Entertainment · TV & Streaming · 7 hrs ago
The Dating Game Continued After Rodney Alcala’s 1978 Appearance
Rodney Alcala appeared on The Dating Game in 1978, when he was a contestant on the US television show.
The show paired one contestant with three potential dates, who answered questions before the contestant chose someone.
No one involved knew Alcala was a serial killer, and contestant Sheryl Bradshaw decided not to date him.
The show continued until 1980, two years after Alcala’s appearance.
It later returned in several revivals, including a celebrity version hosted by Zooey Deschanel in 2021 that ended after eight episodes.
Alcala’s appearance did not end the show, which had first aired in 1965 and remained part of television history through its later returns.
Rodney Alcala appeared as a contestant on The Dating Game on September 13, 1978, without the show’s production team or viewers knowing he was a serial killer.
Contestant Sheryl Bradshaw chose not to go on a date with him.
The Dating Game continued airing until 1980, two years after Alcala’s appearance.
The show later returned in several revivals, including a celebrity edition that premiered in 2021.
- Who
- Rodney Alcala and contestant Sheryl Bradshaw appeared on The Dating Game.
- What
- Alcala appeared as one of Bradshaw’s potential suitors. She decided not to go on a date with him.
- When
- September 13, 1978.
- Where
- The Dating Game, a television game show. The location is not stated.
- Why
- Not stated.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Dating Game premiered on ABC.
Rodney Alcala and Sheryl Bradshaw appeared on the show.
The original run ended.
A revival hosted by Elaine Joyce began.
Jeff MacGregor hosted the show.
A celebrity-themed revival premiered, hosted by Zooey Deschanel with Michael Bolton as musical co-host.
- Alcala appearance
- September 13, 1978
- Bradshaw’s decision
- She chose not to go on a date with Alcala
- Original premiere
- December 20, 1965, on ABC
- Original run ended
- 1980
- Celebrity revival
- Premiered in 2021; ended after eight episodes