Netflix’s latest film, Woman of the Hour, explores real-life events surrounding Cheryl Bradshaw and her encounter with serial killer Rodney Alcala.

Set in California in 1978, the film sees Cheryl participate in the popular TV show The Dating Game, where she unknowingly picks a notorious killer as her date.

The plot, while slightly fictionalized for dramatic effect, stays true to its chilling inspiration.

Also Read: Daniel Zovatto: The ‘Nicest Guy’ Who Plays a Real-Life Killer in Woman of the Hour

Is Woman of the Hour Based on a True Story?

Yes, Woman of the Hour is rooted in a true story. Cheryl Bradshaw appeared on The Dating Game in 1978, a show that ran intermittently from 1973 to 2021.

Like the movie, Cheryl had to choose between three unseen contestants, each separated by a screen. However, unlike the film, Rodney Alcala was Bachelor Number One in real life, not Number Three as portrayed in the movie.

In the film, Anna Kendrick’s portrayal of Cheryl adds boldness to the character by having her ignore scripted innuendos.

Instead, she challenges the bachelors with questions like, “What are girls for?” In reality, Cheryl’s actual question, “I’m serving you for dinner. What are you called and what do you look like?” was met with Rodney’s disturbing answer, “I’m called the banana, and I look good. Peel me.”

Cheryl was reportedly uncomfortable with Rodney’s bizarre behavior, which foreshadowed the dark truths later uncovered.

Also Read: Woman of the Hour: Did Rodney Alcala Really Kill 130 People?

Who Was Rodney Alcala?

Rodney Alcala was a convicted serial killer even before his Dating Game appearance. Known as a photographer, Alcala’s sinister activities began years prior when he attacked and sexually assaulted multiple victims.

By 1978, he had already served time for beating and assaulting two people, including an eight-year-old girl.

While Alcala’s crimes only came to light later, his unsettling demeanor on the show hinted at his dangerous side.

When asked what his “best time” was, he chillingly responded, “Nighttime is when it gets really good,” which later seemed like a sinister reference to his violent tendencies.

Although he was convicted of killing six women and a 12-year-old girl, authorities believe Alcala may have taken up to 130 lives.

His first death sentence in 1979 was overturned, and his second death penalty, issued in 1980, was thrown out in 2003.

New DNA evidence led to his re-sentencing in 2010, after which he remained in prison until his death in 2021.

Also Read: Rodney Alcala Survivors: Where Are Tali Shapiro and Morgan Rowan Now?

Who is Cheryl Bradshaw?

Cheryl Bradshaw was a drama teacher and aspiring actor living in Los Angeles in 1978. Selected as a contestant on The Dating Game, Cheryl got the chance to pick a date from three bachelors, unknowingly choosing Alcala.

After the show’s filming, Cheryl trusted her instincts and called off their planned tennis date.

She reportedly told The Dating Game’s contestant coordinator Ellen Metzger, “I can’t go out with this guy; weird vibes is coming off him. He’s very strange. I am not comfortable.” Cheryl’s gut feeling and her decision to cancel might have saved her life.

Where is Cheryl Bradshaw Now?

Not much is publicly known about Cheryl Bradshaw’s current whereabouts. Her brief encounter with Rodney Alcala and her quick decision to avoid further interaction likely spared her from a tragic fate.

Cheryl’s experience on The Dating Game remains a reminder of how close she came to real danger.