The film marks the narrative feature directorial debut of documentary filmmaker Lance Oppenheim (Ren Faire, Some Kind of Heaven). Set in 2006, the film stars Robert Pattinson as television journalist Chris Hansen during the peak popularity of his hidden-camera sting operations for Dateline NBC. Written by Ajon Singh, the supporting cast features Merritt Wever as an NBC producer, Skyler Gisondo as an aspiring actor hired as an undercover decoy, and musician Phoebe Bridgers making her feature acting debut. The production represents a joint banner collaboration between A24, Range Media Partners, Icki Eneo Arlo, and Square Peg. Primetime is scheduled to make its international debut at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival before opening in North American theaters on September 25, 2026.