If fans of reality TV and crime shows are wondering how to watch a series like To catch a predatorthey may have to opt for unconventional means. Debuting in November 2004, To catch a predator it lasted just over three years, a surprisingly short period of time considering how ubiquitous the show is in pop culture. A part of Date line reality TV show apparatus, To catch a predator is a hidden camera series hosted by Chris Hansen as he confronts adult men who arrive at homes hoping to engage in sexual activity with supposed minors.
Adults posing as minors lure unsuspecting older men by first contacting them through chat rooms, which ultimately leads to them being invited to the house, which is secretly the site of a police raid. There, potential sexual predators (who Hansen was always careful to refer to as “pedophiles” [via NPR]) are greeted by Hansen asking them some variation of the famous question: “Why don’t you sit over there?” After tearful apologies or angry denials, Hansen calls the police and the accused is taken away.
It’s not worth watching to catch a predator
Catching a predator is an unpleasant watch
There’s no denying it To catch a predator It’s compelling television. Reality shows often are, and reality crime shows even more so because of how naturally high the stakes are. Hansen is an excellent host, firmly in control of the situation, with the ability to clearly explain the evolving situation to the audience and a man who is probably questioning every decision in his life up to that point. These are not innocent men and their actions need consequences, but there is something stomach-churning and possibly immoral about a show like To catch a predator.
There have been countless reflections and discussions about the ethics of a show like To catch a predator that blurs the line between reporting and creating interesting moments. In addition to these many well-reasoned arguments across Google, just noting To catch a predator for too long can be unsettling. There’s not much joy, even the righteous kind, in watching an inherently maladjusted man see his life crumble around him, however much he deserves it or not.
There is an entire justice system for people who commit crimes. The media is not part of this justice system, as much as some members would like it to be. What To catch a predator It starts to feel like, and why it’s not worth watching, it’s a show exclusively interested in humiliating, extrajudicial revenge. It’s not about protecting children or even about catching criminals. There were only 24 men who appeared in the series’ three years. It’s about sensationalizing true crimes, and that’s just not worth it.
To Catch A Predator is not available to stream for free in the US
The program is also not available for rent or purchase
To catch a predator is not currently available to stream in the US. In truth, does not appear to be available to stream anywhere in the worldincluding the United Kingdom and Canada. Renting and purchasing, even physical copies of the program, also doesn’t seem to be a possibility. The only places where it seems possible to watch an episode of Catch is Predator it’s on YouTube or DailyMotion. These are generally low-quality streams, often with sections missing, but it’s the best those interested in the series can hope for at the moment.