Does ANYONE know if NBC will shoot any new "To Catch A Predator" episodes?

Question

I LOVE that show! Unfortunately, it may be the end because NBC got sued and they were not following protocol in catching the pervs.

It's not my fault these guys choose to drive 2,3,4 hours to hook up with 14-year-old chicks. They get whatever's coming to them, I believe. And yes, they provide me with a good laugh :)

Answer 1

I would hope not.

There's multiple concerns about this show, including unethical behavior by both the arresting police officers and employees of NBC and the show itself. There is also the lawsuit (not sure if it has been settled yet) regarding a district attorney who shot and killed himself when confronted by police at his home along with a now dismissed lawsuit earlier this year by a former producer.

One of the big issues for me is that because police officers aren't involved in luring predators to the home, certain procedures aren't being followed, meaning the cases may not hold up in a court of law. Earlier this year, some beauty pageant winner helped in the sting and it was a big media event. However, she had no plans to appear in court to testify, which meant the cases wouldn't hold up in court.

Another problem I have with this show is that once again, they (the media) is overhyping a problem. The show claims that "One in five children is now approached by online predators." However, the US Department of Justice, while sexual solicitations do occur online, the majority of these are made by other juveniles (48% of solicitation versus 34% of solicitations made by adults). NONE of these resulted in actual sexual contact or assault. Additionally, 75% of juveniles surveyed did not find these solicitations distressing.

Does this mean you shouldn't monitor what your kids are up to online? Not at all. I just think the internet predator phenomenon is being overhyped and removes the focus from being conscious and aware of the people around your child. From working in probation and parole, the real threat is from people that your child knows in real life: people at school, neighbors, family, etc.

Answer 2

In regard tot he show in general I think that it's a mixed bag. While I think that it's definitely an issue that needs to be addressed and stopped, I also feel that there are a lot of ramifications with doing so on national television. Considering the number of men that are on the show actually WATCH the show, it's obviously not working to prevent the criminal activities. Toward the legality of it, the average person included in the production tape, and the story line that is spun, appears to be directed at the "least sophisticated" people. Never do they ask for a lawyer, and frequently they openly admit to their criminal behavior. All without an attorney. In addition the individuals included in the show are effectively having their lives ruined. This isn't your name listed in a local newspaper and a few nosy neighbors kind of ruined, but prime time national news ruined. While no one will say that their alleged crimes are justifiable, or that they should be given saint hood, they should be given the opportunity to pay for their mistakes and the potential to live a normal life afterwards, and not solicit minors for sex. Once it's publicized in such a way, that potential is gone. From an advertising standpoint the association is going to be a strong one. And there is a strong question to answer if you do spend the advertising dollars to support the show. Are you supporting an effort to protect innocent children online? Or are you supporting an attempt to ruin and/or destroy the lives of people who are obviously in need of treatment for some very serious mental health issues? One looks good to consumers, the other doesn't. And in the shows current form it looks more and more like the latter is the actual situation that is occurring. Perhaps if the show had a greater focus on getting these alleged criminals help than creating a "if it bleeds, it leads" story line, they might find themselves in a more supported position. Help to remove predators from the internet and rehabilitate them, give them a fighting chance at a real life. But that would probably have lower ratings and viewers in our rubber necking, dog eat dog, murder death kill obsessed world.

Answer 3

I totally agree with you. I loved those shows too. Them dumb @ss men come from miles to be with a teen and then when they are caught red-handed they act so stupid. I cracked up when, I think he was a pastor or teacher came there and Chris Hanson questioned him and he started running off and the cops got him he started crying like a little biznitch. That was so hilarious. But yeah, they do need to air some more shows I miss laughing at those losers.

Answer 4

Ya know it was like a train wreck. Once you started watching it you could not stop. it was funny watching these dumb asses chase down under age girls. What losers! I enjoyed watching them get busted. Maybe they will get what they deserve in prison. I hope it does come back, especially since the writers strike is ruining TV. One of my favorite shows is 24 and I saw that it will not air in january and probably not be back until 2009. That blows! Where is Jack Bauer??? Maybe he can join catch a predator. Jack to a predator: "DROP THE CANDY NOW AND GET DOWN ON THE FLOOR!"

Answer 5

I'm not sure I was looking at the website a few weeks ago and couldn't see anything..

It seems wrong that child predators could sue them for not following protocol...what is protocol for catching some who intends on violating a child??

Answer 6

I sure hope not. That show eats it. They pretty much setup those guys for YOUR voyer pleasure. Way to make $$$ off of pervs. They should at least get some sponsorship money. What gives NBC the right to make millions of dollars off these people. Why are you watching you perv? In some sick way, you like seeing this stuff. Who's the perv now?

Answer 7

My husband and I watch that show ALL the time! We especially like the rabbi who came to meet the teenage boy!

Yes, those pervs do deserve whatever is coming to them - I just wish they had done things the proper way. People who prey on children deserve every bit of punishment under the law.

Answer 8

I'm not sure, but that is a pretty good show and it's really funny especially when that Chris Hansen guy tells them "Why don't u have a seat." I love it and they made fun of it on an episode of South Park one day.
Some of those people are really dumb and sick to want to have sexual relations with a child the thought is just sickening and i hope they keep the show up to put those people where they belong..........in jail.

Answer 9

That is too funny! I can't beleive there was actually protocol to catch those pervs. They are funny, "oh, yeah..I brought some condoms"....LOL

Answer 10

I hope not. How can you enjoy watching pervs? Cops should set up stings like this - but keep it off of TV. Seeing other human beings at their absolute worst is not my idea of entertainment.