A24’s new film Primetime is based on a 2007 Esquire article, “Tonight on Dateline This Man Will Die,” written by Luke Dittrich. The story examined the hidden-camera reality show To Catch a Predator.

The article focused on a botched 2006 sting in Texas. Police and the show’s crew went to arrest district attorney Bill Conradt at his home after he failed to appear at a decoy location. Conradt died by suicide as officers arrived.

Conradt’s sister later sued NBC, arguing the network’s actions contributed to his death. NBC settled the lawsuit in 2008 without disclosing the terms. To Catch a Predator ended in 2007 after the controversy.

The film, directed by Lance Oppenheim in his narrative debut, stars Robert Pattinson as series host Chris Hansen. Merritt Wever, Skyler Gisondo, and Phoebe Bridgers play supporting roles. Ajon Singh wrote the screenplay.

Primetime premiered at the Venice International Film Festival on September 5, 2026, competing for the Golden Lion. It opened in U.S. theaters on September 25.

The 110-minute psychological thriller has drawn strong reviews for Pattinson’s performance. Hansen himself has called the film “detached from reality.”