Chris Hansen appears before every Primetime screening with new ad
Moviegoers heading to see Robert Pattinson in Primetime are about to get a very personal visit from the real Chris Hansen.
Hansen is leveraging his massive public recognition to promote his streaming network, TruBlu, by placing advertisements before every theatrical screening of A24’s upcoming movie. This unique promotion isn’t just a simple plug; it’s a nod to the true crime world Hansen has spent his career dissecting.
In the commercial, Hansen steps into a familiar setting—a kitchen—and delivers his signature line, inviting the audience to take a seat. He then shifts focus to TruBlu, highlighting that there are now more platforms than ever for exploring the types of crimes and investigations that define his work.
The move is particularly interesting given Hansen’s complex relationship with the film Primetime, which dramatizes his history on To Catch a Predator. Hansen has previously expressed reservations about watching the movie, citing an agreement with A24 that prevented him from taking legal action against the studio. Following the film’s release, sources indicate that Hansen is now consulting with attorneys regarding his options.
Adding to the layered nature of the production, the film itself is steeped in real-world inspiration. Directed by Lance Oppenheim, Primetime draws inspiration from an Esquire article published in 2007, which examined the case of Bill Conradt, a Texas district attorney who became the target of one of Hansen’s televised sting operations.
The cast brings a diverse group to the screen, featuring Robert Pattinson alongside Merritt Wever, Skyler Gisondo, Phoebe Bridgers, Matthew Maher, Bokeem Woodbine, and Sean Bridgers. The film’s synopsis sets the stage simply: “In 2006, To Catch a Predator host Chris Hansen sets out to make television history.”
Primetime is set to make its world premiere at the Venice International Film Festival on September 5, before hitting theaters on September 25. It’s a compelling blend of true crime history and cinematic drama, promising viewers a deep dive into a story that is both familiar and fiercely new.
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