Cheryl Bradshaw and Rodney Alcala's introduction on a 1978 game show episode inspired Netflix's 'Woman of the Hour' Cheryl Bradshaw almost went on a date with Rodney Alcala in 1978 — but she trusted her gut instead.

Cheryl Bradshaw unknowingly chose to go on a date with serial killer Rodney Alcala during an appearance on The Dating Game.

Anna Kendrick's character was based on a former actress who had a run-in with serial killer Rodney Alcala on the game show.

Amongst the plethora of questions raised by viewers ever since Netflix's latest true-crime drama, Woman of the Hour, landed on the streaming service is what the real Cheryl Bradshaw has been up to since escaping from the clutches of serial murderer Rodney Alcala back in the 1970s.

Little did she know, the man she chose to go on a date with - Rodney Alcala - was in fact a notorious serial killer. Alcala was part-way through a crime spree when he appeared on the show, having raped and assaulted multiple people and committed several murders.

Netflix’s thriller film ‘Woman of the Hour’ opens a window into the ambitions of Sheryl, an aspiring actress who tries her best to find her footing in Hollywood. After failing to secure a significant acting role since moving to Los Angeles,

Cheryl Bradshaw trusted her gut when she refused to go on a date with Rodney Alcala, and that decision may have saved her life.