Jeff Zucker, the former NBCUniversal Television Group chief executive, has revealed how he came to play a fictionalised version of himself in A24's "Primetime," a film starring Robert Pattinson as former "Dateline NBC" reporter Chris Hansen. The connection came through Zucker's son, Andrew, who studied at Harvard alongside the film's director, Lance Oppenheim, and suggested his father for the cameo role. The film dramatises the rise and controversy surrounding Hansen's "To Catch a Predator" segments, and Zucker's scene—though fictional—depicts him as a ratings-obsessed network boss moving the show into a primetime slot.

Zucker, who will attend the film's premiere at the Venice Film Festival, said he agreed to the role "as a lark" after being sent the script, which he felt portrayed him inaccurately as purely ratings-driven. He spent a full day filming opposite Pattinson in New Orleans roughly a year ago, noting it was a rare chance to appear alongside the actor. It is not Zucker's first on-screen turn: he previously played himself in "Fat Actress" and appeared in "My Name Is Earl" during his time running NBC Entertainment, and he has held an active SAG card for around 25 years. He also praised the production's attention to detail, including a faithfully recreated NBC office and period-accurate wardrobe.