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Biographical thriller

Primetime (2026): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending

Primetime (2026) movie poster

Primetime is a 2026 biographical thriller directed by Lance Oppenheim, starring Robert Pattinson as Chris Hansen, Franco Brocato and Luca Brocato. It runs 1 hour 50 minutes and earned $52.7 million worldwide on a $15 million budget. Critics gave it 73 on Metacritic.

worldwide gross
$52.7M
Echo Score
73
Metascore
73
budget
$15M
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Primetime (2026) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 50m (110 min)
Director
Lance Oppenheim
Genres
Biography , Crime , Drama , Thriller
Original language
English
Studio
A24
Budget
$15M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Primetime About?

The premise of Primetime without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

In 2006, To Catch a Predator host Chris Hansen sets out to make television history.

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Cast & crew

Primetime Cast & Characters

Robert Pattinson leads the cast as Chris Hansen, with Franco Brocato as Conner Hansen and Luca Brocato as Chase Hansen. Directed by Lance Oppenheim; 20 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Primetime

· 16 more
From the director

More from Lance Oppenheim

More films directed by Lance Oppenheim, best-rated first: You Can See Everything, Some Kind of Heaven, Spermworld and The Paradise Next Door.

Full filmography
Ratings

Primetime Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Primetime 73 on Metacritic. Our Echo Score gives it 73/100, strongest in character & emotion (85) and weakest in story & flow (55).

73 /100

Primetime Echo Score Breakdown

Primetime delivers a visually striking but uneven experience, anchored by a strong central performance and ambitious production design. While the film succeeds in creating an oppressive, high‑contrast atmosphere and showcases inventive cinematography, its narrative often feels shallow and occasionally repetitive. The combination of bold stylistic choices with mixed storytelling results in a work that is compelling in parts yet struggles to sustain its impact throughout.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 75

    In terms of direction and visual craft, Primetime presents a dark, high‑contrast aesthetic that many reviewers praise for its stylistic boldness. The cinematography is described as expressionistic and the editing inventive, contributing to a cohesive sensory world. However, some critics note moments of over‑stylization that feel flashy or disjointed, tempering the overall craftsmanship.

  • Character & Emotion 85

    When it comes to acting and emotional depth, the film is widely lauded for Robert Pattinson’s layered portrayal and strong supporting performances. Critics highlight the nuanced chemistry among the cast, especially the heartbreaking turn by the young actor. Though a few find certain performances overly histrionic, the prevailing sentiment affirms a high level of character work.

  • Story & Flow 55

    Regarding plot coherence and pacing, Primetime presents a premise rich in moral ambiguity but often falls short of sustained engagement. Reviewers point to a shallow treatment of complex subject matter and occasional repetitiveness. While the narrative occasionally regains focus through sharp moments, overall it feels meandering and fails to fully realise its thematic potential.

  • Sensory Experience 80

    In the realm of sensory experience, the film excels with an oppressive atmosphere, striking color palette, and a haunting score. Critics commend the ominous music and vivid visual style that reinforce the film’s tone. Though some find the sensory elements overwhelming, the consensus acknowledges a compelling audiovisual design that enhances the viewing experience.

  • Rewatch Factor 60

    Assessing rewatch value, Primetime offers moments of intense intrigue that may invite repeat viewings, particularly for its strong performances and visual flair. Nonetheless, the narrative’s uneven pacing and occasional redundancy reduce long‑term appeal. While some viewers express enthusiasm for multiple watches, others find the film tiresome after the initial run.

Plot

Primetime Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Primetime from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 1-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Set in 2006, the story follows journalist Robert Pattinson as Chris Hansen, the host of the Dateline NBC series To Catch a Predator. Working alongside the vigilante group Perverted-Justice, Hansen conducts sting operations to lure and confront child predators. The show becomes a massive ratings hit, prompting NBC head Jeff Zucker to move it into a primetime slot to compete with other major networks.

Full summary

The whole story of Primetime, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Box office

Primetime Box Office & Budget

Primetime grossed $52.7 million worldwide on a $15 million budget, 3.5 times what it cost. $46.7 million came from the US and Canada and $6 million (11%) from the rest of the world.

2026 box office

Worldwide gross

$52.7M

3.5× its budget

US & Canada
$46.7M
International
$6M
Budget
$15M
US & Canada 89% Rest of the world 11%
Videos

Primetime Trailers & Videos

5 videos: 2 trailers, 1 teaser, 1 clip and 1 featurette.

Official Trailer
  • Trailer Official Trailer 2
  • Teaser Official Teaser
  • Clip Official Clip
  • Featurette Caught on Camera with Robert Pattinson & Lance Oppenheim - Official Promo
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Primetime?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Which actor portrays TV host Chris Hansen in the film?

Seen Primetime?

FAQ

Primetime FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Primetime, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Primetime?

Primetime runs 1 hour 50 minutes (110 minutes).

When was Primetime released?

Primetime was released on September 25, 2026.

Who directed Primetime?

Primetime was directed by Lance Oppenheim.

More films by Lance Oppenheim

Who is in the cast of Primetime?

Primetime stars Robert Pattinson as Chris Hansen, Franco Brocato as Conner Hansen and Luca Brocato as Chase Hansen, among 20 credited actors.

How much did Primetime make at the box office?

Primetime grossed $52.7 million worldwide ($46.7 million domestic, $6 million international) on a budget of $15 million.

How is Primetime rated?

Primetime has 73 on Metacritic.

Does Primetime have a post-credit scene?

No. Primetime has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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