David Osit’s documentary, “Predators,” screened at USC, and discussed how the NBC Dateline series, “To Catch a Predator,” captured the eyes of America, despite the questionable principles inherent in the nature of the shows. The documentary explores how the show was originally framed as an effort to educate parents about the dangers of the internet; however, the series quickly became a cultural spectacle, drawing viewers of all ages who couldn’t look away from the humiliation of predators caught on camera.
“Predators” begins with a raw footage clip from “To Catch a Predator,” immediately immersing the audience into the atmosphere of early 2000s true crime. The audience in the IMGD Building felt the intensity of the environment before Osit launched into sit-down interviews with the original decoys of “To Catch a Predator.”
In “Predators,” Dani Jayden, Casey Mauro and Dan Schrack all reminisce on their experiences, but admit that they struggle to watch the series back without reeling in the emotional and mental tax of it all. From this point on, Osit begins to delve deeper into the true motivations of Chris Hansen, the main “character” of the famous network television show.
“Predators” reveals how “To Catch a Predator” blurred the line between a public service and entertainment, raising uncomfortable questions about who truly benefited: children and families, or the television network?
In one episode, producers and law enforcement deviated from the typical setup, confronting a predator (found to be an assistant district attorney) at his home rather than in the sting house. The episode ended in devastation as the predator died by suicide — a tragedy that underscored how far the show was willing to go for dramatic television. Former colleagues admit the case should have ended production, yet the episode still aired to millions of viewers, revealing how entertainment value outweighed true justice.
Towards the end of the documentary, Osit calls Hansen out on this fact, explaining that “the people watching this may feel like [Hansen] has something to answer for.” He also asks the question as to whether the series was just for views. While Hasen defends his work as a public service, “Predators” leaves viewers to ponder whether justice is truly being served, or if the show was simply sensationalizing trauma.
“Predators” challenges audiences to consider why the humiliation of predators makes for such compelling television and whether awareness of online predators was ever the real goal.
In a Q&A after the film, director David Osit explains that “To Catch a Predator” was doing things that no news program had done before because it was combining journalism and law enforcement to create a new form of entertainment. By blurring the line between law enforcement and spectacle, “To Catch a Predator” turned justice into entertainment — and left behind a legacy that is as troubling as it is unforgettable.
“Predators” is screening in select theaters by looking at the Fandango, Regal Theaters, or AMC Theaters websites and will soon be available for streaming on Paramount+.