“I’m Chris Hansen with Dateline NBC.”

Last night, Dateline ran a Behind-the-Scenes special on it’s hugely popular “To Catch a Predator” program. The show featured host Chris Hanson describing memorable moments from the show as well as interviews with the staff of Perverted Justice, law enforcement officials, and even the predators’ families.

Most entertaining was the segment about the buzz surrounding the show. it’s true that “To Catch a Predator” has become totally ingrained into the cultural zeitgeist of today, but it was still interesting to see just how many references to the show there are floating around tv and the internet. For example, a Google search for the show yields over 400,000 results. YouTube searches for the show bring back dozens and dozens of parody videos as well as clips from the actual program. The phrase “I’m Chris Hansen with Dateline NBC!” has become the new “You got Punk’d!” or “You’re on Candid Camera!” Internet auteurs are not the only ones getting in on the game either. Other network shows, including NBC’s 30 Rock and Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip have run their own send-ups of the series.

I’m still undecided as to weather this is hilarious, or a signal of the apocalypse. On one hand, it IS funny the way the creepy internet pervs behave once they’ve been caught, and even funnier when they discover they’re going to be on tv, but on the other hand, it’s also totally wrong that this is entertainment. I’m both horrified and intrigued by this show. I don’t watch it religiously, but if it’s on, I’ll definitely check it out. Then, when I do watch it, I can’t help but feel dirty, like I’m a sick person for wanting to watch child molesters get a little surprise on national tv. Is “To Catch a Predator” really one of the greatest new pieces in years, or is it a prime example of the deterioration of our society?