The Netflix thriller Woman of the Hour tells the chilling true story of serial killer Rodney Alcala, also known as “The Dating Game Killer.” In 1978, Alcala appeared as a contestant on The Dating Game, a popular matchmaking TV show, where he won a date with Cheryl Bradshaw. Unbeknownst to Bradshaw and the audience, Alcala was already in the midst of a killing spree, having committed multiple sexual assaults and murders by that time.
Bradshaw later recalled feeling uneasy around Alcala, describing him as “really creepy” and ultimately deciding not to go on the planned date with him after the show. Alcala would go on to commit additional murders after his appearance, but was arrested in 1979. He was sentenced to death and remained on death row for years before dying of natural causes in 2021.
Alcala has been linked to over 130 other unsolved cases, making his crimes even more horrifying. Woman of the Hour, directed by and starring Anna Kendrick, brings this disturbing story to life, focusing on Alcala’s victims and the haunting legacy he left behind.
The film delves into the chilling events surrounding Alcala’s appearance on national television, highlighting the terrifying reality behind his charming façade. Now streaming on Netflix, it serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers that can lurk behind even the most seemingly innocuous situations.
