The article from Rolling Stone discusses the controversial legacy of the television series "To Catch a Predator," which aired from 2004 to 2007. The show, hosted by Chris Hansen, conducted sting operations to expose individuals attempting to solicit minors for sex, leading to their subsequent arrest. Although the series was praised for its public service efforts and educational value regarding online safety, a new documentary titled "Predators" questions whether the show ultimately did more harm than good. The film examines the ethical implications of sensationalizing the suffering of sexual predators while also scrutinizing the effectiveness of the show in preventing such crimes. It highlights the complexities of human behavior, empathy, and the repercussions of turning serious criminal activity into entertainment, ultimately leaving viewers with more questions than answers.

Key Points:

• "To Catch a Predator" aired from 2004 to 2007 and involved sting operations to catch online predators.
• The show was praised for raising awareness about online sexual exploitation of minors.
• The documentary "Predators" critiques the series, assessing its impact on justice and public perception of these crimes.
• It explores the emotional reactions and complexities behind both the perpetrators and the decoys.
• The series led to unintended consequences, including a notable suicide of a subject exposed on the show.
• The sensationalism of crime television is questioned, raising ethical concerns about exploiting serious issues for entertainment.
• The conversation between the filmmaker and Hansen remains unresolved, emphasizing the troubling nature of such societal spectacles.
  Link to Article