How a Gut Feeling Saved One Woman's Life on 'The Dating Game'
Cheryl Bradshaw, an aspiring actress, appeared on "The Dating Game" in summer 1978 in hopes of boosting her career and finding romance. Instead, she found herself face-to-face with a man hiding a horrifying secret: He was a serial killer. Her quick instincts and resolve not only saved her but turned her into the central figure in a story more chilling than fiction.
Who Was Cheryl Bradshaw?
Cheryl Bradshaw wasn't just another hopeful contestant on "The Dating Game" — she was a young woman chasing big dreams in Los Angeles. In September 1978, Bradshaw agreed to participate in the popular show. The format seemed simple: She'd ask cheeky questions to three hidden bachelors and choose one for an all-expenses-paid date.
Among the contestants sat Bachelor Number One, Rodney Alcala. Producers described him as a "successful photographer," and his answers dripped with flirtatious innuendo. When Bradshaw asked what he would be if she served him for dinner, Alcala quipped, "A banana — peel me." The studio audience laughed, and Bradshaw chose him as her date.
What she didn't know — and what the show's producers somehow overlooked — was that Alcala had already served time for a violent crime and was actively preying on women. Bradshaw, however, soon sensed something was wrong.
Why Didn't She Go on the Date?
Bradshaw didn't wait for a red flag — she spotted the entire shipwreck. After meeting Alcala face-to-face, her excitement evaporated. He exuded an unsettling energy that made her feel physically ill. "He was acting really creepy," she said years later to The Sunday Telegraph. That evening, Bradshaw called "The Dating Game" producer Ellen Metzger to back out of the date.
Metzger vividly remembered the call. Bradshaw didn't mince words, telling her, "I can't go out with this guy. There's weird vibes that are coming off of him. He's very strange. I am not comfortable," she told "20/20." Metzger reassured her it wouldn't be a problem, a response that likely saved Bradshaw from becoming another name on Alcala's list of victims.
Even "The Dating Game" team had reservations about Alcala. Metzger's husband, the show's executive producer, later admitted he didn't want Alcala on the panel because of his "strange personality" and "uncomfortable mystique." Yet Alcala charmed his way onto the show — and nearly into Bradshaw's life ... and possibly even her death.
Serial killer Rodney Alcala in a 1979 police mugshot. Photo courtesy of Huntington Beach Police Department. Public domain.
What Did Bradshaw Do Next?
Bradshaw didn't stick around for the fallout. After canceling the date, she distanced herself from the public eye and eventually left California. She built a private life far from the glitz of Hollywood and focused on raising a family. Her story might have faded into obscurity if not for the chilling context: Alcala's crimes, which spanned decades, came to light as one of the most horrifying cases in true-crime history.
Anna Kendrick, who plays a fictionalized version of Bradshaw in a Netflix® movie, "Woman of the Hour," called her character the heart of the story. Kendrick wanted to capture the strength it took for Bradshaw to trust her instincts, especially in an era when women often felt pressured to ignore their gut feelings. Unfortunately, Bradshaw passed away before Kendrick could speak with her, leaving parts of her story shrouded in mystery.
How Has Cheryl Bradshaw's Story Endured?
Bradshaw's decision to trust her instincts has become a powerful reminder of the value of listening to your gut. While Alcala's crimes dominate the narrative, Bradshaw's story offers a rare glimmer of hope in an otherwise dark chapter of history. Kendrick emphasized that Bradshaw's survival wasn't about outsmarting Alcala — it was about following her intuition when something felt wrong.
"Woman of the Hour" reimagines Bradshaw's encounter with Alcala, exploring the systemic gender issues of the time. While fictionalized, the film celebrates Bradshaw as a woman who chose self-preservation over social expectations — a bold act in an era that often silenced women's voices.
A Hero in Her Own Story
Cheryl Bradshaw's brief encounter with Rodney Alcala stands as a chilling example of how one choice can change everything. Her instincts likely saved her life, and her story continues to resonate as a testament to the importance of trusting your gut.
As viewers stream "Woman of the Hour," it's worth remembering that Bradshaw was more than a contestant on "The Dating Game." She was a woman who listened to herself when it mattered most — a quiet act of courage that deserves its own spotlight.
References: Woman of the Hour: What happened to Cheryl Bradshaw after The Dating Game? | The True Story of the Dating Game Serial Killer in Woman of the Hour
