The show was controversial for a number of reasons. Some critics argued that it was entrapment, as the show's producers would often pose as underage children online to lure would-be predators into meeting them. Others argued that the show violated the privacy rights of the people who were caught on camera.
In 2006, a lawsuit was filed against NBC by one of the people who had been caught on camera by the show. The plaintiff argued that the show had invaded his privacy and caused him emotional distress. The case was settled out of court for an undisclosed amount of money.
In 2008, the show was cancelled by NBC. The network said that the decision to cancel the show was not related to the lawsuit.
The legacy of "To Catch a Predator" is complex. The show was successful in catching a number of predators, and it helped to raise awareness of the dangers of online child sexual abuse. However, the show was also controversial and raised questions about the ethical implications of reality television.