The Dating Game Killer


Listen early and ad-free to immersive podcasts.
$5.99/mo or $44.99/yr after trial
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. Listen to The Dating Game Killer ad-free on Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/the-dating-game-killer/ now.
Episodes
Trailers
Shows with Subscription Benefits
Hosts & Guests
Loved it but disappointed
05/08/2022
You failed to say the biggest issue. He got away with this in the American criminal justice system because he was white. Other people aren’t given those many chances (over and over). I feel like it was a missed opportunity to talk about because all of his chances were brought up so many times through all the episodes.
Storytelling needs work
Sep 20
The back and forth between narrators leaves the story confusing and hard to follow. Should’ve been told in “chapters” to better understand where it was going.
Unlistenable
01/26/2023
The storytelling is impossible to follow. Why all the narrators and perspective changes. This is not a book and the dramatization makes this so hard to listen to.
The writing is irresponsible, negligent, and frankly creepy.
09/21/2022
The writer’s reimagining of each killing mirrors a portal in the very issue of its content. The dramatization and verbiage of this very sensitive subject is not only unintelligent, it’s creepy. Complete lack of empathy and reasonable reporting. So often talking about how handsome the killer is and how much the women want his attention. Mind you the victims are often children and teens. Calling them tinyboppers. Talking so much about what they wear. How easily they are victimized. The writer takes the liberty to explain how the deceased women actually feel and respond during their murder. What is that? Honing in on the creepiest made up details for the sake of entertainment. As an avid true crime podcast listener, this production was as distasteful as it comes.A D-list romanticized fluff of real events. Embarrassing at best. Gross in execution. Stick to the facts. The objectifying of women by these writers is frightful. Do better or do something else.
About
Information
- Channel
- CreatorWondery
- Years Active2K
- Episodes11
- RatingExplicit
- Copyright© TM & © 2020 Wondery LLC. All rights reserved.
- Show Website
- Provider