Hollywood & Crime - Introducing: The Dating Game Killer

Episode Date: September 4, 2024

In 1978, Rodney Alcala won a date on the popular TV show, The Dating Game. What no one knew was that he was a prolific serial killer in the middle of a cross-country murder spree. In this six-part series, co-hosts Tracy Pattin (Hollywood & Crime) and Stephen Lang (Avatar, Don’t Breathe) take listeners on an unbelievable journey into Alcala’s twisting secret life. He hid behind normal jobs as a typesetter at a prominent newspaper and a summer camp counselor. How did this predatory monster fool employers, prison psychiatrists, and parole boards — all while committing heinous crimes from coast to coast? And how did a one-time appearance as a game show contestant help lead to his capture? From the makers of Dirty John, Dr. Death, and Young Charlie, learn the story of the most famous serial killer you’ve never heard of - The Dating Game Killer.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On September 18, 1978, America tuned into a popular TV series called The Dating Game, where three men vied to win a date with a single woman looking for love. And we'll get right underway. It's time to meet our first three eligible bachelors for game number one. And here they are. The three men were hidden behind a screen where the woman contestant couldn't see them. She could only hear their voices. Number one, would you say hello to Cheryl, please?

We're going to have a great time together, Cheryl. Okay. What are you doing? Would you say hello to Cheryl, please? We're going to have a great time together, Cheryl. Okay. What no one knew was that Bachelor No. 1 was a diagnosed sociopath and serial killer. Bachelor No. 1. Yes? What's your best time? Nighttime.

Why do you say that? Because that's the only time there is. For 11 years, he crisscrossed the country, leaving a string of bodies in his wake. His name was Rodney Alcala. He eventually became known as the Dating Game Killer. How did Rodney Alcala manage to evade capture for so long? And how did his appearance on the Dating Game lead to his downfall? From Wondery, the network behind Dirty John, Young Charlie, and Wonderland Murders,

comes The Dating Game Killer by Hollywood and Crime. I'm Tracy Patton. Join me and my co-host Stephen Lang as we dive into the story of one of America's most prolific serial killers. He's a skydiver, so he's got a lot of nerve. He's into motorcycling. He's also a fine photographer. Say hello to Rodney Alcala. Rodney, come on and say hello. To listen to Hollywood and Crime, the dating game killer,

subscribe to Wondery Plus. Start your free trial at wonderyplus.com today. Congratulations, Rod. You did it with the one answer.