• Uncompromising Origin Story: A24 and director Lance Oppenheim have released the debut trailer for PRIMETIME, tracking the volatile birth and cultural impact of NBC’s To Catch a Predator.
• Lead Transformation: Robert Pattinson steps into the role of Chris Hansen, capturing the host’s relentless drive to transform real-time law enforcement stings into appointment-viewing television.
• Based on True Events: The narrative adapts Luke Dittrich’s 2007 Esquire feature, exploring the dubious ethics, vigilante-style journalism, and legal chaos that eventually derailed the operation.
• Late-Summer Premiere: PRIMETIME arrives exclusively in theaters nationwide on September 25, 2026.

The High-Stakes Origin of Vigilante Television

A24 has officially released the first teaser trailer for PRIMETIME, spotlighting a dramatic overhaul from Robert Pattinson as television personality Chris Hansen. Directed by Lance Oppenheim, the film revisits the mid-2000s landscape when Dateline NBC pivoted into raw, high-friction undercover stings that gripped millions of American households.

The intense preview maps Hansen’s campaign to turn local predator operations into national ratings juggernauts. Pushing past moral concerns raised by colleagues and crew, the storyline tracks his determination to net a high-profile mark that will elevate the broadcast’s standing, regardless of the personal or legal fallout.

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Cast Lineup and Controversial Source Material

Drawing inspiration from Luke Dittrich’s investigative 2007 Esquire article, PRIMETIME scrutinizes the legal gray areas and psychological weight of weaponized reality media.

In addition to Pattinson, the film boasts a strong supporting cast featuring Merritt Wever, Skyler Gisondo, Phoebe Bridgers, Matthew Maher and Bokeem Woodbine.

Featured Photo: A24

• Film Title: PRIMETIME
• Director: Lance Oppenheim
• Distributor: A24
• Lead Cast: Robert Pattinson, Merritt Wever, Skyler Gisondo, Phoebe Bridgers, Bokeem Woodbineen.
• Source Material: Luke Dittrich’s 2007 Esquire Feature
• In Theaters: September 25, 2026

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