For years there has been a disturbing pattern of murderers and serial killers appearing on television, namely game shows.

An example: Rodney AlcalaAppearing on the hit game show “The Dating Game” in 1978 in the middle of a murder spree. His story was like this Netflix’s new movie was turned into “Woman of the Hour” Directed by and starring Anna Kendrick.

Then there’s John Cooper, who appeared on the TV darts competition show “Bullseye” in 1989. Years later, he was imprisoned for murder and his images on the show were used as evidence against him.

Criminal psychiatrist Dr. Sohom Das said: Daily Mail It was stated on Sunday that the killers had “natural narcissistic tendencies”, which prompted some to appear on television.

“Narcissistic individuals have an extreme sense of self-importance and a need for admiration, so they may literally put themselves on television as a platform to be admired,” Das said.

“Taking part in these shows could have offered these killers an opportunity to showcase their perceived talent, charm and intelligence, especially in the form of memorizing cute toys on the conveyor belt,” Das added.

The criminal psychiatrist also noted that for people who lead “lonely and often troubled lives”, as is the case with most serial killers, “the prospect of appearing on television” is very “attractive” to them.

That was certainly the case with Alcala, who killed at least eight people between 1971 and 1979 (authorities estimate the real number is more than 100).

During this period, He appeared in an episode of “The Dating Game” in 1978. host Jim Lange introduced the three male suitors (including Alcala), who were there to be sweetly questioned by Cheryl Bradshaw, a single woman sitting on the other side of the partition.

Bradshaw ultimately didn’t go on a date with Alcala because she had a bad feeling about him.

Alcala was arrested in 1979 and later sentenced to death in California for five murders. He was also later sentenced to 25 years in prison for two murders committed in New York. lower Died in California prison in 2021 At age 77 from unspecified natural causes.

The story of Alcala’s appearance in “The Dating Game” was told by Kendrick, 39, in his directorial debut. Daniel Zovatto portrays Alcala “Woman of the Hour.”

Lori Vallow Another killer participating in a game show. He appeared “Wheel of Luck” Vallow, who went to Lori Ryan at that time, mentioned that her family would host Pat Sajak on the program. He was later arrested and charged with multiple murdersIncluding 17-year-old daughter Tylee and 7-year-old son JJ.

Edward Wayne EdwardsAnother serial killer, he appeared on the game show “Telling the Truth” in 1972 after escaping prison, robbing gas stations and landing on the FBI’s 10 Most Wanted list. After appearing on the show, he committed several murders and was arrested in 2009. He died of natural causes in prison in 2011 at the age of 77.

A different killer, Paul Curry, competed “Danger!” He earned $24,000 in 1989. Five years later, he poisoned his wife Linda to collect over $500,000 in insurance money and other benefits. Curry was convicted in 2014 and sentenced to life in prison.