Robert Pattinson is taking on one of the most recognisable faces of 2000s television in Primetime, A24’s new thriller inspired by the story behind To Catch a Predator.
Directed by Lance Oppenheim, the movie transports audiences back to 2006, when journalist Chris Hansen and the controversial Dateline NBC series became a television phenomenon.
Following its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival earlier this month, Primetime arrived in U.S. cinemas on September 25. UK audiences will get an early chance to see the movie at the BFI London Film Festival in October, ahead of its wider UK cinema release on October 30.
What is Primetime about?
Primetime is inspired by the real-life story of Chris Hansen and To Catch a Predator, the Dateline NBC series that used hidden cameras and sting operations to confront adults who believed they were meeting minors.
According to A24, the story takes place in 2006 as Hansen “sets out to make television history.”
But rather than simply recreating the television series, Primetime explores the increasingly blurred lines between journalism, justice and entertainment as the programme becomes a ratings sensation.
Director Lance Oppenheim said at the Venice Film Festival that he wanted to examine To Catch a Predator at the height of its popularity and explore what working inside the television phenomenon did to the people involved.
Is Primetime based on a true story?
Yes, although Primetime is a dramatisation rather than a documentary.
Pattinson plays a version of real-life journalist Chris Hansen, while the movie draws inspiration from the television culture and events surrounding To Catch a Predator.
The actor originally became involved with Primetime as a producer before ultimately deciding to take on the lead role himself. Speaking at the Venice Film Festival, per AP, Pattinson revealed that he became increasingly attached to the character while developing the project, describing the role as “irresistible.”
Who is in the Primetime movie cast?
Robert Pattinson leads Primetime as Chris Hansen.
He is joined by Merritt Wever, Skyler Gisondo, Phoebe Bridgers, Matthew Maher and Bokeem Woodbine. The movie also marks an interesting change of direction for filmmaker Lance Oppenheim. Best known for documentary projects including Some Kind of Heaven and Ren Faire, Primetime is his narrative feature-film debut.
Where was Primetime filmed?
While Primetime takes audiences into the world of American television in 2006, the production found its home in New Orleans, Louisiana.
According to the New Orleans film office, filming took place in New Orleans between February and March 2025.
The city had quite a job on its hands, too. Primetime isn’t simply set in New Orleans: the production used the Louisiana city to stand in for several different parts of the United States.
The finished movie includes settings ranging from Texas to New York, Connecticut, California and Florida, but filming took place entirely in New Orleans.
That makes the city another impressive cinematic chameleon – and gives Primetime a little extra location intrigue beyond its true-crime story.
When does Primetime come out?
Primetime arrives in U.S. cinemas on September 25, 2026. In the UK, the movie will screen at the BFI London Film Festival in October before receiving a wider cinema release on October 30, 2026.
Is there a Primetime trailer?
Yes. A24 has released the official trailer for Primetime.
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