“Unmasking the Darkness: How a Dating Show Spotlighted a Notorious Serial Killer and Inspired a Gripping New Thriller”
Imagine being on a dating game show, all set to find your perfect match—only to discover years later that your chosen date was a dreaded serial killer! That’s the chilling reality faced by Cheryl Bradshaw, who, in 1978, was a hopeful contestant on *The Dating Game*. What could be more awkward than realizing that Rodney Alcala—whom she selected for an all-expenses-paid date—was not just a charming bachelor but also a notorious criminal? Unearthed video footage reveals the eerie moment she picked him, setting the stage for a terrifying twist of fate that nearly claimed her as his next victim. As fate would have it, a weird backstage encounter prompted her to decline the date, an intuition that might have saved her life! Curious about this bizarre love story gone wrong? Well, you’re in luck, because there’s so much more to uncover about this darkly fascinating tale! LEARN MORE.
In 1978, Cheryl Bradshaw appeared on matchmaking show The Dating Game as she searched for love.
She would later go on to learn that the man she chose to go on a date with – Rodney Alcala – was in fact a notorious serial killer.
Unearthed video footage shows the chilling moment she picked Alcala, who would go on to be dubbed as ‘The Dating Game Killer.’
Rodney Alcala was part-way through a killing spree when he made his TV appearance, having raped and assaulted multiple people and committed several murders.
Then, in 1978, he went on The Dating Game and ended up winning a date with Bradshaw.
During the episode, Bradshaw questioned three eligible bachelors, who were hidden from her view.
At the end of the questioning period, she chose ‘bachelor number one’ – aka Alcala – to accompany her on an all-expenses-paid date.
As Bradshaw made her choice, the audience applauded, and Alcala broke out into a wide grin.
The pair then met face-to-face and embraced, before being told that they’d be heading off to tennis and a trip to a theme park together.
Cheryl Bradshaw met serial killer Rodney Alcala on The Dating Game in 1978 (ABC)
But, a creepy backstage encounter led to Bradshaw ulimately declining the date with Alcala, a move that may have saved her from becoming his next victim.
“I started to feel ill,” she told the Sydney Telegraph in 2012. “He was acting really creepy. I turned down his offer. I didn’t want to see him again.”
At the time, she reportedly called up producer Ellen Metzger and said: “There’s weird vibes that are coming off of him. He’s very strange. I am not comfortable. Is that going to be a problem?”
Fortunately, Metzger agreed, and the whole thing was called off.
Alcala’s chilling crimes are retold in Netflix’s Woman of the House (Netflix)
After his appearance on The Dating Game, Alcala would go on to commit at least three other murders, before being arrested on 24 July, 1979 and being sentenced to death.
The killer died of natural causes in 2021, 42 years to the day he was arrested, and has since been linked to around 130 other cold cases.
Netflix’s latest true crime thriller Woman of the Hour, which was released on the streaming platform last week (18 October), tells the story of Alcala’s victims and their lives, which he brutally ended.
Brian Tallerico of RogerEbert.com has called the film ‘a confidently made thriller that’s not just a true crime story but an unpacking of systemic misogyny and how it encourages violence’.
CHECK OUT ALL THE HOTTEST DEALS ON AMAZON!
Small Gold Nose Ring Hoop for Women, Tiny Thin 14k Gold Filled Nose Piercing Hoop Jewelry 7mm 22G
$7.98 (as of October 20, 2024 18:38 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
TAURI 5 in 1 for iPhone 16 Pro Max Case, Compatible with MagSafe [Not-Yellowing] with 2X Screen Protector + 2X Camera Lens Protector, Military-Grade Protection, Magnetic Case for 16 ProMax 6.9", Clear
$15.99 (as of October 20, 2024 18:38 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book, Green
$12.97 (as of October 20, 2024 18:38 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
3mm Tiny CZ Screw on Flat Back Stud Earrings,Gold Plated Flat Back Cubic Zirconia Earrings for Helix Cartilage Tragus Earlobe Piercing Jewelry Gift for Women Men(3mm CZ, Gold)
$10.95 (as of October 20, 2024 18:38 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Ms. Rachel Speak & Sing Doll, 16” Tall Interactive Toy with 4 Songs & 16+ Phrases, Toddler Toys for Girls & Boys Ages 6 Months to 3+ Years
$29.97 (as of October 20, 2024 18:38 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Pampers Swaddlers Diapers - Size 4, One Month Supply (150 Count), Ultra Soft Disposable Baby Diapers
$55.94 (as of October 20, 2024 18:38 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
TP-Link AX3000 WiFi 6 Router – 802.11ax Wireless Router, Gigabit, Dual Band Internet Router, VPN Router, OneMesh Compatible (Archer AX55)
$86.00 (as of October 20, 2024 18:38 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
First Christmas Married Ornament 2024 - Just Married Couple Gifts for Newly Married Couples - Mr and Mrs Gifts, Wedding Gifts, Bride Gifts, Bridal Shower Gifts for Couples (Mr Mrs 2024-B)
$9.99 (as of October 19, 2024 18:33 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
OCOOPA Magnetic Rechargeable Hand Warmers 2 Pack, Card-Style Electric Hand Warmer 5000mAh, Pocket Portable Hands Heater, UL Certified, 3 Heat Settings, Tech Gifts for Men, Purse Must Haves, UT4 Young
$26.99 (as of October 19, 2024 18:33 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Post Comment