1970’s Images And History From ‘The Dating Game’ That Scream 70s

Created by The Gong Show host Chuck Barris, The Dating Game began in 1965 and grew into ABC's first daytime series broadcast regularly in color.

By Daniel Bonfiglio

Published 4 weeks ago in Wow

Created by The Gong Show host Chuck Barris, The Dating Game began in 1965 and grew into ABC's first daytime series broadcast regularly in color.

Hosted by Jim Lange, the show aired through the early '70s and continued in multiple revivals, most recently in a failed 2021 attempt.

The game typically saw a bachelorette question three bachelors behind a wall, with the answers to her questions determining the eventual winner. The show then sponsored a date between the pair.

Different versions of the show included gender swaps, celebrity dates, and more.

Here are 12 photos from The Dating Game that scream 1970s.

1
Jim Lange
And a newly paired couple. At the end of every episode, the host and new couple blew a kiss to the camera.

2
Celebrity Edition
Arnold Schwarzenegger.

3
Arnold's Episode
Arnold Schwarzenegger, Elana Casey, and Melody Williams. Sometimes celebrities played for themselves, and sometimes for friends or family.
4
The Women Answer
Elana Casey and Melody Williams.

5
Celebs Before Fame
Many celebrities appeared on the show before making it big. Those included Farrah Fawcett, Suzanne Somers, Sally Field, Tom Selleck, and Steve Martin among others.
6
Amanda Jones
Contestants answered pre-prepared questions until the time ran out.
7
Jim Lange in 1971
In addition to game show hosting, Lange worked on radio for over 45 years, mostly as a disk jockey.

8
David Greenfield, Jim Lange, and Pat McCormick
Creator Chuck Barris once claimed that the show was a cover for activities with the CIA, but that statement was most likely a joke.
9
Comedian Pat Paulsen
The show is considered a spiritual predecessor to the current popular Netflix show Love is Blind.
10
Three Bachelors Await
Armand Cerami, Jed Mills, and Rodney Alcala.

11
Serial Killer Rodney Alcala
On an episode in the ‘70s. After Alcala won the date, the woman, Cheryl Bradshaw, picked up a weird feeling about Alcala on the date, calling him “creepy.” No wonder. In a slip-up by casting, Alcala was already a convicted assaulter with prison time on his record when he filmed the show.
12
Rodney Alcala and Cheryl Bradshaw
Alcala was eventually convicted of murdering seven women, although the true number is likely much higher. The incident even inspired a movie and a Netflix show.