Career Timeline of Chris Hansen: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Chris Hansen, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Chris Hansen is an American television presenter, journalist, and YouTube personality. He's best known for hosting 'To Catch a Predator' on Dateline NBC (2004-2007), a segment focused on exposing potential Internet predators through sting operations. After its conclusion, Hansen continued hosting similar shows on other networks, focusing on exposing illicit activities.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1981: Graduation from Michigan State University

In 1981, Chris Hansen graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Arts in telecommunication.

1981: Reporter for WILX

In 1981, during his senior year at Michigan State University, Chris Hansen became a reporter for NBC affiliate WILX in Lansing, Michigan.

1988: Investigative Reporter and Anchor at WDIV

In 1988, Chris Hansen was hired as an investigative reporter and anchor at WDIV in Detroit, marking a significant step in his journalism career.

May 1993: Joins NBC News

In May 1993, Chris Hansen joined NBC News as a correspondent for the short-lived news magazine Now with Tom Brokaw and Katie Couric, expanding his career on a national platform.

August 2013: Departure from NBC

In August 2013, NBC decided not to renew its contract with Chris Hansen, ending his 20-year tenure with the network.

2015: Plans for Hansen vs. Predator and Kickstarter Campaign

In 2015, Chris Hansen planned a new independent television show called Hansen vs. Predator, a spin-off of his original show To Catch a Predator. The program was intended to premiere online, crowdfunded via Kickstarter with Hansen hoping to raise $400,000.

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August 22, 2016: Introduction as Host of Crime Watch Daily

On August 22, 2016, Chris Hansen was introduced as the new host of the syndicated news program Crime Watch Daily, marking the beginning of his role in the show.

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January 4, 2017: Renewal of Crime Watch Daily for a Third Season

On January 4, 2017, Crime Watch Daily, hosted by Chris Hansen, was renewed for a third season, indicating the show's continued success.

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June 2018: End of Crime Watch Daily

In June 2018, Crime Watch Daily ended its run, concluding Chris Hansen's time as the host of the syndicated news program.

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October 9, 2019: Launch of YouTube Channel

On October 9, 2019, Chris Hansen started a YouTube channel under the name Have a Seat with Chris Hansen, marking his entry into the world of online content creation.

2020: Hosting Predators I've Caught podcast

Since 2020, Chris Hansen has hosted a podcast called Predators I've Caught, revisiting predator investigations and offering new information about the suspects.

2022: Return to Television with Takedown with Chris Hansen

In 2022, Chris Hansen returned to television with the series Takedown with Chris Hansen on his streaming service TruBlu, where he investigates and interviews online predators.

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August 2025: Rumors and Confirmation of Documentary Film on Roblox Child Safety

In August 2025, following the Roblox Schlep ban controversy, rumors spread that Chris Hansen would create a project on child safety on Roblox. Hansen confirmed the rumors on August 15, stating he interviewed law enforcement, abuse victims, and Schlep for a documentary film.