Cheryl Bradshaw & The Dating Game: The True Story You Need To Know

By Oceane LittelMay 06, 2025

What if a simple game of love, a televised quest for connection, nearly ended in a nightmare? In 1978, on an episode of "The Dating Game," contestant Cheryl Bradshaw unwittingly chose Rodney Alcala, a man whose charming facade hid a chilling reality, a serial killer. This fateful encounter, a near miss with a predator, became a stark reminder of how easily deception can mask the darkest of intentions.

The story of Cheryl Bradshaw and Rodney Alcala is a chilling example of how chance encounters can intersect with the darkest aspects of human nature. In 1978, Bradshaw, an aspiring actress living in Los Angeles and working as a drama teacher, sought romance on the popular television show, "The Dating Game." Unbeknownst to her, one of the three eligible bachelors presented to her was Rodney Alcala. Alcala, who projected an image of charisma and charm, was, in fact, a serial killer with a long history of violent crimes. His selection by Bradshaw set in motion a series of events that would forever link their names in a story of survival and near-tragedy.

Alcala's ability to conceal his true nature was remarkable. He managed to present himself as an attractive and eligible bachelor, even amid a killing spree. The producers of "The Dating Game" had no way of knowing the darkness lurking beneath his surface. Bradshaw, captivated by his responses, chose him for a date. However, her instincts kicked in. Something about him felt off, and she ultimately declined the date, a decision that likely saved her life.

The aftermath of their encounter is a testament to the fragility of life and the unseen dangers that can lurk in the most mundane of situations. Alcala was later convicted of multiple murders, with the true extent of his crimes potentially far greater. His victims, primarily young women, were lured by his charm and then brutally murdered. Bradshaw's story became a cautionary tale, highlighting the importance of trusting one's instincts and the randomness of fate.

Category	Details
Full Name	Cheryl Bradshaw
Birthdate	Not Publicly Available
Occupation(s)	Aspiring Actress, Drama Teacher, Author
Notable Work	Appearance on "The Dating Game" (1978), Sloane Monroe series of novels
Known For	Refusing to date Serial Killer Rodney Alcala on "The Dating Game"
Date Game Episode	September 13, 1978
Residence	Los Angeles, California (1978)
Author	Sloane Monroe series of Novels and Novellas
Reference Link	Goodreads

The chilling encounter between Cheryl Bradshaw and Rodney Alcala has found new life in the media. The story served as the inspiration for "Woman of the Hour," a Netflix thriller directed by and starring Anna Kendrick. This dramatization explores the events surrounding their meeting on "The Dating Game" and delves into the psychological impact of nearly becoming a victim of a serial killer. The movie is a gripping account of how close Bradshaw came to a terrifying fate and the strength she displayed in trusting her intuition.

Anna Kendricks portrayal of Cheryl Bradshaw offers a fictionalized but emotionally resonant depiction of the events. The film examines the gender dynamics at play, highlighting the vulnerability women often face. It explores the strength it took for Bradshaw to decline the date, a decision that likely saved her life, and the courage required to speak out about her experience. Through the film, the world gets a closer look at a woman who almost became a victim of a notorious killer.

The story also raises questions about the nature of attraction, deception, and the ease with which dangerous individuals can manipulate others. Alcala, the photographer, presented himself as an ideal match, and the narrative highlights the complexities of identifying and avoiding such manipulators.

The world of true crime has long been fascinated by the narratives of those who survived encounters with serial killers. These stories provide a window into the minds of criminals and a reminder of the importance of awareness and vigilance. Cheryl Bradshaws story is a testament to her instincts and courage, and her experience serves as a reminder that evil can exist anywhere, even on a seemingly innocent dating show.

The "Sloane Monroe" series, written by a different Cheryl Bradshaw, adds another layer to the narrative, showcasing a fictionalized world of suspense and mystery. It consists of a total of 6 novels and 2 novellas that were released between 2011 and 2014. Each book follows the character of Sloane Monroe, a private investigator. This underscores the enduring appeal of stories that delve into the darker aspects of human nature and the importance of protecting oneself.

The story of Cheryl Bradshaw, the woman who rejected Rodney Alcala, continues to captivate audiences. It is a story of a near-miss, a twist of fate, and a woman who, through her intuition, avoided a terrifying fate. The event remains a stark reminder of the potential dangers that can lurk beneath the surface of everyday life and the importance of trusting one's instincts in navigating the world.

The impact of this event extended beyond the participants themselves. The executive producer of "The Dating Game" at the time, Mike Metzger, also played a role in the unfolding narrative. The show, while designed for entertainment, unexpectedly became a stage for a chilling drama. The storys inclusion in popular culture, including the Netflix film "Woman of the Hour," has kept the narrative alive. The medias ongoing fascination with this story indicates that it has captivated the imagination of audiences, reminding them about the unpredictable nature of life and the potential dangers that may be lurking.

‘Woman of the Hour’ tweaks one major detail in the real life story of

How Rodney Alcala’s Runaway Victim Cheryl Bradshaw Could've Set Him on

Detail Author:

Name : Oceane Littel
Username : mariah.murazik
Email : may77@gmail.com
Birthdate : 1983-12-01
Address : 725 Hudson Points South Concepcion, VA 49098-8311
Phone : +1-915-836-5453
Company : Hilpert-O'Hara
Job : Fast Food Cook
Bio : Est quam maxime impedit temporibus. Est ut facilis consequuntur tempora. Ut ea reiciendis odio deleniti nostrum suscipit. Et sequi molestiae dolores laboriosam ratione illum voluptatem.