Primetime, the new A24 drama starring Robert Pattinson as television host Chris Hansen, is now playing in theatres following its September 25, 2026 release.
Directed by Lance Oppenheim, the film revisits the period when Hansen’s To Catch a Predator investigations became a major television spectacle.
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What Primetime is about
Primetime is set in 2006, when Hansen was working with Dateline NBC on hidden-camera investigations targeting adults who attempted to meet minors through online conversations.
According to A24, the film follows Hansen as he tries to make television history while the production grows into a high-profile media event.
The studio describes the movie as inspired by true events rather than a documentary or a direct reconstruction of every incident depicted on screen.
That distinction is important because the story uses a real television programme and a real public figure as the foundation for a fictionalized dramatic film.
Robert Pattinson leads the cast
Pattinson plays Hansen in the film, taking on a role that places him at the centre of the production’s ethical, personal and television-industry conflicts.
The cast also includes Merritt Wever, Skyler Gisondo, Phoebe Bridgers, Matthew Maher and Bokeem Woodbine.
Bridgers’ involvement has added another point of interest for audiences, with the musician appearing in the film’s ensemble cast.
The movie’s trailer presents Hansen as a driven broadcaster working inside a production machine that is increasingly shaped by ratings, spectacle and public attention.
Why the subject remains controversial
To Catch a Predator attracted large audiences during its original run, but it also raised difficult questions about the use of hidden cameras, public confrontation and the responsibilities of news and entertainment programming.
The programme’s investigations were presented as efforts to expose adults seeking sexual contact with minors.
At the same time, critics questioned whether the format blurred the line between journalism, law enforcement and reality television.
Primetime uses that tension as part of its dramatic premise, examining how a television production can turn real criminal allegations into a nationally consumed media event.
The film does not present itself as an official continuation of the original television series.
Where Canadians can watch Primetime
Primetime opened in Canadian cinemas on September 25, although showtimes and availability vary by location.
Cineplex lists the film among its September advance-ticket releases, while individual theatres determine whether to screen the movie and how long to keep it on their schedules.
Because the release is theatrical, viewers should check local cinema listings before travelling to a screening.
- Canadian release: September 25, 2026.
- Distributor: A24.
- Director: Lance Oppenheim.
- Lead actor: Robert Pattinson as Chris Hansen.
- Format: Theatrical release.
What comes next for the film
The immediate focus will be the movie’s theatrical performance and audience response during its opening run.
Its subject gives Primetime a recognizable real-world hook, while Pattinson’s casting positions the film as a character-driven drama rather than a straightforward television-history recreation.
A24 has not announced a Canadian streaming date in the information available for the theatrical release.
For now, audiences who want to see the film will need to look for local cinema screenings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Primetime about?
Primetime is a fictionalized drama inspired by the real-world To Catch a Predator investigations and follows television host Chris Hansen in 2006.
Who plays Chris Hansen in Primetime?
Robert Pattinson plays Chris Hansen.
When was Primetime released in Canada?
Primetime opened in Canadian theatres on September 25, 2026.
Who directed Primetime?
The film was directed by Lance Oppenheim.
Is Primetime a documentary?
No. A24 describes Primetime as a film inspired by true events, making it a dramatized feature rather than a documentary.
Fact-Checked: Key release, cast, director and synopsis details were checked against A24’s official film page, trailer information and Canadian cinema listings.
Disclaimer: Primetime is a dramatized film inspired by real events, so scenes and character portrayals should not be treated as a complete factual record.