9 episodes

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.
Available exclusively on Wondery+ or on Amazon Music with a Prime membership or Amazon Music Unlimited subscription.

The Dating Game Killer Wondery

    • True Crime
    • 4.4 • 534 Ratings

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher

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.
Available exclusively on Wondery+ or on Amazon Music with a Prime membership or Amazon Music Unlimited subscription.

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher

    Tali

    Tali

    Eight-year-old Tali Shapiro is abducted on her way to school. At the crime scene, LAPD officer Chris Camacho finds her attacker’s student ID. His name: Rodney Alcala.




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    • 50 min
    Rehabilitated

    Rehabilitated

    After being convicted of child molestation, Rodney Alcala becomes a model prisoner and works hard to convince the parole board he is no longer a threat. But when he is released less than two months later, he strikes again.

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    Bachelor Number One

    Bachelor Number One

    Rodney Alcala appears as a hopeful contestant on the popular TV show The Dating Game, attempting to win the heart of an eligible bachelorette. Soon after, he kills again, with disastrous consequences.

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    Mile Marker 11

    Mile Marker 11

    Another body is found, and one of the detectives on the case recognizes Rodney Alcala on a rerun episode of The Dating Game. As police close in, they begin to suspect they have a serial killer on their hands.

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    The Witness

    The Witness

    Hoping for a not guilty decision, Rodney Alcala’s defense attorney plans to discredit the state’s main witness and keep Alcala’s prior criminal record out of court. But the mother of one of his victims has a plan of her own.

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    The Alice’s Restaurant Defense

    The Alice’s Restaurant Defense

    Rodney Alcala’s initial conviction and sentence are only the beginning of his time in court. What follows is a 30-year odyssey through the American judicial system. Will the families and friends of his victims ever receive justice?

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Customer Reviews

4.4 out of 5
534 Ratings

534 Ratings

Nanapovic ,

Well written audio novel style

I would have preferred a podcast format with re-enactments, foley and sound effects. Still, this is well written in the old-fashion way and well narrated.

Chellepatt ,

Problematic internal dialogue but...

No missing that the internal dialogue feels fictionalized. But if you can see your way past that, the narration is excellent, the noise landscape is superb, and the overall editing and production value very professional. Really enjoying how this is presented (no matter how many times a character “thinks” something and then I go, “Now how could the writer know that?!”)

jesuislsurie ,

Soooooo good!!

A must listen !

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