Chris Hansen says A24 film "Primetime" is fictionalized and misrepresents his work

A24’s drama "Primetime," which dramatizes the "To Catch a Predator" segment of "Dateline," has become a box-office hit, but former host Chris Hansen told Variety that the film is largely fictional. He said only his name and a few catchphrases are accurate, and that the storyline surrounding the 2009 suicide of assistant district attorney Louis William Conradt Jr. is not truthful.

"The whole premise of the movie is false. It’s a fake narrative. It didn’t happen," Hansen said, adding that the producers used his brand to attract viewers.

Hansen explained that the original sting operations involved adult decoys who lured suspects, after which law-enforcement officers executed arrests. He emphasized that the team never pursued targets directly and that the police obtained warrants based on probable cause. The 2006 incident involving Conradt, who died after police attempted to serve an arrest warrant, was described by Hansen as a tragic suicide with no evidence that the show’s crew influenced the outcome.

He defended the investigative model, noting that early "Predator" stings operated without police presence but later collaborations ensured evidence chain-of-custody and legal accountability. Hansen also highlighted ongoing work on his own platform, TruBlu, which produces shows such as "Takedown With Chris Hansen" and podcasts that continue to expose sexual predators.

Regarding the film’s portrayal of his personal life, Hansen called the depiction "over-the-top" and suggested the filmmakers exploited his 45-year career for commercial gain. He said he has not yet decided on legal action, though lawyers are reviewing the matter.

A NBC spokesperson said the movie is a fictionalized portrayal of events reported decades ago and noted that "Dateline" has evolved over its 35-year history. The interview was edited and condensed for publication.