Chris Hansen Buys Advertisements for His True Crime Streaming Platform Before Every Single Screening of A24’s Primetime Movie
Chris Hansen, the investigative journalist best known for hosting Dateline NBC’s “To Catch a Predator,” has secured an unprecedented advertising placement for his streaming platform TruBlu. The ads will air before every theatrical screening of A24’s upcoming film “Primetime,” a biographical drama chronicling Hansen’s career and rise to prominence in true crime television.
The advertising campaign features Hansen in a kitchen setting, recreating the iconic scenario from his predator-catching television work. He uses his signature catchphrase—inviting viewers to “take a seat right over there”—before promoting his streaming network. The creative approach directly mirrors his most famous television moments, establishing immediate brand recognition with audiences attending the theatrical release.
This marketing strategy represents a novel intersection of film promotion and streaming platform expansion. By placing his advertisements directly before screenings of his biographical film, Hansen positions TruBlu to audiences already engaged enough in his work to purchase theatrical tickets. The platform focuses on undercover investigations into criminal activity, maintaining thematic consistency with his television background.
The partnership demonstrates how streaming services are increasingly leveraging theatrical releases of related content as cross-promotional opportunities. Rather than relying solely on traditional trailers or digital advertising, Hansen’s team has created a direct viewer funnel from cinematic experience to streaming subscription. This strategy capitalizes on viewers’ existing interest in his story while introducing them to expanded content available on his platform.
The campaign highlights evolving entertainment industry dynamics, where streaming platforms actively compete with traditional media outlets. Hansen’s direct control over advertising placement during screenings of his biographical film exemplifies how prominent personalities can leverage their notoriety to build direct-to-consumer platforms and audience relationships.