Chris Hansen looking serious at a public event
TV & Film

Take a Seat: Chris Hansen Hijacks Robert Pattinson's A24 Movie With Theater Ads

The former 'To Catch a Predator' host isn't involved in 'Primetime,' but he's making sure moviegoers see his face anyway.

By Rae MitchellPublished Updated 1 min read

Moviegoers settling into their seats for Robert Pattinson's upcoming A24 feature are in for a familiar surprise during the pre-show previews. Longtime investigative reporter Chris Hansen has officially bought ad space to promote his own crime streaming service directly in front of *Primetime*. According to reports, the former *Dateline NBC* personality secured exclusive commercial slots that will play before screenings of the movie. In the custom advertisement, Hansen delivers his signature line, telling audience members in the auditorium to "take a seat right over there" before introducing his independent platform, TruBlu.

What Is The Robert Pattinson Movie Primetime About?

Directed by Lance Oppenheim, *Primetime* is a drama inspired by the explosive rise and eventual fallout of *To Catch a Predator*, the viral 2000s television phenomenon. Pattinson portrays a host who confronts suspected online predators inside sting houses set up by law enforcement and producers. While the movie pulls heavy inspiration from Hansen's real-life career and cultural footprint, the broadcaster is not involved with the A24 production in any official capacity. Rather than contesting the project, Hansen capitalized on the buzz by targeting the exact audience interested in his legacy.

Chris Hansen looking serious at a public event
Chris Hansen looking serious at a public event

Where Will The Chris Hansen Ads Air?

The promotional campaign is set to run exclusively ahead of *Primetime* for at least the initial four weeks of the film's theatrical release. The spots highlight TruBlu, a subscription network dedicated to true-crime documentaries and sting shows, including Hansen's current series, *Takedown With Chris Hansen*. By placing his app front and center before Pattinson's fictionalized take hits the screen, Hansen is ensuring that anyone buying a ticket for the cinematic retelling also gets a look at his real-world operation. It remains to be seen how audiences will react when the iconic presenter pops up on screen before the main feature begins.

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People also ask

Is Chris Hansen in the movie Primetime?
No, Chris Hansen is not involved in the creation of A24's 'Primetime,' though the film's main character is heavily based on his work as the host of 'To Catch a Predator.'
What is TruBlu?
TruBlu is a standalone true-crime streaming platform launched by Chris Hansen that features investigative programs and modern sting operations, such as 'Takedown With Chris Hansen.'