Chris Hansen, born on September 13, 1959, is a well-known American journalist and television host famous for his investigative reporting on internet safety and child exploitation. His groundbreaking work on To Catch a Predator, a segment of Dateline NBC, has made him a household name. Hansen’s approach to exposing online predators has sparked important conversations about the dangers of the internet. His investigative work continues today with his latest project, TakeDown with Chris Hansen, which focuses on similar issues in the digital age.
Over the years, Hansen has faced both praise and controversy, but his commitment to crime journalism has remained steadfast. Today, he is actively involved in various projects on platforms like YouTube and TruBlu, where he continues to tackle crime and safety issues, especially those involving children.
Key Takeaways
- Chris Hansen is best known for his role in To Catch a Predator, which aimed to catch online predators attempting to meet minors.
- His work continues with shows like TakeDown with Chris Hansen, available on TruBlu, and on his YouTube channel.
- Hansen has faced some legal troubles but remains dedicated to investigative journalism.
- His shows raise awareness about online safety and the importance of protecting children from online threats.
Chris Hansen’s Iconic Show: To Catch a Predator
Chris Hansen became famous for his work on To Catch a Predator, a popular segment of Dateline NBC that aired from 2004 to 2007. The show used hidden cameras and sting operations to catch adults who were attempting to meet minors for inappropriate purposes. Each episode was a collaboration between Hansen, law enforcement, and online watchdog groups, showing the reality of internet predators.
The show highlighted the risks of unsupervised online interactions, especially for young people. Though it was controversial for its confrontational style, it successfully brought attention to the widespread issue of online child exploitation. The public’s response to To Catch a Predator was overwhelmingly positive, and it remains a significant reference point in discussions about internet safety.
TakeDown with Chris Hansen: Continuing the Fight
After the end of To Catch a Predator, Chris Hansen didn’t stop his mission to expose online predators. His latest series, TakeDown with Chris Hansen, is available on the streaming platform TruBlu and continues his investigative work. In this series, Hansen teams up with law enforcement agencies to carry out sting operations similar to those seen in his previous show. The goal remains the same: to expose online predators and inform the public about the dangers of the internet.
This show continues to educate viewers, particularly parents and teenagers, about the importance of online safety. Hansen’s efforts have significantly contributed to raising awareness about internet crimes and the risks children face when engaging with strangers online.
Chris Hansen’s Legal Troubles – The 2019 Arrest
Despite his success, Chris Hansen has faced legal challenges. In January 2019, he was arrested for issuing a bad check related to promotional materials for his show Hansen vs. Predator. This legal trouble, along with earlier reports of unpaid rent, led to concerns about his financial situation.
Hansen’s arrest shocked many of his fans, but he has since moved past these issues, continuing his work in journalism. While his personal struggles made headlines, his commitment to his work and his ability to move forward have shown his resilience.
Chris Hansen’s Current Projects – TruBlu and YouTube
In addition to TakeDown with Chris Hansen, Chris Hansen has embraced modern platforms to continue his work. He co-founded TruBlu, a streaming service focused on true crime content. This platform offers investigative journalism programs, including Hansen’s series, to viewers interested in crime-related stories.
Hansen also maintains a presence on YouTube, where clips from To Catch a Predator and other investigative content continue to attract large audiences. His YouTube channel has given him a direct way to connect with fans and keep them updated on his latest work.
Chris Hansen’s Personal Life and Marquette Roots
Chris Hansen was born and raised in Michigan, specifically in the Detroit suburbs, and he credits his early experiences there for sparking his interest in journalism. He attended Michigan State University before beginning his career as a reporter in the 1980s. His upbringing in Marquette, MI, and his witnessing of significant events like the disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa helped shape his career path.
In terms of his personal life, Hansen was married to Mary Joan Gleich for many years before their divorce in 2020. He remarried in 2021 to Gabrielle Gagnon, and the couple currently resides together while continuing their professional careers.
Table – Chris Hansen’s Career Highlights
| Key Life Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Christopher Edward Hansen |
| Born | September 13, 1959, Michigan, USA |
| Famous For | To Catch a Predator |
| Latest Show | TakeDown with Chris Hansen |
| Streaming Platform | TruBlu |
| Notable Achievement | Exposing online predators |
| Legal Issues | Arrested in 2019 for issuing a bad check |
| Personal Life | Married to Gabrielle Gagnon since 2021 |
| Early Career | Began in Michigan, influenced by local events |
FAQs
Who is Chris Hansen?
Chris Hansen is a journalist and TV host known for his investigative work on shows like To Catch a Predator, which exposed online predators. He continues to work in crime journalism with shows like TakeDown with Chris Hansen.
What is To Catch a Predator?
To Catch a Predator was a segment on Dateline NBC that aired from 2004 to 2007. The show used hidden cameras to catch adults attempting to meet minors for inappropriate purposes.
What happened to Chris Hansen in 2019?
In 2019, Chris Hansen was arrested for issuing a bad check related to promotional materials for one of his shows. This incident raised concerns about his financial management, but he continues to work in investigative journalism.
Where can I watch TakeDown with Chris Hansen?
TakeDown with Chris Hansen is available on the TruBlu streaming platform, which specializes in true crime content.
What is TruBlu?
TruBlu is a streaming service co-founded by Chris Hansen that focuses on true crime content, including his latest investigative series aimed at exposing online predators.
What is Chris Hansen doing now?
Chris Hansen is currently working on various projects, including TakeDown with Chris Hansen on TruBlu and maintaining a presence on YouTube, where he continues to educate the public on internet safety.