The mid-2000s were a strange, transformative time for television. Before the digital age fully took hold, we were glued to our sets for “appointment television”—shows that defined our cultural conversation, often by blurring the lines between reality, morality, and entertainment.
Now, as we hit the 20-year mark since 2006, A24 is pulling back the curtain on one of that era’s most polarizing sensations. The studio has just dropped the full-length trailer for Primetime, a psychological thriller that promises to be far more than a standard biopic.
A Chilling Transformation
Directed by Lance Oppenheim (Ren Faire) in his narrative feature debut, Primetime dives deep into the high-stakes, ethically dubious production of the Dateline NBC segment To Catch a Predator.
The trailer immediately anchors us in the tension of the era, opening with that infamous, skin-crawling line: “Why don’t you have a seat right there?”
But where the original segments were framed as public service, the film focuses on the obsession behind the camera. We see Robert Pattinson’s Chris Hansen evolving from a standard news correspondent into an increasingly unstable media figure. In one haunting scene, he tells his production crew, “We’re going to be bigger than Lost!” It’s a chilling reminder of how the relentless pursuit of ratings can warp the intent of even the most “noble” investigations.
The Team Behind the Screen
The film is stacked with a stellar cast, showcasing the intricate web of people required to pull off such a massive sting operation:
- Robert Pattinson stars as Chris Hansen and also serves as a producer on the film.
- Merritt Wever plays Hansen’s high-pressure producer.
- Skyler Gisondo portrays Dan Plumb, a young, aspiring actor hired to pose as a 13-year-old decoy in online chatrooms—a role that underscores the blurry boundary between theater and reality.
- Phoebe Bridgers makes her dramatic feature debut, reportedly as an operative from a watchdog group involved in the stings.
- Anna Faris appears as Mary Joan Hansen, Chris’ wife, offering a glimpse into the home life impacted by the show’s volatile success.
The film, which shot in New Orleans, also features appearances by Bokeem Woodbine, Tony Revolori, and Creed Bratton, with Jeff Zucker appearing as himself.
A Year of “Meta” Media
Primetime arrives in a year where A24 seems obsessed with dissecting the mechanics of fame and the cost of media obsession. It joins a 2026 slate defined by bold, self-aware storytelling:
- “The Drama”: Released earlier this year to significant acclaim, this Kristoffer Borgli-directed film starred Robert Pattinson and Zendaya as an engaged couple whose relationship unravels just days before their wedding. It became an instant hit, grossing over $132 million.
- “The Moment”: Directed by Aidan Zamiri, this hyper-pop mockumentary starring Charli xcx served as a cultural mirror, satirizing the pressures of fame and the “brat” era. It found a massive second life as a cult classic on HBO Max.
- “Undertone”: A micro-budget horror release that rounded out A24’s dark look at the consequences of modern voyeurism.
The Verdict
Primetime isn’t just a period piece; it’s a searing critique of the true-crime boom that persists to this day. By framing the story as a psychological thriller rather than a straightforward biopic, director Lance Oppenheim is challenging audiences to consider the human cost of turning justice into entertainment.
The film is set to have its world premiere in competition at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, where it will vie for the prestigious Golden Lion, before hitting U.S. theaters on September 25, 2026.
Are you ready to pull up a seat for Primetime? Let us know in the comments if you think this will be the standout thriller of the year.