. Merritt Wever, Skyler Gisondo, Bokeem Woodbine and Anna Faris co-star.
What Chris Hansen Said
After watching it, Hansen told Entertainment Weekly the film was detached from reality, and called its portrayal of him dark and dishonest, as summarised on Wikipedia. He has also described Pattinson’s performance as overly dramatic.
Hansen went further. He said he refused to sign an A24 agreement before a private screening, bought pre-show ads at screenings, and wanted to call the film a “Hollywood fantasy version” of events. He has also invited Pattinson and Oppenheim onto his podcast.
How Pattinson and the Director Responded
Pattinson has said he approached Hansen as a fan, and that he hopes Hansen will take the character as a kind of compliment. He also admitted that copying Hansen’s voice was very hard.
Oppenheim called Hansen a complicated hero and said the film is not meant to be a literal record of events.
Is Primetime Worth Watching?
Critics mostly liked it. It holds 86% on Rotten Tomatoes and 67 on Metacritic. It premiered in competition at the Venice Film Festival on 5 September 2026 and grossed about $48 million on a $14.5 million budget.
Like it? Here are movies like Primetime.
FAQs
Who plays Chris Hansen in Primetime?
Robert Pattinson.
Did Chris Hansen like Primetime?
No. He has called it detached from reality and dishonest.
Is Primetime based on a true story?
It is inspired by the real making of To Catch a Predator, but the director says it is not meant to be a literal account.
Where can I watch Primetime?
It is on digital platforms from 3 November 2026. In India, Lionsgate Play announced it as part of its theatrical-first slate.
