Lance Oppenheim’s narrative feature debut, Primetime, is already making massive waves as the first reactions to the psychological crime thriller hit social media. Fresh off its premiere at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, and ahead of its North American release on September 25, 2026, audiences are raving about Robert Pattinson’s descent into the filthiest era of reality television.
Diving Into the Sludge of 2000s Media Ethics
Set in the mid-2000s, the film dives headfirst into the sensationalized era of trash-TV stings, drawing heavy inspiration from NBC’s notorious To Catch a Predator broadcasts. Adapted from Luke Dittrich’s blistering 2007 Esquire exposé, “Tonight on Dateline This Man Will Die,” Primetime digs into the sludge-covered ethics, legal blowback, and raw human fallout when justice gets dragged out of the courtroom and turned into a primetime spectacle.
Alongside Pattinson, Primetime boasts a stacked ensemble including Anna Faris, Skyler Gisondo, Merritt Wever, Alex Winter, and Phoebe Bridgers.
Chris Hansen Takes a Seat in A24’s House
However, the real-world drama unfolding off-screen might give the film a run for its money. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the real Chris Hansen has purchased pre-show ad space at theatrical screenings for A24’s movie. The commercial promotes TruBlu, Hansen’s streaming network dedicated to true crime and investigative work, and yes, he leans directly into the iconic catchphrase. Sitting in a kitchen setup suspiciously similar to his old sting locations, Hansen addresses the audience: “I’m going to need everyone in the theatre to take a seat right over there.”
Legal Threats and “Hollywood Fantasies”
The retaliatory ad campaign follows a complicated standoff between Hansen and A24. Hansen previously declined an invitation to screen the film after refusing to sign a legal agreement waiving his right to sue the studio. Sources report that Hansen is currently consulting attorneys regarding his legal options, and he originally intended for the commercial to end by calling Primetime a “Hollywood fantasy version” of events before dropping the line over backlash concerns.
The Verdict So Far
While Hansen prepares his next move, early viewers are already weighing in on Oppenheim’s dark vision of 2000s media ethics.
Check out the first social media reactions to Primetime below:
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What’s Not Allowed