The Truth About To Catch A Predator Host Chris Hansen

How much do you know about Chris Hansen? This investigative reporter's name is synonymous with Dateline's successful "To Catch A Predator" segment…but his colorful run in the spotlight has been filled with plenty of personal and professional scandals. This is the untold truth of Chris Hansen. Chris Hansen was already a veteran reporter when Dateline's "To Catch a Predator" segment premiered in 2004. As it turns out, he was also the mastermind behind the show. He told City Pulse in 2009, "It was my idea. I was on the phone talking to a friend of mine...about this online watchdog group...and I was thinking, 'Wow, if we could combine their ability to work as decoys in chat rooms and our ability to wire a house with hidden cameras and microphones, it could be pretty compelling.'" But Hansen was quick to give the show's production team a lot of credit, too, making a point to say, "A lot of other smart people weighed in and figured out ways to improve the concept and we went out and shot the first one." Sure enough, To Catch A Predator was a bonafide mainstream hit. It even got spoofed on South Park, which is perhaps the truest sign that you've really made it. Regarding the show's success, Hansen told the Daily Beast in 2009, Watch the video see The Truth About To Catch A Predator Host Chris Hansen He masterminded 'TCAP' | 0:00 An accomplished investigative reporter | 1:16 He helped revive Dateline | 2:23 He makes people nervous | 3:15 About that catchphrase | 3:56 Why did NBC dump him? | 4:35 From bad to worse | 5:54 More trouble | 6:36 Call it a comeback | 7:28 Chris Hansen, the YouTuber | 8:41 The Jimmy Hoffa connection | 9:23 A dangerous career | 10:29