From time to time, Ryan Murphy reaches significant milestones with his television shows. This includes launching fresh talent into the spotlight, exemplified by David Corenswet as the charismatic Jack Costello in Hollywood and Glen Powell portraying the obnoxious Chad Radwell in Scream Queens. Additionally, Murphy collaborates with legendary actresses who deliver performances that redefine their careers, such as Jessica Lange and Kathy Bates in American Horror Story. Another standout example is Jamie Lee Curtis, who shines in Scream Queens with her unforgettable role as Cathy Munsch.

With its distinctive blend of exaggerated performances, witty dialogue, and exceptional talent, Scream Queens rapidly became a beloved cult classic for the Halloween season. While the series is packed with memorable moments, such as Niecy Nash’s comically clumsy cop Denise Hemphill, it is Curtis who truly steals the spotlight through her diabolical portrayal of Cathy Munsch. Even when Cathy isn’t the primary antagonist, she certainly complicates life for the Chanels. Throughout this brief series, the Oscar-winning actress masterfully combines elements of camp, humor, sensuality, and excitement, marking one of her most impressive performances to date.

Why Cathy Munsch Outshines the Red Devil in ‘Scream Queens’ Season 1

The inaugural season of Scream Queens delves into the extravagant lives of the elite students at Wallace University, with a particular focus on the Chanels from the Kappa Kappa Tau sorority. Their seemingly perfect lives are abruptly interrupted when a mysterious masked killer known as the Red Devil begins to terrorize the campus, forcing all students to remain vigilant to avoid becoming victims. As the Dean of Wallace University, Cathy Munsch is responsible for the safety and fate of these students. However, her self-serving nature reveals that her primary concern is her own well-being.

Dean Munsch exhibits a hypocritical approach to addressing this alarming situation. Her focus is squarely on maintaining the university’s reputation, as she stubbornly insists on keeping the campus operational, even in the face of escalating danger and potential fatalities. Technically, the bodies aren’t piling up, thanks to the Red Devil’s efforts to conceal them; thus, she clings to this loophole. By this logic, Dean Munsch appears even more nefarious than the actual killer. Her willingness to jeopardize students’ lives for the sake of her professional image is undeniably cruel. However, Curtis masterfully transforms this character into an engaging antagonist, making Dean Munsch a compelling figure for the Chanels to contend with.

Cathy’s Unexpected Adventures with The Chanels in Season 2 of ‘Scream Queens’

In its second season, Scream Queens successfully transitions from its collegiate backdrop to a renovated eerie hospital setting. The driving force behind this transformation is none other than Curtis’ Cathy Munsch. Following her successful dismantling of the fraternity and sorority system, Cathy’s career takes an unexpected turn as she opens C.U.R.E., a medical center aimed at treating incurable diseases. In a striking move, she hires her former adversaries, Zayday Williams (Keke Palmer) and the Chanels, to manage the facility, ensuring that her toxic relationships remain intact while keeping operational costs low.

Throughout this new season, Munsch and the Chanels form a complex relationship characterized by a mix of rivalry and camaraderie, revealing that her disdain is not genuine; rather, she simply seeks to fill her emotional void through these interactions. However, the arrival of a new masked menace, the terrifying Green Meanie, adds a layer of chaos to the hospital. Cathy’s self-serving tendencies resurface when she recognizes that the ensuing mayhem generates buzz, which keeps the hospital operational amidst an influx of patients (and potential victims). While this storyline may seem absurd, it encapsulates the essence of Scream Queens’ whimsical charm, with Curtis playing a pivotal role in its execution.

Jamie Lee Curtis Masterfully Portrays the Deliciously Wicked Cathy Munsch in ‘Scream Queens’

In just two seasons, Curtis has ingeniously crafted a quirky yet resolute character that captivates audiences. Contrary to expectations for a university dean, Cathy’s unabashed sexual energy renders her alluring to men she should ideally steer clear of. Among her romantic involvements are a police detective, the father of a student, and even a student himself, showcasing her unpredictable nature. Cathy also emerged as a key suspect in the identity of the killer throughout Scream Queens’ first season, yet she remained unyielding in the face of scrutiny. Her concern for her professional image stands in stark contrast to her apparent disregard for her personal reputation, which is perhaps her most significant strength.

While Curtis’ portrayal of Cathy Munsch may not be the central focus of Scream Queens, she undoubtedly serves as the backbone of the show. As a figure of authority who complicates matters rather than alleviating them, she becomes one of the many obstacles the Chanels face. Collaborating with Emma Roberts, Billie Lourd, Abigail Breslin, and Lea Michele, Curtis subverts her typical Halloween final girl/hero archetype, marking a standout moment in her 2010s career, showcasing that no one is better suited to challenge them than the original scream queen herself. This makes viewers wish for a crossover with Jane Lynch’s Sue Sylvester from Glee, where they could unite to wreak havoc on today’s youth.

With the character of Cathy Munsch, Curtis fully embraced the challenge of portraying this darkly humorous and captivating role, exceeding all expectations. Thus, we extend our gratitude to Ryan Murphy for introducing this iconic Hollywood actress into the delightful chaos of Scream Queens. Her exceptional comedic talent shines brightly, and we eagerly anticipate seeing her again in Freaky Friday.

All episodes of Scream Queens are available for streaming on Hulu in the U.S.