In a chilling twist of fate, Cheryl Bradshaw, a contestant on The Dating Game in 1978, unknowingly chose serial killer Rodney Alcala as her date. Alcala, already deep into a murder spree, would later be dubbed The Dating Game Killer. Bradshaw’s instincts saved her life, but what happened afterward? Here’s a look into her story.
The Game Show That Could Have Turned Deadly
The Dating Game was a popular matchmaking show in the 1970s, known for its playful and light-hearted format. Bradshaw, a charismatic bachelorette, chose Alcala from three eligible bachelors based on their witty answers. Alcala charmed the audience and Bradshaw with lines like, “I’m called ‘The Banana’ because I look really good… peel me”. However, behind the charm was a man responsible for heinous crimes.
Cheryl Bradshaw’s Gut Instinct
Though Bradshaw initially chose Alcala, she quickly grew uncomfortable. After the show, her intuition told her something was off. “I started to feel ill. He was acting really creepy,” she later recalled. Trusting her instincts, she canceled their planned date, which likely saved her life.
Bradshaw called The Dating Game producers, explaining her discomfort: “There’s weird vibes that are coming off of him. He’s very strange. I am not comfortable”^1. The producers assured her there was no issue in canceling.
Rodney Alcala’s Dark Secrets
Unbeknownst to the show’s audience, Alcala was already a convicted sex offender and was in the midst of a killing spree. He would later be convicted of multiple murders, with authorities estimating his victim count could reach as high as 130. His charming appearance on the show stands as a chilling reminder of his double life.
Cheryl Bradshaw’s Life After the Show
Following her brush with infamy, Bradshaw retreated from the public eye. According to reports, she left California, focused on raising a family, and lived a private life. Her decision to avoid media spotlight helped her distance herself from the traumatic experience.
The Lingering Legacy of Alcala’s Crimes
Alcala was arrested in 1979, a year after his appearance on The Dating Game, and sentenced to death. He remained on death row until his death from natural causes in 2021. His participation on the show has since become a notorious example of how easily predators can hide in plain sight.
Cheryl Bradshaw’s Reflection on Her Ordeal
Bradshaw rarely spoke publicly about her experience, but in a 2012 interview, she reflected on how her instincts saved her: “I didn’t want to see him again. Something felt terribly wrong”. Her story highlights the importance of trusting one’s gut, even in seemingly harmless situations.
A Fictionalized Retelling: Woman of the Hour
Bradshaw’s encounter with Alcala was recently dramatized in Netflix’s Woman of the Hour, directed by and starring Anna Kendrick. While the film takes creative liberties, it underscores the bravery of Bradshaw’s decision. “She trusted her instincts in a time when women were often dismissed,” Kendrick noted.
Cheryl Bradshaw’s Legacy
Though Bradshaw has since passed away, her story continues to resonate. Anna Kendrick, who portrayed her in Woman of the Hour, expressed regret at not being able to speak with her before her death. “I would ask her what it felt like to trust herself,” Kendrick said. Bradshaw’s decision serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of listening to one’s instincts.
Final Round
Cheryl Bradshaw’s near-escape from a serial killer on national television remains one of the most chilling stories in true crime history. Her quick thinking and refusal to ignore her gut feelings saved her life, and her story continues to inspire conversations about safety and intuition.