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The Chilling Truth Behind 'Sheryl Dating Game': 5 Shocking Facts About Cheryl Bradshaw And Serial Killer Rodney Alcala

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The name "Sheryl Dating Game" has recently surged back into the public consciousness, not as a lighthearted romance story, but as the chilling centerpiece of one of true crime's most notorious encounters. As of December 25, 2025, the renewed interest is largely fueled by the critically acclaimed film Woman of the Hour, which dramatically recounts the terrifying experience of the real-life contestant, Cheryl Bradshaw, who unknowingly chose a prolific serial killer as her date on the iconic television show *The Dating Game* in 1978. This article dives deep into the facts, the fictionalization, and the lasting impact of the fateful episode that forever linked a classic TV show to a monstrous crime.

This is the definitive, updated look at the woman at the heart of the story, exploring the terrifying details of her appearance, the identity of the killer, and what happened after the cameras stopped rolling, distinguishing the real events from the recent cinematic portrayal.

Biography and Profile: The Real Cheryl Bradshaw

  • Full Name: Cheryl Bradshaw
  • Known For: Contestant on the 1978 episode of the TV game show *The Dating Game*.
  • Profession (at the time): Drama Teacher
  • Date of *The Dating Game* Appearance: September 13, 1978 (Episode Aired)
  • The Bachelor Chosen: Rodney Alcala (Bachelor No. 1)
  • The Fictionalized Name: "Sheryl Bradshaw" in the 2023 film *Woman of the Hour*
  • Current Status: Has largely maintained a private life since the event.

The Fateful 1978 Episode: When TV Met a Serial Killer

The premise of *The Dating Game* was simple: a bachelorette would ask three hidden bachelors a series of suggestive and humorous questions before choosing one for a chaperoned date. In September 1978, Cheryl Bradshaw, a drama teacher, was the bachelorette. She was tasked with choosing one of three eligible bachelors, but one of them, Bachelor No. 1, was a man named Rodney Alcala.

Rodney Alcala, who would later become known as "The Dating Game Killer," was in the midst of a horrific murder spree when he appeared on the show. His charming, if slightly off-kilter, demeanor was enough to win over Bradshaw, who ultimately selected him for the date. The episode is now infamous because of Alcala's hidden identity, a terrifying example of evil hiding in plain sight under the bright lights of network television.

The Chilling Clues Alcala Gave on Air

Looking back at the transcript of the episode, Alcala's answers were disturbingly revealing, though masked by the show's lighthearted format. For instance, when asked about his favorite thing to do with a woman, Alcala replied: "I'm a photographer, and I like to take pictures of beautiful women, naked." He also described himself as a "love slave" and gave other unsettling responses that, in retrospect, hinted at his sadistic nature. At the time, however, the show's host and the audience simply laughed it off as part of the game's risqué humor.

5 Shocking Facts About Cheryl Bradshaw's Post-Show Experience

The true story of Cheryl Bradshaw's immediate reaction and subsequent life is arguably more compelling than the show itself. Her decision to not go on the date saved her life, and her story became a cautionary tale in the annals of true crime history. These facts highlight the immediate aftermath of her fateful choice:

  1. She Refused the Date Immediately: Despite choosing Alcala on air, Cheryl Bradshaw quickly became uncomfortable with him backstage. She found his behavior "creepy" and "weird," and ultimately refused to go on the chaperoned date they had won. This split-second instinct likely saved her from becoming one of his victims.
  2. Alcala's Arrest Was Not Immediate: Rodney Alcala was arrested a year after the episode aired, in 1979, for the abduction and murder of 12-year-old Robin Samsoe. It was only then that the horrifying truth about the man on *The Dating Game* was revealed.
  3. Alcala Was Already a Convicted Felon: Unbelievably, Alcala had a prior conviction for the attempted rape and assault of an 8-year-old girl. He was a registered sex offender and had been released on parole before his TV appearance. The show's producers were reportedly unaware of his criminal past.
  4. The Extent of Alcala's Crimes: Alcala was eventually convicted of five murders in California, but investigators believe his victim count could be as high as 130 people across multiple states, including New York, making him one of the most prolific serial killers in American history.
  5. Bradshaw Maintained Her Privacy: Following the revelation of Alcala's crimes, Cheryl Bradshaw withdrew from the public eye. She has largely maintained a private life, a understandable choice given the terrifying nature of her brush with death.

The 'Sheryl' Fictionalization in 'Woman of the Hour'

The recent surge in searches for "Sheryl Dating Game" is directly tied to the 2023 Netflix film *Woman of the Hour*, directed by and starring Anna Kendrick. In the film, the character based on Cheryl Bradshaw is named "Sheryl Bradshaw."

The name change from "Cheryl" to "Sheryl" is a common practice in true crime adaptations, often done for legal reasons or to give the filmmakers more creative license with the narrative. The film's primary focus is on the contestant's perspective, highlighting the uncomfortable and unsettling experience of meeting Alcala, played by Daniel Zovatto.

Key Differences Between the Film and Reality

While the film is largely faithful to the core event, it takes some dramatic liberties. One key difference, as noted by critics, is the portrayal of the post-show interaction. In the movie, the fictional "Sheryl" agrees to meet Alcala for a drink, instantly picking up on red flags that lead her to cut the interaction short. In reality, the true Cheryl Bradshaw found him creepy enough backstage to simply cancel the date altogether, never meeting him off-camera.

The film's success has brought the story of Cheryl Bradshaw and the "Dating Game Killer" back into the spotlight, serving as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers that can lurk beneath the surface of everyday life and the remarkable power of a woman's intuition.

The Chilling Truth Behind 'Sheryl Dating Game': 5 Shocking Facts About Cheryl Bradshaw and Serial Killer Rodney Alcala
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