MTV Documentary 'Predators' Examines To Catch a Predator Impact

The upcoming documentary Predators, directed by David Osit and releasing on September 19, 2025, explores the cultural phenomenon and moral complexities of NBC’s early 2000s investigative series To Catch a Predator. The show, which featured host Chris Hansen confronting and exposing child sex predators on camera, became a national sensation and sparked a global wave of imitators and vigilante-style media. Osit's film delves into America's intense fascination with watching people at their lowest points, examining the blurred lines between journalism, entertainment, and voyeurism. Through interviews with journalists, law enforcers, academics, actors, and Hansen himself, Predators critically assesses the impact and ethics of the show and its offshoots, reflecting on whether it truly made a difference or merely amplified sensationalism. The documentary also touches on the tragic consequences surrounding the show, such as the suicide of Texas assistant district attorney Bill Conradt during a sting operation. Predators aims to provoke thoughtful discussion on the nature of justice, empathy, and the media’s role in shaping public perception of crime and punishment.