What is to catch a predator?

To Catch a Predator was a popular reality TV series that aired on NBC from 2004 to 2007. The show was hosted by Chris Hansen and focused on catching individuals who were attempting to engage in sexual activities with minors they met online.

The premise of the show involved setting up sting operations where decoys, posing as underage individuals, would chat with potential predators online and eventually arrange to meet in person. The predators would then be confronted by Hansen and law enforcement officials who would arrest them on camera.

To Catch a Predator received both praise and criticism for its controversial approach to combating online child exploitation. Some applauded the show for exposing individuals who prey on minors, while others raised concerns about entrapment and the ethics of publicly shaming the suspects.

The show ultimately ended due to legal and ethical challenges, as well as criticism over the methods used to catch the predators. Despite this, To Catch a Predator remains a notable part of TV history for its impact on raising awareness about online grooming and child safety.