Sa’ed News: You might find it interesting to know that the other side of the charm and entertainment of blind dates consists of tragic incidents that have ended in murder.
According to the Society section of Sa’ed News, blind date television programs are often highly popular among young audiences. However, historical incidents linked to these shows reveal that beyond the charm and entertainment, there exists a darker side—tragic events that have ended in murder.
It all began with The Dating Game, which first aired in 1965 on ABC in the United States. In this show, a woman had to choose one of three men hidden behind a curtain for a date. This concept quickly gained popularity, leading to various versions being produced over the decades. Prior to The Dating Game, no country had introduced blind dates on television. However, after its success, different formats of anonymous dating programs emerged worldwide.
While the original Dating Game was a major hit, with audiences enjoying the playful interactions between contestants, some critics believed it promoted superficial and casual relationships. Yet, the program’s impact went beyond just social concerns—it also became linked to a shocking case of serial murder.
In 1978, Rodney Alcala, a young man from Texas, appeared as a contestant on The Dating Game. Among three men, he was chosen by Cheryl Bradshaw, the female participant, based on his charming and witty responses. However, what no one knew at the time was that Alcala was a serial killer who had already assaulted and murdered multiple women and children.
Although he seemed like a gentleman on camera and even won over the audience, Cheryl found his behavior unsettling when they met in private. She ultimately distanced herself from him, sensing something was off. However, Alcala, now gaining fame as a "professional photographer" due to the show, used his newfound status to lure more victims under the guise of photography sessions.
A year after his appearance on The Dating Game, Alcala was arrested. Police discovered hundreds of photographs of women and girls in his apartment, leading them to believe his victim count could be much higher. Estimated figures suggest that he may have killed up to 130 individuals.
Unfortunately, Rodney Alcala was not the only murderer linked to blind date shows. These programs provided an easy platform for predators to gain the trust of unsuspecting women. Since many shows did not conduct background checks on contestants, women often placed their trust in their chosen partners simply because the selection process was part of a reputable television program.
In the UK version of Blind Date, a participant named John Maddox had a history of violent crimes, including sexual assault. Had he been chosen, his match could have become his next victim. Similarly, in 2002, Stuart Crossin, a contestant on another blind date show, reacted aggressively when he was not selected, threatening to kill the female participant outside the studio. Security had to intervene to prevent a potential attack.
One of the most notorious blind date-related murder cases involved Katie Locke, a 23-year-old teacher. In 2015, she met Carl Langdon through a dating platform, expecting a romantic evening. Instead, the meeting turned into a nightmare—Langdon murdered her, assaulted her body, and abandoned it near a trash bin outside the hotel where they had met.
This case led to increased caution regarding online dating and television matchmaking programs. Numerous reports from around the world indicate instances of violence, death threats, and even murders linked to anonymous dating encounters. Beyond the entertainment factor, these stories highlight the potentially dangerous reality behind blind dates.
