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Chris Hansen

Chris Hansen is an American television journalist and investigative reporter best known for his work on NBC’s Dateline NBC and the hidden-camera franchise To Catch a Predator.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Chris Hansen is an American television journalist and investigative reporter best known for his work on NBC’s Dateline NBC and the hidden-camera franchise To Catch a Predator. He later hosted Crime Watch Daily and launched newer projects including the streaming series Takedown with Chris Hansen and the podcast Predators I've Caught. His work is part of North American true-crime and investigative television that has also been widely viewed in Canada, especially through U.S. broadcast syndication and streaming platforms.

Early life and education

Chris Hansen was born in Chicago and grew up in suburban Michigan. He studied telecommunication at Michigan State University and graduated in 1981.

Broadcast journalism career

Hansen started in local news before joining NBC News, where he became a correspondent for Dateline NBC. His national profile grew through investigative television reporting.

Hansen became closely associated with To Catch a Predator, a hidden-camera series that confronted suspected online Predators. He later continued similar work through other television and streaming projects.

Later work and media appearances

After Crime Watch Daily, Hansen expanded his presence into streaming and podcasting. Sources also note appearances in other television productions and online content.

Key facts

  • Chris Hansen is an American television journalist and investigative reporter.
  • He is best known for Dateline NBC and To Catch a Predator.
  • He later hosted Crime Watch Daily and launched Takedown with Chris Hansen.
  • He has hosted the podcast Predators I've Caught since 2020.
  • His work has been widely viewed in Canada through syndication and streaming.
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Canadian context

Chris Hansen’s work is part of North American true-crime and investigative television that has also been widely viewed in Canada, especially through U.S. broadcast syndication and streaming platforms.

Frequently asked questions

What is Chris Hansen known for?
He is best known for Dateline NBC and To Catch a Predator, a hidden-camera investigative series focused on online predators.
Where was Chris Hansen born?
He was born in Chicago, Illinois.
What did Chris Hansen study?
He earned a Bachelor of Arts in telecommunication from Michigan State University.
What did Chris Hansen do after To Catch a Predator?
He hosted Crime Watch Daily, later returned with Takedown with Chris Hansen, and launched the podcast Predators I've Caught.
Is Chris Hansen still active in media?
Yes. Sources describe him as continuing work through streaming, podcasting, and investigative media projects.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Hansen
    Supports: Birthplace, education, NBC career, Crime Watch Daily, Takedown with Chris Hansen, Predators I've Caught, marriage date.
  2. AAE Speakers — https://www.aaespeakers.com/keynote-speakers/chris-hansen
    Supports: Education, early career, Emmy Awards, investigative journalism profile.
  3. TV Insider — https://www.tvinsider.com/people/chris-hansen/
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, media career overview and later television appearances.