Directed by Lance Oppenheim, ‘Primetime’ maintains a taut relationship with the source of its real-life inspiration. The film revolves around the making of the Dateline NBC reality TV series ‘To Catch a Predator,’ with Chris Hansen as the host. The story picks up with the series at the height of its success, an achievement that earns it the top primetime slot at the network. However, this also means that the stakes become higher than ever. As Chris and his crew find themselves competing on air with the best of the best that entertainment has to offer, the idea of a high-profile sting operation becomes more and more appealing.
Around the same time, Xavier Von Erck, founder of Perverted Justice, a vigilante group that works closely with the show’s production, becomes convinced that he can secure a subject with possible connections in public office. However, as Chris and his colleagues chase after success masked as social justice, they end up contributing to something sinister. Despite its controversial basis in real life, ‘Primetime’ retains many direct inspirations in reality. This includes its depiction of the online vigilante group and its founder.
The Real Xavier Von Erck Is Crit...